Three days. 235 miles cycled. $5,300 raised. One Pi Kappa Phi alumnus.
At mile 36, Illari Vihinen, Psi (Cornell), stood at the top of the Appalachian Gap. The climb on his bike had pushed him through switchbacks in Vermont’s Green Mountains, one of many tests he faced on his 235-mile ride around Lake Champlain. For Vihinen, the view from the summit was just one reward for the climb. The others? Pushing himself further and supporting people with disabilities through The Ability Experience.
In pursuit of those rewards, Vihinen decided to complete a 2025 My Ability Experience Challenge, a program where each participant sets a personal goal and takes on a challenge that matters to them. There is no registration cost or fundraising minimum, just the opportunity to push yourself while changing lives.
“I’ve been cycling for people with disabilities since I completed the Journey of Hope in 1994,” said Vihinen. “That was one of the most profound experiences of my life, and I’ve kept the torch burning through ride-alongs and charity events ever since. Cycling keeps me healthy mentally and physically and I wanted to keep supporting The Ability Experience.”
He embarked on his latest journey on August 1, 2025. Over the three days that followed, he crossed mountains, ferried across the lake and pedaled through the Champlain Islands while raising more than $5,300 for The Ability Experience. With these funds, Vihinen awarded a $750 grant to the Vermont Center for Independent Living, making an impact on an organization serving people with disabilities in his own community.
The Appalachian Gap, a 2,375-foot climb on Route 17, tested him the most. “I just kept pedaling, saying to myself, ‘I can do this,’ one word for each pedal stroke. Reaching the top and seeing my wife Heidi waiting there was incredible. I even lifted the same bike I rode across the country 31 years ago over my head, just like I did in D.C. It was a feeling of accomplishment I’ll never forget,” said Vihinen.
Throughout the ride, his wife Heidi served as his crew chief, guiding stops, tracking his progress and even challenging herself to her own ride along the Colchester Causeway. “It was incredible participating with her on this bike ride for a cause we both care about,” he said. “She works every day with children with autism, so it was special to share this journey together.”
His experience has already inspired others. A month after the ride, Vihinen met with brothers from Pi Kappa Phi’s Lambda Iota Chapter at the University of Vermont to share his story. “I think we will have a 2026 Lake Champlain Ride with some brothers from the University of Vermont,” he said. “I want to spread the message that brothers should do what they can. If you can’t participate in the Journey of Hope, then try creating your own My Ability Experience Challenge, like the Lake Champlain Ride.”
Vihinen added, “The Ability Experience was one of the main reasons I joined Pi Kappa Phi. It is a unique national service project that promotes lifelong brotherhood. I’m thankful that I can still ride after 31 years and further the mission of the organization. Now, I want to inspire other brothers to ride and keep that flame burning.”
Vihinen has conquered his challenge. The next one belongs to you. Push yourself further and register for your own My Ability Experience Challenge.