GENERAL INFORMATION

What is Cyclon?
Cyclon is a 3-day cycle touring mini-vacation which takes place over the August Civic Holiday long weekend. It is the major annual event of the Toronto Bicycling Network ("TBN"), a club for recreational cyclists with over 900 members. TBN is a not-for-profit club and Cyclon is a not-for-profit event. In its 25th year, Cyclon will be held at Conestoga College, Kitchener, Ontario. In previous years, Cyclon has been based in Kingston, Barrie, St. Catherines, Waterloo, Guelph, Prince Edward County, and London.

Where will we be going?
Cyclon will be touring the countryside surrounding Cambridge, Kitchener/Waterloo, and Guelph, Ontario.

How to get there

• HWY 401 west
• North at Exit 275 at Homer Watson Blvd
• Left at Conestoga College Blvd

Parking
Unload your vehicle at the front entrance of the Residence. There is plenty of parking at the back and side lots of the facility.

ATTENDANCE AT CYCLON

Who goes to Cyclon?
Cyclon is suitable for all levels of cyclists. It is by no means solely for very experienced cyclists, nor is it a race. Approximately 250 cyclists of all abilities are expected at Cyclon. Both singles and couples participate. Some attend for the social aspect of the weekend – without cycling! It’s that much fun!!

If I go solo on this trip, would I feel like a fifth wheel?
We encourage singles! Approximately 55 per cent of Cyclon participants are single. Cyclon is a fun event and a great way to meet people. There are lots of non-cycling activities and a friendly atmosphere.

Can I bring my children?
A few TBN members bring children to Cyclon. They usually use special trailers that they attach to their bikes for touring. A parent or guardian must accompany all children who use their own bicycles on the tours. Cyclon is not responsible for minors in any way. Please complete a registration form for each child and enclose it with your own.

CYCLING

What are the tour routes like?
We provide a number of different cycling routes each day. The tours range from about 30 to 180 km in length and are based on the TBN ride categories: Leisure Wheeler, Easy Roller, Short Tourist, Tourist and Sportif. For more information on these categories, visit our website at www.tbn.ca. An experienced ride leader leads each tour. Detailed tour maps are provided and an emergency support vehicle (SAG) will be on call and patrolling the routes.

If you haven't ridden much, you may wish to get out cycling a few times prior to Cyclon to ensure an enjoyable (and pain free!) weekend.

Do all the tours start right from Conestoga College?
Some tours will start and finish at Conestoga. Others will start in remote locations. Please check your information package for details and directions to the start.

How/when do I get the tour maps?
When you arrive for registration, you will be provided with an information package and a complete set of maps.

What time do the rides start?
The earliest rides leave each day at 8:30 a.m. and usually every 10 minutes after that. Please check the start time of your route each day to make sure you arrive on time. It’s best to arrive at least 5 minutes early to hear about any last minute changes or instructions from the Road Marshall or Ride Leaders.

ENTERTAINMENT

Cyclon is almost as much a social event as a recreational cycling event! The common interests of over 250 cyclists and the camaraderie that develops are what help to make Cyclon so special, and why it has been successful for many years.

Friday
There will be a reception beginning at 5 p.m. What better way to break the ice, meet up with old friends, or make some new ones? The reception on Friday evening will be held outside (weather permitting) with a light dinner of pizza, veggies, fruit, and non-alcoholic beverages. If you would like an alcoholic beverage, you are encouraged to BYOB. Don’t worry; if it rains we will have the same great activities inside.

Saturday and Sunday afternoon

• Come and join a social after-ride reception and enjoy the light snacks and the camaraderie of other cyclists. BYOB.
• Saturday night features various possibilities for you to choose from: a barbecue at Conestoga College, a play at Stratford, the Millrace Folk Festival, a night hike led by Paul Price and Brenda Sweet, movies in the small movie theatre, games in the breakfast room or outside, or a night off to explore local highlights on your own.

Sunday night is reserved for our Gala Dinner and Dance which will be held this year at the Whistle Bear Golf Club. It features a sumptuous buffet followed by a DJ-hosted dance. Bring your dancing shoes!

COSTS AND PACKAGE OPTIONS

Package includes:
Cycling tours, a light Continental breakfast (less substantial as the continental breakfast last year) , 2 dinners (Friday and Sunday) and accommodation.

Cost:
$180 for TBN members who register on or before June 21, $205 thereafter until sign-up deadline. Non-members pay an additonal $25.

Other meals and can be added as follows:

• three hot breakfasts - $40 (must take all three)
• Saturday night barbecue at the College - $21
• Monday lunch - $12

The optional meals this year will be catered by Conestoga College and served in the Blue Room on the College campus. The College is about a 10 minute walk or a short cycle from the residence.

Saturday and Sunday lunches are not included; there are many spots to buy lunch and picnic on all of the rides.

Can I prepare some of my meals in my unit?
Yes, you can. Each unit has a refrigerator and a microwave. If you wish to prepare your own meals you need to bring your own dishes, eating and cooking utensils and pots. In addition, you are responsible for ensuring that the kitchen is clean after you have finished each meal.

Can I change my mind and add on or cancel some of the meals after I have arrived at Conestoga College?
No. The meals have to be confirmed many weeks before we arrive at Cyclon. Please be sure when you register that you select the meals that you want.

What about special dietary needs or allergies?
Please be sure to include any special needs on your registration form.

