It’s a passion Vito Barbera just can’t let go.
With thousands of kilometres already notched this season, the Aurora cycling enthusiast keeps pushing the pedals.
“There’s got to be a passion, love of the sport,” says the 60-year-old, a lifelong cycling enthusiast and former racer who has been operating B1 Gruppo for the past 13 years as a primary focus, which he supports by working in sales in plastics.
The B1 Gruppo club is a unique cycling initiative in the area, geared to encourage healthy and active outdoor lifestyles. Through the business, Barbera has put together a recreational cycling club, race team and training studio for all levels of cyclists, from beginner to elite. He also curates cycling trips to Cuba, Spain and Italy.
With winter training in the studio well behind them, club members are now actively riding along area roadways.
“We’re sort of known as being an aggressive group of riders…. We do welcome all riders of all levels,” says B1 Gruppo’s Barbera, whose club numbers close to 200.
The recreational group rides six times each week, usually ranging from 20 up to 50 riders, breaking down into different groups as they ride.
Many of the rides are, indeed, aggressive, with riders regularly clocking in 60 to 80 kilometres with some in excess of 100 kms. The riders encourage and challenge each other, getting stronger and faster as the season progresses.
The Monday and Wednesday rides are at a more relaxed pace, with occasional pauses, allowing everyone to gather together during a 45 to 55-km ride over a couple of hours. They’re a no-drop ride, meaning the group stays together so that one gets left behind. They start at Centennial Park in King Township. There is also support available for those looking for tips. That appeals to the newer and less aggressive riders.
Tuesday features a faster ride, which is broken into several groups, to accommodate different speeds for the riders. That ride starts at Victoria Square in Richmond Hill. Thursday is another, faster ride in King Township.
“There’s a ride for everybody, you just put yourself in the right group,” says Barbera.
B1 Gruppo also hosts three events this year. The Luce Ride raised money for the Family Navigation Project at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in May for mental health. The Giro D’Cucinetta ride travels along 90 km and 119 km in Woodbridge on July 14. The B1 Gran Fondo King in the fall is the last event of the season, tracking through King Township.
The club’s annual membership is $159, plus $40 for insurance. That includes a bright jersey which is required for the rides. They’re something of a safety feature, given their visibility, and also makes it easier for club members to remain together. The routes are also chosen with safety in mind. The club has had no incidents involving vehicles.
Barbera says drivers are more cautious when they see a group of riders, particularly those when they’re more visible when they’re in bright colours.
Barbera describes the rides as a social outing, which includes get-togethers after the rides.
“Everyone is welcome to join,” he says. “On the Monday, Wednesday ride, I really take the time to help people who are struggling.”
“It’s a passion I share with others, and try to get people involved. It’s really to bring people together in a healthy, friendly, social way,” concludes Barbera.
