Toronto Off Road Bicycling Association
A Conversation with Brian Betsworth
Cycling in Toronto doesn't have to be reserved for tinkering around Kensignton on your bicyclette. Looking for a ride with some bumps, fresh air and mud? Yeah, we like it a little rough and dirty sometimes.
After meeting Brian at the Sex and The City premiere, it appeared as though we had more to discuss than the topic of the night; "SEX ROCKS" and quickly moved on to "BIKES ROCK!" And guess what? Biking in mud and rocks can be better than sex!
Brian's love for cycling began back in high school. BMXing around the DVP and whizzing around the local parks. His passion for sport lead him to Lakehead University where he excelled in the Outdoor Education Program. Like most grads, Brian's path took an alternative route; he now divides his time between DJing, specialized laser light shows, and being a founding member of TORBA.
The mandate behind TORBA is to work with local authorities, stakeholders and communities to raise awareness and help to preserve, maintain and create off road cycling routes.
Through his work and adventures with TORBA, Brian hopes to promote environmental sustainability and healthy lifestyles for Torontonians.
Often city dwellers forget that terrific and rugged trails exist closer than the nearest H&M. Brian informed me that beyond being a magnificent ride, the trails along the DVP are heritage trails that were used by the North West Company who portaged fur trading up the Don River in the early 1800's. A ride through history – yeeeeah!
Every week, the members of this group – and the general public, are encouraged to meet at the Loblaws Trail Head at 77 Redway Road - 7PM. The group then takes a two-hour bike ride in whichever direction suits their fancy. If you like mountain biking, and can't afford a ticket to BC – this is a terrific way to exert your pent up frustrations from work, connect with nature and see a part of the city otherwise forgotten.
I ask Brian what it is about off road cycling that he loves so much:
"I like moving under my own power, being able to hit awesome speeds without engine. It's sheer exhilaration…the therapeutic value is exceptional."
So if you are sick and tired of inhaling garbage truck exhaust fumes, or fearing for your life when a bitch on their blackberry casually throws a cab door open – perhaps this is something you can venture in to, and fall in love with cycling all over again.
Oh, and in case you are concerned that you don't have the right gear, or are an amateur in this department – it's completely up to you how hard or easy you take it, and often the group divides to take the high and low road.
www.torontooffroad.org