Student members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity are helping to establish a cycling club at Northwestern State University.

Building on his experience this Summer on the Journey of Hope, a cross-country cycling trek for people with disabilities, Mitchell Mayfield has worked to create a newly-recognized organization dedicated to sharing the enjoyment of cycling.

Mayfield spent more than a month traveling 4,450 miles from Seattle to Washington, D.C. to raise money and awareness for The Ability Experience, the philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi. Averaging 70 miles between cities each day, he pedaled across the country’s most iconic landscapes and communities. Mayfield is the 16th member of the Beta Omicron Chapter at NSU to have completed the Journey of Hope since 2001.

“This was an absolutely life changing experience, as I had the chance to connect with people across the country. It was so impactful, I felt inspired to continue this effort in my own community,” Mayfield said.

He enlisted the help of 7 other chapter brothers who interested in cycling and began to lay the groundwork of forming a new club sport at NSU. Clubs can compete with clubs and organizations of other colleges and universities. Club sports also fundraise to cover almost all expenses, and teams can request limited funding through a small student fee.

Mayfield credits the guidance of Provost Dr. Greg Handel, who will serve as advisor, NSU Director of Student Engagement Trevor O’Bannon, and Jason Stelly, NSU Associate Director of Competitive Sports.

Stelly, also an alumnus of Pi Kappa Phi, is an avid cyclist.

“Club Sports provides opportunities for students to develop leadership, management and organizational skills, as well as competition, physical activity and social well-being for all participants,” Stelly said. “Joining a club sport gives students a balance of having collegiate sport experience without the intensity of a varsity athletic team. Club sports are a great opportunity to continue an athletic career or learn new skills while also building new friendships.”

Mayfield says he hopes the NSU Cycling Club will contribute to building a stronger campus community and help others develop new friends and skills.

“NSU cycling aims to help others develop into athletes and leaders, while building friendships that will last forever,” Mayfield said. “I can’t wait to bring this opportunity to our community, giving others the chance to find something different for themselves.”

Students interested in learning more about NSU Cycling are invited to connect with Mayfield by emailing mmayfield326977@nsula.edu or following the group on Instagram.

One of NSU Cycling’s first events will be a fundraiser for the Red River Special Olympics on Thursday, November 6. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the group will host a cycling marathon using stationary bikes at the NSU Student Union. People can donate to support Special Olympics or pay to cycle on one of the three bikes. Natchitoches individuals, businesses, and organizations can also have their logo placed on a banner at the vent. Those interested in sponsorships for the Bike-A-Thon, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics, can email Mayfield for more information.