Join Gear Up Florida

The Best Two Weeks of Your Life are Waiting

Since 1997, more than 750 Pi Kappa Phi brothers have pedaled across Florida with one purpose: champion inclusion and possibility for people with disabilities. Together, the Gear Up Florida team raises $150,000 each year to power life‑changing programs through The Ability Experience and help amplify voices that deserve to be heard.

Across an energizing two‑week, statewide ride, cyclists roll into communities, meet with disability service partners and reconnect with friends who welcome them like family. Conversations spark. Barriers fall. People see ability first. What began as a simple effort to share a message of acceptance and understanding is now known by many participants as “the best two weeks of programming The Ability Experience offers.”

Make your miles matter.

Be One of Only 40. Lead the Way Across Florida.

Fewer than two percent of all Pi Kappa Phi men have ever completed a summer event with The Ability Experience. Join them and you’ll do more than log miles, you’ll change lives.

Along the route, you’ll take part in Friendship Visits that celebrate the abilities of all people. You’ll meet with disability service organizations, connect face‑to‑face with the communities we serve and help spread a message of acceptance and inclusion across the Sunshine State.

Accept the challenge and you’ll ride away with:

  • Unparalleled leadership growth under real‑world pressure.
  • Teamwork skills forged through long miles and shared purpose.
  • Hands‑on service experiences that deepen empathy and impact.
  • Lifelong friendships rooted in mission, not just miles.

Ready to ride with purpose? Apply today and claim your place in one of Pi Kappa Phi’s most transformative brotherhood experiences.

Gear Up Florida: What to Expect

Fundraising Goals

  • Cyclists: $3,500
  • Crew: $1,500

Don’t worry! You’ll get personalized support, tools and expert guidance every step of the way to help you reach your goal.

Training and Coaching

We’ll set you up for success with structured training plans, one-on-one coaching and mentorship from experienced team members.

  • Cyclists: Bring your own bike and gear, and we’ll provide everything else — from training to ride-day support — to help you crush every mile.
  • Crew Members: Earn a stipend, internship credit or class credit. Must be 21 or older by event start. You’ll play a vital role in making the journey happen and gain valuable leadership experience in the process.

Key Dates

Tentative Dates for 2026

Friday, May 1 | Crew Training in Charlotte, North Carolina

Wednesday, May 6 | Cyclists arrive in Miami, Florida

Saturday, May 23 | Gear Up Florida Arrival in Tallahassee, Florida

Tuesday, May 26 | Crew Members dismissed from Charlotte, North Carolina

Note for quarter schools: contact us if you’d like to participate and we’ll talk more about working around your academic schedule. Don’t worry – many have done it!

Have More Questions?

Our staff would love to answer your questions and help you understand if this event is a good fit for you.

2026 Team Page

Explore the route, take a look at the team roster and find all the details about the experience of a lifetime.

Ready to Sign Up?

Applications are now open for 2026. Take the first step toward an epic adventure today!

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Team positions are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Application Process

Your journey starts with a simple application. Once submitted, a member of our team will reach out to schedule a call. That team member will be your go-to resource and guide throughout the application process.

You’ll complete a short member profile and take part in a one-on-one interview with your staff contact. Together, you’ll walk through expectations, answer questions and ensure you feel fully prepared and excited for what’s ahead. Additional materials may be requested, such as a letter of recommendation, a background check through Pi Kappa Phi or an additional interview if needed.

 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be an associate, active or alumni member of Pi Kappa Phi
  • Undergraduate members must be in good standing with their chapter
  • Minimum GPA of 2.7 (cumulative or most recent semester)

We’re looking for men who are ready to lead, serve and grow, both during the event and beyond. The Ability Experience proudly welcomes all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or military status in any of its programs. We can’t wait to meet you and show you why this will be the most meaningful summer of your life. Start your journey today.

The team will have approximately 30-35 cyclists and six to eight crew members.

To ensure a balanced and inclusive ride, there is a limit of four cyclists on Gear Up Florida from the same chapter.

Cycling across the state of Florida might sound intimidating, but you’ve got this. In fact, most Pi Alphas who’ve completed Journey of Hope or a Gear Up event had little to no cycling or fundraising experience when they started. And here’s the best part: 90% end up exceeding their goals.

We believe everyone deserves their own Ability Experience, and we’re here to make sure you’re fully prepared to succeed.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Full access to a step-by-step resource library covering fundraising, training, gear and road safety.
  • Monthly coaching calls to guide you through every phase of preparation.
  • Cyclists get personalized training plans from professional cycling coaches.
  • Crew members receive role-specific training and hands-on guidance from staff.

You’ll never be doing this alone — we’re with you every step of the way. If you are not at your fundraising goal at the start of the event, upon arrival at orientation, you will be charged the entire difference between your current fundraising amount and your minimum fundraising commitment.

As a cyclist, you’ll bring your own road-style bike and basic riding accessories, but we’ve got the rest covered. We recommend an “endurance road bike” built for distance, comfort and a variety of roads. Tires between 28 and 32mm in width are optimal. For an additional $1,000 fundraising commitment, we offer a bike incentive, which will be shipped to you before your event.

We’ll provide all required safety equipment, including lights, and you’ll receive official team uniforms to wear throughout the event. You’ll look sharp, stay safe and ride with pride.

Cycling days change, but follow this general schedule:

  • Early morning wake-up
  • Breakfast and morning circle-up
  • Cycling
  • Lunch on the road
  • Arrive at lodging
  • Free time and squad duties
  • Dinner/Friendship Visit
  • Free time/team meeting

Non-cycling days include team meals, Friendship Visits and free time.

Friendship Visits are at the core of the mission for our summer events. Teams visit a variety of local organizations that support people of all abilities. Typical activities include dance parties, shared meals, games and water balloon fights.

The main costs of food and lodging are covered throughout the trip. However, you are responsible for all souvenirs, sightseeing, bike repairs, travel to and from the event and individual gear. These will vary widely based on your mode of transport, need for bike repair, existing equipment and individual preferences for additional expenses outside of team programming.

The Ability Experience adheres to Federal law, regardless of which state an event is taking place in. Any team member under the age of 21 is prohibited from drinking at any point during a summer event. Additionally, all team members are prohibited from using federally illegal drugs. Team members violating these policies will be immediately dismissed from the team. 

Crew members play a critical role in making Gear Up Florida a success, and there’s a spot for everyone.

Available crew roles include:

  • Crew chief
  • Operations coordinator
  • Finance coordinator
  • Historian (team photographer)
  • Social media coordinator
  • Volunteer relations coordinator
  • Public relations coordinator

What to know

  • You’ll receive role-specific training before the event to set you up for success.
  • Crew members must be 21 or older, hold a valid driver’s license and be cleared by our insurance provider to drive.
  • Limited “non-driver” roles are available for participants under 21.

Academic credit opportunities

We tailor roles to align with your area of study whenever possible. Past participants have earned academic credit in photography, public relations, social media, finance, journalism, health services, education and more. No matter your major, this is an opportunity to build leadership skills and strengthen your résumé with a one-of-a-kind experience.