Troy student bikes across the country for Journey of Hope

A Troy student biked over 3,000 miles to raise awareness and money for people with disabilities over the summer. 

The Journey of Hope sees 50 Pi Kappa Phi brothers cycle across the country to promote inclusion and build community. Loftin Worthington, a senior broadcast journalism major from Troy, participated in the Journey of Hope cross-country trip. 

“I was inspired to do this by my friend, Russ Oliver, who did this same trip in 2022,” Worthington said. “This journey was about community and overcoming challenges.” 

There were many challenges Worthington faced throughout his journey, including a crash that separated his collarbone and tore three ligaments. This did not keep Worthington sidelined long, however, as he was back riding a week and a half later. 

“I was disappointed that I got injured, but I just wanted to recover fast and get back on [soon],” Worthington said. “My favorite part of the trip was Iowa because this is when I got back on, and I was riding better than when I crashed.” 

The trip was a long and grueling journey for the riders as they had to wake up early in the morning and travel all day until their next stop, with the longest day being 130 miles to Salt Lake City. To prepare for the expedition, cyclists needed to have reached a certain number of training miles. 

“I had to have 1,000 training miles,” Worthington said. “I would log on to Strava, and I would ride around Troy with friends who were experienced riders.  

“They were teaching me tricks for me as a rider and showing me mechanical tricks.” 

Throughout the trip, Worthington raised $6,500 for different charities and organizations, with him making a $500 donation to Dean Herbert Reeves for the Alabama Special Olympics. Worthington plans to continue raising money while cycling. 

“I plan to do another trip from Miami to Tallahassee in the spring with Gear Up Florida,” Worthington said. 

Gear Up Florida is like Journey for Hope, as it hopes to raise awareness for those with disabilities across the state of Florida. Worthington has not ruled out participating in Journey for Hope again, but in a different role. 

In an interview with Troy today, Worthington said, “I am thinking about doing JOH again, but being a photographer and in a car instead of biking, because it would be good for my resume as a videographer. I would do the Trans American route instead of the North route so I can see what I missed this year.” 

Worthington is continuing to raise money for local Alabama disability organizations. Worthington encourages students with questions to reach out to him by email at lworthington224055@troy.edu.