August 10 marked the conclusion of The Ability Experience’s 2024 summer events, with the Journey of Hope teams triumphantly arriving at the United States Capitol Lawn in Washington, D.C., while the Gear Up Florida team celebrated their arrival on the steps of the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee on May 25. These annual cycling events bring together Pi Kappa Phi members and volunteers with a shared mission: to use shared experiences to support people with disabilities and develop the men of Pi Kappa Phi into servant leaders. This year’s events, driven by the dedication of our team members and the overwhelming generosity of our volunteer partners, reached new heights and set remarkable records that we are proud to share.
Gear Up Florida’s Record-Breaking Year
This year’s Gear Up Florida event was one for the history books, featuring the largest team in the event’s 27-year history. A total of 45 cyclists and crew members embarked on a 950-mile journey across the Sunshine State. Their route took them through iconic Florida landscapes, from Miami’s picturesque beaches and bustling streets to the state’s Capitol in Tallahassee, with stops in small towns and large cities along the way.
Throughout their ride, the team participated in 18 Friendship Visits – opportunities to connect with local communities and individuals with disabilities. These visits provided moments of genuine connection, where the team members not only shared meals and laughter but also learned firsthand about the various programs our partners provide for our friends with disabilities across the state.
One cyclist reflected on his experience, saying, “My favorite parts of the trip were easily the Friendship Visits. The cycling is just a means to the destination for me. The engagement at the Friendship Visits is priceless.”
This powerful sense of connection, combined with the team’s hard work and commitment, resulted in Gear Up Florida team members raising more than $200,000 for The Ability Experience. These funds will help support year-round programs that empower individuals with disabilities and foster inclusion in communities across the country.
Journey of Hope’s National Impact
Meanwhile, the Journey of Hope team, which was comprised of 52 cyclists and crew members, completed an extraordinary cross-country journey covering more than 7,000 miles. The team was split into two routes: the TransAmerica route, which began in Seattle, Washington, and the North route, which kicked off in San Francisco, California. Each team cycled across diverse terrains, from the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the sprawling plains of the Midwest, pushing themselves both physically and mentally.
What makes Journey of Hope particularly special are the countless moments of connection along the way. The teams participated in 75 total Friendship Visits, leading to approximately 2,000 shared experiences with people with disabilities. These visits offered participants the chance to meet individuals with disabilities and their families while engaging in activities like playing games, sharing meals or going all-out at an impromptu dance party.
One Journey of Hope rider expressed the impact of these experiences, sharing, “I had some truly impactful Friendship Visits that have changed me as a person, and I am truly grateful for those friends that I made along the way.” For many participants, these moments define the journey as much as the miles they ride.
Beyond the emotional bonds formed, Journey of Hope team members raised more than $450,000 for The Ability Experience.
A Collective Effort
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our volunteers and partners. The network of meal, lodging and Friendship Visit volunteers who generously hosted and fed our teams throughout their journeys played an integral role in the success of these events. Their hospitality ensured that our teams could focus on their mission, knowing they had a warm meal and a safe place to rest each night.
Additionally, the families, friends and alumni who cheered from the sidelines or contributed to fundraising efforts helped make this summer’s events unforgettable. Every dollar raised, every meal shared and every moment of encouragement contributed to creating shared experiences with these team members and our friends with disabilities.
Staying Connected
As we begin preparations for 2025, we encourage you to follow us on social media to stay updated on our progress, hear stories from past participants and learn more about how you can get involved.
Whether you’re interested in joining the team, supporting a rider or simply following the journey, we invite you to participate in the 2025 summer events. Together, we can continue to push boundaries, create lasting connections and make a real impact on the lives of people with disabilities. To learn more about participating in 2025 summer events or other upcoming Ability Experience programs, click here.