Annual stop brings together cyclists, community supporters and organizations making a difference for people with disabilities.
The Building People welcomed nearly 50 Journey of Hope cyclists to its Leesburg headquarters on Friday, August 7 as the program’s two cross-country teams came together for their final overnight stop before completing their summer journey at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
A signature program of The Ability Experience, Journey of Hope sends teams of cyclists across the country each summer on two routes covering more than 8,000 combined miles. More than a physical challenge, the journey is built around relationships, awareness, and celebrating the abilities of all people. Along the way, riders participate in Friendship Visits with people with disabilities and community organizations, sharing meals, activities and experiences that create lasting connections.
As the 2026 teams neared the end of their journey, they arrived in Leesburg with an escort from the Leesburg Police Department before riding into The Building People headquarters to cheers from employees, sponsors, community supporters, nonprofit representatives, and family and friends of the cyclists.
This year marked The Building People’s third consecutive year hosting Journey of Hope, turning the cyclists’ Leesburg stop into an annual tradition for the company and its community.
“Journey of Hope has become something we look forward to every year,” said Lawrence Melton of The Building People. “Three years in, it has become a tradition that brings our people, our partners and our community together around something bigger than ourselves. Seeing the riders return, hearing what the journey has meant to them and having the opportunity to support organizations doing meaningful work makes this a very special day for us.”
That spirit of connection and service also reflects the purpose of The Building People’s Heart & Hands Campaign. Through Heart & Hands, The Building People supports organizations that cultivate compassion, resiliency and opportunity through partnerships, giving back, gratitude, mentoring, volunteerism and acts of service.
The Journey of Hope event provided an opportunity to put that commitment into action. During the gathering, The Building People presented donations to MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, Shepherd Center, The 24 Fund, Inc., and The Jack Trottier Foundation. Each organization provides meaningful support, programs, and opportunities for people with physical disabilities and their families.
Bringing these organizations together during Journey of Hope further connected the event to the foundation of Heart & Hands: supporting people and organizations creating positive, lasting change in their communities.
The Building People also recognizes the sponsors whose generosity helped provide meals, lodging and hospitality for the cyclists while supporting The Ability Experience: PCSI, Xcelerate Solutions, ISI Professional Services, Business Benefits Group, Spanky’s Shenanigans, NFP, and LocoTri.
Additional community support was provided by Brookfield Dairy Farm Ice Cream, Leesburg Economic Development, Loudoun Economic Development, and the Leesburg Police Department.
After nearly two months on the road, the cyclists departed Leesburg for the final leg of Journey of Hope and their arrival in Washington, D.C. For The Building People, their departure marked not only the close of another memorable visit, but the continuation of a tradition that brings the Heart & Hands mission to life through community, connection and meaningful support.
