TBN Advocacy Report C Ron Fletcher "BIKES CAUSE POLLUTION"

e 2010 • Volum - Jun e 28, Is May sue 2

Spring Kick-Off Educational Cor ner Ride Leader Highlight Ride & Inline Schedules . . . and lots more! TBN Advocacy Report C Ron Fletcher "BIKES CAUSE POLLUTION". come even fractionally near every city in Europe. Even several American cities, long cycling's poorest promoters, are leaving us behind. Yes, this is a conclusion reached by some opposing bike lanes (but I've heard worse). The reasoning goes some- Where does your councillor stand on this? An election is coming soon. Your thing like this: "If you build a bike lane on a busy road, voice is needed if you wish these setbacks to be reversed. It will make a dif- cars will be slowed or will have to take longer, alternate ference if you phone your councillor and tell him/her that you want the Bike routes. Thus, adding more pollutants in the air." Network completed and its maintenance fully funded. Please take a minute and make that call. If you don't who will? "Don't take away parking spots because it will cause our small businesses to lose customers". This, despite study after study which shows that many shoppers prefer to walk or cycle to local businesses as opposed to driving miles to DENMARK’S an impersonal mall. DEDEDICATEDDICATED BIKE LANE

Such frustrating arguments are still being given by powerful lobbiests des- perately promoting the car culture. If you don't think they are effective, com- pare the huge amount of money spent on new roads and maintaining car supremecy with public transit and cycling.

And the politicians are listening. Public transit budgets and cycling budgets are tiny in comparison. The Bike Network, a modest ten year plan, is leaving most of its routes, if they are to be completed, to the upcoming final years. At present there is still not a single safe direct route across our city either north-south or east-west. Convoluted, disconnected and partial, such routes as they are, cannot lead to the huge increase in cycling needed for Toronto to

Bike Month is June and with over a 100 cycling related events, there’s plenty for everyone to do! Here is an overview of the events, but check the City of Toronto website for a full list of events: www.toronto.ca/cycling/events/ There are also events running in May. SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

1234Bike First Fridays 5 Bikes & Budgets: KENK: Community Bike Joint Bike Breakfast Financing Cycling Discussion Around Bike Diverse Bicycle City Celebrate the Open Road Infrastructure Theft Bikrophone (musical Donate a bike at Bike bike instrument) Pirates 678910 11 Bicycle Tour of Regent Park 12 Core Strength for Celebrate the Alternative Cyclists Etobicoke Cyclists Green City Cycle Tour Cyclists Union/Evergreen Cruiser Becel Ride for Heart Life CyclesSunnybrook Bike To Meeting Ride & Dinner Work Day Ride Ward 25 BikeSauce Spit-Nic Toronto Cycling Discover Ward 37 Ride Roadsworth - doc film Visual Display of Genius The Trailblazers’ ‘Blaze-a-thon’ Ride Committee Meeting Find-A-Norco-Bike about a stencil artists of Common Sense & Picnic Toronto Island Tree Tour 13 14 15 1632 Spokes go to the 17Bike Pirates 3rd Friday 18Bike Wash! 19 Bike and car races! Event - Bike!Bike! Party Discussion on Cycling Discover Ward 37 Ride Farmer’s Market Celebrate the Possibilities Bike Pirates Community TBN Easy Roller ride Infrastructure in North Bike Train - Ontario The French Forts of Toronto Garden Tour Family Bicycle Parade York Southwest Launch Bike Tour Discover Ward 37 Ride Pedal the Humber CineCycle Screening of Tour of East Toronto Pedal Power Reverse Commute community gardens 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 TBN Easy Roller ride Hydrocorridor Media Ward 22 Cycling Scarborough Cyclists Toronto 1840s Bicycle Bike to Evergreen Brick Works Event Community Meeting Meeting Tour Celebrate the Finer Things in Life Ride North York Streets and Trails 27 28 29 30 TBN Easy Roller ride JUNE Page 2 Quick Release May - June 2010 Annual Spring TORONTO-NIAGARA-TORONTO OVERNIGHT C h a l l e n g e JUNE 19 - 20, 2010

For 17 years now, we've cycled a lovely route that gets you to the heart of Niagara Falls on scenic and traffic-free back roads. From Toronto's High Park, 168 km each way. From Stoney Creek, 90 km each way.

