Spin, sweat, support
All funds raised at Moffat Farm Cycle Club donated to charity
Every spin of a bicycle wheel raises money for charity at the Moffat Farm Cycle Club.
The not-for-profit indoor cycle club, in operation since Dec. 1, 2014, is donating all money raised from session fees — up to $2,000 a month to date — to local charities.
“I am not keeping a dime,” says cycle club founder, instructor and exercise enthusiast Vivek Kumar. “This club is not about financial gain. It is a way to help others and give back to the community.”
The Ottawa entrepreneur inherited 22 stationary bikes when he gave up part-ownership in a westend exercise and yoga studio last year. “The easiest transition was to move everything into my home and convert the basement into an exercise studio,” he explains, adding that, after having lost 150 pounds through adopting a healthy lifestyle, he was determined to continue exercising regularly.
“The studio is beautifully finished,” says club development adviser Denis Giacobbi, the managing partner of Executive Fitness Leaders, who helped prepare the area. “The basement has been transformed with new flooring, mirrors on the walls, electrical and music systems, even disco balls and a stage for the instructor. We ride for charity, community, family, fun, music and health.”
“The classes are always interesting and different,” says physiotherapist Vaida Hick, who cycles at the club three times a week. “I like the way Vivek runs the classes. He switches the types of exercises around and everything is done to music. I often sit beside one of my good friends, so we race each other.
“It’s a lot of fun and it’s about the community,” she adds. “My neighbours and friends are there and it feels good to be doing it for charity.”
The funds that the Moffat Farm Cycle Club raises through its first six months of operation are being donated to Candlelighters, a notfor-profit volunteer organization that supports young cancer patients being treated in Eastern Ontario.
“My stepson, Xander, is a leukemia survivor,” says Kumar, adding that he wanted to express his gratitude to Candlelighters for the support they gave his family during a very difficult time.
He also points out that the Moffat Farm Cycle Club, currently running six classes a week, is open to people of all ages.
“If you can reach the pedals, you can participate,” he says. “To date, we have had riders from eight to 80 in the same class.”
“Something really special is happening at the Moffat Farm Cycle Club,” says Giacobbi. “It’s an incredible initiative developed through the generosity of one individual. It’s the best indoor group exercise deal in town. For only $5 a class you get to spin, sweat and support. And it’s more than just a way of raising money for charity. It’s also about bringing the community together.”
For more information on the Moffat Farm Cycle Club or to book a class, visit www.moffatfarmcycleclub.com.
This club is not about financial gain. It is a way to help others and give back to the community. VIVEK KUMAR, Club founder