Ride leaders workshop
Want to know how to lead a TBN ride? Sign up now for next week's TBN Ride Leaders Workshop, which takes place on Tuesday, April 23, at the Ralph Thornton Centre on Queen Street East. We'll have information on what to do at the start of a ride, how to submit your all-important ride leaders report and how to respond if something untoward happens. The session, suitable for existing ride leaders and those who want to start, counts as one of the four rides you must lead to qualify for free annual membership.
Volunteer for Spring Kickoff
TBN's always popular Spring Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, at Etienne Brule Park in Etobicoke. We'll have food, rides and prizes at this special event, which is one of the highlights of the TBN annual calendar. This event is free, but we ask people to register so we know how much food to buy. More details on the website.
Please email organizer Susan Bishop if you can help with the picnic -- we need people who can set up the tables with food and drinks, and who can run a stand where members can try on club jerseys before you place an order.
Have you got your TBN jersey?
TBN's new jersey is available for order in several different styles, cuts and sizes. The jerseys cost between $60 and $65, plus an optional delivery charge to your home address. Place your order by Saturday, May 27, and expect delivery by early July. More information available here.
Europe by bike
Check out how easy it is to travel by bicycle in Europe at our special information session on Wednesday, May 1, at the Deer Park Library on St. Clair Avenue. Long-term TBN members John and Lorraine Golla will describe some of their European trips, and offer tips on transportation, packing, mapping and whether to take your own bike. Please register for this event on the TBN website.
Flat fixing workshop
Register now for our hands-on workshop from TBN's Flat Tire Gang on how to deal with those irritating punctures. Learn now to change the inner tube on your front or rear wheel, and then how to reinstall the wheel safely. There is a $5 fee for this workshop, which takes place on Tuesday, May 7, at the Wallace Emerson Community Centre on Duffering Street. Check the TBN website to register.
Travel with TBNNiagara Bike and Hike: May 18-20 WAITLIST ONLYOur Victoria Day weekend cycling trip to the Niagara region is full, but you can still join the wait list, in case other participants have to drop out. More details on the website. Tour de l'Île de Montréal: May 31-June 2 WAITLIST ONLYTBN's first trip to the Go Bike Montreal festival is sold out, but you can join the waiting list. See the TBN website for details. TNTO: June 15-16 REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 1Registration opens on May 1 (for members) or May 15 (for non-members) for the 26th edition of our Toronto-Niagara weekend. Ride to Niagara Falls from downtown Toronto for a hefty 160km+ each way, or take the shorter routes from Stoney Creek in Hamilton. More details coming soon on the TBN website. Hotel rooms at the Rodeway Inn in Niagara Falls are limited so book early. CYCLON: August 2-5Details coming soon Wolf Den: September 13-15Registration opens May 19 Fitz Fall hiking: October 18-20Registration opens May 19 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
Help with Ride for Heart
TBN is still looking for volunteers to help at the June 2 Ride for Heart, a once-a-year ride along the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway with thousands of other cyclists. There are two roles: “Ride Ambassadors,” who will wear special Ride for Heart T-shirts and help throughout the route with roadside assistance such as minor mechanical issues or calling for first-aid; and “Ride marshals”, helping to ensure rider safety along the route.
Please register by April 30.
What sort of rider are you?
Please check out TBN's ride classifications, so you can find the ride that fits you best. Our Tourist and Sportif rides are the fastest, designed for riders who can keep up with the pack or are happy riding along or in small groups. And the Urban Roller and Leisure Wheeler rides are no-drop rides at a gentler pace. There's something for everybody.
TBN's Ride with GPS
Did you know that TBN has a club account with Ride With GPS, so you can enjoy the full features of the service, without paying for an account. All you need to do is click on this link, and follow the instructions. (Note: This link is available only to TBN members, so you must be logged in on the TBN website for access.) If you already have an RWGPS account, you're good to go. If you do not have an account, it takes about a minute to set-up a free account.
As long as the ride is listed in the TBN Club section, you will get:
1) The ability to load the route to your GPS device.
2) The ability to customize your cue sheet PDF.
3) Turn-by-turn directions from the mobile app on your smartphone, or from your GPS device.
4) The ability to RSVP to rides.
What's coming up
During the cycling season, Chain of Events will offer you a quick summary of key events coming up over the coming weeks and months. Please email the editor at coe@tbn.ca if there are items you would like us to add.
Tuesday, April 23: Ride leaders workshop
Wednesday, May 1: Education session on Europe by bike
Tuesday, May 7: Workshop on fixing flat tires
Saturday, May 11: Season kickoff breakfast.
Sunday, June 2: Manulife Ride for Heart. Ride the Gardiner and DVP, or join TBN's volunteers helping to ensure the ride is safe.
June 15-16: TNTO
Friday, August 2 to Monday, Aug 5: Cyclon in Waterloo
Sunday, August 11: Toogood Pond picnic
August TBD: Toronto to Niagara Falls GO Home
Sunday, September 8t: Alan Gordon Metric Century ride
September 13-15: Wolf Den cycling/hiking/kayaking weekend
October 18-20: Fitz Hostel fall hiking weekend
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.
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