Classic Rides + Charity Rides 2011

We define a classic ride as an event to plan your life around. Centuries, hilly rides, multi-day bike rallies are all events we should prepare for in order to be at our best:

Saturday, May 14, 2011 18th Annual Ride for the Rouge
This annual fundraising ride to benefit the Rouge Foundation starts at 10:00 a.m. with registration at 9:00 a.m. at the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre, 1749 Meadowvale Road (opposite the main entrance to the Metro Toronto Zoo). Ride distances are 25 or 50 km around the Rouge Valley or both routes can be combined for a 75 km ride. Fabulous prizes. Lunch will be provided. For more information, call 416-282-8265 or check their website.

Saturday, May 21, 2011 4th Annual Gran Fondo Niagara
Ride the scenic roads of Niagara in the tradition of the Gran Fondos of Italy. 80 and 120 km routes starting in Rockway Glen Golf Course (near Jordan.) Registration fee $125 (custom event jersey, add $75.) Fee includes pre-ride breakfast and post-ride lunch. Online registration closes May 18. 300 rider limit.

Sunday, Jun 5, 2011 23rd Annual Becel Heart & Stroke Ride for Heart
Cycle the Gardiner Expressway and D.V.P.!

PARTICIPATE! - Join more than 10,000 cyclists and in-line skaters for the annual Ride For Heart event. Cycle the 25km, 50km or 75 km route. Blade the 5km, 10km or 20km route. This is an annual fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario so participants are encouraged to collect pledges. Get full information at www.tbn.ca/rfh2010 or 416-486-RIDE (7433). Early registration is encouraged.

VOLUNTEER! - Conscientious TBN volunteers needed! If you are willing to assist in the event by providing BASIC assistance to cyclists in need, then this opportunity is for you. Ambassadors of the Road (as we are called) usually work in pairs offering assistance to cyclists in need, e.g. those that have a simple mechanical breakdown (flat tire, loose bolt), have crashed (comfort them while waiting for the first aid team to arrive) or need general information (like where the next rest stop is). While not essential it is preferable that one of your team of two will have some mechanical ability-at least able to repair a flat-and you should bring along a pump, patch kit, tire irons and any other useful bike tools you think you might need. Rewards for volunteering? T-shirt, lunch, entry to the event and loads of thankful smiles!! Also, like last year a lucky volunteer will win a voucher for a TBN Jersey ($55 value!)

Volunteer Instructions: TBN Ambassadors of the Road are to meet Joe Hickey from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. at the TBN Tent, Health & Fitness area, west end of the CNE grounds. Bring your TBN membership card to qualify for the draw. T-shirts, and walkie-talkies will be distributed there. Cycling event takes place rain or shine. A limited number of parking passes are available for Ambassador of the Road volunteers. Phone Joe Hickey at 416-269-8947 or email rideforheart@tbn.ca with your mailing address and we will send you a pass in advance or arrange pick up. If you are a non-member of TBN and wish to volunteer, phone Joe Hickey in advance of the event at 416-269-8947.

Sunday, Jun 12, 2011 Tour de Grand 2011
The Fourteenth Annual Cambridge Tour de Grand features eight routes (10/15/25/50/60/72/100/160 km) for every level of cyclist. Scenic rides explore urban and rural areas. Free food and drinks, including lunch. First 1000 registrants receive a free t-shirt. Contact: grandregistrar@rogers.com; 519-622-1087. Registration fee: Individual - $18.00; Family - $40.00 until June 7, "Day of" registrants add five dollars. Register Online

Saturday, Jun 25, 2011 Third Annual Cycle for Sight
Third annual edition of this ride from Toronto to Collingwood coinciding with the Ride for Sight Weekend. This 70 or 140 km journey raises funds for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Registration limited to first 300 riders. Registration deadline, June 1. Fully supported with snacks en route, beverage and dinner celebration at the finish, return bus ride to Toronto and free official Cycle for Sight jersey. $75 non-refundable registration fee, plus $600 fundraising minimum by ride day. Participants must be able to average 20 km/h on event day. Online registration.

