March 23, 2017

Chain of Events

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

Overnight trips

Niagara long weekend

Enjoy a May 19-22 weekend in the Niagara area, riding along the Welland Canal, visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake, and perhaps hiking part of the Bruce Trail. Accommodation is in single rooms at Niagara College. Check the website for details.

(Non-member registration opens on March 26)

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TNTO

Check back soon for more details of our traditional Toronto-Niagara Falls-Toronto adventure, which will be on the weekend of June 17-18.

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We're also planning two weekend camping trips, one in July and one in August. 

And of course, Cyclon will be back in Kingston in August for a second year.

Watch the website for details of all these trips.

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

Ready to ride?

The weather is still a little iffy, if truth be told, but when did TBN ever let that get in the way of the start to the riding season? 

The first official ride of the season is a Tourist class ride this Sunday, followed by a Wednesday Wheelie ride next week. And did you know that Sunday Tourists has its own Strava Club, so you can compare your performance with that of your fellow riders. Apply to join by following this link: https://www.strava.com/clubs/tbntourist.

Don't forget to check the website before you head out for a ride, in case the ride is cancelled because of poor weather, blocked roads or other unexpected developments.



Decoding TBN rides

Check out the website for an explanation of TBN's ride classifications. The Tourist and Sportif rides are the fastest, and the Urban Roller and Leisure Wheeler rides are no-drop rides at a gentler pace. There's something for everybody.

Are you drinking enough?
And we're not talking about the beer.

Join TBN consultant, coach and medical researcher Fred Yagi to talk about hydration and nutritional needs for a bicycle ride. Fred will explain what you should be eating and drinking, explain what to do if you experience dehydration or overhydration, and review various energy products and labelling practices. Don't miss this session, which takes place at Deer Park Library, on St Clair Avenue, on March 29. Check the website to register.


MEC on sale

Mountain Equipment Coop is offering a special discount to TBN members for one night only -- March 23 -- from 6 to 9 pm. Shop at the Toronto or the new North York store and show your membership card to get a 10 percent off all in-store products, including bicycles.


Safety matters
TBN is again running a series of two workshops on safety and cycling skills. Learn how to be a safer and more confident rider with in-classroom and on-the road instruction. You must commit to two two-hour sessions, to be held on successive Saturday mornings, on April 24 and on May 1.

Check out the Education section of the TBN website for details and to register for these two hugely informative events.



Nice day for a kickoff
Mark your calendar for TBN's annual Spring Kickoff, a breakfast picnic in scenic Etienne Brule Park. Join your TBN friends for fruit and snacks, and then set off on a ride of your choice. Registration will open soon for the breakfast, to take place, rain or shine, on Saturday, May 13.


The mysteries of map making
Visit YouTube for a special instructional video on how to create and print a customized map and cue sheet using TBN's RideWithGPS account. This is the latest in a planned series of videos on how to use RideWithGPS. You can also check out this video for details on how to load a TBN ride onto your smartphone -- a useful tool for people who don't own a separate GPS device.

Tell us what you think

Watch your email for a personalized link to a special survey about Toronto Bicycle Network, which will help us set priorities for the coming years. What rides do you enjoy, and what would you like to see more of? Are you interested in helping the club in any way? 


Reminders

Lead that ride

It's not too late to register for TBN's April 6 Ride Leaders' Clinic, a refresher for returning ride leaders, and a primer for newcomers. Topics include safety, how to prepare for your ride leader responsibilities, and how to complete the online ride report. And of course it's an opportunity to meet your fellow ride leaders. You can also sign up to lead a ride in 2017 -- bring your calendar.

The session takes place at 7pm at Ralph Thornton Hall on Queen Street East, just a few blocks east of the Don Valley. 

Is this your Hairshirt year?

Registration is already open for the Toronto-Niagara-Toronto double century Hairshirt, which takes you to Niagara Falls and back -- in just one day. Riders will start off from Mississauga at 6am on June 25, and return to the start place at the end of the day. Check out the website for detailed tips on how to tackle this challenging ride.


See you on Instagram

Did you know that TBN now has an Instagram page to make it easier to share your news and pictures? Check it out, post away, and find out what your TBN friends have been up to.



TBN team kit 



Jersey sales will resume soon, with some exciting new options for your cycling enjoyment, including TBN bike shorts for the full team look. Check here soon for details of how to place your order.

Deals and discounts

As always, we encourage you to check out TBN's partner stores and service providers for special deals and discounts on bicycle-related gear. There are many new businesses out there, so If someone can help keep this list up to date, please contact Ed at publicity@tbn.ca

Remember to visit the TBN calendar of events to find out more about what's coming up. That little TTC logo below will alert you to any subway closures, of which there may be many in 2017.

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