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Overnight trips
Get a jump start on cycling season with the first of TBN's Spring/Summer trips.
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May 21 - May 30
Kentucky -- CANCELLED
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May 20 - May 23
Niagara Hike and Bike
There's still space on TBN's exciting adventure in Niagara-on-the-Lake? You can bike along paved trails and bike along quiet roads, and enjoy a day of hiking or winery visits. This region is often the warmest part of Ontario, so enjoy a slightly early spring.
Click here to register.
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June 18 - June 19
TNTO
Registration will open April 16 for the always popular two-day adventure from Toronto to Niagara Falls and back. Take the long route, from Toronto's High Park for back-to-back rides of over 160km each day, or the shorter version from Stoney Creek near Hamilton. The price includes motel and baggage transfer for this challenging, unsupported ride.
Contact Janet 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.
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We're proud to announce the start of the TBN cycling season, and the rides will ramp up over the coming weeks to our full spring/summer schedule. TBN has something for everyone, whether it's a sociable amble along bike trails in the city, or a 200km charge up and out of town, and everything in between. Enjoy the rides, and the chance to meet new friends. We're especially pleased to welcome all the new members who signed up at the bike show. Veterans: please take the time to introduce yourself to newcomers and show them why TBN is known across the region as a friendly and social club.
Remember your ABCs: Air, Brakes, Chain
As you get set to ride again after a winter break, don't forget to inspect your bike to make sure it's in good working order. That all-important ABC (Air, Brakes, Chain) should be checked before each ride.
Let's explain. Having properly inflated tires helps prevent flats. Check the sidewall of your tire for the recommended tire pressure, and take a moment to look for cracks or excessive wear as well. Make sure your quick-release levers are properly tightened. And don't forget your patch kit/pump/CO2 cartridge with you. (Source: REI Bike Basics)
Last chance to be a Cyclon star
The (extended) deadline to design a new Cyclon logo is March 31, so you can still make your mark on our flagship event, which turns 30 this year. The winner will receive a $100 credit towards your Cyclon adventure.
Your winning design should be in postscript, so it can be used in large and small sizes on leaflets, banners and other materials. To submit your logo, email cyclon@tbn.ca, with the subject heading "Cyclon logo contest."
This year's Cyclon takes place in Kingston over the August long weekend; registration will open in April.
Lead a ride
TBN's annual ride leaders clinic is coming up on April 7, giving seasoned leaders a refresher in how to lead a ride, and offering guidance to those wishing to volunteer. We encourage all ride leaders to register for this event, and we welcome new leaders too. Check the website for details. Contact Dave Mader at touring@tbn.ca if you have questions.
What's WattsUp?
WattsUp Cycling Studio in Etobicoke is offering TBN members a complimentary session of its coach/instructor-led class. 
The program is similar to spin class, but so much more. While spinning is based on perceived exertion, WattsUp measures your actual exertion, on your own bike. Please watch the TBN website for details on how to register for one of the two sessions:
Sunday April 3, from 1-3pm
or Tuesday April 5, from 630-830pm
Skills and safety 
Watch the website for details of how to register for TBN's special two-session course on cycling skills and safety. Learn and practice basic riding skills, including dealing with streetcar and railroad tracks, how to signal your intentions to fellow riders in a group, and emergency evasive techniques. The course will take place over two evenings: April 18 and April 25. Location is yet to be determined, but it will likely be in the east end of the city. Contact Wilma Sanson at education@tbn.ca or Joey Schwartz at advocacy@tbn.ca for details.
It's scary out there
TBN's advocacy director is working with pedestrian and other cycling groups to push for an Ontario Vulnerable Road User law, similar to what is in place in jurisdictions like Oregon, on the U.S. West Coast. The groups met with Ontario Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca last month, and the minister and his staff agreed to set up a working group to evaluate an appropriate version of a vulnerable road user law for Ontario.
Hold the date for Spring Kick-off
TBN's annual kick-off breakfast event will be Saturday, May 7; details to be posted on the website soon.
REMINDERS
Let's car pool
 TBN offers many rides that begin near a Toronto subway station, including urban rides that explore quiet city roads and cycle trails as well as ones that start by the subway and head out to the countryside. But we also offer rides that begin in the country, notably on Wednesdays and weekends. Many members lack cars to reach the starting points of rural rides, and so the website includes a TBN Forum for members to post both offers and requests for a ride.
Check out tbn.ca/carpool to post your offer or request. You must be logged in to your TBN account to post to the Forum.
Download or print your map
Route maps for most TBN rides are available on the website, and while ride leaders will likely have some copies available, it's always best to print out your map before you leave home. And if you have a Garmin or other GPS gadget, you can download the route straight to your device, and let the gizmo beep at you if you end up taking a wrong turn.
Get your jersey
Sales of the very popular TBN cycling jerseys, jackets and vests continue, with a wide range of items available.
We need 10 orders to start a production run, and then it's about 5-7 weeks delivery.
Details here.
Quick Release Spring is here
TBN's thrice yearly magazine is now available for download. Check out the articles of recent trips and adventures, read more about Cyclon 2016 and get a preview of the group rides scheduled between March and June. When reviewing the ride schedules, always check the website the day before because details may have changed by then.
Housekeeping
Don't forget to update your profile on the TBN website to be sure you're up to date on the rides you typically do. Sometimes an important email is sent only to those people who checked a certain ride program box (eg news about a Saturday Morning Ride may be sent to those who check off that box). Log on to your account, click "view profile" at the top right of the screen, and edit away.
This is also where you can offer to volunteer. As you know, TBN relies on volunteers for all its activities. If you can help, please complete that section. _____________________________________________________________________________
Remember to re-visit the TBN website before you head out in case your activity is cancelled on short notice. Coordinators will always put safety first and cancel a ride if weather conditions pose a danger.
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.
Bring out a friend; non members pay $5
Remember to visit the TBN calendar of events to find out more about what's coming up.
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