No. While Illini 4000 is a physically challenging ride, we provide all the endurance and bike training you'll need to prepare for a successful trip. We do conduct an informal workout interview, but your physical fitness or biking experience is not considered in the admissions process.

Our gear program and scholarship opportunities help make Illini 4000 more financially accessible to more students. The gear program rents equipment to riders for a fraction of the cost of buying new. Scholarship opportunities can help offset or waive rider fees and are determined with your acceptance offer once interviews are complete.

Testimonials from the 2025 Bike America Team:
- William Xu:“As someone who had never owned anything bike-related before this ride, I don’t think I could have afforded to complete the journey without the Gear Program. It not only offered me a reliable bike at a great cost but also other tools I never would have found at the same low prices. It truly makes the ride so much more accessible.”
- Katie Kobel:“I had never been a cyclist before I4K, so trying to find the right bike sounded stressful and expensive to me. I decided to rent my bike from the gear program for a cheaper price to decide if I actually liked cycling before committing to buying my own bike. The gear program helped me find a great bike and made going across the country much less stressful!”

We understand that summer schedules can be complicated. While we strongly encourage riders to complete the full journey, we review exceptions on a case-by-case basis. If you anticipate needing to leave early or join late, note that in your application and our leadership will work with you to see what’s possible.

If you’re torn between Illini 4000 and other ways to spend your summer: Illini 4000 is a great way to build leadership skills, a team-oriented attitude, and a unique understanding of the United States’ social fabric. Whether you’re a pre-med student looking for experience or a freshman yearning for adventure, this summer is a transformative experience for all.

No. While Illini 4000 was founded at UIUC, our teams have included students and alumni from colleges and universities across the United States. If you’re passionate about our mission, you’re welcome to apply no matter where you study or live.

Riders are each assigned 2–3 cities to arrange accommodations for the team. These are typically churches, community centers, alumni homes, or other generous hosts. On some nights, especially in national parks, the team camps outdoors.

No. We rent a van that carries all the team bags and gear, and provides support throughout the day should someone need help or need to take a break.

Teams typically have around 9 rest days built into the 76-day trip to allow time for exploration and recovery. Riders are also encouraged to take a break and ride in the support van when they’re not feeling up to biking at any time.

Being a rider is a ton of fun and a life-changing experience! Check out our journals to read about the experience day-by-day, straight from the riders themselves.

Illini 4000 is not a race. We do the ride for completion as a team.

Illini 4000 is not a vacation. While there are many beautiful and exciting places we visit and days off, the trip is a journey with its ups and downs, making it an incredibly rewarding experience.

Applying to Illini 4000 two years ago felt like stepping into a wild adventure. It was hard to imagine how everything would come together, but I knew this was something I had to do. With each step of preparation, the dream moved closer—until Day 1 in NYC, when we rolled out of Central Park, bound for San Francisco.

There’s no doubt that Illini 4000 is a long and sometimes difficult journey, but I truly believe the experience you’ll have—and the impact you’ll make—will positively change your life and the lives of others.