Embrace that winter

Hard to believe we are into February already, which means March comes next and then spring, and summer. It's not that we don't like winter, but this has been a cold one, which makes it seem particularly long. 

Best way to handle winter is to make the best of it and  get out and about, just like these happy TBN'ers were doing.

What else do we have to look forward to?

Coming right up:

TBN Cycling Jersey Pub Night....and the winner is.....

The unveiling of the new TBN cycling jersey is less than a week away. The selection committee met Monday night and agonized over 13 incredible and distinctive designs before choosing a winner. We congratulate Robin Silverstein for winning the design contest, but want to send out a special note of appreciation to Sharon Chadwick, Patrick Li, Mick O'Meara, James Wilson and Rob Woodman for making the selection process extremely challenging. If only everyone could win!

See your TBN friends at our "Fit Kit" Pub Night where we will unveil the winning design, award Robin her prize voucher of two free jerseys, and give you a chance to catch up on who has been doing what. The event takes place Tuesday February 11 at 7pm at Pauper's Pub on Bloor St W (near Bathurst), and we will have sample (non-designed) jerseys on hand so you can figure out what size to order. We will explain the process of how to order a jersey at this event, as well as on the website, and in future emails.

This is a free event (you pay for your own drinks, of course), but please register in advance so we can order the correct amount of snacks, courtesy of TBN.

Great skiing conditions

Remember that registration for one-day ski and snowshoe trips now opens the Monday before a trip, so you can check the weather and your schedules before you sign up. The deadline to sign up without extra fees is Thursday at midnight -- after that, your registration is considered final, and there will be no refunds. The only exception is when TBN cancels the trip, in which case registrants will get a full refund.

And further ahead?

Ready to ride

To help the busy volunteers who organize events and administer the club, you can now only register for events and trips through the TBN website. No more mailing in of forms, or calling someone to give your name.

Secure and convenient payment is through Visa, MasterCard, your PayPal account or with an e-cheque (by providing banking information to PayPal on a one-time basis). You do not have to be a PayPal member to pay through the PayPal site. As a last resort, you can mail cheques to TBN, but you must send your cheque and a note to the TBN office and not to the organizer directly.

Day ski trips are the only exception: You pay for the bus online in advance, but pay in cash for the trail pass fee on the bus.

Cancellation policy

TBN wants to maximize the number of people who can sign up for trips and events and ensure they get a spot. To help, the club is introducing a nominal cancellation fee for anyone who signs up for a paid event but later cancels. This helps those who truly want to register, but are unable to do so because the event appears to be sold out, and also helps offset administrative costs. The cancellation fee varies by event and will be indicated in the registration process. This policy only applies to paid events, not free events like Education, Spring Kick-off, Picnic and others.

However, If TBN cancels the event, you will receive a full refund and there will be no cancellation fee.

Don't forget the discounts

Retailers and services across the GTA offer discounts to TBN members. Participants include local bike shops, and services such as tours, training sessions as well as beautiful cycling artwork, or a subscription to Pedal Magazine. Please support the businesses that support TBN.

Tips and Training

TBN's 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 events, please contact education@tbn.ca.

Advocacy

Toronto’s public works committee decided to defer the issue of E-scooters using bicycle lanes until the province refines its definition of E-bikes. The city suggests it be refined to comprise two categories:

1. Moped-like E-scooters that are primarily motor-powered, with occasional human power to assist
2. Pedelecs that are mainly people-powered, with a motor assist that only works when the cyclist pedals.

The committee also recommends to council that only kids under 14 may ride on the sidewalk, closing a loophole that allowed adults to ride on sidewalks if they had bikes with 24-inch wheels or smaller. The decisions go before full council February 19.

Contact Joey Schwartz at advocacy@tbn.ca for further information.

Everything else

Check the calendar of events for everything that's coming up.

Spinning classes continue on Wednesdays, Skating on Fridays, and Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe trips on weekends.

Education events

How not to become a Wounded Warrior - February 6

This is a special session on how not to get injured, or what to do if you are, and will be of special interest to anyone who is or has been injured, or who wants to be sure they will not be. Please register here.

Bicycle Touring Around the World - February 19

Carl Friesen and Paul Stockton, two of TBN's most experienced TBN cycle-tourists, will offer their takes on planning and undertaking cycling trips in Canada and abroad. What do you book ahead of time, what do you take, how much should you pack? (Hint: kitchen sinks don't fit in the average pannier), Please register here.

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.

Diversions

Now I know what to do with those old bicycle chains. And I think I can be relatively confident that this one won't be snapping at my heels on a midsummer Country Cruise.