An 800- to 3,500-mile bike ride may seem an impossible feat for some, but for six members of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, 407 Welch Ave., this will serve as an opportunity to raise money and awareness for those with disabilities while learning many life lessons.Members Jay Lettow, sophomore in graphic design, Rich Dickinson, senior in management information systems, Dan Klocke, junior in mechanical engineering, and David Adickes, senior in agricultural systems technology and animal science, will travel across the country on a 3,500-mile bike ride beginning at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and ending at the steps of the capitol in Washington, D.C., Lettow said.The Journey of Hope will begin June 10 and end August 11. The riders will stop in Ames July 16, about halfway through the trip, Lettow said.Each cyclist in the Journey of Hope must raise $4,000, and each crew member must raise $2,000, he said.Gentrie Ouverson, freshman in aerospace engineering, and Josh Sheffler, freshman in pre-business, will each raise $1,500 for Gear Up Florida while riding from Miami to Tallahassee. Gear Up Florida covers about 800 miles and will run from May 11 to May 26, Ouverson said.These two events are part of Pi Kappa Phi’s national philanthropy, Push America. All of the money raised will benefit Push America and will be given in the form of grants to camps and services assisting people with disabilities.Camp Sunnyside in Des Moines has been the recipient of multiple grants from Push America, said Adickes, Pi Kappa Phi president.”This is a great opportunity to build nationwide brotherhood and work with our fraternity brothers to benefit such a great cause,” Lettow said.In order to participate in this philanthropy, the men went through an application and interview process to ensure their interest and understanding of the cause. The applicants had to write three one-page essays which focused on their past experiences with the disabled, why they wanted to participate in the particular event and their personal mission statement, Ouverson said.”I couldn’t think of a reason not to do it,” he said.After learning of their acceptance shortly following winter break, the men began their $17,000 fund-raising efforts. In addition to corporate and alumni sponsorship, the men have created a fund-raising competition between the sororities of the ISU greek community, Lettow said.The five sororities that raise the most money for the cause will have their greek letters displayed on the bikes or helmets of the men, said Adickes, Pi Kappa Phi president.Adickes rode in the Journey of Hope last year and will spend this summer traveling as a crew member for the team.Adickes said a typical day on the Journey of Hope begins with breakfast followed by a team prayer. The men are on their bikes by 7 a.m. and travel an average of 75 miles a day. Upon reaching their destination for the evening, they shower and then participate in a “friendship visit,” which centers on awareness and acceptance of those with disabilities, he said.A friendship visit may include a dance, softball game or picnic in the park. The men also put on a puppet show known as the “Kids on the Block Program,” which teaches children in elementary school about people with disabilities, Adickes said.The men spend most of their nights in churches or high school gymnasiums, he said.While Adickes said it’s difficult to put his experience into words, he is sure it’s something that will stay with him forever.”It was the best thing that I have ever done in my life. It opens your eyes to society and helps you with your own personal development,” he said.Anyone wishing to donate to the cause may contact David Adickes at 292-5266, extension 302.