Gear Up Florida

Orientation and Kick-Off Events

Orientation offers a chance for team members to interact, learn about people with disabilities and participate in skills assessments, training rides, and safety training to prepare them for the life-changing events ahead.

Included in the training will be team building, crew systems training, cycling safety sessions and equipment preparation for the road. The team will also visit with some people with disabilities during orientation and share in some fun activities together. There is no greater way to learn about people with disabilities than sitting down and talking and enjoying each others company.

Family and friends are more than welcome to come down to Miami for the kick-off; however, orientation will be an extremely busy time. It is important that any family or friends planning on coming to Miami understands that team members’ time is mostly filled with practice rides and training sessions. Most parents take this time to see some of the different sites in Miami. In fact, many team members and their families arrive early to sight-see.

If you have any questions about the kick-off events in Miami, please email Andrew Matznick at amatznick@abilityexperience.org.

Team Travel Information

Crew Travel Information

If flying:

Flights must arrive into Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) between 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2021.

If driving/dropped off:

Arrive at the Kelley A. Bergstrom Leadership Center of Pi Kappa Phi (3701 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 500, Charlotte, NC 28273) by 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2022.

*Crew Departure
Crew will be dismissed from Charlotte after debrief. Flights can be booked leaving Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) after 4:00pm on Monday, May 30.

Cyclist Travel Information

If flying:

Flights must arrive at Miami International Airport (MIA) by 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.

If dropped off:

Arrive at the Orientation site (Courtyard Marriott Dadeland, 9075 S Dadeland Blvd, Miami, FL 33156) by 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.

Once your travel is booked, all cyclists must complete this form to confirm travel information.

Bike Transportation

If you plan on flying to Orientation, you’ll take your bike on the plane with you. Ask a local bike shop if they have an empty bike box for you. You’ll want to watch this video for tips on or ask a bike shop if they will do it for you.

Gear Up Florida Kick-Off

The 2022 Gear Up Florida team will depart for Boca Raton on Saturday, May 14. Kick-off will begin by 7:30am at Bayfront Park (301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132). If you are interested in joining us for this send-off, please arrive at 7:00 a.m.

Sites to See

Miami is a wonderful place full of history and things to do. Below are some local attractions in Miami and its surrounding areas:

Bayfront Park
Key Biscayne
Coral Castle
Zoo Miami
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Wynwood Walls

Hotel Accommodations

Parents and family members are responsible for booking their own accommodations while in Miami. You are welcome to stay at the same hotel as the team (Courtyard Miami Dadeland), but please know that the team’s schedule is full for the majority of their time in Miami. There is no group rate at the team’s host hotel, but you can book at the best available rate here.