The summer that changes you.
Not because it's easy. Because it's real.
Journey of Hope and Gear Up are not typical summer programs.
You wake up early. You ride. You serve. You build friendships with people you just met who quickly become the people you rely on most.
You meet individuals with disabilities whose stories will stay with you long after the summer ends.
It's challenging. It's real. And it ends up being one of the most meaningful things you'll do.
See what a day looks like
Get a real look at what your summer could actually be.
Hear from those who met the challenge
Learn what it was really like from the people who lived it.
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Take the next step and see why this is the right fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Participating in a summer cycling event gives you real-world leadership, teamwork and problem-solving experience that employers actively look for. Throughout the summer, you’ll manage logistics, work with teams under pressure, speak with community members and sponsors, and represent Pi Kappa Phi and The Ability Experience across the country.
You also build a national network of alumni, volunteers and professionals who support the mission and often help participants make career connections long after the event ends. Many alumni say their summer event was one of the most impactful experiences on their resumes and one of the best interview talking points.
Above all, you leave the summer knowing you made a direct impact on people with disabilities while growing personally and professionally.
Absolutely! Riders sign up with a wide range of cycling backgrounds, from experienced cyclists to those who have never ridden long distances. The Ability Experience provides training plans and resources leading up to the event to help participants prepare physically and mentally.
The expectation is not perfection on day one. The expectation is a commitment and willingness to grow throughout the experience.
Every participant works toward a fundraising goal before and during the summer. The Ability Experience provides fundraising resources, coaching, templates and staff support to help members succeed.
Fundraising is not just about asking for money. It is about sharing the mission, telling your story and helping others understand the impact these events have on people with disabilities.
Many participants are surprised by how willing friends, family, alumni and community members are to support them once they start sharing why the experience matters.
Participants receive support throughout the entire fundraising process, including:
- Fundraising coaching from staff
- Sample outreach messages and email templates
- Online fundraising tools
- Guidance for donor follow-up and stewardship
- Event fundraising challenges and incentives
Yes! Many participants successfully balance fundraising while managing classes, chapter responsibilities and part-time jobs. Starting early and staying consistent makes the process much more manageable.
The Ability Experience staff works closely with participants to create achievable plans and provide accountability throughout the process.
Summer cycling events combine service, leadership, travel, brotherhood and personal growth into one experience. Few opportunities allow you to:
- Travel across multiple states
- Meet people from chapters across the country
- Raise money for a meaningful cause
- Build lifelong friendships
- Challenge yourself physically and mentally
- Develop leadership and communication skills
- Make a direct impact on people with disabilities
Participants often describe the summer as life-changing because of the people they meet and the confidence they gain.
Funds raised through Journey of Hope, Gear Up Florida and Gear Up New York directly support The Ability Experience’s mission to use shared experiences to support people with disabilities and develop the men of Pi Kappa Phi into servant leaders.
In addition to fundraising, participants build relationships and raise awareness of inclusion and accessibility in communities across the country.
Most participants start the process feeling uncertain in some way, whether about cycling, fundraising, travel or the overall time commitment. A great first step is simply meeting with a member of our staff. Our team can answer questions, walk you through what to expect and help you determine whether a summer cycling event is the right fit for you.
You do not need to have everything figured out before exploring the opportunity.
What matters most is being willing to challenge yourself and grow alongside other brothers who are stepping outside their comfort zones, too.
Participant safety is always the top priority. Staff and crew members monitor riders throughout the event and work to support anyone experiencing physical or mental challenges.
If a rider needs a break, medical attention or additional support, there are systems in place to help them recover and continue safely. Participants are encouraged to communicate openly with the project manager and crew throughout the summer.
Safety is built into every aspect of the event. Participants receive training and education before the summer begins, and staff and crew members monitor safety throughout the event.
Safety measures include:
- Required helmets and cycling safety gear
- Daily route and safety briefings
- Vehicle support teams
- Communication systems between riders and crew
- Weather monitoring
- Emergency response protocols
- Crew trained to support participants on the road
The Ability Experience continuously evaluates routes, procedures and support systems to create the safest experience possible.
Participants are responsible for securing a bike and basic cycling equipment, but staff can help guide members through selecting or borrowing equipment. Cyclists can also opt into a fundraising bike incentive to receive a bike by raising $1,000 over the standard fundraising commitment.
Many riders receive support from alumni, chapters, sponsors or local cycling communities as they prepare for the summer.
That is completely normal. For many participants, these events are their first time spending an entire summer traveling across the country or away from home for an extended period.
The structured schedule and team environment help participants adjust quickly and gain confidence throughout the experience.
Participants leave the summer with practical experience in leadership, communication, adaptability, fundraising and teamwork. Employers consistently value candidates who can demonstrate resilience, initiative and the ability to work closely with others in challenging environments.
The experience also expands your network within Pi Kappa Phi, creating connections with alumni and supporters across the country.
The summer pushes participants outside their comfort zones in the best way possible. Riders and crew members learn how to persevere through challenges and lead with purpose.
Many participants finish the summer more confident and with a clearer understanding of the impact they can make through service.
Participants are responsible for:
- Travel to orientation
- Travel home after the event
- Personal spending during the summer
- Basic bike maintenance and repairs during the event
- Any required personal gear or equipment
The Ability Experience covers the majority of event expenses through fundraising and sponsorship support, including:
- Group lodging
- Meals during the event
- Support vehicles
- Event logistics and operational support
Our goal is to make participation as accessible as possible while ensuring participants are prepared for the responsibilities that come with a cross-country or regional cycling event.
Fundraising minimums vary by event:
Journey of Hope
- $3,500 crew fundraising minimum
- $6,500 cyclist fundraising minimum
- $7,500 for cyclists receiving the bike incentive.
Gear Up Florida
- $1,500 crew fundraising minimum
- $3,500 standard fundraising minimum
- $4,500 for cyclists receiving the bike incentive.
Gear Up New York
- $1,500 crew fundraising minimum
- $3,500 fundraising minimum
- $4,500 for cyclists receiving the bike incentive.
Participants who opt into the bike incentive program will keep their bike after the event.
