In 1987 Bruce Rogers took it upon himself to spread the word of Push America by cycling across America. What he didn’t know at that time is that his efforts would be repeated every year by more and more Pi Kappa Phis, making The Journey of Hope one of the largest events sponsored by Push America. Today this journey is comprised of about 90 cyclists on three unique routes, cycling over 12,000 miles combined. The Journey of Hope is a cross country bicycle trek beginning in San Francisco or Seattle, and ending together 9 weeks later in Washington DC.
Raising Awareness
Along the way, each team reaches out to communities through newspapers, radio, and television, reaching millions of people each year to talk about the abilities of people with disabilities. After an average day of 75 miles, you won’t find the team members resting or preparing for the next day. You may, however, find them dancing at a friendship visit with a local group that supports people with disabilities, or participating in a game of wheelchair basketball. You may find them being interviewed by a local media station, as the Mayor declares it to be Push America Day. You may also find the team members performing a puppet show to teach children about the abilities of people with disabilities.
Raising Money
Each cyclist has pledged to raise a minimum of $5,000 for Push America, and each crew member $2,500, before the Journey begins. As a team, the Journey of Hope raises over $500,000 each year for Push America. This money goes directly back into Push America to fund the many building projects, and community outreach programs it organizes each year. I have pledged to go above the minimum goal, by pledging to raise $8,000 by the time we hit the road next summer, but I can’t do it without you! Please visit the “Donate” link at the top to see how you can help.
Video from the 2002 ride
I was a crew member on this ride. If you look closely during the opening speech, you can see a much younger me (with a lot more hair) in the background.
David Maulat Danny Redmon Amanda & Amber Donaldson Samantha Reinblatt Malte & Mareike Rick & Cindy Slocum Nico & Corinna Margaret Bayer Linda Parker David Jacobson Family Galen & Karen Van Blaricum Jan Andrick Tim Bradley and Allison Hall Albert & Betty Kutzke Jens Humrich Mrs. Whittemore April Serbus Logan Smith Matt Matheny Rich & Jane Bireta Paul Epp Karlene Gayler Jaymin D. Patel Jack Porter & Marian Hukle Maru & Sunyoung Kim Kenneth & Ruth Stoner Zandra Myrick Craig Van Blaricum Brent Paulger David Henkel Nick Guinan Elmar Brosinsky Remon Ginsburg Dan McNeill & Phoebe Tse Marilyn Bailey Randy & Patty Heil Lloyd & Dorothy Redmon Frank Weilandt Andy Wolf & Stacie Adams Konrad Kerz Edward & Bonnie Redmon Nintendo 64 John Sheu Tim Baird Shaun Honeycutt Dennis Cooley Dean & Andi Burger Lindsay Larson Larry & Pj Davis Greta Elsbernd Jeremy and Stacey Kincaid Chris & Genevieve Decker Matthew & Lindsey Deaver Laura Serbus Christoph Nachtigäller Lynn & Judy Huerter Simeon Platte Aaron & Kristin Huerter Stephan Hähne Bud & Beth Weiler David & Dan Dan Gaus Josh & Lori Heil VeliAd Steve & Janet Serbus Eric Caughey Jean Serbus André Lißner Timo Röver John & Isla Andrick Karen & David Bireta