Get your spring training in gear to prepare for the TNTO 2-day challenge ride. Will you be aiming for your personal best? Or just out to enjoy the scenery? Other than luggage transfer, this is an unsupported ride and there are no ride leaders. You’ll be chal- lenging your stamina, self-sufficiency, and probably your butt. Come prepared and plan to ride with friends. Past riders have found that spinning classes during the winter/spring were helpful. This event is a great target to set your cycling season sights on.

Training goals. In the weeks leading up to the TNTO, participants should be able to ride:

• 135 km a day, for those starting at High Park • 75 km a day, for those starting at Stoney Creek

For those training for the "Hairshirt" (June 27th) or just looking for an additional challenge, we have optional "scenic" 187 and 200 km routes available from High Park on the first day.

In addition to the beauty and exhilaration of riding through Niagara Falls at the end of day one, on your arrival at the motel you can celebrate with all the FREE watermelon you can eat.

Price includes maps, luggage transfer and motel accommodation.

1 person in one room: $110.00 2 persons in double room (two queen beds): $60.00 each 2 persons in double room with Jacuzzi (one king bed): $80.00 each

Non-members are welcome for an additional $10 each.

Map and luggage transfer only: $15.00 each

For details and online registration refer to “Chain of Events” at www.tbn.ca

Sheamus - ‘Offical’ 2009 TNTO Mascot

How many times can you spot Shea- mus’ getting into mischief in the photo taken outside the motel?

Please submit your answers to [email protected] for a chance to WIN a PATCH KIT ! ! !

A correct email will be selected at ran- dom and the winning TBN member will be announced in the next issue of Quick Release!

Toronto Bicycling Network Page 3

Our Premier Cycling Event

Cyclon® is the three day premier cycling touring event hosted by the Toronto Bicycling Network, Canada’s largest recreational cycling club. Don’t miss this event! It sold out last year!

This year it will be held at Conestoga College (Doon campus in Kitchener) from July 30th to August 2nd with all the great activities you enjoyed in previous years and more!

You will love the: Great riding with routes available to suit your level of cycling Friday night reception and ice-breaker with snacks and pizza Easy on-line registration Fabulous dinner-dance with live DJ A choice of meal options An information package with route maps Post-ride socials on Saturday and Sunday with snacks eAfter-rid stretching The company and camaraderie of other cyclists

And our new enhancements this year: Lower price and even better value than last year Hotel style accommodations with housekeeping, double beds, and complimentary continental breakfasts Optional Saturday night entertainment at either Bingemans water park and BBQ, the Stratford Festival, or the Millrace Folk Festival Easy access from the 401

More about: Rides: Accommodations: Meal Packages: Road riding with various route Three night hotel style Base package includes: options lodging in an air conditioned continental breakfasts Distances vary from 30 to 180 room with housekeeping, and Friday night pizza km double beds Sunday night dinner / Designed for every level of cyclist Linens and towels provided dance Detailed map and cue sheets A kitchenette with fridge, Options: provided sink, table, and microwave is Hot breakfasts Experienced Ride Leaders and available with each unit Monday lunch Sweeps Bikes are allowed in the units Saturday night Sag-Wagon for rider assistance Waterpark BBQ

Visit www.TBN.ca/Cyclon for more information

Page 4 Quick Release May - June 2010 Early Bird Sign-Up & Social

The Cyclon Early Bird Sign-up and Social gives you the opportunity to talk directly to Cyclon organizers about the event and with other participants who’ve been there! Cash bar and light refreshments will be provided.

th Date: Thursday, June 3 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Where: The Willow Restaurant at 193 Danforth Avenue on the south side just west of Broadview

CYCLON FAQ’s on Page 16 . . . Toronto Bicycling Network Page 5 WEEKEND TRIPS

Allegany Amble May 21124, 2010 (Victoria Day Weekend) Allegany State Park is located approximately one hour south of Buffalo in Upstate New York, USA. We will be staying in rustic four person, two bedroom cabins near the lake. Rides vary from 40 to 120 km through scenic rolling to hilly terrain and are suitable for Country Cruise to Sportif riders. Mountain biking and excellent hiking is also available within the park. Meals will be a cabin group effort. We head into Elli- Allegany cottville for dinner on Saturday night followed by a pot luck dinner on Sunday at the main lodge. Come and join in on the fun! Limited space is available on a first paid basis. The cost is $90.00 per person. Apply/questions by email to [email protected] Please include your phone number(s) and any other pertinent contact information. Car pooling might be available.

