Empowering Youth for 20 years
El Grupo empowers youth through bicycles. Through our in- and afterschool programs, all youth regardless of socioeconomic background develop bike and life skills.
Bicycles are used as a vehicle, literally and figuratively, to positively develop youth through self-trust, communication skills, and goal-setting. Because of El Grupo, youth not only learn how to navigate streets, but they also learn the skills required to effectively navigate the world.
El Grupo provides youth with bike-centered experiences that are both fun and challenging. We embrace all forms of cycling from road and mountain bike racing to bicycle touring and daily commuting. Through the use of bicycles, El Grupo's goals are to:
Encourage youth to become life-long bike enthusiasts
Teach responsibility, self-trust, and leadership skills
Empower youth to set and achieve personal and community goals
Educate and inspire youth to overcome obstacles
Make riding bikes safe, fun, accessible, and cool
Our history
2004
The beginning
Founded by Ignacio Rivera de Rosales and Daniela Diamente through a bicycle riding class at City High School. Eight non-athletic teenagers and recycled bikes trained for nine months to complete a 27-mile event.
Spring 2005
A name and a mission
Youth selected the name "El Grupo." Riding and outreach were core from the start, collaborating with BICAS and Pima County DOT.
Spring 2007
Firsts
First self-contained bike tour and first bike race.
2007 to 2008
Growing independent
Youth from other schools joined. Separated from CHS, attained a clubhouse, and incorporated as a 501(c)(3).
2009 to 2010
Expanding programs
Integrated mountain biking, with more youth, more events, and more outreach.
Summer 2011
Summer Bike Camp
Began the Summer Bike Camp program for youth aged 7 to 14.
December 2011
Local Hero Award
Head Coach Ignacio Rivera de Rosales received the Local Hero Award for his work with El Grupo, presented by Tucson Weekly.
March 2012
United Way Award
Recognized "In Recognition of Fostering the Next Generation of Healthy Youth."
May 2012
Emerging Champion for Children
El Grupo and Head Coach Ignacio Rivera de Rosales received the Emerging Champion for Children Award from Child & Family Resources.
December 2012
Girls only try-out
Brought the team ratio to 1:3 female to male.
May 2013
Gates Millennium Scholarship
A rider received the distinguished Gates Millennium Scholarship.
January 2014
New clubhouse
Moved into a new clubhouse with three times the square footage.
March 2014
Ladies Only Bike Clinic
First ever Ladies Only Bike Clinic, presented by El Grupo team girls.
April 2014
Angel Charity beneficiary
Selected as Angel Charity for Children, Inc. Beneficiary.
September 2014
El Grupito
Added the El Grupito Program for youth aged 8 to 12.
January 2015
1st place team
Recognized for first place team by the Women's Cycling Association of Arizona.
December 2015
Junior Cycling Club of the Year
Nationally recognized as "Junior Cycling Club of the Year" by USA Cycling.
November 2016
40 Under 40
Executive Director Daniela Diamente honored with the 40 Under 40 Award by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber for her leadership.
January 2017
Manzo Elementary club
Started an after school bike club at Manzo Elementary, incorporating outreach to Boys & Girls Club.
August 2017
Clubhouse expansion
Expanded into an additional 5,000 sq. ft. of clubhouse space, serving 110 kids in weekly programming.
October 2017
Most Outstanding Program
Awarded "Most Outstanding Out-of-School-Time Program" in the State of Arizona by the Center for After School Excellence.
Spring 2018
A transition begins
Founders formally announce their transition out and begin planning for the future.
August 2018
Gruppetto
Started Gruppetto, a non-competitive bike-packing focused program.
November 2020
New leadership
Sean Pantellere starts as the new Executive Director, collaborating with founders, staff, and board for the next generation of the organization.
March 2026
Grupo Forward
Dr. Jody Bartz returns to El Grupo as the Executive Director and begins to plan and execute Grupo Forward.
And much more to come!
Get in touch.
Have some questions, or want more information? Reach out! We’re happy to help.