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.
Chris & Genevieve Decker Lindsay Larson Galen & Karen Van Blaricum Josh & Lori Heil Randy & Patty Heil Tim Bradley and Allison Hall Eric Caughey Steve & Janet Serbus Laura Serbus André Lißner Nick Guinan VeliAd Aaron & Kristin Huerter Samantha Reinblatt Rich & Jane Bireta Andy Wolf & Stacie Adams David & Dan Dan Gaus Jan Andrick Dennis Cooley April Serbus Jean Serbus Jack Porter & Marian Hukle Brent Paulger Marilyn Bailey Nico & Corinna Bud & Beth Weiler Lloyd & Dorothy Redmon Shaun Honeycutt Dean & Andi Burger Jens Humrich Edward & Bonnie Redmon Dan McNeill & Phoebe Tse David Jacobson Family Timo Röver Kenneth & Ruth Stoner Greta Elsbernd John Sheu Logan Smith Craig Van Blaricum David Maulat Karen & David Bireta Mrs. Whittemore Elmar Brosinsky Jaymin D. Patel Frank Weilandt Linda Parker John & Isla Andrick Stephan Hähne Lynn & Judy Huerter Paul Epp Danny Redmon David Henkel Matt Matheny Konrad Kerz Albert & Betty Kutzke Rick & Cindy Slocum Christoph Nachtigäller Remon Ginsburg Nintendo 64 Zandra Myrick Matthew & Lindsey Deaver Larry & Pj Davis Malte & Mareike Maru & Sunyoung Kim Simeon Platte Jeremy and Stacey Kincaid Tim Baird Margaret Bayer Karlene Gayler Amanda & Amber Donaldson