From September 27-30, 2024, 15 cyclists and two crew members embarked on a 225-mile journey across New York State for The Ability Experience’s second annual Empire State Ride. The event brought together a diverse and enthusiastic team of Pi Alphas (alumni who had previously cycled in the Gear Up Florida or Journey of Hope rides or participated in Build America), and the experience proved to be just as rewarding and transformative as their prior cycling experiences.
Led by The Ability Experience Director of Community Engagement Diego Ferradas, Beta Eta (Florida State), and Crew Chief Jesse Sheplow, Eta Psi (Central Florida), this year’s team was larger and took their fundraising efforts to new heights. In 2023, the team raised an impressive $32,557.52, but this year, their collective fundraising exceeded expectations, bringing in $57,124.10, a 75% increase in just one year.
A key figure in the event’s success was Mike Davis, Psi (Cornell), who was instrumental in organizing and executing the ride. In addition to guiding the cyclists on their route, Davis curated a memorable New York experience, which included stops at iconic landmarks such as Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and the Oculus Transportation Hub.
“Having cycled across the country on Journey of Hope and seeing the great success of Gear Up Florida, I knew an expansion to the Northeast would give Pi Kappa Phi undergraduates in all regions of the country more opportunities to participate in cycling events, expanding our reach as we serve people with disabilities,” said Davis. “We tested this ride out on a small scale, allowing alumni who have cycled before to be our guinea pigs to see if this would work, and boy did it!”
One of the most powerful moments of the ride came when the team visited the ARC Mid-Hudson for a Friendship Visit. As the cyclists arrived, they were greeted with cheers and handmade signs from the staff and participants, creating an immediate atmosphere of inclusion. The team and the ARC participants bonded over lunch and a karaoke session, forging new friendships. By the end of the visit, the cyclists and participants were reluctant to say goodbye, with everyone already anticipating next year’s reunion.
“This experience gave us a chance to work with and meet other people outside of our organization who share our belief in the importance of recognizing and supporting people with disabilities,” said the ARC Mid-Hudson’s Chief Executive Director John McHugh. “It also provided an opportunity for the people in our programs to interact with others in the community and to do something fun and exciting.”
During the visit, The Ability Experience also presented a $1,500 grant to the ARC Mid-Hudson to help fund future initiatives that promote inclusion and empowerment for people with disabilities.
The ride concluded with a celebration hosted by the Alpha Tau Chapter at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. The chapter, led by Alpha Tau alumni Jim Pauli and Joe Templin, welcomed the cyclists with lunch and celebrated the ride’s success.
With a second successful year under its belt, the Empire State Ride is poised to join the already impressive roster of challenge events hosted by The Ability Experience. As it grows, this event will offer a unique opportunity for brothers in the Northeast to engage in meaningful service and adventure while also providing a chance for Pi Kappa Phi alumni and undergraduate members from across the country to experience New York State in a way they never have before, on two wheels, surrounded by brothers and united by a shared mission. To learn more about The Ability Experience Challenge: Empire State Ride in 2025, contact Diego Ferradas.
2024 Empire State Ride Roster
Crew:
Project Manager: Diego Ferradas, Beta Eta (Florida State)
Crew Chief: Jesse Sheplow, Eta Psi (Central Florida)
Cyclists:
Michael Davis, Psi (Cornell)
Kevin Yates, Zeta Omega (Townson)
Michael Chadwick, Zeta Nu (West Chester)
David Cunningham, Psi (Cornell)
Russ Faulkner, Delta Psi (Texas-Arlington)
David Corey, Alpha Eta (Samford)
David White, Beta Alpha (NJIT)
Ruben Talavera, Eta Omega (New Mexico State)
Illari Vihinen, Psi (Cornell)
Andre Arman, Zeta Epsilon (George Mason)
Brandon Sorensen, Beta Alpha (NJIT)
Justas Klimavicius, Kappa Epsilon (Stony Brook)
Todd Gemmer, Alpha Psi (Indiana)
Matt Garono, Eta Phi (Maryland-Baltimore County)
Patrick Carlson, Iota Kappa (Greeley)