Collegiate Times

Virginia Tech students Fred Angel and Kenneth Lewis are biking across America to raise money for persons with disabilities.

Angel and Lewis are participating in the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s bike ride, Journey for Hope, which stops at locations across the country to meet with organizations that help people with disabilities.

Journey for Hope is the annual bike ride for Push America, Pi Kappa Phi’s national philanthropy since 1977.

“The main focus and purpose is to raise money and awareness for people with disabilities,” said Joey Haynes, spokesman for Push America.

Angel joined Pi Kappa Phi for Push America because he saw it as something that could be beneficial to both him and others.

“The most rewarding part is seeing the smiles on the people’s faces at the friendship visits,” Angel said.

Journey for Hope began in 1988 to raise money for Push America. Those involved with the philanthropy try to find sponsors for participants so the money can go to Push America to benefit organizations helping persons with disabilities.

“I was able to see people’s abilities and not just their disabilities,” Haynes said. 

Each year, Journey for Hope raises $500,000 for Push America. Cyclists bike an average of 75 miles per day, with the longest day lasting 125 miles. According to Angel, they wake up around 5 a.m. and bike for approximately six hours each day.

“The day in and day out grind is the hardest part,” Angel said.

Journey of Hope consists of three teams made up of approximately 30 cyclists and crewmembers. Angel and Lewis are part of the TransAmerica Team, which started in Seattle. The event began on June 9 and will conclude on Aug. 14.  

As the men travel across America, they will stop in cities and towns to visit organizations that support persons with disabilities. At these stops, the men will go on “friendship visits.” On these visits, they present grants to organizations so they can buy supplies and other necessities. 

A memorable experience took place in Denver while visiting the Paralyzed Veterans Association.

“I saw that their challenges are 10 times are hard as what I go through on a daily basis,” Angel said.

Angel, Lewis and the rest of the TransAmerica Team will arrive in Blacksburg on Aug. 6 at approximately 3 p.m. The team will circle the Drillfield and also make an appearance at Steppin’ Out.

A version of this article appeared in the Aug 5 issue of the Collegiate Times.