Dillon Rice and Daniel Velasco, two members of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity started the first leg of a bike trip that would span over 300 miles on April 11.
Members took turn riding a tandem bike, a tradition that began in the 1960s, as part of fundraising efforts for the Hope House in Marsing, Idaho, raising nearly $3,700 dollars.
“Hope House is a place that provides not only a home, but also an education for children who come from many different backgrounds,” said Michael Penn, Delta Sigma Phi president. “They rely specifically on donation and don’t take any government money.”
The mission of Hope House is to provide a home and family like atmosphere where love, structured activities and opportunities will allow young people to reach their fullest potential, according to the Hope House website.
Delta Sigma Phi | Courtesy
Penn said the trip took about 24 hours of bike time. A caravan of cars followed the bike, as members took turns riding. The group camped out in New Meadows, biking though McCall Cascade and Eagle the next day before reaching their final destination, the Idaho State Capital Building.
“I rode the bike for the first leg which happened to be one of the tougher sections to ride on,” Velasco said. “But I was cracking jokes and singing with, so it was hard but fun.”
Rice said riding the portion from Moscow to Lewiston was more athletically challenging than he anticipated.
“I have never felt closer to my brothers than spending two whole days biking and caravanning across the state,” Rice said. “Going down the Lewiston grade, even if it was only half, was the craziest experience in the world.”
In past years, Hope House has used funds donated by the fraternity for sporting equipment, a new computer lab, a playground and groceries. Penn said the group is excited to see what this year’s donation brings to Hope House.
Ellamae Burnell can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @EllamaeBurnell