WHAT IS CYCLON?

Cyclon® is a 4-day cycle touring mini-vacation that takes place every year during the August Civic holiday long weekend. This year Cyclon starts on Friday, Aug 2^nd and concludes Monday, Aug 5^th, 2024. It is the premier annual event of TBN, a not-for-profit recreational cycling club with approximately 800 members. Both the Club and Cyclon Committee rely on volunteers to run events. Cyclon has been running for over 30 years, visiting locations including Kingston, Ottawa, Peterborough, Barrie, Kitchener, St. Catherines, Guelph, Belleville, Waterloo and last year in London.

We are pleased to announce that this year’s Cyclon will be hosted at Trent University, located in the beautiful city of Peterborough, Ontario, approximately 2-hours northeast of Toronto.  Cyclists will be able to enjoy rides along the Otonabee River, including urban routes and rural country roads with opportunities to visit and enjoy parks, nature attractions, museums, historic landmarks, restaurants, micro-breweries, and much more.

And of course, Cyclon would not be complete without the ever-popular Sunday Night Banquet. This year it is at Trent’s “Great Hall”, less than 700 metres from our residence, complete with a wonderful buffet style, three course meal with 3 entrée options followed by dancing.

CYCLING

What are the tour routes like?
Cyclon will feature 15-20 rides over four days, designed for all ride levels. The Cyclon Committee and our route planners created routes to highlight the very best of the area. As per previous years, cyclists will continue to enjoy beautiful countryside interwoven with small towns and interesting historical or geographical features.

You will have your choice of different cycling routes for each day of Cyclon. The routes range from about 15 to 110 km in length and are based on the TBN ride categories: Leisure Wheeler, Urban Roller, Short Tourist, Tourist, and Long Tourist. For more information on these categories, visit our website (www.tbn.ca). An experienced ride leader leads each tour.

As in previous years, we will offer shorter rides on Friday afternoon and Monday morning for members who want to fit the most cycling into their long weekend.

VOLUNTEERING

Like everything about TBN, nothing could happen without our members stepping up to lend a hand. Volunteering is a great way to meet people and help make this event as enjoyable as possible. On the registration page there will be a list of all the positions which we are looking to fill with the option to volunteer for one or more of these positions. All positions are carried out in shifts. Any questions, please email cyclon@tbn.ca and we will be happy to answer.

Here are some, but not all, areas where help is needed:

• Friday registration desk — Volunteer for a shift to help set up/run the registration desk as well as assist at the Friday night Meet'n Greet;
• Friday Porters – Help arriving participants off-load vehicles near residence entrance;
• Friday orientation ambassadors — To welcome first-timers to Cyclon;
• Saturday night dinner hosts — Host a small group (up to 12) of Cyclon guests at a local restaurant;
• And, as always, we need ride leaders and sweeps!

ACCOMMODATIONS

What are the accommodations like?

Gzowski Residence features "semi-private" suites with two private, lockable bedrooms with one shared bathroom. Bikes will be stored in your room. The building has free wi-fi (an activation code will be issued upon arrival).

The residence has elevators, floor lounges, laundry facilities, a dining room, and picnic tables scattered around the residence. Access to Gzowski will be restricted by a pass-card but because we will not have sole use of the residence during our stay, we strongly encourage you to not leave your bicycle or other belongings unattended. As in past years, you will be able to bring your bike into your room overnight.

Address:    Trent University    Gzowski College    1 Gzowski Way    Peterborough, Ontario, Canada    K9L 1Z8 Front Desk:    705-748-1011 ext. 7070

Campus Map: Interactive Campus Map / PDF

What is included with the accommodations?

Our stay at Gzowski will include 3 breakfasts in the cafeteria, located on the main floor, and is provided by Trent Food Catering services. Food menus are included in this FAQ. Participants with dietary restrictions are encouraged to indicate any special requirements during online registration.

