Taking part in a 3,700-mile bike journey across the United States to raise money for people with disabilities is how one ISU student is spending his summer.

Dave Adickes, senior in agricultural systems technology, is riding with 70 other Pi Kappa Phi members from across the country as part of the fraternity’s national philanthropy project, Push America or “The Journey of Hope.”

Adickes and the other Push participants stopped in Ames Tuesday at the Boys and Girls Club, 210 S. Fifth St., to present a puppet show explaining disabilities to children.

Adickes said he’s been having a great experience with Push America. “The trip has been amazing,” he said.

The biking campaign has allowed Adickes to meet many new people, he said. “The cycling, that’s not the main part of the trip,” he said, adding that friendship and the experience of the ride are what he’s valued most this summer.

He said the most challenging part of the trip so far was pedaling through the Rocky Mountains.

“The Rockies really whipped us into shape,” Adickes said.

Adickes, who has completed more than two-thirds of the journey, said the trip has gone by fast. The riders have traveled about 2,700 miles out of 3,700 and will complete their trip Aug. 11 on the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. The entire trip should take about 63 days.

“The Journey of Hope,” in its 13th year, is intended to raise money for and awareness about people with disabilities, said John Powers director of community and corporate events for Push America. “It’s a totally life-changing experience. It puts a lot of things in perspective,” Powers said.

The Journey of Hope is expected to raise more than $350,000 this year by using a combination of team member fund raising and corporate sponsorships. Each team member raised $4,000 in his or her community to participate in Push America.