April 8, 2015

Chain of Events

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

Overnight trips

We've got a raft of exciting cycling adventures for you this year. Some are listed below, but more are coming. Check the website for the most up-to-date information.

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May 16 - 25 

Kentucky Cycling

Our nine-day spring cycling trip to Lexington, Kentucky, is SOLD OUT. Be first in line for a cancellation (gender-specific) by emailing leaders Dinsmore and Marie: dinsmore99@gmail.com

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May 29 - 31

Niagara Bike and Hike

This new Bike and Hike trip in the Niagara Region is SOLD OUT. To join the waiting list, email carl@showyourexpertise.ca


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June 13 - 14

Toronto-Niagara-Toronto

Registration will open on Friday, April 17 for this popular trip, now in its 22nd year. Cycle from High Park to Niagara Falls and back (168km each way), or get a head start from Stoney Creek (90km each way), staying in a comfortable motel for your well-deserved overnight rest. 

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June 18 - 21

Solstice cycling in the county

Our extended weekend trip to Prince Edward County is SOLD OUT. But there's always a chance of a cancellation. Contact brendastrips@gmail.com to get on the waiting list.

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September 12 - 14

Simcoe Circle

This fall trip, organized by Cycle Canada exclusively for TBN, circles Lake Simcoe in three days, averaging about 100k a day. This trip needs at least 8 TBN registrants by June 15 to proceed, so please register now for the early-bird price of $395.50 (later price $446.35). The price includes two nights' accommodation, breakfasts, two guides, SAG wagon, and maps.

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Contact Jean at weekendtrips@tbn.ca if you have any suggestions for a trip or if you wish to lead one. Trip leaders have their fees paid by TBN.

And we're off

Have you been out on your bike yet this year? TBN's ride program is up and running so come join a ride. Check the calendar section of the TBN website for details of all the rides, and remember to revisit the site before you head out, in case the adventure is cancelled at short notice. Ride coordinators will always put safety first, and they will cancel an event if road conditions might be dangerous.


You can also check the ride schedule on your smartphone at www.tbn.ca/mobile. Remember, you do not have to sign up for rides. Just show up at the start point and show your membership card to the ride leader.

 

Please note, the email address to contact the coordinator of our new series of Thursday night rides is thursdays@tbn.ca. An incorrect address was listed in the last edition of Quick Release.

Mourning Roman Manko
TBN joins the rest of the GTA cycling community in mourning Roman Manko, president of the Durham Cycling Club, who died in a collision on an Easter Sunday club ride. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and with his club. It's a sobering reminder to all of us of the vulnerabilities of riding a bike, and the importance of TBN's 2015 focus on safety. Be aware of your surroundings, wear bright coloured clothing, ride single file and use lights, mirrors, reflectors and anything else that can help you see and be seen when you are on the road. 

We'll keep you informed about a possible memorial ride to be organized by the Durham Cycling Club, in the hope that TBN members will be able to join the ride to lend our support.  

Leading rides
If you're a TBN ride leader, or would like to be one, please register for our special Ride Leaders Workshop on April 9 at the Ralph Thornton Centre in Leslieville. Learn how to lead a ride and what to do if something goes wrong. Attending the session counts as one of the four rides you need to lead to qualify for free membership renewal.

Long, long bicycle ride
Join us on April 14 for a special evening with long-distance cyclist Peter Brother, who will share stories and pictures from his incredible 20-month, 13,000 cycle trek along the west coast of the Americas. Peter travelled from Kluane Junction in the Yukon to Ushuaia in Argentina, the southern-most city in the world, and celebrated his 70th birthday on the road. Register here for the event, to be held at Pauper's Pub in the Annex.

Mend that bike
Also coming up, on April 30, is a special bicycle repair and maintenance class, where TBN member Nani Reddy will offer a hands-on demonstration of how to perform your spring bicycle tune-up. Nani is a registered bicycle mechanic and instructor with Toronto District School Board. This interactive course will provide a 10-point check list on brakes, wheels, spoke tension, plus tips on fixing flats, and checking your chain and cogs. BYOB (bring your own bike). See the website for details of this session, which will take place at the Holy Spirit Catholic School at 3530 Shepherd Avenue East. 


Spring Kick-off: May 9

The always popular TBN Spring kick-off will be on Saturday, May 9, at Etienne Brule Park, with food, company, contests and rides. Register now, so we know how much food to order. See the website for details.

Do you ski?
Some of you have already receivedan email about TBN's latest survey -- a set of questions about our winter ski trips, and how we can attract more skiers. If you have skied with TBN in the last few years, or if you are interested in skiing with TBN, please answer the questions in the survey. The link is here

More jersey options

Don't forget that we are offering a new range of TBN jersey options this year -- sleeveless, long sleeved, vests, jackets, wind vests, wind jackets.


Check the website for the options, and get your order in soon -- it takes 2-3 months from when you place your order to when you receive your new gear. Check instructions on how to order your new jacket or jersey.

TBN partner discounts

The number of groups partnering with TBN is growing all the time, so check out the retailers and services section of the web site for all the member discount offers. TBN membership offers great savings at Pedal Magazine, the largest cycling magazine in Canada, with a saving of 30 percent off regular subscription prices. Pedal, available in print and online, keeps you up to date on all the latest local and international cycling news, as well as new cycling gear, and adventure cycling features. Or try a Pedal/Ski Trax combo deal for even more savings, and to get the largest cross-country ski magazine in North America.

Click here to order: http://pedalmag.com/tbn/


You can help expand the list of TBN partners by visiting your favourite shop and encouraging them to join the program by contacting publicity@tbn.ca.

Get involved

TBN volunteers run all of our activities, including ski trips, skating, Cyclon, Toogood Pond picnic, TNTO and much more. There are many small tasks that can use a set of hands so please contact president@tbn.ca to learn more.

We always need ride leaders and sweeps to make the ride programs work. If you can help, please access your profile on the TBN website and check the box "Ride leader/sweep" in the section "Do you wish to volunteer." Or, email touring@tbn.ca.

Remember to visit the TBN calendar of events to find out more about what's coming up.

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