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2021 Itinerary
THE MISSION
For many people with disabilities, isolation can have a substantial impact on one’s sense of self and well-being. After riding an average of 75 miles a day, our teams are dancing, playing games, or leading campfire songs at a friendship visit with a local group that supports people with disabilities. For many of our partner organizations, our team’s arrival each year is something folks anticipate like a holiday. Gear Up Florida is a unique program that also has the ability to draw the attention of local media in markets across the county. This platform enables us to spread a message of awareness and inclusion everywhere we go and help showcase our partner organizations to broader audiences then they could on their own. Our team also provides additional support to organizations through grants each year.
THE JOURNEY
MIAMI – TALLAHASSEE | 14 DAYS | 800 MILES
One state, countless memories. This 800-mile cycling event kicks off on the shores of Miami, travels through the Florida orange fields, reaches the Gulf coast, passes through Orlando, comes back to the Atlantic coast and culminates at the State Capitol in Tallahassee. The team spreads a message of acceptance and understanding to communities in Florida through newspapers, radio and television, civic groups and community leaders, reaching millions of people annually.
THE DESTINATION
“Now I have purpose. This experience has opened my eyes to what it really means to be a servant leader. Thank you for your support and for allowing me to really see for the first time why I chose to join Pi Kappa Phi in the first place and be a part of The Ability Experience mission on the road. This trip is much more than a 2-week journey. Gear Up Florida has provided a start to a lifetime of service to others and will allow me to carry what I have learned over the past two weeks into every endeavor I take on in the future.” – Kyle Casey, Delta Alpha (Virginia Tech)
DETAILS
WE'LL GET YOU READY
One-on-one support from our dedicated staff, a profession training program from our amazing cycling coaches, and Mentorship from our network of accomplished Pi Alphas is just the beginning.
Did you know most cyclists come in with no road-biking experience? Or that fundraising is daunting for everyone, but we work with you step by step to help you reach your goal. You can even earn useful incentives like a free flight to orientation to cut down on your own expenses for the trip! We’ve helped students and alumni from all over the country participate. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, we’ll give you tools and resources to make it happen.
TALK WITH OUR TEAM
NOW HIRING
Lead the leaders. Gear Up Florida crew positions enable you to and gain professional skills and make your resume stand out. In addition to supporting the team on the road, you’ll lead roles in photography, videography, public relations, social media, health services, finance, community relations, or operations.
Job DescriptionPI ALPHA SOCIETY
A brotherhood of selfless leaders committed to a lifetime of service and excellence.
Everyone who completes either Gear Up Florida, Journey of Hope or Build America is welcomed into the Pi Alpha Society. This exclusive fraternity within the fraternity is an incredible network of more than 2,000 servant leaders still making an impact in the world today. Team members meet with the men who came before them in nearly every city of the trip as they show support for the newest team. From entrepreneurs and CEOs to executives at Microsoft and Google, Pi Alphas are set apart from the societal norm due to their perseverance and commitment to service leadership. They are selfless individuals that put others before themselves. They are leaders that strive for excellence and don’t settle for mediocrity. Lifelong membership means that they continue their dedication to our mission and know how to make the most of every opportunity in life.
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ANSWER THE CALL
What are you waiting for? Apply today, refer a member, or schedule an interest call to learn more. Contact teamservices@abilityexperience.org for questions.