The Toronto Bicycling Network Inc.

July 25, 2018

It's time for a picnic

It's almost time for for TBN's annual summer picnic, in scenic Toogood park in Markham on August 12. You'll have a choice of rides to get to the picnic, which is a great opportunity to meet up with people and exchange cycling notes. The event is free and the food is good, but please register now so we know how much to order. Registration closes on August 9.

We're also looking for volunteers to help at the event, whether it's finding the plates, flipping the burgers or generally making yourself useful. Please email Social Director Susan Bishop if you can help.

Order your new TBN jersey

TBN is offering a second chance to order the new-look club jersey, which displays the new logo in bright easy-to-see colours. Our online store will be open from August 1 until August 15, and this will be your last chance to buy your TBN jersey in 2018. Members who have already ordered a new jersey will be receiving them in the next 10 days. Check out the website for instructions on how to order.

Bike stuff in the city

We've got several (non-TBN) bicycle-related to highlight for the coming weeks, if you're looking for things to do on your bike, or things with a clear biking focus.

This Thursday, July 12, is the latest in a series of Cycle Toronto rides to free summer evening concerts. This week's concert features Adrian Underhill and takes place in Memorial Park, near Eglington and the Allen Expressway. The ride to get there starts at 530 pm at Etienne Brule Park.

Looking a little further ahead, there's an August 8 Toronto History Series lecture about the role of Canadian cyclists in World War One. Entry is free, but you need to sign up ahead of time.

And finally, the Market Gallery in the downtown St Lawrence Market is hosting a special exhibit on Toronto's cycling culture. It runs until November 17, and full-price entry is $8.

Cycling tips: That worst case accident scenario

Here's a quick summary of key points from lawyer and cycling advocate Patrick Brown, who spoke to TBNers a while back. If you missed Patrick’s talk, Mountain Equipment Coop invites TBNers to join Patrick's session at their King Street store on Wednesday, August 8th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm (with another half hour for questions etc.) More details on MEC's website.

And don't forget, TBN has its own very useful web page of cycling tips and tricks. Check it out.

Train for the Alan Gordon century ride

It's time to start training for the September 9 Urban Roller/Leisure Wheeler 100km century ride, the longest ride of the year for both these riding groups. Enjoy mostly level trails and quiet streets, with many exit points available, as you head from the Beach to Oakville, and then ride back. Lunch at Tim Hortons in Clarkson, and then a rest point and turnaround at Gairloch Gardens in Oakville. More details here and here.

Join the Waiting List for Cyclon

Cyclon, TBN's flagship three-day out-of-town cycling event is sold out this year. But don't despair. There are normally last minute cancellations leading up to the long weekend and you still have a chance to join your TBN friends in Waterloo from August 3-6. See the website for more details and to add your name to the waiting list.

Member of the month

Nominations for TBN’s July Member of the Month will close on Tuesday. Please email memberofthemonth@tbn.ca if you want to nominate a TBN member who went above and beyond the normal call of duty this month. Please include your name, the name of the member you’re nominating and what they did. The winner gets a $50 gift certificate and the chance to be recognized as Member of the Year.

Travel with TBN

Here are some of the out-of-town adventures that TBN is offering this year.

Cyclon Aug 3-6 (Waitlist only )

Presqu'ile camping August 24-26 (14 spaces left)

Wolf Den Sept 14 - 16 (12 spaces left)

Fitz fall hiking Oct 12 - 14 (Waitlist only)

Wolf Den Winter Feb 8 - Feb 10 (Registration opens October 1)

New trip ideas?

Contact Jeannie at weekendtrips@tbn.ca if you have suggestions for a trip or if you wish to lead one. Trip leaders have their fees paid by TBN.

Reminders

Presqu'ile Camping & Cycling Weekend - Only $40

Paul and Brenda’s camping trips are a TBN tradition, known for for fabulous organization and unbeatable value. This year the trip goes to gorgeous Prince Edward County on the August-24-26 weekend, and there are just 14 slots left. Make this the year you give these very special TBN adventures a try. Click here for more information, and to register.

Seeking volunteers

TBN relies on club members to maintain our role as Toronto's best venue for cycling. If you have comments or suggestions about your experience with TBN or would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities with the club, or on one of our club committees, please email club president Ian Rankin at president@TBN.ca.

Ride with GO

Our annual use-the-GO rides are under way, with several rides to look forward to over the summer season:

August 11: Take the train to St Catharines, and ride to Niagara Falls, along a slightly longer (70km) route that includes a scenic stretch along the Welland canal and a short ferry ride. Register here.

TBN mobile apps

TBN offers free iPhone and Android apps that show upcoming rides with a single click. Search for "Toronto Bicycling Network" in Apple's AppStore or the Android PlayStore. You can also view TBN events from your smartphone or tablet on our mobile friendly site, which is available here.

Deals and special offers on bike stuff, tours, rides etc

TBN partners offer great deals for our members, with discounts at numerous bike stores, bike tours outside Ontario, charity ride registration, and much more. Please support TBN's great partners.

Remember you must present your valid TBN membership card for a discount at any TBN discount partner.

As always, check the TBN website for details of all the rides and other events that are coming up, and remember to check back a couple of hours before a ride in case it's changed or cancelled because of poor weather, or other factors beyond our control.

Remember to visit the TBN calendar of events to find out more about what's coming up. That little TTC logo below will help alert you to any subway closures.