Orientation offers a chance for team members to get acquainted, learn about people with disabilities and participate in skills assessments, training rides and safety training to prepare them for the life-changing events ahead.
Included in the training will be team building, crew systems training, cycling safety sessions and equipment preparation for the road. The team will also visit with some people with disabilities during orientation and share in some fun activities together. There is no greater way to learn about people with disabilities than sitting down and talking and enjoying each other’s company.
Family and friends are more than welcome to come down to Miami for the kickoff; however, orientation will be an extremely busy time. It is important that any family or friends planning on coming to Miami understands that team members’ time is mostly filled with practice rides and training sessions. Most parents take this time to see some of the different sites in Miami. In fact, many team members and their families arrive early to sight-see.
If you have any questions about the kickoff events in Miami, contact us.
Cyclist Travel Information
Flying
Flights must arrive at Miami International Airport (MIA) by 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. If you have questions about specific flights, please connect with your staff contact.
Driving
Arrive at the orientation site (Florida International University – 1590 SW 111th Ave, Miami, FL 33199) by 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Once your flight is booked, all cyclists must complete this Travel Confirmation Form.
Departure
Cyclists can book flights departing any time on Sunday, May 24 out of Tallahassee International Airport (TLH).
Crew Travel Information
Flying
Flights must arrive into Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) before 2 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Driving
Arrive at the Kelley A. Bergstrom Leadership Center of Pi Kappa Phi (3701 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 500, Charlotte, NC 28273) by 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2025.
Crew Departure
Crew will be dismissed from Charlotte after debrief. Flights can be booked leaving Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26.
Getting Your Bike To Orientation
All cyclists should bring their bikes on the plane with them as a checked bag. Check with airlines when booking your flight to confirm fees, but most major airlines charge a standard checked bag fee for bike boxes.
Bike should be packed in a cardboard bike box. Any team members using a hard-case bike box will be required to ship it home. Contact your local bike shop for help packing your bike. They should be able to provide you with a box for free or pack it for a small cost. Click here to watch a video of how to pack a cardboard bike box yourself. Write your name on the outside of the box to be able to identify it at orientation.
Gear Up Florida Kickoff Dinner Dinner
The Gear Up Florida kickoff dinner will be hosted by The Ability Experience on Friday, May 8. Dinner location is still to be finalized. Check back later to register for the kickoff dinner.
Gear Up Florida Kickoff
The 2026 Gear Up Florida team will depart for Boca Raton on Saturday, May 9. Kickoff will begin at 7 a.m. at Florida International University (1590 SW 111th Ave, Miami, FL 33199). If you are interested in joining us for this send-off, please arrive by 7 a.m.
Joining your Team Member for Orientation and Kickoff
Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend the kickoff; however, it is important that any family or friends planning on coming to Miami understand that orientation is for the team to prepare as a group for their time on the road. Availability to be with family during this time will be limited. Most family and friends take this time to see some of the different sites around Miami. In fact, some team members and their families arrive early to sight-see.
If you have any questions about kickoff events, please contact us.
Hotel Accommodations
Parents and family members are responsible for booking their own accommodations while in Miami. The team* is tentatively scheduled to stay on campus at Florida International University but is subject to change.
*Lodging accommodations for team members during orientation will be covered by The Ability Experience.
If you have any questions about accommodations, please contact us.
Sights to See
Miami is a wonderful place full of history and things to do. Below are some local attractions in Miami and its surrounding areas:
- Bayfront Park
- Key Biscayne
- Coral Castle
- Zoo Miami
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
- Wynwood Walls
