LAS VEGAS --- When "frat boys" make the news, it isn't always in a good way. But this week, a team of cyclists from the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity is to stop in Las Vegas as part of a cross-country trek to raise money for people with disabilities.

'Tis the season for getting outdoors and enjoying time with friends, and Thursday provided just such an opportunity at Pandhandle Special Needs in Sandpoint, despite the somewhat liquid weather. The cross-country cycling team from Journey of Hope spun by on an annual trek from Seattle, Wash., to Washington, D.C., stopping for a midday friendship visit.

As members of the Journey of Hope South team slowly made their way to Victorville's Hook Community Center on Saturday morning, the cheers began to grow as weary cyclists battled rising heat to bring their cause into focus.

Surprisingly, the ride today was more difficult than yesterday’s. Part of that is the aches and pains from yesterday’s ride, but really, the mental part is what got me, mostly because the scenery was monotonous as we were essentially on one long road. I think overall people felt the same way; it just dragged on today. However, as a team, we really kicked butt. It really surprised me that everyone made rack time today.

Imagine a cross country bike trip, riding an average of 75 miles a day in the sweltering heat of summer across different state lines.

William Kennedy waved this year’s Pi Kappa Phi Journey of Hope bike team into Camp Twinlow late Wednesday morning as members completed the day’s short 35 mile ride from Spokane to the camp just north of Rathdrum. Kennedy, the team’s volunteer relations coordinator, is finally contributing to the event he has heard so much about.

Hiten Patel used to worry he didn’t have what it took to get accepted to and complete dental school. Now he knows he can.

In one week, Joe Sciandra will fly to San Francisco, California to embark on a two-month cross-country cycling trip.