A group of 24 Alpha Sigma Phi members will make the bike trip around Lake Michigan on bicycles, followed by vans that carry their food and other necessities for the trip. The trip runs on one-hour intervals, with teams of four bicyclists taking turns riding the bikes.
Cycling for Independence is a very exciting and grueling event, explains Mark Rambo, Alpha Sigma Phi member. We are on the road for an average of ten hours a day for seven days straight.
Each year the chapter has had the goal to raise $10,000 (approximately the cost to raise and train one CCI dog). In previous years the fraternity has averaged $5,000 per year in donations for their philanthropy.
We have found nothing but support on our trip around Lake Michigan, says Rambo. We really take this event to heart.
Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) is a non-profit organization that provides highly trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities and to professional caregivers. The assistance dogs trained to be Canine Companions are matched with individuals as service, hearing, skilled, companions, and facilities dogs.
On the fifth night of the trip, a crowd of CCI employees, volunteers, and dogs from the Chicago area welcomes the group. The CCI welcoming committee hosts the riders and supporters for a good meal and some personal time with the canines.
Being able to see people that are affected by the money we are raising and playing with the puppies really makes the riding worth it, says Matt Geik, President of Alpha Sigma Phi.
