Who are we anyway?

Results were tabulated from the survey of TBN members you received two months ago, and we thought you might be interested in a few facts of who we are and why we join. Over 230 of you completed the survey, a terrific response rate. Respondents were 56 percent male, and mostly in the 45 to 64 age group.

The reasons you keep coming back: riding with others, varied choice of routes and levels, and seeing and meeting friends. That is, after all, what TBN is all about!

Most popular activities: Country Cruises, Easy Roller rides and Saturday Morning rides.

You are extremely satisfied with how we communicate - TBN website, this email, and Quick Release - so we will continue as is.

You support advocacy and safety/skills training and so TBN will be more involved in these areas.

We received numerous comments and suggestions for improvements; the more common remarks are being address by your TBN board of directors.

Thank you to everyone who replied.

TBN in your pocket

We are very proud to introduce the mobile edition of TBN's website, which provides convenient access to upcoming TBN events. Take a look at www.tbn.ca/mobile, and bookmark the site on your tablet or smartphone. You never need to worry about missing a ride again. 

Don't get hurt

Sign up now for a special education session, Wounded Warrior II, that focuses on the common injuries experienced by cyclists of all levles. This free session will emphasize cross-training to prevent injury, and give you specific exercises to build a solid foundation. Attire that allows for movement is encouraged.

Click here for more details of the session on Wednesday, February 25 near Lansdowne and Bloor. Refreshments will be served. Advanced registration is required.

Cycling vacations

There is just one space left for our May 16-25 spring trip to Kentucky, including the famous "Horsey Hundred" cycling event with the Bluegrass Cycling Club. See the sidebar and website for more details.

If you do not want to travel that far, registration will open soon for a May 15-18 biking and hiking trip in the Niagara area and for a June adventure to Prince Edward County.

Quick Release

We're delighted to announce a new editor for Quick Release, TBN's thrice-yearly newsletter of events, news and comments. Alex Djukic is now working feverishly on the Spring issue, with a big assist from out-going editor Sharon Chadwick. Please contact Alex at newsletter@tbn.ca if you have stories to submit, preferably ones with pictures or other illustrations.

Don't forget that all the event information in Quick Release is also on the website and new mobile site. Go to www.tbn.ca/events, navigate between months and view events either as a calendar or as a list. The website has always been more current than Quick Release, so there's no reason to miss out on any TBN activity.

Ski Ski Ski (spin, skate, snowshoe) 

After all the snow this week, how can you possibly miss the weekend bus to ski country. Check the website for details on this weekend's adventure, and on all upcoming ski trips. Let someone else do the driving -- all you have to do is ski or snowshoe. 

Bike bling

TBN will once again have a booth at the Toronto International Bicycle Show March 6-8, Toronto's premier event to showcase new bikes and new gear, and an opportunity to stock up on all those things you really don't need, but just have to have. We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to greet visitors for a three-hour shift at the TBN booth, which will include free admission to the show. Please contact publicity@tbn.ca for more information.

More jersey options coming soon

TBN jersey sales will resume in just a few days, and we are adding some sleeveless, vests and long sleeve jerseys. Check the home page of the website every so often for news of the sale.

Check out the 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. We are currently in the process of renewing businesses for 2015. You can help by visiting your favourite shop and encouraging them 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. Without volunteer support from members like you, we would be unable to run these programs, book the venues, pay the bills, send out newsletters, process memberships, get prize donations, flip the burgers, and much more. There are many small, short-term tasks that can use a set of hands so please contact president@tbn.ca to learn more.

We're always looking for ride leaders too. If you are willing to help, just access your profile on the TBN website and check the box "Ride leader/sweep" in the "Do you wish to volunteer" section. It's your club, we need you to help run it.

Stay warm, and remember to visit the TBN calendar of events to find out more about what's coming up.