ACCOMMODATION

At the College residence, there are two suite styles. Each suite accommodates 2 people. All suites have two double beds, kitchen facilities (refrigerator and microwave), and a bathroom with shower. The one bedroom suites have one bigger open area room with two beds suitable for couples or close friends. The two bedroom suites have two separate bedrooms (bedroom doors are not lockable). All accommodations are fully air-conditioned. We will stay there all three nights (Friday arrival to Monday departure). The College residence is a smoke-free facility. (visit www.stayrcc.com/kitchener/suites.html to view the suite layouts)

What is provided in the bedrooms?
Bed linen, towels and face cloths are provided. You may want to bring an extra towel and blanket or pillow.

Can I choose with whom I wish to stay with?
Definitely – we prefer that you do. Simply indicate on your Cyclon registration form the name of the person with whom you wish to share a suite. Any children attending Cyclon will be billeted with their parents.

What if I come on my own?
If you do not indicate a suitemate on your registration form, you will be placed in a suite with a participant of the same gender and of similar age.

PAYMENT

How do I pay for Cyclon?

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• You can register and pay online using your Visa or MasterCard by going to our online registration page and clicking the "Register for Cyclon 2011" button.
• You can also register online, and make payment by cheque through the mail. Payment must be made in Canadian funds, enclosed with a printed copy of your registration form.
• You can fill out and mail in a hard copy of the registration form (with cheque attached.)
• You may also pay by cash or cheque at our Early Bird Sign-Up Night and Social on June 2.

NOTE: for security reasons, do not mail cash payments. For U.S. participants, please send a traveler's cheque or international money order.

REGISTRATION

What is the best way to register for Cyclon
It is best to register on-line and pay by credit card. This will ensure that a spot will be reserved for you at Cyclon immediately. Go here to get started.

Early Bird Sign-Up & Social
The Cyclon Early Bird Sign-up and Social gives you the opportunity to talk directly to Cyclon organizers about the event and with other participants who’ve been there! Cash bar and light refreshments will be provided.
Date: Thursday, June 2
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Scallywags, 11 St. Clair Avenue West (SW corner of Yonge & St. Clair) 2nd floor room

When is the Early Bird deadline?
The Early Bird deadline for Cyclon is Sunday, June 21st, 2011. All registrations must be received on or before June 21st to qualify for the $25 early bird discount.

When is the registration deadline?
The registration deadline has been extended to July 17th 2011. Note that the later you sign up, the more difficult it will be to have any special needs met such as sharing a room, carpooling, special diet, etc.

I've sent in my Cyclon registration form. Is my spot reserved?
Your spot at Cyclon is reserved when we receive your registration form and payment in full (approved credit /cleared cheque). Your bank withdrawal or charge to your credit statement is your receipt/confirmation. Please ensure you provide your correct e-mail address, printed clearly on the Registration Form. You will receive a confirmation e-mail immediately if you register on line. If you register by mail, your confirmation e-mail will arrive a week or two after the registration has been received. The e-mail will contain information and directions. Please check your Bulk or Spam e-mail folders in addition to your inbox. Last year a number of people received this confirmation in this folder, particularly with Rogers or yahoo accounts.

Where can I deliver my registration?
Either in person at the Early Bird Sign-Up Night & Social or by mail to:

Cyclon
7 – 6449 Glen Erin Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2T2

What happens if I want to cancel my reservation?
Cancellations made in writing prior to July 12th are subject to a $50 cancellation fee. You may sell your package only with the approval of the Cyclon Director. No refund of any kind can be made after July 12th – NO EXCEPTIONS!

I am not a member. Can I get my TBN membership at the same time that I sign up for Cyclon?
Yes. You can get your TBN membership and save money at the same time by registering for Cyclon at the member's price. Join TBN and pay for your membership online here. (You will need to log out and log back in to activate your member's discount.)

CYCLING INFORMATION

Can I rent a bike from Cyclon?
No. Please bring your own bike and please ensure it is in good repair.

Should I bring my road bike or my mountain bike for the road rides?
You will see all three types of bikes, as well as hybrids and recumbents on the road rides at Cyclon. Bring whichever is most comfortable for you. Your bike should have the capacity to mount a small bag under the seat, on the handlebar or a pannier on the back for tools, tubes and/or lunches and snacks.

What if I have a flat tire or some difficulty along the route?
Bring a spare tube or patch kit and pump for repairing flats. The Cyclon emergency services van, equipped with first-aid supplies, will be on call and patrolling the tour routes to provide help. The ride leader and other cyclists on the route will attempt to help you as much as possible. However, you are responsible for yourself and your bicycle. You will be asked to sign a waiver when you register.

Where can I store my bike?
You will be able to bring your bike to your room for storage between rides

What else should I bring to Cyclon?
Approved bicycle helmets are mandatory on all TBN rides including Cyclon, and according to the Highway Traffic Act, all bikes must have a bell. Other suggested items include: map holder, inner tube, patch kit, 3 tire levers, tire pump, tools such as small adjustable wrench, screwdriver, Allen keys or an all-in-one cyclist's multi-tool, water bottles, food (power bars, fruit), bug repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, raingear, first-aid supplies, bicycle lock, money, credit card, phone card, identification, health card, and a fanny pack, handlebar bag, knapsack, pannier or under seat bag to carry it all.

Please note:
For up-to-date info prior to Cyclon, please continue to check back here as Cyclon 2011 approaches.