Three groups of riders leave the west coast from three different locations in different states and bike across the country traveling over 4,200 miles each before gathering in Washington D.C. on Aug. 8. The goal of the ride is to promote the abilities of all people. Riders raise funds that will become grants for organizations that serve people with a variety of disabilities. Each rider is required to raise $5,500 to participate in the ride.
The Ability Experience is the national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi. Journey of Hope riders come from Pi Kappa Phi chapters from across the country. Their 4,210-mile route started in Seattle, June 2, and brought its riders through Pratt Wednesday on their way to the east coast. They had traveled just over 2,300 miles.
The 20 riders travel about 75 miles a day, the longest single day ride is 135 miles, then spend the night at various locations across the country along with their eight support team members.
Riders stay at a variety of places along the way including churches, YMCA, hotels or other locations depending on the sponsor, said Joel Blankenship, a junior at Kansas State University and the only Kansan in the group.