SANDPOINT — A cycling group’s yearly pit stop at Sandpoint makes all the difference to the Panhandle Special Needs, Inc. community. 

The Journey of Hope, a TransAmerica cycling team made up of 27 Pi Kappa Phi fraternity members, made a visit to PSNI, Inc. — a local nonprofit that specializes in empowering individuals to achieve their highest level of independence — on June 12 to enjoy lunch and games, and to create everlasting memories.  

The team enjoyed a pulled pork lunch while mingling with different PSNI members and learning about the PSNI culture. Each stop made by Journey of Hope features a friendship visit, allowing cyclists the opportunity to spend quality time with everyone with a disability. These visits, according to a Journey of Hope press release, provide opportunities to build lasting connections and reinforce the message that people of all abilities deserve inclusion and respect.   

"We had a great time visiting Sandpoint and loved the warm welcome and hospitality we received," said Project Manager Matt Guerrero. “It was very meaningful for our team to visit the Panhandle Special Needs and get to know them at a deeper level and what their day-to-day life is like. Everybody was so welcoming and really made us feel special.”   

The cycling team traveled 55 miles to get to Sandpoint, which is just one of 75 stops the team will make over the summer. Cycling from Seattle to Washington, D.C., the Journey of Hope crew has dedicated their summer to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities.  

The almost 4,000-mile ride is organized by The Ability Experience, a national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. As part of the ride, team members on the crew commit to raise a minimum amount on behalf of The Ability Experience. With the help of unspecified corporate sponsorships, the Journey of Hope campaign is expected to raise over $450,000 to support organizations that empower people with disabilities.   

The team that visited Sandpoint is one of two crews that are currently biking across the country. 

“Journey of Hope is about spreading acceptance and understanding,” said crew member Jack Benedetto. “Our riders are dedicated to uplifting the disability community while challenging themselves in incredible ways. We are grateful for the opportunity to visit Sandpoint and make a difference for those with disabilities. It truly made our time there memorable.” 

    Journey of Hope cyclists with Panhandle Special Needs