FebRuary 19, 2020

Calling all TBN volunteers

Did you volunteer for TBN last year? Can you help this year? Do you want to find out more about volunteering?

If the answer to any of those questions is "yes", please register now for our March 11 volunteer appreciation evening, which takes place at the Pilot Tavern in downtown Toronto. There will be finger food and a cash bar, and a chance to find out more about our volunteer opportunities.

Club ambassador eveningClub ambassador eveningClub ambassador

TBN introduced its popular ambassador role last year, pairing new members with club volunteers who will help them meet new people and enjoy new rides. The program continues this year, and the season's kick-off meeting takes place on March 20. Please contact member experience director Mary Newman if you want to get involved.

Club ambassador evening

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.

Bass Lake Boogie July 17-19 REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 19

Registration opens on April 19 for our July 17-19 weekend camping trip to popular Bass Lake for two days of cycling in the Lake Simcoe area. Details are on the TBN website.

Cyclon July 31-August 1 REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 23

This year's Cyclon takes place at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, on the August long weekend, with a selection of routes to ride and a number of evening events. Early bird registration opens on April 23.

Cyclon July 31-August 1 REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 23

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

Important volunteer opportunities at TBN

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?

Please email President John Clausen if you are interested.

Don't forget the bike show

The Toronto International Bike Show, is coming up on the March 6-8 weekend. The event is a showcase for bike stores and manufacturers and a chance to buy bikes and equipment. Say hello at the TBN stand, and pick up maps and travel tips from the regional organizations. This year's show takes place at the International Centre near Pearson Airport (not at Exhibition Place downtown).

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 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.

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.

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.