April 22, 2015

Chain of Events

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

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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June 13 - 14

Toronto-Niagara-Toronto

NEW ROUTE. Registration is now open for this popular trip, now in its 22nd year, and rooms are still available. Cycle from High Park to Niagara Falls and back (150km or 180km out, 150km back), or take the shorter route from Stoney Creek (86km out, 98km back). You'll stay overnight in a comfortable Niagara Falls motel. New route follows the Lakeshore, avoiding Ridge Road construction, and the roads taken by the Ride to Conquer Cancer.

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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 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. 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.

Fun & safety this spring

We're taking a special look at safe cycling at the always popular TBN Spring kick-off on Saturday, May 9, with prizes for riders who show off their best safety gear and accessories. Drop by to see your TBN friends at Etienne Brule Park, where we'll be offering breakfast, tips, contests and, of course, a full range of great rides. We have lots of great prizes this year, including movie passes, tickets to Second City, bike shop gift certificates, and a great prize pack from Reflx, a TBN partner company that specializes in reflective gear that ensures you are seen in the dark. Register now, so we know how much food to order.

Check the rides

Check the calendar section of the TBN website for details of all rides, and remember to revisit the site before you head out, in case your adventure is cancelled on short notice. Ride coordinators will always put safety first and cancel a ride if weather conditions pose a danger.

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.

Mend that bike

You've still got time to sign up for our special April 30 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.

Ride for Heart

TBN is seeking volunteers at the annual Ride for Heart on a traffic-free Gardiner and Don Valley Parkway, both to help greet members and would-be members at our booth, and to act as road ambassadors on the route. TBN has enjoyed a 20+ year tradition of helping cyclists on what for many is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a great cause. Check this link on the TBN website to be an ambassador, or email publicity@tbn.ca if you can help at the booth for an hour or two.

More jersey options, win a prize

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. At some point this year, we may just randomly award a gift to a TBN jersey wearer or two, or three....that could be you!

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 & another overnight trip

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.

As you can see from the side-bar, many of our weekend trips are already sold out. However, there are a couple of tours available from tour operators partnering with TBN. In fact, there is a new Mothers Day weekend trip in Prince Edward County that just became available. Contact Manny at OK Tours for details.

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.