April 16, 2014

Chain of Events

Bi-weekly e-newsletter of the latest events, news and activities

Overnight trips

Get away for a weekend (or longer) on one of our popular overnight trips.

Recent overnight trips sold out quickly, so remember to sign up early. Watch this space for details of new trips as they become available.

Kentucky Cycling Vacation:
May 17-26 

One slot has opened up for this spring touring expedition to horsey heaven. Check the web site for details.

Waterloo Wramble:
June 20-22
Registration is open for the two-night trip to the country roads of the Waterloo Region, just over an hour away from the GTA. Stay in the comfortable suites at Wilfred Laurier University and enjoy rides that are suitable for Easy Roller and Country Cruise riders.
This is one of the best regions to cycle in Ontario and a favourite destination for TBN members.


Toronto-Niagara-Toronto Overnight
June 14-15



Members have understandably wondered why registration for TNTO has been delayed. Event organizer Brenda Porter unfortunately had to step down because of a death in the family. But Treasurer Dan Engels and his wife Liz have agreed to take over to prevent the cancellation of this popular event. Barring unforseen complications, registration should open on Saturday, April 19 at 9am.


Toronto-Niagara-Toronto Hairshirt
June 22

Save the date for the legendary TNT Hairshirt, a one-day double-century endurance ride that has attracted dozens of TBN members and non-members annually for 35 years; click here to register online.


Beaver Valley, Collingwood
July long weekend

TBN ski director (and Winterfest organizer) Terry Walsh is offering a weekend of "hilly and scenic rides of 60-80k a day in the Beaver Valley, near Collingwood. Accommodation is in a comfortable B&B with air conditioning and swimming pool, all for approximately $125 a night. This is not an official TBN trip.

For more information, contact torontoterry27@yahoo.ca.

Cylcon - Ottawa
August 1-4

Cyclon - the premiere long weekend event of the summer - is in Ottawa for the first time. Join 200 fellow cyclists in discovering this great region of cycling, culture, arts, food and much more. Registration opens in April; visit the Cyclon page of website for details.


Contact Jean at weekendtrips@tbn.ca if you have any suggestions for a weekend or week-long trip or wish to lead one as we seek to extend this very popular TBN program. Possible adventures could include Quebec, Stratford, Mennonite country and New York state. Trip leaders have their fees paid by TBN.

A reminder that we are looking for an experienced leader for the Pelee Wheelie cycling/camping trip over Labour Day weekend; contact Jean if you can help. 


Let's get out and ride


As of this week, the full range of TBN rides is ready for your pleasure and enjoyment, whether your preference is for a gentle amble along Toronto's hidden ravines on the Tuesday morning Ravine Rides, or the faster, longer and more energetic Tourist and Sportif rides. As always, check the events page on the TBN web site to figure out what ride you want to do, and remember that you can print out your map ahead of time, or download the route onto your GPS device. Ride leaders will have some maps available, but perhaps not enough for every rider.

Remember also to check the site before you head out to be sure that the ride is still going ahead. If a ride is cancelled, perhaps because of unfavourable weather conditions, or because no ride leader is available, you can still print out the map and join up with anyone else who happens to show up. But if you do go on a cancelled ride, please be aware that it's an unofficial ride that's not sanctioned by TBN.

We want your help

If you care about cycling (don't we all?), please think about offering your services as TBN's next Education Director, helping to organise those events that teach club members and outsiders about all the different aspects of cycling, cycle-touring and how to mend a bike. Existing director Manuela Gobbato is, sadly, stepping down due to the demands of her job.

Please contact president@tbn.ca with questions.

TBN is also looking for a little help with legal issues, now that we've gone electronic for club registrations and reports. If you're a lawyer, or have a legal background, and might be able to help, please contact treasurer@tbn.ca.  

It's jersey time!

Thank you for your patience, and the first of the fabulous new TBN jerseys have arrived.


If you ordered early, you'll be getting instructions very soon on how to pick them up. 

The rest of you still have time to place your order so that you can 'dress to impress' this spring. Given the long winter and late spring, TBN is extending the $40 members' special price to April 30; after that, the members' price increases to $50 until early June. The jerseys will still be available after Bike Week ends, but at the regular retail price of $59. Even that's an incredible deal -- this quality of jersey can retail for up to $100. 

Two things to remember: jersey wearers on TBN rides get a chance to win a prize valued as high as $200! The sooner you place your order, the less you pay. How can you go wrong?

Upcoming

Spring kickoff

Join old friends and meet new ones at TBN's annual kickoff breakfast on May 10 at Etienne Brule Park. There will be rides available at various levels heading out between 10:30 and 11. There will also be food, prizes and games. 

Please register on the web site.


Maintenance at MEC: April 17


MEC is offering a free in-store session to give you the basic skills to keep your ride safe and smooth. TBN members who show their membership card will get 10 percent discount that night. Register here for April 17.

Reminders

Ride Coordinators

Here are the ride coordinators for the 2014 TBN cycling season. The rides, whether in the city or beyond, offer a wide range of cycling options, from the very gentle to the extremely strenuous. The rides offer a perfect chance to meet up with fellow TBN members and to stay fit ahead of longer trips like Cyclon, Niagara Falls, and other adventures.

"Wednesday Night" is seeking ride leaders for the third Wednesday of each month, so please contact wednights@tbn.ca to volunteer.                   

Deals and discounts

Don't forget to check out the GTA retailers and services that offer discounts to TBN members. Save money on bikes and accessories, as well as services such as tours, training sessions or a subscription to Pedal Magazine. 

Tips & Training

The ever-expanding Education Program includes helpful tips about events we sponsor and support, as well as tips and events on things like travel and staying fit. If you have suggestions for the Education page or ideas for topics, please contact education@tbn.ca.


Unofficial events

Be sure to check the TBN Forum for unofficial events organized by TBN members.  All members are welcome to organize an unofficial hike, bike ride, ski trip, skate, yoga, pub night or anything at all. You can post details to the Forum and on the TBN Facebook page.


TBN Website Update

The very busy TBN Technical Committee continues to refine and improve the look of the website. You may have noticed that Forum and Events Calendar swapped positions, and the rarely-used News Blog now appears near the bottom of the home page. The photo slide show must now be user-initiated due to a change made by Flickr. Further improvements are on tap and input is always welcome.

Enjoy your rides, and remember to check the TBN calendar of events for everything that's coming up



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