Double-amputee Veteran Motorcyclist Visits Kansas City

Double-amputee veteran motorcyclist and author Dave Barr brings his non-profit Patriot Express Motorcycle Fundraiser to Kansas City this week. Barr is a Vietnam veteran from the United States Marines, two-time record holder in the Guinness Book of World Records, founder of the Patriot Express, author of four books, motivational speaker, and was featured in the movie Why We Ride. His first stop will be at 102.7FM in Kearney.

From L to R: John Coleman from Bulls, New Zealand; David Pratt; Dave Barr; Larry Pratt. 2009 Honor Run

Barr will be appearing on Kearney Live on 102.7FM at noon on Wednesday for an hour-long interview. He has ridden his motorcycle on six continents and raised funds and awareness for wounded veterans through Patriot Express. He will talk about his personal history, accomplishments, and raising money through the Patriot Express. The show will also be simulcast on the radio station’s Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

Barr is also participating in two events this weekend. He will be available for a meet and greet at Dell’s Powersports, 1100 NW Bush Dr., Grain Valley, MO on Saturday, August 28 from noon to 2:00pm.

On Sunday, he will participate in the 12th Annual Missouri Patriot Express Dice Run. This event begins at the Brass Rail, 4940 NE 81st Street, Kansas City, MO. Registration and Breakfast start at 8:30 am; kickstands up at 10 am. All funds raised go to Fisher House in Kansas City. Fisher House provides housing for veterans’ families in times of medical crisis.

Dave Barr has received 57 air medals while serving on a helicopter gunship in Vietnam. He left the Marines in 1972, but felt the need to seek adventure and another cause. He chose to support peace and stability first in Israel, later in Zimbabwe, Rhodesia, and finally in South Africa. 

Following a fateful landmine explosion in 1981, Barr sustained life-threatening injuries that ultimately resulted in the amputation of both of his legs. After a lengthy rehabilitative period, he returned to active duty completing his military enlistment.

He holds two records in the Guinness Book of World Records for long distance riding over six continents and more than 83,000 miles over a 3½ year period. He has also written four books: Four Flags: The Odyssey of a Professional Soldier, Parts 1 and 2, Riding the Edge, and Riding the Ice.

Patriot Express is a volunteer group of caring individuals that have come together under the Dave Barr Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, founded in 2000. It was designed to raise awareness and provide donations, support, and counseling to the families of our injured veterans, and the troops who return from duty with long-term medical care needs. Patriot Express has been active in Missouri since 2010.

The Patriot Express is made possible by donations and a band of volunteers across the states who organize rallies, rides, and other fundraisers. By keeping expenses low they are able to donate 95% of money raised to military and families.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story