The Gravel Experience at Bike Fest
Bike Fest is bringing a full day of cycling energy to Trail Hub this July, with the Gravel Fondo offering riders a chance to explore the surrounding road network, rolling terrain, and countryside views before returning to the Festival & Expo Village.
With both short and long course options, the Gravel Fondo is designed to give riders different ways to take part. For some, it will be a new challenge and a first step into gravel events, for others it will be a bigger endurance test with enough distance, terrain, and event-day atmosphere to make the day feel memorable from the first pedal stroke to the final return to Trail Hub.
To help riders get ready, we caught up with Vito Barbera for his take on the course, the riding experience, and what makes this part of Bike Fest worth adding to your summer calendar.
The Rider Helping Shape the Route
Vito Barbera is the owner-operator of B1 Gruppo Inc. and a sponsored rider with Sava Bikes Canada. During the 1980s, he raced across North America and Europe, competing alongside names like Steve Bauer, Greg LeMond, and Francesco Moser.
More recently, Vito has qualified six times for the Masters World Championships, won overall and in his age category at Centurion Canada, and finished 4th overall and 1st in his age group at the Hincapie Gran Fondo. Through B1 Gruppo, he has organized and supported major cycling events, including the Terry Fox-inspired Vito’s 24-4 24-hour ride, the O-CUP Championship Race at Mosport Raceway with the OCA, the Luce Ride in partnership with Sunnybrook Hospital, Giro D’ Cucinetta in Woodbridge, the upcoming Gran Fondo King in King Township. The B1 325 is a supported 325 km ride from North Toronto to Collingwood and back, completed in a single day from dusk until dawn.
With a lifelong passion for cycling and deep experience in both riding and event development, Vito brings a thoughtful perspective to the gravel side of Bike Fest.
The Gravel Lowdown: Course Tips from Vito
Gravel riding is about more than distance. It is about pacing, terrain, route rhythm, and the kind of day that asks riders to stay steady, stay fueled, and keep looking up long enough to enjoy where the road is taking them.
As one of the partners helping bring Bike Fest to life, we caught up with Vito to get his take on the Gravel Fondo, from course design and route feel to what riders should know before choosing between the short and long course.
Q: What was the main vision behind the gravel side of Bike Fest?
The main vision, as it has always been, is to bring cyclists of all disciplines together for an unforgettable day of riding, creating an experience that’s fun, exciting, and welcoming for everyone.
Q: When you were thinking about this course, what kind of riding experience did you want people to have?
When designing the course, the main goal was to create a route that would be fun and exciting for gravel bikes, while still being manageable and enjoyable for road bikes with larger tires. Again with the goal of bringing more people together.
Q: How would you describe the overall feel of the route?
The overall feel of the route is adventurous, scenic, and challenging in all the right ways. Designed to showcase the best of the region’s gravel roads and rolling terrain, the course delivers a mix of fast sections, punchy climbs, smooth flowing stretches, and beautiful countryside views. It’s a route built to keep riders engaged and excited from start to finish — demanding enough for experienced gravel riders, while still approachable and enjoyable for road riders using wider tires and the right setup.
Q: What kind of terrain can riders expect throughout the course?
Riders can expect a mix of rolling gravel roads, hard-packed dirt sections, quiet country roads, and flowing terrain with plenty of elevation changes. The course is adventurous and fun for gravel bikes, while still manageable for road bikes with wider tires. The long will likely be 113km and the short will likely be sub 65km.
Q: What makes this course different from someone’s regular weekend gravel ride?
What makes this course different is the combination of adventure, variety, and atmosphere. It’s not just another gravel ride – it’s a fully designed experience with scenic roads, challenging terrain, great support, and a fun event energy that brings riders together for an unforgettable day on the bike.
Q: Is there a section of the route that you think riders will remember most?
Yes, one of the most memorable sections will definitely be the KOM/QOM climb. It’s a challenging but rewarding climb that will test riders while delivering incredible views and a real sense of accomplishment at the top.
Q: Who is the short course best suited for?
The short course is best suited for riders who are newer to gravel riding, road cyclists looking to try mixed terrain, or anyone wanting a fun and challenging experience without taking on the full distance. It’s approachable, rewarding, and designed to be enjoyable for a wide range of riders.
Q: Who is the long course best suited for?
The long course is best suited for experienced gravel riders, endurance cyclists, and riders looking for a bigger challenge. It’s designed for those who want to push themselves, take on the full adventure, and experience everything the course has to offer, including the KOM/QOM climb.
Q: For someone debating between the short and long course, how should they decide?
Riders should choose the course based on their experience, fitness, and goals. The short course offers a fun and rewarding gravel experience that’s more approachable, while the long course is for riders looking for a bigger endurance challenge and the full adventure experience.
Q: What would you say to a mountain biker who is curious about trying the Gravel Fondo?
I’d say this is the perfect event for mountain bikers looking to try something different. The course still delivers adventure, challenging terrain, and fun technical sections, but with the speed and flow that make gravel riding unique. It’s a great mix of endurance, scenery, and excitement.
Q: What kind of goal should a first-time gravel event rider set for themselves?
For a first-time gravel event, the best goal is simply to finish, enjoy the experience, and learn. Gravel riding is about adventure as much as performance, so pacing yourself, staying fueled, and having fun on the course should be the main focus.
Q: What should riders keep in mind when it comes to hydration, nutrition, and pacing?
Riders should focus on pacing themselves early, staying consistent with hydration and nutrition, and not waiting until they feel tired or dehydrated to fuel. Gravel events can be demanding, so smart pacing and regular eating and drinking are key to having a strong and enjoyable day on the bike.
Q: What is one common mistake riders should try to avoid?
One common mistake is going out too hard too early. Riders often get caught up in the excitement and burn too much energy in the first half of the ride. Smart pacing, steady effort, and proper fueling usually lead to a much better overall experience.
Q: Why should riders plan to stick around after they finish in your opinion?
Because the event is about more than just the ride! Sticking around after the finish is part of the experience, sharing stories, relaxing with other riders, enjoying the atmosphere, food, music, and celebrating a great day together as a cycling community.
Q: What would you say to someone who is interested but still sitting on the fence?
I’d say just go for it. Gravel events are one of the most welcoming and rewarding experiences in cycling. Whether you’re coming to challenge yourself, explore new roads, or simply enjoy a great day on the bike, you’ll finish with great memories, new connections, and a real sense of accomplishment.
Final Words of Wisdom
Whether you are new to gravel, coming over from road or mountain biking, or looking for a longer endurance challenge, the Bike Fest Gravel Fondo is designed to give riders a day that feels adventurous, supported, and worth sticking around for after the ride!
Registration closes Friday, July 3 at 6 pm, and day-of registration will not be available, so make sure to register early and start preparing! Register for Bike Fest
About the Author
Trail Hub is your premier destination for adventure in the Greater Toronto Area. Situated in the Durham Region, we are trailside to more than 240 km of trails perfect for biking, hiking, disc golf, and skiing. Our chalet offers farm-to-table dining, breathtaking vistas, and memorable events such as corporate gatherings and weddings. Immerse yourself in the nature and vibrant community at Trail Hub.
Explore. Experience. Connect.