Participant Info
When & How To Apply
Prospective team members are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications open approximately one year in advance. Team positions are on a first come first serve basis.
Important Dates
Saturday, May 7, 2022 | Crew Members report to Charlotte, NC for Crew Training*
Wednesday, May 11, 2022 | Cyclists report to Miami, FL for Orientation
Saturday, May 14, 2022 | Team kicks off and departs Miami, FL
Saturday, May 28, 2022 | Team arrives in Tallahassee, FL
Tuesday, May 31, 2022 | Crew Members dismissed from Crew Debrief in Charlotte, NC
*Note for quarter schools – contact staff if you’d like to participate, we’ll work around your schedule!*
Selection Process
The Ability Experience is committed to using shared experiences to support people with disabilities and developing the men of Pi Kappa Phi into servant leaders. We seek applicants who are committed to this mission and the integrity of the organization.
The selection process will start with the application below. Once submitted, one of our staff members will get right back to you to schedule a call. This staff member will be your Staff Lead throughout the application process.
Afterwards, you’ll fill out a member profile and have an interview with your staff lead. Your Staff Lead will work with you in this meeting to review your profile and worksheet to help you ensure that you are informed and confident to start preparing for your summer event.
We can’t wait to get to know you better, and are excited to share why next summer will without a doubt, be the best summer of your life!
Additional requirements may be requested at the discretion of our staff, which could include: the submission of a letter of recommendation, a background check provided through Pi Kappa Phi leadership, or a secondary call. Applicants must be an associate, active, or alumni member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Undergraduates must be in good standing with their chapter and have a cumulative or previous semester GPA of 2.7 or higher.
Consideration will be given to those who are committed to developing themselves as servant leaders, contributing to their community, and are able to invest in the Journey of Hope/Gear Up Florida experience and continued support of The Ability Experience. The Ability Experience does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its programs.
The Team
Gear Up Florida consists of one team of approximately 30 cyclists and 8 crew members, including a project manager who leads the trip. There is a limit of 3 cyclists from the same chapter.
Crew Members
Crew members must be 21 years of age or older at the start of the event, have a valid driver’s license, and be cleared by our insurance provider to drive team vehicles. Limited spots are available for under-21 year or “non-driver” crew positions. Check out more on our crew page
What To Expect
Fundraising Requirement: Must be completed by the start of the event.* Monthly fundraising benchmarks are required to ensure participants stay on track to reach their minimum. Monthly and overall fundraising incentives are awarded to participants who go above and beyond the minimum requirement!
Cyclist: $3,500 | Crew: $1,500 *Fundraising policy explained after submitting an application; some exceptions apply.
Monthly Phone Calls: Individual calls fit around your schedule each month to provide support and guidance in preparing you for the trip from our experienced staff.
Online Webinars: We are committed to educating team members and their parents about safety and how we accomplish our mission on our events.
Orientation: Each event begins with an orientation to prepare teams for success on the road.
Cyclists
Professional Cycling Coaches: We team up with exceptional coaches around the country to provide every new cyclist with advice and instruction from our experienced coaches. Many of our participants are completely new to cycling and come away from the trip with a new life-long passion.
Training Program through TrainingPeaks: Designed and led by our two dedicated training coaches at Benefitness Partners, a leader in fitness and wellness. Cyclists are required to meet monthly training targets to ensure they’re prepared for the trip.
Equipment: Cyclists must provide their own road-style bike and accessories. Safety equipment such as lights are provided, and team uniforms are provided and to be worn throughout the event.
Crew Members
Positions: Crew Chief, Operations Coordinator, Finance Coordinator, Historian (Team photographer), Social Media Coordinator, Volunteer Relations Coordinator, and Public Relations Coordinator
Job-specific training: We prepare our crew members to be successful by providing training prior to the event, specific to each individual crew role.
Internship and class credit opportunities: We do our best to mold roles around your plan of study. Team members in the past have received credit in photography, videography, public relations, social media, health services, finance, outdoor recreation, education, operations, management, and journalism. Regardless of your major, demonstrating leadership in an exciting experience like this will help boost your resume!
Fees & Administrative Requirements
Registration Fee: Paid with upon acceptance to team and only refundable if not accepted to team roster.
Cyclists: $150 | Crew: $100 Security Deposit: $50, paid prior to event to cover liability of equipment and vehicles. Any remaining balance will be refunded at end of event.
Medical History Form: Cyclists must also receive a physical examination and be cleared by a physician to participate. All participants must provide their medical history for safety purposes.
Health Insurance Card: All participants must provide proof of health insurance.
Motor Vehicle Record: Crew Members over the age of 20 must submit an MVR Disclosure and Release form and be approved by The Ability Experience insurance carrier prior to acceptance. Cyclists 21 years or older may be asked to complete this form and drive in a limited capacity during the event.
First Aid/CPR Certification: Crew members are required to be adult first aid/CPR certified at their own expense. Certification is also recommended for cyclists, but not required.
Drug screening: Required for all team members prior to the event and random testing completed during the event at no cost to participants.
Health and Safety: All participants must complete a physical and have received a COVID-19 vaccination prior to orientation.