Free parking will be available in the lot in front of the residence for the duration of our stay. The university campus is a 15-minute car drive from downtown Peterborough. There is also public transit (GO & Peterborough Transit) right by the main entrance of the residence.

Where do I check in?

Check-in is at the main entrance to the residence. Cyclon will have reception tables set up to give room keys, pass/meal cards and general directions to arriving participants. We will also have porters to help offload your vehicles.

What time can we check-in to the residence?

Check-in time on Aug 2^nd is from noon to 8 pm. Anyone arriving between 8 and 10 pm will check-in with residence staff at the residence reception desk, also located at the main entrance. If you will be arriving after 10 pm and have an estimated time of arrival contact, email conferences@trentu.ca or call/text 705-740-3791 so staff can be prepared. There are staff members who sleep on campus 7 days a week so it just takes moments for them to meet you at the front desk. Please call when you are about 20 minutes away.

What time is check-out?

Check out time on Aug 5^th is 2 pm.

Can I stay extra days?

Yes. A link to register for extra days, before and/or after the weekend can be found on the TBN Cylon page.

What is provided in the residence suite?

The residence suites are for 2-person occupancy, one person per room. At check-in you will be given a Trent lanyard with pass card & info card (with emergency # and wi-fi for the residence section). The pass card has 2 functions: 1) meals, guests tap this card before entering the food service area; and 2) it also provides after-hours building and elevator access. For access to each guest room a physical key will be provided.

Each air-conditioned suite contains 2 sleeping rooms and a shared bathroom. Each sleeping room has 1 bed with 2 pillows, linens and blanket provided, as well as 2 towels, shampoo, and soap in each bedroom. Each bedroom also has 2 storage drawers, a chest of drawers, a small bookcase/nightstand, desk with chair, closet with 3 hangers, garbage, and recycling bin.

Towels and linen can be exchanged at the service desk between 8 am and 8 pm. There are no face cloths or hair dryers so you may wish to bring your own, as well as more hangers. Dormitory pillows may not be very comfortable, so you may want to bring your own. Room trash cans can be dumped into the large bins in the lounge areas, which are emptied daily.

More information about Gzowski College.

What amenities do the lounges have?

There is no fridge or microwave in your suite, however we will have access to 4 lounge areas, each of which has a full refrigerator, microwave, sink and sitting area. You may wish to bring a cooler to keep in your room with any extra food you want for lunches and snacks.

Can I do laundry?

We will have access to free laundry facilities, just supply your own soap.

Can I choose my suitemate?

As part of the registration process, you will be asked for the name of the person with whom you wish to share a suite. Where provided, the Cyclon Committee will do our very best to pair individuals with their chosen suitemate and billet couples or parents with children in their own suite. Please include any specific requests in your registration details.

What if I come on my own?

If you do not indicate a suitemate on your registration form, you will be placed in a suite with a participant of the same gender, and, when possible, of similar age and riding category.

Can I register a guest?

No. Non-members are welcome but anyone wishing to participate, whether member or non-member, must register themselves by going to (Cyclon 2024 registration web page). Non-members are encouraged to join TBN prior to the Early-bird registration to enjoy the member pricing, as well as all other TBN events throughout the year, for free.

Is there Internet access?

Yes. Wi-fi Internet access is provided on the guest floors; login and passwords are provided with the key package upon arrival as well as posted in the elevator and hallways. Once activated, this code will unlock wi-fi access for common indoor areas and residence rooms.

What if I lose my keys/pass card?

If your room key (actual metal key) is lost, you will be charged $140. This is because the entire lockset will have to be replaced. You will be charged $10 for a lost pass card.

BONUS AMENITY

As a rain day activity or for an après-ride sauna, a nominal fee of $9.75 adult/$8.50 seniors (55+) will get you a Day Pass for Trent's Athletic Centre. The Day Pass allows you unlimited access (for the day) to:

• The 12,000 sq. ft. fitness centre.
• All group fitness drop-in programs.
• All swimming drop-in sessions, including lane swims, public swims, and aquafit.
• All open gym sessions, including drop-in basketball and drop-in pickleball.
• Day use lockers, showers and sauna.

