Waterloo native Connor O'Neill never pictured himself as a fraternity member. Nor did he have grand plans to ride a bike across the country. But causes have a way of pushing people to test their limits.

When strong, gifted folks take the time to help those who are differently-abled, few things in life are more beautiful. It's the same when young, promising members of one of the finest and most academically oriented fraternities in the country spend their summer bicycling across the entire span U.S.A. in order to raise money and, "to spread a message of acceptance and understanding for people with disabilities" as the website for The Ability Experiences' Journey of Hope puts it. It's hard not be impressed by such generosity.

College students cycling across the country to raise money and awareness about people with disabilities are scheduled to stop in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Partnering with The Ability Experience, an organization who helps raise money and awareness for people with disabilities, nearly 40 Pi Kappa Phi members from around the country have been participating in Journey of Hope to bike nearly 4,000 miles cross country to raise awareness.

For Pi Kappa Phi alum Matt McKee, cycling from Long Beach to Washington, D.C., to raise money for those who struggle with disability means far more than just remaining active within his fraternity.

The cycling trek lasted only two weeks, but the lives touched along the 865-miles of Gear Up Florida's route won't soon forget Pi Kappa Phi members like Sean Austin, Zack Cockerham, and Austin Craft. The Northwestern State University students were among the 31 cyclists and crewmembers riding across Florida to re-shape the perception of people with disabilities.

The cycling trek lasted only two weeks, but the lives touched along the 865-miles of Gear Up Florida's route won't soon forget Pi Kappa Phi members like Sean Austin, Zack Cockerham, and Austin Craft. The Northwestern State University students were among the 31 cyclists and crewmembers riding across Florida to re-shape the perception of people with disabilities.

Moultrie's Reed Wells is about three days into a bicycle trek that will take him across the continental United States. And while he will surely see majestic sights and get plenty of exercise, the focus of his journey is to raise awareness and support for those with mental and physical disabilities. The journey will end on Aug. 8.

The Journey of Hope Trans-America team arrived in Richland, Washington, June 5 after riding 80 miles from Yakima.