By Rachel Galvin

Beginning on Sept. 9 and ending on Oct. 31, 25-year-old local FAU graduate Fabio Barbieri will venture on a harrowing and heroic 2,000-mile journey for 51 days across Japan to raise money for those affected by the March 2011 tsunami. His sojourn starts in Japan’s northernmost point at Cape Soya and ends at the Southern tip, Cape Sata. This is the Lighthouse Point resident’s first trip to Japan.

Barbieri, who attended Cardinal Gibbons High, but was a senior at Zion Lutheran and graduated from there, said, “I have traveled a lot and have always wanted to go to Japan. Having recently graduated with an MBA and being done with school for good, I decided to treat myself to a trip. I have been saving up money for a new car, but one day, I thought to myself ‘I could go the safe route … buy my car, get a 9-5 job right away and start saving for a house … or … what else could I do?’ At that point, Japan came into my mind, having always been a dream of mine to go there. So, after some research I figured that, with my budget, the only way for me to see the country would be to camp out. Finally, I said to myself, why not also make it into a fundraiser while I am at it? So I did, and came up with the idea to cycle the length of the country to raise money for disaster relief. You can’t really raise funds unless you do something out of the ordinary, so that’s how the idea came about.”

Barbieri, who graduated with an MBA in Operations Management, does not classify himself as a cyclist or a camping enthusiast, but obviously, he is a philanthropist, using his heart to lead him to give back to those in need. He is hoping to raise at least $5,000 in disaster relief.

Funds will go to Second Harvest Japan, a food bank that will ship supplies to affected people. He will be donating time to work with Second Harvest while in Tokyo. He also will work with All-Hands to help with rebuilding efforts.

Asked what he is most looking forward to, he said, “I am looking forward to reaching Cape Sata (the finish line) and screaming at the top of my lungs in satisfaction!” He added, “ I am afraid mostly of where I will be sleeping at night as I have never camped out in random places, or anywhere for that matter!”

Several companies have pitched in to help Fabio’s journey by providing supplies and discounted services that he may need along the way. He plans on camping out in a tent or possibly in the home of a kind stranger.

He hopes this effort will not only help countless people in Japan, but also open his eyes into a new culture and inspire others who follow his blog. To see pictures and videos of Fabio’s adventures along the way and to help him reach or exceed his goal by donating, visit his site: www.pedalforjapan.com.

Fabio Barbieri hopes to raise over $5,000 for Japan.

By Rachel Galvin

Alfred Baureley

Local cyclist Alfred Baurley knows the importance of hard work. This 17-year-old high schooler from North Broward Prep moved from a novice Category 5 cyclist to a Category 3 status within eight weeks, allowing him to qualify for the USA Cycling Elite, U23 and Juniors Road National Championship, which was held June 22-26 in Augusta, GA.

Although this transformation seemed incredible, the seeds of the determination something like this would take were already set, evidenced by his cycling from Key West to Deerfield in one day last fall (Observer, Sept. 9, 2010). But still, the speed with which he so drastically improved was amazing due to the fact that it usually takes cyclists 2-3 years to make that sort of jump.

Baurely, a member of the Cool Beans Racing Team of Ft. Lauderdale, said, “My team has motivated me to become a better cyclist.”

“Alfred has exceeded all expectations in terms of progressing through the categories as a Junior cyclist,” said David Guttenplan, of Boca Raton, who has been coaching the teen since March. “This is unprecedented and speaks volumes about his potential as a cyclist. It is now a matter of keeping going forward to let his potential shine through.”

Baurley, also affiliated with the professional cycling promoter Z-Motion, has competed throughout Florida. He had a win in a 36-mile race in Homestead followed by other top finishes. Alfred currently ranks at the top of the chart within the Junior category in overall standing in the Bill Bone Pro Am Series.’ With his determination and skill, he has made a name for himself in our state in cycling. So nationals seemed a worthy challenge.

His hard work paid off and at the end of June, he went to Georgia to try his hardest in the national competition.  There, he competed successfully in the 30k individual time trial and earned a strong finish in the hard-fought 50k Downtown Augusta Criterium Race. Then, it was on to the real test, a 2 ½ hour 96k road race on hilly terrain. Held at Fort Gordon, a military reservation originally activated for infantry and armor training during World War II, the competition was steep.

The terrain and climate proved perhaps the most
worthy of opponents. Many dropped out, unable to handle the searing heat. Other cyclists crashed. In the end, out of 147 riders, only 85 crossed the finish line. For Baurley, it was the bicycle itself that gave him trouble. His front wheel hub broke loose in a 45 mph downhill chase. According to his mother, Carina Baurley, an on-site mechanic said the odds of that wheel staying attached were basically non-existent.

“I almost fainted when Alfred lifted the handle bar and fork right off the wheel, after the race,” she said, adding, “We gratefully accept that miracle over the national title!”

Baurley, undeterred, is already planning for the next race.