The Ability Experience stops by Tesh in Coeur d'Alene

COEUR d’ALENE — For 27 cyclists on a cross-country ride with The Ability Experience, the journey isn’t about the miles.

It’s the connections they’ll carry with them long after they reach their destination, like the ones forged Wednesday as the cyclists joined Tesh clients for a barbecue lunch.

“It’s super cool to meet people that experience life differently than myself,” said cyclist Nick Monaghan.

The Ability Experience is a philanthropic initiative of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity that intends to educate not only Pi Kappa Phi's men, but also the public “on the abilities of people with disabilities and the importance of putting a person before their disability.”

The men began the Journey of Hope to Washington, D.C., from Seattle on June 4 and will make stops at organizations like Tesh along the way.

The group is one of three that will ultimately converge in D.C., with one starting in San Francisco and the other in Santa Barbara.

So far, the cyclists have raised $413,352 of their $600,000 goal. Proceeds go toward programs for people with disabilities.

“By the time they get to D.C., they’ll be completely different people,” said Ishmael Sevilla, The Ability Experience operations manager. “We do it for a good reason, and we all have our personal reasons, too.”

Tesh, a private, not-for-profit organization established nearly 50 years ago, offers development services, pre-employment, employment, independent living and life skill services for people with disabilities in North Idaho.

Tesh clients planned Wednesday’s luncheon as part of several of their classes and hosted The Ability Experience during their ride last summer as well.

“Part of our job here is fostering inclusion, and having people come in and spend time with them is pure joy,” said Tesh CEO Marcee Hartzell.

Hartzell said many Tesh clients spend most of their lives in North Idaho, and events like Wednesday’s gathering are a bridge to the wider world.

“That inclusivity piece is so important,” Hartzell said.

The cyclists likewise find community on the path to the nation's capital.

“Everyone comes in from all over the country for this,” said cyclist Wesley Bodwell. “It’s pretty cool.”