Do I need to be a member to join in the fun? No. Non-members can take part in most of our activities with the payment of a $5.00 participation fee. One $5.00 fee will be credited toward your membership if you decide to join within six months of that day's event.
What is the quickest way to join the TBN? Online! Go to our secure online sign up page, fill in all the necessary information, and either use your Visa or Mastercard to pay immediately or mail a cheque payable to TBN to our mailing address. You can expect your membership package within three weeks, much sooner if you pay online. In the meantime, print out the transaction receipt you receive via email as proof of payment when attending TBN events.
Does TBN offer student memberships? Yes we do! A special student membership is available for full-time students at post-secondary institutions who are at least 18 years of age. Holders of student memberships will not receive a hardcopy of Quick Release, the club newsletter, but will be able to find out everything they need to know from this website, the online Adobe Acrobat formatted version of Quick Release and by subscribing to our weekly Chain of Events email bulletin. If you qualify for the student membership, just complete the online application The cost is only $25.
When will my membership expire and how do I renew? Your membership expires twelve months after you join or renew your membership, e.g. if you join in October your membership will expire 365 days later. A membership renewal reminder will be emailed to you six weeks before your membership expires. IF you're not online we will send a renewal form in the mail. IF you allow your membership to lapse for a few years you are still considered a renewal and should join as new. Contact webadmin@tbn.ca
How much does membership cost? New individual memberships cost $50. New family memberships are only $70. Individual memberships can be renewed for only $35. Family memberships can be renewed for $50. Student memberships are also available at a reduced rate.
What riding classification do I belong in? If you're not sure where you fit in, we recommend you try an Easy Roller ride first. In addition to the Sunday Easy Roller, the Wednesday night, Friday night and Saturday morning rides all have Easy Roller contingents. If that's too fast for you, try a Leisure Wheeler ride.
What should I bring on my first ride with the TBN? Your bicycle should be in good working order. Bring a water bottle, spare inner tube, patch kit, pump and tire levers. Always wear a helmet. Use of a CSA-, ANSI-, or CPSC-approved helmet is mandatory on all rides and inline skating outings. This is TBN policy irrespective of provincial law. Lights are mandatory on all evening rides that finish after dusk, in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act.
Do I need to preregister for rides and events? Most TBN day rides are show and go, unless otherwise noted. With the notable exception of cross country ski events, preregistration (and generally prepayment) is required any time there is a fee associated with the event -- apart from the $5 non-member participation fee you might pay on a day ride.
What do I do when I arrive at the meeting point? All TBN rides are led by a trained, volunteer ride leader. Seek this person out, introduce yourself and obtain a map. Have your membership card (or a photocopy of your signed application and cheque) handy if the ride leader asks to see it. If you're not yet a member, be prepared to pay the $5.00 participation fee and sign the release and indemnity agreement.
I notice you have a lot of social events planned... While the TBN is mainly an outdoor recreational activity club, we've found over the years that the cohesiveness of the club and the participation levels and keenness of our membership is enhanced by a complementary schedule of social activities. So in addition to our annual spring and fall dinner dances, you'll see monthly social events during the cycling season and biweekly events during the winter months. You'll also find that most of our rides have a designated after ride meeting spot, usually a local eatery, for those who want to linger and chat.
What are the education nights all about? Increasing your knowledge of cycling will enhance your enjoyment of the activity. The TBN organizes a series of monthly education nights covering such diverse topics as buying a bike that suits you, defensive riding skills, basic maintenance, fixing flats, choosing equipment, and more. The TBN also organizes a weekend "skills clinic" in June for those who wish to increase their riding proficiency.
What do you mean by "unofficial ride"? TBN has a huge schedule of official rides. Each event requires the participation of a volunteer ride leader to plan and lead. For every official ride you see on the schedule, a volunteer is guaranteed to be at the start point rain or shine, with the sole exception of Leisure Wheeler rides. During the early spring and late fall, when the weather is cold, wet and unpredictable, it is hard to ask a volunteer to give up a couple of hours travelling to and from the start point for a ride that obviously is not going to happen and, moreover, few volunteers are likely to commit to leading rides during these periods. A ride is deemed unofficial when there is no guarantee of a ride leader or any organization whatsoever. A regularly scheduled ride may also be declared unofficial if the ride leader decides conditions are unsuitable for a safe ride by the assembled participants. Unofficial rides are not sanctioned by the Toronto Bicycling Network.
Does TBN organize carpooling to get to the start of events? In general any carpooling is organized by mutual agreement of individual participants, however certain programs - trail riding and occasionally inline skating - organize carpools for the benefit of all participants. Carpooling is a great way to make new friends and reduce the number of cars on the road, which in turn reduces air pollution. If you decide to carpool, passengers should expect to pay their fair share of driving expenses, as agreed upon in advance.
How do I get the most out of my membership? Long-time TBN members are aware of the barriers that exist to successfully adopting bicycle touring as a recreational activity. By joining TBN, participating in our events and asking a lot of questions of your fellow cyclists, you'll acquire the information and support you need to overcome those barriers and make cycling a lifelong passion. You'll have a great time and meet a lot of friendly and supportive people along the way!
How do I get a copy of one of the route maps? Under ordinary circumstances the only way to obtain a copy of a route sheet is to show up at the start of the ride.