Michael Hang, a U. Alabama-Birmingham sophomore, will have a summer he is likely to never forget.
In June Hang will embark on a 4,000-mile cycling journey across the country in an effort to raise money and awareness for people with disabilities.
Hang will be participating in “Journey of Hope” which is a 64-day bicycling trek that will take him to cities across the country including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Washington D.C.
“Journey of Hope is an event that is sponsored by Push America, which is the national charity organization of my fraternity Pi Kappa Phi,” said Hang.
Hang will be riding with around 150 members of Pi Kappa Phi from across the country. Each day the men will do an average of 75 miles with their longest day consisting of 120 miles.
Each day the men will participate in “friendship visits” with local organizations in each city.
“Friendship visits consist of various types of programs where we partner with local churches and community centers. The visits may include dances with people with disabilities, going out to movies, going to an amusement park—just getting to spend time and interact with them and also giving presentations,” said Hang.
The toughest part of the journey for Hang might be the 75-100 mile daily treks in rain or shine. Hang, who had never been on a road bike prior to this, said he decided to become a cyclist because of this event.
“Once school is over I will definitely step up training. Right now I’m riding about 30 miles every time I get on the bike. The biggest thing is getting miles on the bike and being able to go 60, 80, 90 miles each time you get on the bike and so that’s what I will be looking to do,” said Hang.
He also said because of his training he has a newfound respect for hills.
“When you’re in a car you just kind of cruise over hills and don’t think much about it but whenever you see a hill coming your way on a bike you have the most negative thoughts because it is tough,” said Hang.
Before Hang can participate in the event he must raise $5,000 minimum. Currently, he has raised just under $2,600.
Hang encourages people who would like to contribute to send a text message.
“People can donate $5.00 by texting the phrase PUSH255 to the number 50555,” said Hang.
Brad Watts, Hang’s fraternity brother, couldn’t be more excited to support Hang on his journey.
“I am very proud of him. It is a very selfless sacrifice not only for our fraternity but for people for disabilities,” said Watts.
“One of the things that is really emphasized when you join our fraternity is, ‘It’s not about you, it is about doing something greater than yourself,’ and that’s what Push America is and I think Michael does a good job representing that,” added Watts.
The brothers of Pi Kappa Phi have been helping Hang fundraise and also plan to host an event when the Journey of Hope makes a two-day stop in Birmingham in July.
Hang hopes to gain many things from his summer journey.
“I know that this is going to be one of the biggest, best memories and challenges of my life. The biggest thing that I hope to gain is definitely the experience of helping people out,” said Hang.
He also looks forward to the bond he will form with his fellow Pi Kappa Phi brothers from across the country and getting the opportunity to travel the country.
“Being able to see the country from the seat of a bike and knowing that I will be making an impact on someone’s life at the same time is an amazing feeling,” said Hang.
Finally, he also hopes to change people’s minds about what a fraternity is all about.
“I really want to change the way people look at fraternities. That fraternity stereotype is not what a fraternity is about. It is about service, giving back to the community, and brotherhood,” said Hang.
For more information on Hang and his journey visit https://secure.pushamerica.orglmichaelhang.