J
ust over two years ago, nine cycling friends banded
together and realized the need for a cycling club that
focuses on living a healthier lifestyle through cycling and
healthy eating, with a focus on eating a whole-food, plant-
based diet. Now approaching 350 members strong, the group’s
footprint in the Pittsburgh region continues to make its mark.
The Premier Bicycle Club (PBC) was founded in November
2016 in Gibsonia. The organization began with a diverse group
of community-based individuals including lawyers, doctors,
salespeople, students, business owners, health care professionals,
retirees and more. Today, PBC’s Executive Council includes
founding members Robert Vano (President), Tom Rudy
(Treasurer), Ray Brodersen (Director), Mark Jopling (Director)
and Corinne Vano (Director). The rest of the Executive Council
includes Jodi Bailey (Vice President & Sponsor Coordinator),
Bridget Ferris (Secretary & Director) and Antonio-Javier Lopez
(Director).
“With more than 70 years of cycling experience combined,
we understand what the cycling community wants and needs,”
says Robert Vano. “We are people with different backgrounds
but a shared interest in coming together to provide a positive
and supportive environment that encourages a healthy lifestyle
for recreational cyclists of all levels, to improve their skills and
to participate with others in the joys of cycling. We have a strong
conviction that cycling is more enjoyable when each of us takes
a comprehensive approach to a healthier lifestyle.”
PBC is the only club in Western PA that is consistently creating
opportunities for cyclists of all levels to participate in group rides
and various cycling events.
The club recommends a whole-food, plant-based diet because
it is backed by significant research. Research is proving that eating
more whole foods and plants reduces the risk of diabetes and
cardiovascular disease. Grocery store shelves are offering more
plant-based food options—a sign that the research is proving that
it is becoming a necessary way of life. “The Premier Bicycle Club
embraces facts that support the latest research and realizes it is
not an easy street to travel when transitioning from a standard
American-fare diet,” adds Vano. “We’ve learned that more success
is achieved when we all work together.”
PBC hosts five major club events throughout the year
including the Spring Kick-Off Ride and Party in April and the
Celebration Ride in May. The Shenandoah & Skyline Drive
Tour, held in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is the group’s largest event,
with comfortable accommodations, shopping, healthy eating,
fantastic riding opportunities in the scenic Shenandoah Valley,
socialization opportunities and more—all in a more intimate
setting. “Our members get to know
each other even better at this event
because it creates a perfect experience
for people to do something unique
together,” says Vano. “Whether it
is a casual ride through the valley
or a challenging ride to the top
of a mountain, our members do it
together and encourage and support
each other. New friends are made. This
event alone attracts new members
Members of PBC—representing males and females of all ages—show off
their club jerseys during a trip to Italy last June.
from as far away as parts of West Virginia; Columbus, Ohio; and
Harrisburg, Pa.”
New this year, PBC’s Wine Tour Rendezvous event will be
held in Erie and involves three days of riding opportunities in
Erie Wine Country while visiting several wineries each day. The
club will wrap up the year with its Fall Foliage Ride and Annual
Membership Meeting, Auction and Party. “We created these
large events to bring people together to laugh, socialize and learn
from each other,” explains Vano.
In addition to big events, PBC offers regular weekly rides in all
regions of Pittsburgh led by trained ride leaders, and encourages
members in each region to organize and lead other rides in
their communities. One of the largest groups gathers on Saturday
mornings at the Northern Tier Regional Library on Dickey
Road in Gibsonia—attracting anywhere from seven to 45 riders
and multiple ride leaders guiding riders of different levels on
mostly quiet country roads. Other regular group rides include
the North Pittsburgh Country Ride, North Classic Ride, North
Park to Sewickley Ride, Il Gruppo Ride, Sewickley Hills Ride,
Waterfront Ride and more.
“Becoming a part of PBC is simple!” says Vano. As a 501(c)
(3) nonprofit corporation, the annual membership donation is
only $25 for an individual and $40 for a family. All donations
support the club to pay operating expenses and are used to serve
its mission in the Pittsburgh region by offering cycling events and
regular rides that help members live the lifestyle they desire.
“We look forward to more people in the Pittsburgh region
becoming members of the largest cycling club in the Western
PA region while living a healthier lifestyle through cycling
and healthy eating. Having a support group like PBC is an
important component to each individual’s success,” says Vano.
“I relate our success to having a fantastic group of people who
see what we are doing is good for the community as a whole. We
provide opportunities to those who are interested in being a part,
while not breaking their bank account.” n
UPCOMING EVENTS
With Premier Bicycle Club
May 18—Celebration Ride
July 24-28—Shenandoah & Skyline Drive Tour
September 20-22—Wine Tour Rendezvous
Robert Vano
» For more information about the club, upcoming rides and events, visit PremierBicycleClub.org.
PINE-RICHLAND
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SUMMER 2019
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