Gear Up Florida

Since 1997, over 500 Pi Kappa Phi men have participated in Gear Up Florida. Each year, the team raises over $80,000 to benefit people with disabilities. Gear Up Florida was created with one mission in mind: to reach out to as many people as possible across the state of Florida, spreading a message of acceptance and understanding on behalf of people with disabilities. Gear Up Florida has served that mission well by creating an event that is touted as "The best two weeks of programming The Ability Experience has to offer."

Join the Adventure

Are you interested in an experience you'll never forget, but need a little more information? Check out our important dates and details page to see what you'd be missing out on!
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Meet the 2024 Team

Meet the guys who will be representing The Ability Experience in 2024 on their journey across Florida!
Meet the Team

2024 Itinerary

Take a look at the 2024 Gear Up Florida tentative itinerary!
View 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 | 15 DAYS | 950 MILES

One state, countless memories. This 950-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 in Jacksonville 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.

It’s More than Just a Ride…

“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)

NOW HIRING CREW POSITIONS

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.

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ANSWER THE CALL

One-on-one support from our dedicated staff, a professional 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. Contact Patrick Carlson with any questions.

So, what are you waiting for? Apply today!

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