January 29, 2020

Can you help TBN at the Toronto Bike Show?

The Toronto International Bike Show, on the March 6-8 weekend, is a showcase for bike stores and manufacturers and a chance to buy bikes and equipment. But it's also a once-a-year opportunity for TBN to introduce itself to the cycling community. Do you have time to volunteer at our stand at the show, which takes place this year at the International Centre near Pearson Airport (not at Exhibition Place downtown)? We need people to explain the club to Bike Show visitors during opening hours, and to help set up the stand or take the display down at the end. Please email coe@tbn.ca if you are interested, and we'll get back to you with more information.

Important volunteer opportunities at TBN

There are several crucial volunteer vacancies at TBN this year. Is this your year to get involved?

Director of Touring

This is a key role at TBN: the volunteer who oversees our regular programs for cycling and winter activities. As touring director you will be an important member of the TBN board, and you will work with the coordinators of individual ride programs and act as a liaison between coordinators and the board. What do we do well? What can we do better? How do we make TBN activities better, safer and more fun?

Education Director

Help put together a program of fun and informative information sessions for TBN members. Past sessions have included tips on cycling and bike maintenance, as well as sessions on health issues that affect cyclists. But there are plenty of other possibilities, and it's up to you to come up with new ideas.

Director of Governance

Heads governance committee which ensures TBN and its board adhere to accepted rules and governance standards for non-profits. The role protects TBN from lawsuits and governmental scrutiny by ensuring that TBN is operated in a controlled manner within known published guidelines.

Please email President John Clausen if you are interested in one of these important TBN volunteer positions.

Are you seeking tips on trips?

Are you involved in organizing official TBN events, including cycling and camping/hiking overnight trips? If so, you are invited to attend a budgeting workshop on February 3 at Mountain Equipment Co-op, 300 Queen St. W., where we will outline ways to ensure everyone follows the same budgeting processes and offer tips on planning trips and making sure they go well. You can also ask questions and share best practices on TBN events. More details on the website.

Which rides were popular last year?

Our technical team has put together a summary of TBN activities in 2019, with cool charts available on the TBN home page. The Saturday morning ride remains our most popular regular ride program, although Ravine Rides, Wednesday Wheelies and Urban Rollers are not far behind. More details on the website.

Travel with TBN

Help us expand our offering of TBN trips

TBN's trips have long been one of the biggest draws to our members. Do you want to help us expand our offering as a member of TBN's new Trip Committee? We expect a time commitment of 1-2 hours per month, with meetings in person or by conference call or video conferencing. Please email Lora at weekendtrips@tbn.ca if you are interested.

Here's what we have (or might have) coming up this year.

Springtime in Washington April 8-13 WAITLIST ONLY

Our all-new spring trip to Washington DC filled up hours after we opened it for registration, and we're looking at the possibility of renting another property for additional riders, a place that would have more space for single travellers. Contact Lora on weekendtrips@tbn.ca by the end of this week if you are interested.

Horsey Hundred in Kentucky May 22-24 ARE YOU INTERESTED?

We're seeking input on whether TBN should put together a trip to Kentucky's Bluegrass Country for the Horsey Hundred weekend of organized bike rides. You'll cycle through lush green farm country, with plenty of rest stops and interesting things to see. Please contact Lora at weekendtrips@tbn.ca if you are interested in this trip.

Mont Tremblant September 4-7 REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 3

Check the website for details of our Labour Day weekend in Mont Tremblant, Quebec, with bike rides, evening adventures and free time to hike, kayak and canoe. We'll be sharing a cottage 20 minutes from the Tremblant pedestrian village and there be a chance to explore Montreal by bike on your way back to Toronto. Registration opens on March 3.

Reminders

Spin your way to fitness with TBN

Did you resolve to stay fit this winter? TBN's superb Wednesday night indoor cycling training sessions at the downtown Adelaide Club are a fantastic way to get ready for spring cycling, and you can still sign up for the current session which started January 22 and and runs until March 11 (fees will be adjusted). Master spinning instructor and competitive cyclist Carmen Diges develops these progressive classes carefully and holds regular tests so participants meet their personal goals. Plus, you'll get to use the Adelaide's state-of-the-art Stages bikes, with power meter technology. See the website for details.

Skate on Friday

TBN's Friday evening skating sessions will continue at various points around Toronto while the rinks remain open. We skate for about 90 minutes, starting at 6:30 pm, and then head to a nearby restaurant for refreshment. Come join the fun. More details on the website.

City Walks on Sundays

TBN's programme of city walks will continue through the winter, provided the weather cooperates. Check the website for details on location. The walks start from near a TTC station and explore parks, neighbourhoods and city ravines, with coffee stops to warm up and an optional lunch stop at the end.

Buying at a discount

Many bike stores in the Toronto area offer hefty discounts for TBN members, as do a number of bicycle related services. Check the website for the full list.

As always, check the TBN website for details of all rides and other events, 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. The little TTC logo below will help alert you to any subway closures.