It won’t be long until Loftin Worthington is off on a journey of a lifetime.

Worthington, a member of Pi Kappi Phi fraternity at Troy University, recently received a letter from the fraternity’s national board informing him he had been selected as a rider for the Journey of Hope. The Journey of Hope is a 4,000 mile bike trek from the West Coast to Washington, D.C. Along the way, riders help raise awareness for people with disabilities as well as making several stops to visit and make friends with people with disabilities.

“We’ll make Friendship Visits and play football and games, make friends and generally just show support for people with disabilities,” Worthington said.

Worthington was one of 50 riders selected for the Journey of Hope.

“Someone recommended me,” Worthington said. “I rode a bike as a kid, but I’ve always been more of a runner. But, after getting the offer, I’ve been riding my bike a lot more. I’ve been doing calisthenics to build up my endurance and weightlifting for my upper body strength. When you’re on a bike, you’re bent over at the waist for a long time, so you need your upper body strength.”

Worthington said while training for the Journey of Hope, he’s also raising funds for the cross-country trek. He’s required to raise either $5,000 or $7,500 for the trip. The lower figure is for riders who own their own bike, which Worthington does. But, he said his fundraising goal was $8,000 because he needed money to purchase spare tires, parts and supplies for the journey.

Worthington will depart from San Francisco, Calif., on June 4 and reach Washington, D.C., on Aug. 4. His donation goal deadline is May 1. To donate, visit give.abilityexperience.org/fundraiser/5908014, scan the QR codes at right with your smartphone or make checks payable to Loftin Worthington, 214 Palos Verdes Dr., Troy AL 36079.