Wroxeter Wromp June 25127, 2010 Stay at the Falls Reserve Conservation Area on the winding Mait- land river. The closest urban centre is Goderich which is known as "Canada's Prettiest Town". The area offers great cycling, swimming, Presqu’ile 2009 and hiking. We will be camping on a group site Friday and Saturday night. Provided will be two pancake breakfasts and provisions for two light lunches. Saturday night dinner will be potluck. Please book before June 20th. The cost is $35 for TBN members and $40 for non-members. Download the sign up sheet from the TBN website in pdf or word format. For more info email Paul & Brenda at [email protected] or call 905-567-1035 (no voice mail). Rock Point Relaxer July 16118, 2010 (TENTATIVE until May 1st) Please note: Rock Point does not let us book the site until May 1st. Cycle along the Lake Erie shoreline starting from Rock Point Provincial Park. Enjoy the company of fellow cyclists camping on a group site Friday and Saturday night. Provided will be two pancake breakfasts and provisions for two light lunches. Patrick Lam & Ginger Lee - 2009 Camping Saturday night dinner will be potluck. Please book before July 11th. The cost is $35 for TBN members and $40 for non-members. Download the sign up sheet in pdf or word format. For more info email Paul & Brenda at [email protected] or call 905- 567-1035 (no voice mail). Presqu'ile Prescription August 27129, 2010 Cycle the scenic Prince Edward County area starting from Presqu'ile Provincial Park. In the evening enjoy a starlight walk to the lighthouse or just relax around the campfire. We will be camping on a group site Friday and Saturday night. Provided will be two pancake breakfasts and provisions for two light lunches. Saturday night dinner will be potluck. Please book before August 22nd. The cost is $35 for TBN members and $40 for non-members. Download the sign up sheet from the TBN website in Cynthia Wong - 2009 Camping Trip pdf or word format. For more info contact Paul & Brenda at [email protected] or 905- 567-1035 (no voice mail). Photos: Albert Ng

Page 6 Quick Release May - June 2010 Thinking about a Weekend Trip ?

Read recent reviews here !

Sandbanks Bike Camp OTTAWA, FAMILY DAY LONG WEEKEND 2010 Fall 2009 By Dale Wright By Sophie Lee What a fun way to spend three nights over a long weekend! Sixteen of us arrived in Canada's capitol city on Friday to enjoy When my neigh- Ottawa's 30th Annual Winterlude . It was cold and sunny, typical for a winters day in Ottawa, but where bours Paul and Festival was the snow? Just like Toronto, there hadn't been much. This didn't deter us Brenda invited me from enjoying all of the outdoor activities that the festival and surrounding area to the Sandbanks provided. bike camp they were organizing I On Friday evening, the first to arrive set was hesitant. They out to find our way to the popular and combated every excuse I conjured trendy area. After wan- up. “But I don’t even own a bike...” Byward Market dering around and braving the bitter cold, (in fact the last time I borrowed my we happened upon a wonderful pub where daughter’s bike years ago, my we relaxed and warmed up with a good knees knocked the handlebars at variety of tasty pub grub and ale. On the every revolution) – ‘no problem we’ll way back to the hotel we found the ice find one for you’. “But I don’t have a sculptures and the . As most tent...” – ‘no problem, we’ll find one Rideau Canal of us were not dressed appropriately for for you’ They were not going to let the wind, the evenings’ entertainment me off so easy! soon filled up with Olympic fever in the lounge area as well as in a few of the The doubts came flooding in – how rooms at our comfortable hotel. was I going to fit into a crowd of biking enthusiasts, who will no doubt Saturday and Sunday were relatively cold be singularly focused on nothing but but beautiful sunny days with intense blue biking? What will I possibly have to Bernarda, Jane, Catherine and skies. On both days after breakfast, the say to them? Will they laugh at me Dave aka Big Bird (Trip Organizer) group dispersed. Some skated the length of as I struggle up the hills? Will they the canal - a must do - while others walked several kilometers along it, several accept me into their elite club? went for some excellent XC skiing in the Gatineau Park, a few went to the Na- , the and shopping. A shuttle bus ran from Upon arrival, the camaraderie and tional Gallery Parliament Buildings Ottawa to Hull, Quebec to see the snow sculptures. We explored some of the joy in old friends seeing each again residential areas, found pastry shops, ate Beaver Tails, drank hot chocolate and was pure and everyone was so generally enjoyed wandering around and being outdoors. On Saturday night we warm and welcoming that my fears all met at LaPoint, a seafood restaurant in the market area for a group dinner. were instantly laid to rest. The staff were very accommodating with our large group size and served up deli- cious meals. On the way back to the hotel located five minutes from the canal, we Our days were filled with hearty checked out more of the . breakfasts, visiting local art gal- ice sculptures They were awesome and even more in- leries, biking, dinner and chatting credible at night with the special effects over the campfire. Night hikes at lighting. On Sunday evening we divided the beach were truly breathtaking into two smaller groups going for Italian with all the constellations so clear and Indian food. The choice or eateries and bright. and restaurants was excellent. It was a hard lifestyle indeed, one A nice perk to the weekend was holiday that I missed terribly as I sat in my Monday so we were free to hang about, office the following Monday, feeling do more sightseeing, skating and begin like a caged bird. There is nothing the trek home at our leisure. more fulfilling than being in the fresh All in all, it air amongst friends, enjoying nature was a wonderful weekend of winter ac- and I certainly am looking forward to tivity in an exciting and friendly city, Deborah Joyce & Dale Wright the next bike camp! something to look forward to next year! Photos: Gail Tannenbaum & Erin Handley