Jul 16-17, 2011 Le Tour de Norfolk 2011
5th annual edition of this two-day event on the shores of Lake Erie starting from the Delhi Tobacco Museum & Heritage Centre in Delhi, ON. Ride one day or both. 15/40/75/100/160 km routes available Saturday. 40/75/100 km routes on Sunday. Staggered start times. Adults register for $40 per day before June 28, $45 after. Pre-ride snacks, rest stops and lunch all included. More info.

Sunday, Aug 14, 2011 Pedal 100 for Heart and Stroke
Join friends old and new on country roads winding through the beautiful Niagara Region passing vineyards, wineries and orchards heavy with fruit. Enjoy the challenge of a century: 100 km or 100 miles. 30 km and 60 km routes are also available for the whole family. All routes are fully supported with snacks on the way, and a great lunch and shower facilities at the end. You'll also be eligible for door prizes. Pledges to support the Heart & Stroke are welcome, but not obligatory. Call Pedal 100 Rideline 905-938-8800 or email spritula@hsf.on.ca for more information. Register for the Pedal 100 by phone, 905-938-8800, FAX, 905-938-8811. Registration fee $35 before June 29, $40 after. You can also register in person on August 14. All routes begin and end on Henley Island (Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines). To get there take the QEW to Exit 51 (7th St Louth, NRR 34, head north to Lakeshore Rd, turn right and drive east to Henley Island Drive. web site.

Sunday, Sep 11, 2011 10th Annual Ride for Karen
Started in 2002, the Ride for Karen is an annual cycling event that is held to raise money for charities that help people living with cancer, and those who care for them. In the last nine years the Ride for Karen has raised over $1,400,000, which was used to help build and furnish new cancer care facilities, provide much needed resources for cancer support centers and send kids with cancer to camp. Three children's cancer camps have been selected as the recipients of the proceeds from the 2011 Ride for Karen - they are Camp Quality, Camp Oochigeas and Camp Trillium. The ride will feature three course lengths, a 25km course, a 100 km course for intermediate cyclists and a 160km course for advanced riders. On-course feed station and lunch (100k & 160k event only) provided over the course of the ride, plus a BBQ and draw prizes afterwards. Cyclists should be prepared for a hilly, but fun and scenic ride. Starts at St. Joan of Arc High School, corner of St. Joan of Arc Ave. and McNaughton in Maple. $100 entry fee waived if $250 in pledges are submitted. Event day registration: $150. Complete information at www.rideforkaren.com. For any additional info contact event organizer Kris Tobias, kris@rideforkaren.com; 416-356-5173.

Sep 16-18, 2011 Centurion Canada
The atmosphere and organization of a classic European Gran Fondo imported to Canada. Three routes: 40/80/160 km. Lots of registration options starting at $60.

Sunday, Sep 25, 2011 6th Annual Share the Road for Greg Ride
In June 2006, OPP Sgt. Greg Stobbart was hit by a truck as he rode his bike on a Tremaine Rd near Milton, training for an upcoming event. He died as a result of his injuries. This annual memorial ride reminds us all to "share the road", and raises funds for the Share The Road Cycling Coalition. By participating in Greg's Ride, now in its 5th year, you will join fellow cyclists from all over Ontario and beyond to deliver a powerful message: we must all work together – motorists, cyclists and pedestrians – to be aware of one another and travel safely on our roads together. You are also supporting Share the Road, as it pursues its mission with vigour: making Ontario bicycle friendly for all of us, and increasing awareness of the value and the importance of safe bicycling for healthy lifestyles, a more vibrant environment and sustainable communities. Join us! Register online.

Oct 8-10, 2011 40th Annual Tour of Madawaska
Once again TBNers will mingle with their OBC and Niagara Freewheeler counterparts on this annual pilgrimage to scenic Madawaska Valley to see the superb fall colours! You'll be staying at the rustic Madawaska Kanu Centre near Barry's Bay. Daily ride distances are 60-80, 100-120 and 130-160 km. Tandems welcome, excellent hiking. Cost: $255, which includes three nights accommodation, three breakfasts, 3 packed lunches and two dinners. Cheques must be received by September 30, no exceptions. Please note that this is not an "official" TBN-sponsored weekend trip, just a great weekend that many of our members have been enjoying for years.