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Overnight trips
A quick teaser of what 2017 has to offer.
Cyclon will be back in Kingston in August for a second year.
The popular Niagara bike weekend takes place on May 19-22.
TNTO will be on the weekend of June 17-18.
The Toronto-Niagara-Toronto double century Hairshirt ride takes place on June 25. Registration is already open.
We're planning two weekend camping trips, one in July and one in August.
Watch the website for details of these trips.
Contact Jeannie at weekendtrips@tbn.caif 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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Bike season coming
It's just over a month to the first official TBN ride of the year, although many of you have been out on the roads already in this unseasonably mild February weather. If you haven't done it already, now's the time to get your bikes tuned up ready to ride, and start planning where and when you'll start your TBN rides. The first official ride of the season is on March 26, a trip up to Unionville from Finch station.
TBN rides
Many TBN rides are already listed on the website, with more coming every week. Here, to help you with that ride planning, is a quick reminder of TBN's ride classifications.
Leisure Wheeler
Shorter, slower rides, with frequent stops to allow everyone to catch up. A social ride, with a chance to chat, enjoy a coffee break and explore trails and ravines around the GTA
Urban roller
Usually somewhat longer, and quite a bit faster. But still with plenty of stops to be sure that people stay together
Tourist
Usually longer, and more designed for independent riders. There is usually a lunch stop, but no stops to let people catch up, and the riders are faster and more experienced.
Sportif
Longer rides. Faster pace, so the riders are faster, and even more experienced.
Bicycle travel
Sign up now to hear Manny Agulnik from OK Cycle and Adventure Tours present options for cycling vacations around the world. Manny is an avid cyclist and bicycle advocate with over 20 years of experience in the cycle touring industry. He'll be speaking at the Pauper's Pub on Bloor Street on March 2 and will answer your questions about guided tours, self-guided tours and boat/barge tours as well as discussing the levels of difficulty for each.
See you on Instagram
 Did you know that TBN now has an Instagram page to make it easier to share your news and pictures? Check it out, post away, and find out what your TBN friends have been up to.
MEC on sale
Mountain Equipment Coop is offering a special discount to TBN members for one night only -- March 23 -- from 6 to 9 pm. Shop at the Toronto or the new North York store and get 10 percent off all in-store products, including bicycles.
Are you drinking enough?
And no, we're not talking about the beer.
Join TBN consultant, coach and medical researcher Fred Yagi to talk about hydration and nutritional needs for a bicycle ride. Fred will explain what you should be eating and drinking,explain what to do if you experience dehydration or overhydration, and review various energy products and labelling practices. Don't miss this session, which takes place at Deer Park Library, on St Clair Avenue, on March 29. Check the website to register.
Reminders
Lead that ride
It's not too late to register for TBN's April 6 Ride Leaders' Clinic, a refresher for returning ride leaders, and a primer for newcomers. Topics include safety, how to prepare for your ride leader responsibilities, and how to complete the online ride report. And of course it's an opportunity to meet your fellow ride leaders. You can also sign up to lead a ride in 2017 -- bring your calendar.
The session takes place at 7pm at Ralph Thornton Hall on Queen Street East, just a few blocks east of the Don Valley.
Bikes on show
Mark your calendar for this year's Toronto International Bike Show, a showcase of all that the manufacturers are plotting for the season, and a chance for retailers, bike-friendly regions and a number of tour operators and vendors to sell their wares. It's the perfect place to look for a new bike, or new biking swag.
As always, TBN will be there, so swing by to say hello to the wonderful volunteers working the booth.
The show takes place at the Better Living Centre on the Exhibition Grounds from March 3-5.
Bye-Bye Quick Release
We're sad to announce the demise of Quick Release, TBN's long-running magazine/electronic newsletter. The newsletter offered information on rides during the cycling season, as well as articles on trips, events and club members. Quick Release has become less relevant as traffic to the TBN website increased and the Facebook page took off with daily posts. A series of pleas for a new editor has been unsuccessful and so we're reluctantly saying goodbye. The critical information about rides formerly printed in Quick Release is available on the TBN website, and is always kept up to date.
Our thanks to the many great volunteers who helped publish Quick Release over the years. You can see all historical copies on the website.
Check out Collingwood
The coordinators for the popular Wednesday Wheelie rides want to draw your attention to the group's adventure up to Collingwood in June. They are planning three days of midweek riding, plus social events in the afternoon and evening. Check the website for details -- you might want to book vacation days and accommodation to join the adventure.
Jersey sales are set to resume in the first or second week of March with some exciting new options for your cycling enjoyment, and probably a couple of tweaks to the design as well. Check here soon for details of how to place your order.
Deals and discounts
As always, we encourage you to check out TBN's partner stores and service providers for special deals and discounts on bicycle-related gear. There are many new businesses out there, so If someone can help keep this list up to date, please contact Ed at publicity@tbn.ca.
Remember to visit the TBN calendar of events to find out more about what's coming up. That little TTC logo below will alert you to any subway closures, of which there may be many in 2017.
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