March 11, 2020

Cycle season starting soon

We're just weeks away from the official start of TBN's cycling season, after a winter that really wasn't as cold as the ones we had before. The Wednesday Wheelie crowd start their season with a ride from Markham on March 25, the first Saturday morning ride of the season is on April 4, and Urban Rollers and Country Cruisers start their rides on April 5. And two days after that, on April 7, we have the first Ravine Ride of the season. It's your call.

Cyclon volunteers wanted

Cyclon returns to London (Ontario) this year, and we're looking for your help. Volunteer opportunities include ride leaders and sweeps, as well as people who can test ride our routes over the May long weekend. Other opportunities: helpers for our Friday night social and icebreaker; people who can prepare après-ride snacks or host Saturday night dinners; a leader for post-ride yoga/stretch classes.

Interested in volunteering? Email Mireille at cyclon@tbn.ca.

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

Save the date for TBN's kickoff breakfast

TBN's spring kickoff breakfast is scheduled for June 9 at Etienne Brule Park in Etobicoke. Enjoy a free breakfast, courtesy of TBN, meet friends and new members and then head out for a ride. Details coming soon to the TBN 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, is full.

Niagara Hike and Bike May 15-18 REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 14

Get your 2020 cycling season off to a great start, spending Victoria Day weekend on the quiet roads and off-road paved trails of the Niagara Region. This year we have 40 spots - its exceptional value meant that this trip sold out quickly in previous years. Registration opens Saturday March 14.

Toronto-Niagara-Toronto June 19-20 COMING SOON TO TBN WEBSITE

Our popular Toronto-Niagara-Toronto weekend will open for registration soon, offering you the chance for back-to-back century rides (metric or imperial) from Toronto or Hamilton to scenic Niagara Falls. We have a new hotel this year, the Falls Lodge and Suites.

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

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. More details coming on the TBN website. Early bird registration opens on April 23.

Mont Tremblant September 4-7 REGISTRATION OPEN

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 is open.

Cyclon July 31-August 1 REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 23

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.

Last chance for skating

This week's skating session will probably be the last of the season, as the weather warms up, finally. Given above-zero daytime temperatures, we'll be skating indoors this week, at the York Mills Arena on Bayview at York Mills Road. We'll skate for about 90 minutes, starting at 6:30 pm, and then head to a nearby restaurant for refreshment. More details on the website.

City Walks on Sundays

TBN's program of Sunday morning city walks is still running. Check the website for details on location. The walks start 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.