July 22, 2021

Martin's message: more riders allowed, guests are back

As you probably know already, Ontario has moved to Stage Three of its COVID-era reopening plan, which lifts the maximum number of attendees at a public outdoor organized event to 100 people from 25. That means higher limits on TBN rider numbers, and should eliminate the pandemic-era problems of wait lists and the midnight scramble to register for popular events. Rider numbers will vary -- it will be up to Program Coordinators and Ride Leaders to set the limits they feel comfortable with -- and you must still register to attend any TBN event. But we look forward to welcoming you back to our rides in bigger numbers than before.

We're also looking at the options to restart our social events, as well as opening up some rides to guest members for the first time since the pandemic started. We're welcoming a large number of new members. Please make them feel comfortable with the club.

See below for more details.

Martin Lansche, Acting President

Introducing no-drop, slow-paced country rides

Check out the TBN website for a new pilot program of gently paced country rides, which will run in parallel to the regular Sunday Country Cruise program. Initially led by new board member Alice Chan, these rides are typically fairly short -- around 50 km or 60 km -- and will be held at a leisurely pace of 14-18 km/h on the flat. We'll offer many stops for rests and photos, plus side trips to points of interest, and we hope the initiative will encourage more people to come out and enjoy the fresh air of a country cruise.

The next ride is on Sunday in the Halton area. As Chain of Events went to press, spaces were still available

Planning for a picnic, we hope

The Board is still examining our options for social events, and we hope to be able to hold a picnic sometime this year. But in 2019 we had 200 people at the Toogood Pond Picnic, which is above current outdoor event participation limits. We are looking into how to get permits for such an event and will let you know as soon as we know more. Watch this space for updates.

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TBN opens some rides up to guest members

After a pandemic-induced shutdown, TBN is pleased to open some rides up to guests again -- details are on the website calendar for individual rides. Guests must register ahead of time, and pay a non-member registration fee. If you're a guest, please introduce yourself to the ride leader when you arrive, and if you're a member, please say "Hi" and welcome the guest, and explain why you love TBN. You could be the difference between guests coming out for a single ride and their becoming members and/or volunteers. 

Welcome to TBN's new members

TBN recruited a large number of new members this year and last - over 50 new members so far in 2021, and over 90 in 2020. Welcome to the club!

With the Step 3 limits now in place, all members, including new members, should be able to register for the rides they want. If you're new, please make yourself known to the Ride Leader. You will be introduced to a number of the "regulars", or perhaps an "Ambassador", who has volunteered to help new riders. Ask all your questions. Cyclists, if nothing else, love to talk about cycling.

Alice Chan named as TBN board member

The Board is pleased to announce that Alice Chan is taking on the role of Member Experience Director for the rest of the year. Alice is a familiar face on TBN's city and country rides, and she has been a Ride Leader and Ambassador with the club. For more information, click here. You can contact Alice by email at experience@tbn.ca.

When the weather doesn't play ball

Thanks to all members who filled out our survey about weather-related ride cancellations. Your message was clear: Let's reschedule rather than cancelling a ride outright. Click here to see a summary of the results of the survey.

Bicycle Film Festival

If you want a break from real-world riding, check out this year's Bicycle Film Festival, which offers streaming for short movies. Themes include a look at New York City through the lens of female bike messengers, the story of a Ghanaian immigrant teaching women refugees to ride bicycles in Amsterdam and a father who copes with the loss of his son through cycling. Details here.

Travel with TBN

It's been a difficult year for travel, but we're slowly, tentatively getting back in the groove. Here are a couple of summer/fall adventures to think about. Please contact Lora if you are interested in either of these trips. 

Goderich, Lake Huron August 27-29

Goderich, on the shores of Lake Huron, is known as the prettiest town in Canada. If the COVID-19 situation allows, TBN will host a weekend trip to this area. We have reserved a selection of downtown motel rooms (Maple Leaf Motel, Cedar Lodge Motel, Comfort Inn) at different price points, and individuals are welcome to arrange their own accommodations too. We will offer ride options between 50 km and 100 km, with rides suitable for Urban Roller and Country Cruise riders.

Gravenhurst, Muskoka October 16-17

Muskoka is a beautiful fall colour destination to explore, with many kilometres of quiet winding roads for cyclists. TBN has reserved motel rooms at the Howard Johnson and The Gold Pine Inn Motel. Individuals are also welcome to arrange their own accommodations. The bike rides will be suitable for Urban Roller and Country Cruise riders and there will be ride options between about 50 km and 100 km.