Tobacco Trail Bicycle Rentals

AN INTERVIEW WITH "THE BIKE GUY"

Sid Smith has been a cycling enthusiast almost all of his life. He fell in love with the Blue Ridge Parkway and North Carolina after moving to Asheville from Atlanta in 1980. He began exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway and adjacent hiking trails immediately after moving there.

In 1984, Sid purchased his first serious road bike and was invited to go on a 90 mile ride to Hot Springs the next morning. After this grueling introduction to endurance cycling, Sid found himself going out for 100 mile adventures almost every Sunday for the next three years.

After moving away from Asheville, Sid continued to visit the area about four times a year to train for some of the states most popular endurance events. Sid has always shared his love of cycling and hiking with anyone who was willing to listen. It was this feeling of sharing that ultimately inspired him to found TTBR.

Q: Is Tobacco Trail Bicycle Rentals operated by the City of Durham?

A: Tobacco Trail Bicycle Rentals is a private entity operating in Joint Agreement with the Durham Parks and Recreation Department.

Q: How did you come up with this idea?

A: The idea of owning a bicycle rental first came to mind over 12 years ago. I remember packing for a vacation and deciding to leave my personal bike at home, opting for the convenience of renting a bike at my destination. When I discovered that the rental options were limited and that the bikes were in poor shape, I began thinking about operating a bike rental with well maintained bikes of various styles.

Q: How long will TTBR be at Carolina Solite Park?

A: The site at the park is reserved year round. But I'm hoping that the weather permits us to operate through the end of November and maybe on a limited basis through the remaining winter, and back to a full schedule in the spring.

Q: How long is the American Tobacco Trail?

A: The trail once completed will stretch for 23 miles, from downtown Durham to the town of Bonsal near Apex, traversing three counties. Durham has approximately 8.5 miles of paved trail which provides an opportunity to ride 17 miles total, out and back.

Q: Do you plan to have other locations along the trail?

A: I would like to add additional locations if it can be justified considering with trail growth and/or public interest in renting.