Information Technology Services (ITS)
IT@UofT People — Sebastian Toncu
Published on: December 16, 2024
The backbone of any successful team is its hard-working people. The University of Toronto’s Information Technology Services (ITS) unit is no exception. It is made up of a diverse range of people with an even greater diversity in their interests and talents.
In this segment, entitled “IT@UofT People,” we will get to know our IT@UofT team across the tri-campus community and find out more about their hidden or not-so-hidden talents and/or pursuits outside of work.
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Department: Information & Instructional Technology Services, U of T Scarborough
Title: Senior Analyst, Web Operations
How long have you worked at U of T?
I have worked here, on the Web Operations team, for 15 years.
What is your secret or not-so-secret talent or hobby outside of work?
I enjoy mountain biking.
How and why did you get involved in this hobby?
I live in Leaside, Toronto. The area is home to the Don River Valley and has a vast network of mountain bike trails. When COVID hit, a neighbour asked if I was interested in going on a bike ride with them. I just had an old Canadian Tire bike, but I thought I would give it a try. After all, I had some previous experience riding at Silent Lake provincial park about five years earlier.
Turns out I was in for a shock. The level of difficulty was advanced and there were more trails than expected. On the bright side, I enjoyed being outdoors and appreciated the natural beauty – I couldn’t believe this was possible in the middle of the largest city in Canada. After the initial dread I had going on a narrow single-track rooty trail with large exposure on one side, and afterwards moving onto some green beginner trails, I knew then and there I was going to be hooked. This was perfect – I could just bike from my house to these trails in 10 minutes and have my own adventure out in nature.
This hobby not only kept me sane, but really happy during COVID. The challenge now was to buy a bike, since there were supply issues at the time, but I was lucky and was able to purchase my first hardtail. A year later, I knew I needed a better bike, so I got lucky again, and was able to buy a full suspension trail bike.
Do you have any professional training in this field?
I took both group and private lessons, and they certainly helped.
Do you have any outstanding memories or accomplishments from this hobby?
Certainly. I often ride with other people, so I found this to be a great social activity. I have great memories riding with both of my daughters and my friends and also making new friends this way. During COVID, I contacted Ron Crozier from UTSC athletics to ask how he was, and it turned out he had his own riding group, which I later joined and ended up meeting some new amazing people.
As for accomplishments, after more than four years of riding, I conquered some of the toughest trails in the Don, and I am still getting better and faster all the time. The sport is actually very complex, and the journey of improvement never seems to end. I can climb tougher hills, turn tighter switchbacks or go down steeper technical terrain.
Who/what are your inspirations?
I am inspired by a neighbour I met recently, and I now ride with. He just moved here from British Columbia, he is more than 10 years older than me and he is an amazing rider. He made me more ambitious about getting into drops (dropping off a bridge or another straight feature), since he is very good at taking air.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This sport checks many boxes for me and keeps me happy. It’s a fun workout that doesn’t feel like a chore. Being in nature provides fresh air and a calming effect. It helps improve balance and grip, which can decline with age if not maintained. Riding with others adds a social element, while learning new skills and practicing focused attention benefits the brain.