Dance time, almost

TBN's annual meeting and dinner dance will be coming up before you know it, and it gives you a chance to vote for the new board, and to recognize the volunteers who do so much to make TBN the great bicycling club it is. The dinner-dance takes place at Whistlers on Broadview Avenue on November 5. Register now to take advantage of our early bird pricing -- prices go up on October 27. 

Help your club

TBN needs your help. For next year, we're looking for volunteers to join the TBN board for several positions, most importantly as secretary. Are you organized and efficient, and able to work with the rest of the board to run our monthly meetings? Or maybe you want to take over running TBN's Quick Release newsletter, which is set to become a once-a-year venture? Do you want to volunteer in some way, but you're not quite sure how you can help? Please contact TBN President Ian Rankin at president@tbn.ca.

Winter is coming

Are you ready for winter cycling? Come to our free Winter Cycling education session on October 13 and learn the ins and outs of biking in the cold, including how to chose the best clothes for all possible conditions. If you can ski in cold weather, why not bike in cold weather too? TBN member Dinsmore Roach will share his experience of winter cycling, offer recommendations and answer all your winter cycling questions. The event takes place at North York Central Library at 5120 Yonge Street. Visit the TBN website to register.

Tell your friends

TBN's home page now features a cool video about the club with comments from club members, including people you might now. Watch it, and tell your friends to do the same. We always welcome new members.

Stay safe

Last issue we offered a few reminders about paceline riding, including the all-important message not to let your wheel overlap with the wheel of the rider in front of you, because you won't have time to react if that rider needs to move to one side to avoid an obstacle. But just as important is to be steady and predictable -- don't make sudden movements, don't stand to ride on a flat road, don't slow suddenly unless you have to. 

Full paceline tips available here.

Quick Release online

The Fall/Winter edition of Quick Release will be released online in October -- there will be no printed and mailed-out copy. The TBN website has undergone considerable improvements in recent years and is now your primary source for ride schedules and all things TBN. Ride schedules in Quick Release may change after press date and you may end up at the wrong place and perhaps at the wrong time too.

We are grateful to Alexandra Djukic for her outstanding work as Quick Release editor over the last two years. But Alexandra is stepping down and so we are seeking a replacement for 2017. 

Reminders

Ride with GPS

Most TBN rides are available on Ride with GPS as well as with paper maps and cue sheets. But you can also enjoy benefits of RWGPS premium membership without paying for a premium account? Just click on this link, and follow the instructions. If you already have a RWGPS account, you're good to go. If not, it takes only a minute or two to set up a free account.

As long as the ride is listed in the TBN Club section, you get the following benefits:

1. One-click loading of the route to your Garmin device.
2. You can customize the layout and font-size of the cue sheet PDF to the way you like it.
3. Get turn-by-turn directions from the mobile app on your iPhone or select Android smartphones.
4. And you can RSVP to rides.

You must be an active TBN member to get access to the free upgrade. If you have questions, please contact Joey at tourist@tbn.ca. 

TBN on the Go

Re-introducing TBN's mobile app. This new app displays all upcoming rides and events and allow you to check the most current details in advance of the event or while on route. If you have any comments or suggestions about the app, please contact TBN's Technical Director Sandra.wong@tbn.ca.

Save with TBN

Dozens of firms, stores and services offer discounts to TBN members, so check here and remember to mention TBN when you shop for gear. 

Check before you ride

Remember to re-visit the TBN website before you head out in case your activity is cancelled or changed at short notice. Coordinators will always put safety first and cancel a ride if weather conditions pose a danger. Schedules and start locations can also change so don't rely on the Quick Release newsletter, which may be out of date.

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 a friend; non members pay $5.

Remember to visit the TBN calendar of events to find out more about what's coming up.