Join Journey of Hope

Be one of the few. Make a Lifetime Impact.

You could be one of just 50 Pi Kappa Phi men to take an unforgettable cross-country adventure that will challenge you physically, inspire you personally and shape you as a servant leader.

The Journey of Hope isn’t just a bike ride. It’s a movement. Along the way, you’ll build genuine connections through Friendship Visits with organizations that support people with disabilities, helping spread awareness and celebrate the abilities of all people.

Starting on the West Coast, you’ll cycle with your brothers across the country, finishing triumphantly at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. You’ll join a proud legacy of men who have made this extraordinary journey — and come out stronger, more connected and more driven to lead.

Spots are limited. Ready to ride with purpose? Join the team and change lives. Including your own.

Change Your Life in One Summer

Take on a challenge that will push you, inspire you and transform the way you lead.

By joining this life-changing summer experience, you’ll gain real-world leadership, teamwork and service skills that set you apart from your peers and form friendships that last a lifetime.

But don’t just take our word for it. Hear directly from Pi Kappa Phi brothers who’ve completed the journey and carried the experience with them into their careers and lives.

Ready to lead with purpose? This is your moment.

  

“I have my jersey hanging on the wall of my office. Anyone who comes in asks about it. No one asks about your internship history after age 22. The story of serving others and the impact it had on me personally is lifelong.”

Mike Davis | Psi (Cornell)

“Raising money is all about sales. Whether you want to go into business or nonprofit, the experience of raising money is invaluable. An interviewer is much more interested in talking about Journey of Hope than an internship. Everyone has internships, but very few people have an experience like Journey of Hope. It will make you stand out amidst all the resumes.”

Howard Goldsmith | Psi (Cornell)

Journey of Hope: What to Expect

Fundraising Goals

Cyclists: $6,500

Crew: $3,000

Don’t worry! You’ll get personalized support, tools and expert guidance every step of the way to help you reach your goal. Click here for more information about fundraising for Journey of Hope.

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 $2,000 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

Last Week of May | Crew training (location to be determined)

Saturday, May 30 | TransAmerica cyclists arrive in Seattle, Washington

Wednesday, June 3 | North cyclists arrive in San Francisco, California

Saturday, August 8 | Journey of Hope arrival in Washington, D.C.

Tuesday, August 11 | 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 itineraries, take a look at the team roster and find all the details about the summer 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.

We believe in the power of shared experiences to support people with disabilities and to shape Pi Kappa Phi men into true servant leaders. If you’re passionate about making a difference, growing as a leader and being part of something bigger than yourself, we want to hear from you.

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.

Journey of Hope is made up of two unique cross-country routes, each with its own team of cyclists and crew. While you’ll have a chance to share your route preference during the application process, final assignments will be made in the spring, based on what will create the best possible experience for each team member.

To ensure a balanced and inclusive ride, each route is capped at three cyclists per chapter and typically includes 25–30 cyclists and six crew members.

No matter which route you’re on, you’ll be part of something incredible: building friendships, making an impact and crossing the country with purpose.

Cycling across the country 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 have not met your fundraising goal at the start of the event, upon arrival at orientation, you will be charged 50 percent of the difference between your current fundraising amount and your minimum fundraising commitment. Upon arrival in Denver, you will be charged for the remainder of your fundraising commitment. You’re encouraged to fundraise throughout the remainder of the trip; any money fundraised after being charged will be reimbursed up to the amount you were charged.

You don’t have to be a cyclist to take on Journey of Hope; we’ll help you get there. We provide world-class coaching and resources to set you up for success, no matter your starting point. Every cyclist is expected to log 1,000 miles of training before the trip. To meet this requirement, expect a weekly five- to 10-hour time commitment that ramps up in the final few months before the event.  

Here’s how we’ve got your back:

  • Professional cycling coaches
    We partner with elite coaches from around the country to guide you every step of the way. Most of our participants are brand-new to cycling, and many leave the trip with a lifelong passion for it.
  • Custom training program
    Led by our expert coaches at Braveheart Coaching Colorado, this structured program includes monthly training goals designed to safely build your strength, endurance and confidence before the event.
  • Ongoing support and accountability
    You’ll have monthly check-ins with our staff to track your progress, troubleshoot any challenges and stay on track. Plus, you’ll be part of a supportive peer group of teammates and Pi Alphas who are on the same journey.

We’re here to make sure you feel confident, capable and ready for the ride of your life.

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.

To keep everyone safe and ready for the road, here’s what to expect before the event begins:

Registration Fee – $100
Due at registration and applied directly toward your fundraising goal.

Security Deposit – $100
Covers potential damage to equipment or vehicles. Any unused portion will be refunded after the event.

Medical Clearance
Cyclists must complete a physical and be cleared by a physician. For safety purposes, all participants must submit a medical history form.

Health Insurance
Proof of health insurance is required for all participants.

First Aid and CPR Certification
Required for crew members (at their own expense) and recommended for cyclists.

Drug Screening
All participants will complete a pre-event drug screening. Random testing may be conducted during the event at no cost to you.

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.  

All team members must spend the night at the provided lodging. Family and friends are welcome to join the team at the morning circle-up or any Friendship Visits. 

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. 

Crew members play a critical role in making Journey of Hope 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.

Learn more about crew roles