Finally....

Two brave TBN souls bundled up for a Wednesday Wheelie last week, and 11 riders set off for the first Tourist ride of the year on Sunday. It's been a long and brutal winter, but this marks the official start of the formal TBN cycling season. 

There's a full complement of rides coming up, so let's have fun out there. Remember you should print out your map for the ride you want to do, from the TBN web site, before you leave home. Ride leaders will have some maps available, but not enough for every rider.

But be careful too. Not all the snow and ice has melted yet, especially on shady trails and there are still areas that are not safe for riding. Watch out also for the debris from the December ice storm and for the huge potholes that our dismal winter carved deep into Toronto streets. 

As always, check the website for our calendar of events for details on all this year's rides and to download the maps or links for your GPS. Check in regularly for updates and new events.

Quick Release

The Spring 2014 issue of QuickRelease is now available for download and members who opted-in for a paper copy should have received the newsletter in the mail by now.

If you wish to receive future copies by mail, rather than looking at the electronic version, then please login to the tbn.ca website and click on the Edit Profile link at the top right of screen.

Corrections to page 12 of mail-out version only:
May 18: High Park to Streetsville
May 19: Holiday Agincourt to Stouffville

The next Quick Release will be issued in June.

TBN Cycling Jersey

We are closing in on 100 sales of our fabulous new jersey. If you ordered early, your jerseys should arrive in the next few weeks, so stay tuned for instructions 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

Ride Leaders' Workshop: April 9

A training session for new and experienced ride leaders with valuable tips on how to lead TBN rides takes place next week. Remember if you lead four rides over the course of a year, you qualify for free membership; Register here for the evening session.

Spinning Sessions end April 9

There are just two more sessions on the spin bikes to help get you ready for the great outdoors; click here for details.

Maintenance at MEC: April 17

Come on over for a free in-store session that will provide you with the basic skills to keep your ride safe and smooth. TBN members who show their membership card will also get 10% discount that night. Register here for April 17.

Ride Coordinators

And as well as that, check all the other 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

Enjoy the start of the cycling season and remember to check the TBN calendar of events frequently for everything that's coming up