Bring a bathing suit! As mentioned earlier, the campus is situated on the Otonabee River and the river is great for swimming. Whether you choose to swim in the river or at the Athletic Centre you must supply your own towel as Trent supplied towels are not to leave the rooms.

MEALS

MEAL	TIME	LOCATION
Friday Night Pizza	6:00 pm to 9:00 pm	Dining Hall (Residence main floor)
Breakfast	7:00 am to 8:30 am	Dining Hall (Residence main floor)
Saturday Night Dinner	Various times	Various venues
Sunday Night Dinner	6:00 pm to 11:00 pm	Great Hall

Friday Night Pizza – Dining Hall

Doors will open at 5:00 pm with food service from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A variety of pizzas and salads will be available for participants to choose from. We will endeavour to offer a variety of toppings to suit various dietary preferences/needs. Alcohol will be available for purchase with Bar Service from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Event concludes at 9:00 pm.

At the time of writing, pizza and salad options are still being confirmed but will be comparable to last year.

NOTE: No alcohol is permitted outside, in the lobby, dining hall or other hallways unless it is a licensed event. Alcohol can be consumed in residence suites and the residence floor lounges.

Breakfast – Dining area 7:00 to 8:30 am

Breakfast is included with your accommodation as part of Trent guest services. The same pass card that gets you into the building will also get you breakfast, you'll tap the card upon entry into the dining area. Only one pass through the servery is permitted.

Sunday Dinner Buffet, August 4^th, 2024 — The Great Hall

Pending supply chain issues, our expected buffet dinner menu is:

Salads: Field green salad Oriental kale salad Choice of entrée: Salmon fillet Chicken supreme Vegetarian/Vegan entrée Vegetable & herb rice pilaf Roasted root vegetables Green goddess vegetable mix Sliced fresh fruit platter Assortment of pastries Coffee & tea Cash bar: beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages

Can I prepare some of my meals?

Trent does not permit preparation of meals in residence units. Lounge areas include a fridge, microwave and sink, but other meal preparation equipment is not available.

What about special dietary needs or allergies?

This year's menu items have been included in the FAQs and standard CFIA listed allergens indicated. If you have any special dietary requirements, or allergies, please indicate these concerns on your registration form. The organizing committee will provide this information to our caterers who will do everything they can to accommodate.

ENTERTAINMENT

Aside from cycling, what other entertainment options will be available?

Cyclon is as much a social event as a recreational cycling event! Meeting other people, and our common interest in cycling, helps to provide the camaraderie that makes Cyclon so special and so successful.

Are there any activities planned for Friday evening?

There will be a reception in the Dining Area beginning at 5:00 p.m. From the dining area we have direct access to the outdoors where there are several picnic tables.

Are there any meals provided before or after any of the rides?

Most rides in the Peterborough area have lunch stops. However, a few rides may have less choice than others. We encourage you to pack extra bars or snacks. Please pay attention to the information provided by your ride leader for additional tips about your route. We will be offering some light snacks/beverages after Saturday's and Sunday's rides.

What about Saturday dinner?

Like prior years, we will have some great group dining/entertainment choices for you with a volunteer dinner host, or you can explore Peterborough on your own. More details will be provided as we get closer to the event.

What can I expect at the Sunday Night Buffet Dinner & Dance?

This evening is traditionally one of the highlights of the Cyclon weekend. The event features a fabulous 3 course meal, prizes, and of course a DJ with lots of dancing! It will be held in The Great Hall, along the banks of the Otonabee River and less than a 700 m walk from our residence. Alcohol (cash bar) will be available, so we encourage members to walk the short distance across the pedestrian bridge. There is parking available so driving is an option, but you will have to drive 3 km to get across the river. Please choose a designated driver.

Is there a specific dinner attire?

No, but attire normally ranges from casual to semi-formal so please pack appropriate attire. Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes for dancing or for taking a stroll on the University campus.

