For many others, it is just the beginning of a life of commitment and service.
While cycling on the North route of Journey of Hope in 2015, Jon Heisler, Eta Gamma (CU Boulder), and Mike McBride, Omega (Purdue), already dreamed of finding a new set of roads for after college. Over the following year they began drafting a route across Europe under the banner Ability Challenge Europe. During that time, McBride took on the role of Project Manager for the 2016 Journey of Hope TransAmerica team. “That experience made me believe we could really do this and gave me the skills and confidence to commit to making a trip across Europe happen,” said McBride.
McBride graduated from Purdue University in December of 2016 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He has been working on the logistics of the trip since January while backpacking with two fellow Pi Alpha brothers in Central America. Heisler graduated from the University of Colorado-Boulder in May with degrees in political science and economics. Together, along with the help of The Ability Experience and several other team members, they have a plan to visit seven countries across Europe. The team of 10 Pi Alphas is ready to take on the challenge of raising $50,000 while cycling 3,000 miles across the European continent in 60 days.
Unlike Journey of Hope which has designated crew members, everyone will take turns driving one support vehicle to keep things smooth and safe during the trip. The team kicked off from Spain on May 25, and will arrive in Rome, Italy, on July 22. The trip is self-supported with help from some of the resources of The Ability Experience. All the proceeds go toward funding projects like Ability Camp and Ability Weekend, creating a more accessible world for everyone.
The team members include Jason Culotta, Evan Eshelman, Daniel Frenchmore, David Heisler, Jonathan Heisler, Greg Kuhn, Michael Leal, Sam Margolis, Mike McBride, and Zorth Pilonieta. Ride safe brothers!
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