When four LONGITUDE Expedition Land Rover Discoverys arrived at the Parkinson’s Institute here, they caused quite a stir.

Some of the curious neighbors gathered out front to view the spectacle admitted that they’d never realized the building was wear great strides in Parkinson’s Disease research were being made.

Drive Around the World’s LONGITUDE Expedition officially launched on their nine-month, 32,000-mile journey around the world today, fueled by the well-wishes of what can now be referred to as their Parkinson’s Institute “family.” There to send them off in style were Dr. William Langston and his staff, friends and family members of the team, corporate sponsors such as Bill Baker of Land Rover and Aaron Imholt of The North Face, as well as a handful of curious neighbors.

“It was great having so many people who are so important to this project show up to send us off. We’re proud that Dr. Langston was able to address the crowd on our behalf. He and our other supporters really bolster our team’s morale,” said Nick Baggarly, expedition leader and Drive Around the World Founder.

After some sandwiches, soda, and a speech by Dr. Langston and Baggarly, the team departed in convoy to head down to Southern California. There, they will have another departure event in Irvine, Calif., organized by their premier sponsor, Land Rover Certified, before crossing the border into Mexico.

“I think we’re all just excited to finally be going,” said Baggarly. “This is what we’ve been working toward for almost two years.”