Watch your email for a personalized link to a special survey about Toronto Bicycle Network, which will help us set priorities for the coming years. What rides do you enjoy, and what would you like to see more of? Are you interested in helping the club in any way? 

The first official ride of the season is just days away -- a Tourist ride from Finch station to Unionville on March 26, with distances between 60km and 101km. Why not start your TBN biking season with a metric century, or wait another few days for the season's first Wednesday Wheelie adventure, which starts at Victoria Park Square in Richmond Hill. Our president's message: "Great weather is just around the corner and we are all looking forward to that first ride, with the sun on our face and the wind at our back."

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.

                              

Please check out this video for details on how to load a TBN ride onto your smartphone. Very useful for people who don't own a separate GPS device. Please note: You have to be logged into Facebook for the page to run.

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. 

A cautionary tale

A blog entry on what not to do after that "Oh @#$%@" moment when biker meets tarmac in a nasty, painful collision. Bottom line: if it hurts, get yourself checked out. Sometimes toughing things out is really not the right way to go.

Is this your Hairshirt year?

Registration is already open for the Toronto-Niagara-Toronto double century Hairshirt, which takes you to Niagara Falls and back -- in just one day. Riders will start off from Mississauga at 6am on June 25, and return to the start place at the end of the day. Check out the website for detailed tips on how to tackle this challenging ride.

Reminders:

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.

Check the website for more details.

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.

TBN Jersey 

Jersey sales will resume soon, with some exciting new options for your cycling enjoyment, and a couple of tweaks to the design as well. Check here soon for details of how to place your order.

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.