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Jax State's James Nichols Becomes First Pi Kappa Phi Member from Delta Epsilon Chapter to Join Journey of Hope Supporting People with Disabilities

by Brett Buckner

Jacksonville, AL (07/15/2025) — Though he's already traveled nearly 1,000 miles-cycling from San Francisco to Park City, Utah, in less than a month-James Nichols' journey has only just begun. It is a journey of endurance, awareness, and brotherhood. Above all, it's a Journey of Hope.

Nichols, a 20-year-old junior majoring in culinary and hospitality management, is representing Jax State's Delta Epsilon chapter of Pi Kappa Phi in the Journey of Hope, cycling more than 8,000 miles to support individuals with disabilities. The 50 cyclists, representing Pi Kappa Phi chapters nationwide, are split into two routes: the TransAmerica route, which began in Seattle, and the North Route, which started in San Francisco. Nichols' trip began in California on June 6, and by averaging nearly 70 miles a day, both groups will converge in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 9.

Nichols is the first member of Delta Epsilon to participate in the Journey of Hope. "No one's ever done it, so it's pretty huge and a great way to promote our chapter," said Nichols, after a 40-mile ride into Park City. "But being able to do this to push myself and be able to raise awareness for people with disabilities, that is a very cool thing."

Even with thousands of miles left to go, Nichols has already earned the respect of his brother at Pi Kappa Phi. "To go and do this bike ride shows his dedication to the organization and the belief behind the organization," said Kaleb Littlejohn, Pi Kappa Phi faculty advisor. "There are a lot of people who say one thing but do another, but he is talking the talk and walking the walk."

By participating in the Journey of Hope, Nichols is not only raising the bar of philanthropic service but also proving the value of fraternities and sororities to a broader community. "This speaks to the Greek life of Jax State," Littlejohn said. "They're all dedicated to a cause, and I think this is just a great look, not only for Pi Kappa but for JSU. I can't express how proud we are of him."

Plus, there's something to be said about being the first and potentially inspiring future members to attempt the Journey of Hope. "They'll talk about him forever," Littlejohn said. "Now, essentially, he's etching himself in the history books as far as Delta Epsilon is concerned."

Nichols, who serves as the philanthropy chairman for Beta Epsilon, first learned about the Journey of Hope back in the spring and was inspired by the challenge. Although he ran long-distance track in high school, he had no experience cycling, so in December, he started training. "I started out working in the gym, on those stationary bikes or running on the treadmill," he said. "Part of that training was also diet - eating well, making sure I was staying hydrated and basically eating a lot of carbs."

Participants were required to have cycled at least 1,000 miles before attempting the journey. "We had to bike every day outside," he said. "That's how we really got experienced for this trip. You can bike inside all day long, but if you don't have the outside mileage or that road experience, then you're not going to be ready for this kind of challenge."

Even training in the Alabama heat wasn't a true representation of the grueling experience of cycling across the country over all types of terrain. "It's been a little harder than I expected," Nichols said. "Where I practiced, there were flats and hills, but on this trip, there have been some really steep hills, plus there's the traffic to worry about and riding in pace lines. It's been a challenge, but the good type of challenge."

There were some things Nichols simply could not have trained for. "It was going to be hard regardless," he said. "But yesterday, we literally rode up a mountain going straight up, so the air quality at like 8,000 feet made breathing tough, but we had to work through it." There are breaks along the way called Friendship Visits where the riders stop at partner organizations to meet with and learn more about those living with disabilities. "I've never been around many people with disabilities," Nichols said. "So just seeing the joy on their faces when we walk in, spending time with them, doing fun activities, that experience will stay with me."

For more information about the Journey of Hope, visit the Journey of Hope - The Ability Experience web page. To support Nichols and his journey, click here.

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