Family Resources

Family Member Resource Center

Welcome! If someone you care about is thinking about joining Journey of Hope or a Gear Up event, you’re in the right place. This page has everything you need to know — what these events are all about, what team members will be doing, what’s expected of them and how we’re keeping them safe along the way. It’s a life-changing experience, and we’re here to help you feel informed and confident every step of the journey.

Where Our Mission Started

It all began in 1987 when a young Pi Kappa Phi alumnus named Bruce Rogers, Chi (Stetson), set out on an ambitious cross-country bike ride to shine a light on the mission of The Ability Experience. Just a year later, inspired by Bruce’s ride, student member Jim Karlovec, Delta Sigma (Bowling Green) mapped out the first team ride from his dorm room at Bowling Green State University and Journey of Hope was born.

Fast forward more than 35 years, and nearly 150 Pi Kappa Phi men take part in Journey of Hope, Gear Up Florida and Gear Up New York every summer.

These events aren’t just bike rides, they’re life-changing adventures. Whether cycling coast-to-coast, riding through Florida or trekking across New York, team members are on a mission to spread a message of acceptance, build lasting friendships and celebrate the abilities of all people.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

Journey of Hope, Gear Up Florida and Gear Up New York offer a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else. Every year, these events help Pi Kappa Phi brothers grow into servant leaders, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of purpose, compassion and impact.

Along the way, team members discover new meaning in their lives, find fresh motivation and often walk away with a renewed sense of how they want to give back and lead in their careers and communities.

Team Pages and Information

We put our values into action to build relationships and promote a lifetime of servant leadership. We emphasize personal involvement; whether it’s a summer-long, cross-country team event, a weekend construction intensive or running a local 10k. The men of Pi Kappa Phi are encouraged to participate in any of our national programs or support organizations that serve our friends with disabilities in their own community.

Journey of Hope:
Transamerica Team

Journey of Hope:
North Route Team

Gear Up
Florida Team

Gear Up
New York Team

Crew Interest Page

Journey of Hope:
Transamerica Team

Gear Up
Florida Team

Crew Interest Page

Journey of Hope:
North Route Team

Gear Up
New York Team

Additional resources

Not many people can say they’ve biked across the country or through Florida or New York, and even fewer can say they’ve done it on two thin wheels.

Each day starts with a team meeting before cyclists hit the road in small groups, riding from town to town. Meanwhile, the crew is out ahead, marking turns, setting up snack and water stops and making sure everyone stays safe along the way.

But the journey isn’t just about the miles. After riding, team members take part in Friendship Visits, spending time with people with disabilities, building meaningful connections and sharing the message of inclusion in every community they visit.

Along the route, generous volunteers provide meals and places to stay, making this life-changing journey possible one town, one ride and one friendship at a time.

The safety of our team members is our top priority. Riding a bike across the country — or even across a state — is no small task, and we take that responsibility seriously. With guidance from our dedicated Safety Committee, we do everything we can to make sure our team members not only have the summer of a lifetime, but that they do it safely.

Here’s how we help keep our teams protected on the road:

  • We use the latest in bike light technology along with high-visibility and reflective gear.
  • Team members complete a thorough training program, including regular live sessions with professional cycling coaches.
  • Seasoned cyclists and coaches ride alongside the team during orientation and the early days of the journey to ensure a strong start.
  • Riders travel in groups and are never far from a crew member or support vehicle, so help is always close by.

From start to finish, safety is built into every mile of the experience. 

Big experiences take preparation, and our events are no exception. To make sure every team member gets the most out of their journey, there are a few key expectations and requirements along the way. But don’t worry, no team member does it alone. Our staff is with team members at every step, offering guidance, support and encouragement to help the entire team stay on track and succeed.

Fundraising Commitment

All participants are asked to raise funds to support the mission of The Ability Experience. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Gear Up Florida – Cyclists: $3,500 | Crew: $1,500
  • Gear Up New York – Cyclists: $3,500 | Crew: $1,500
  • Journey of Hope – Cyclists: $6,500 | Crew: $3,000

Training and Preparation

To make sure you’re ready — mentally, physically and logistically:

  • Cyclists receive a custom training plan created by professional cycling coaches.
  • Crew members go through role-specific training and an in-person orientation before the event.
  • All team members get regular check-ins and support from staff throughout the prep process.
  • Cyclists must supply their own bike and gear.
  • Crew members must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

We’re Here to Help

We believe everyone should have the chance to be part of this life-changing experience. If you’re committed, we’ll help you find a way. Whether it’s help with fundraising or finding the right equipment, we’ve got your back. No one who’s put in the effort has ever missed out because they couldn’t reach a goal.

This is a team effort from day one, and we’re excited to help you make it happen.

These cycling events aren’t just exciting for the team members. They’re unforgettable experiences for families, too! We know how important it is to stay connected and informed while your loved one is on this journey, so we’ve got you covered.

As a parent or guardian, you’ll have access to helpful resources, live webinars and regular updates before and during the event. Once the ride begins, you’ll be able to follow their progress, cheer them on from afar and celebrate with them when they cross the finish line.

If you ever have questions or just want to talk things through, we’re here for you. Email our team anytime.

You’re just as much a part of this journey as they are, and we’re excited to have you on the team!