And, of course Peterborough has museums, parks, music venues, microbreweries, etc.

Some self-directed social activities are listed in the Welcome Package that will be accessible at a later date.

COST INCLUSIONS

What do I get with my registration?

Three nights' accommodation (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights), and 3 breakfasts (Sat, Sun & Mon), cycling tours with ride leaders and sweeps, Friday pizza, and of course Sunday Buffet Dinner & Dance.

Where do I park and is this an extra cost?

Parking is complimentary from noon on Friday until 2 pm Monday and is located in front of Gzowski College (see map above). As part of the check-in registration, you will be given a parking pass which must be displayed on your dash when parked anywhere on campus. Any vehicle that does not have a pass on their dashboard will be ticketed.

REGISTRATION

For Cyclon 2024, registration is limited to 140 people.

Registration Dates	TBN Member	Non-Member
Early Bird: Thurs. Apr 18th - Fri. May 31st, 2024 Note: Non-members can register after May 1st	$450	$505
Regular: Sat. June 1st - Sat. Jul. 6th, 2024	$480	$535
Cancellation Deadline: Wed. Jul. 9th, 2024 $50 fee before this date; no refunds will be issued after July 9th, see below	$50	$50

How do I register for Cyclon?

TBN requires that all event registration be done on-line through the TBN website. As TBN no longer accepts cheques, payment must be processed during on-line registration with a credit card or with a PayPal account. To ensure that a spot will be reserved for you at Cyclon, go to TBN website at www.tbn.ca/cyclon, click on the Cyclon registration link.

I have registered for Cyclon. Is my spot reserved?

Your spot at Cyclon is reserved when you complete your on-line registration and payment. Please ensure that you provide your correct email address when you register for yourself. We use this email address to send you additional information and directions. Please check your Bulk or Spam email folders in addition to your inbox. At last year's Cyclon, some registrants, particularly those with Rogers and Yahoo accounts, received their Cyclon emails in these folders.

Am I guaranteed a ride to and from Cyclon if I indicated during registration that I would like one?

No. We rely on the generosity of other cyclists with cars to help with transporting people and bikes. While we cannot guarantee rides or bike transport, we will try to pair you up with another registrant who may be able to offer you transport.

Should I pay the person who offers transport?

While we cannot enforce payment, we highly recommend you offer to pay the driver a minimum of $30 each way or $60 return. Should you need to make plans with the driver for a pick-up or drop-off location that is unusual or distant, or if gas prices increase suddenly, a higher fee payment may be warranted. These issues should be discussed with the driver in advance to ensure the driver is able to support your request.

How can I register online if I don't have a computer?

If you have a smart phone you can register at tbn.ca, you could ask a fellow club member with a computer to help you register for Cyclon or take advantage of computer access available at any Public Library in Ontario.

I am not a member. Can I get my TBN membership at the same time that I sign up for Cyclon?

Yes, you can - but become a TBN member first before you register for Cyclon. You will then get your TBN membership and save money by registering for Cyclon at the member's price. The TBN membership form is available at www.tbn.ca/join.

What happens if I want to cancel my registration?

All cancellations are subject to a $50 per person cancellation processing fee. You may sell your package with the approval of the Cyclon Director.

IMPORTANT, PLEASE NOTE

No refund of any kind will be made after Wed., July 9^th, 2024, but you may still have the option to sell your spot, again, with approval from the Cyclon Directors.

What happens if there is a COVID outbreak?

Should the government initiate a city or province-wide lock-down due to COVID, and Cyclon must cancel, we will refund your registration fee, less $50 to cover non-refundable expenses and other losses that may be incurred.

What happens if I come down with COVID after the cancellation date?

All cancellations are subject to a $50 per person cancellation processing fee. You may sell your package with the approval of the Cyclon director.

Should TBN or Cyclon become aware of COVID cases arising from or during the Cyclon weekend, we will follow existing TBN COVID notification protocols.