TORONTO, ONTARIO–( EMWNews – April 2, 2008) – A new grassroots non-profit organisation is off and rolling on the path of preserving, maintaining, and creating new off road cycling opportunities and promoting culture in Toronto.

“Toronto has world-class trails that have been built and cared for by volunteers over the years; the time for organizing and legitimizing all that hard work, and ensuring the interests of the local riders are met has arrived.” says Timothy Charles, an avid mountain biker and a founding director of Toronto Off Road Bicycling Association (TORBA).

Creating a group that will access and care for Toronto’s natural spaces – many accessed only on foot or by bike – is a key development in the evolution of trails in Toronto. “We will serve, represent and act as ambassadors for Toronto’s off road riders, by listening, planning, and creating effective solutions based on consensus, along with partners, stakeholders, and authorities,” says Charles.

Key to TORBA’s great beginnings is the creation of a significant partnership with founding contributor and housewares giant Umbra Ltd. A chance meeting between Umbra President Les Mandelbaum and another TORBA founder Brian Betsworth, on the trails of the Don Valley in summer of 2007, led to Umbra signing on to formally support TORBA.

“Umbra and its founders have lifelong roots in Toronto. As a kid, I remember playing in the ravines in midtown Toronto in the ’50’s and catching frogs. Later I found myself jogging and now mountain biking with my kids through our magical parks and ravines. I noticed interesting and challenging paths built and maintained by some unknown volunteer enthusiasts. It was great to finally meet these dedicated people and be able to support their efforts to build a permanent Toronto Off Road Bicycling Association.” says Mandelbaum. Umbra has contributed a sizeable donation to TORBA’s start-up.

Umbra took their support further by supporting ongoing fundraising efforts from Umbra’s Concept Store on John Street near Queen West. The Concept Store will contribute a percentage of retail sales and specially marked item proceeds directly to TORBA. Several events are planned in conjunction with Umbra’s retail store and TORBA, with further announcements to come.

“Toronto Off Road Bicycling Association is poised make some real progress this coming spring and summer, and we look forward to some great events with our partner Umbra, as well as other partnerships soon to be announced,” said Charles.

TORBA and Umbra will host a launch event at Umbra’s Concept Store, 165 John Street, on Thursday, May 22nd, 2008, from 7 pm till 11 pm.