Toronto Bicycling Network Page 7 Port Hope Town Hall. Take Hwy 401 east to exit Sunday and Holiday Rides #461, follow Hwy 2 to downtown Port Hope. SUNDAY, MAY 2 Distance: 35 km The Town Hall is located at 56 Queen St. SUTTON/LAKE SIMCOE TOUR Classification: Easy Roller Distances: 58, 70 & 99 kms A scenic jaunt along the cottage-lined shores of Classification: Country Cruise Lake Simcoe and the surrounding countryside. SCARBOROUGH BLUFFS CENTENNIAL PARK - DIM SUM RIDE Bring your lunch for a picnic by the lake. Enjoy the view from the edge of the Bluffs; re- North on Humber Trail. West on Eglinton Trail, Directions: Meet for a 10:00 a.m. departure at the turn via the Martin Goodman Trail and some through Centennial Park and quiet industrial Peter Gzowski Library in Sutton. Take Hwy 404 city streets. Pack a lunch. streets. Lunch at a famous Dim-sum Restaurant north, Davis Drive east, Hwy 48 north. Go left on Directions: Meet for a 10:00 a.m. departure at or Tim Horton’s for those who prefer coffee High St. into Sutton. Right on Dalton Rd. Left on King Edward’s Statue, at the north end of and donuts. This ride is mostly on trails and Black River Rd. to the Peter Gzowski Library. Queen’s Park quiet industrial streets. Distances: 64 & 84 kms Distance: 38 km Directions: Meet in the parking lot of Etienne Classification: Country Cruise Classification: Leisure Wheeler Brule Park for a 10:00 a.m. sharp departure. MAPLE BAKERY SUNDAY, MAY 16 Etienne Brule Park is located at the junction of Old Mill Rd and Old Mill Dr (around the corner and A shortened version of the ride to Centro Bak- SCHOMBERG TO CALEDON EAST down the hill from the Old Mill subway station). ery in Maple. Mostly on quiet streets. A ride in the lovely countryside N of Schomberg Distance: 47 km Directions: Meet for a 10:00 a.m. departure at with lunch in Caledon East. Rolling terrain. Classification: Easy Roller Finch Subway Kiss and Ride, NW corner Yonge Directions: Meet for a 10:00 a.m. departure at St and Hendon Ave, one block North of Finch. the arena in Schomberg. Take exit 55 off Hwy SECRETS OF SCARBOROUGH Distance: 35 km 400 and head west on C.R. 9 to 20th Side Road Some hidden treasures of this suburb, as Classification: Easy Roller (first road west of Hwy 27) and head south on revealed by a long-time resident. Après: Tim Hortons 20th Side Road to the arena. (The arena is just Directions: Meet for 10:00 a.m. departure at west of Main Street.) Shoppers World, Danforth & Victoria Park, in LESLIE STREET SPIT Distances: 74 & 93 kms front of Coffee Time (one block south of the Cycle to the lighthouse at the end of the Spit to Classification: Country Cruise Victoria Park Subway Park & Ride). view the spectacular Toronto skyline; then re- Distance: 32 km turn via the Don and Taylor Creek Trails. SCARBOROUGH BLUFFS Classification: Leisure Wheeler Directions: Meet for a 10:00 a.m. departure at Visit the famous Scarborough Bluffs. Lunch at Après: Coffee Time the Boardwalk Pub, just east of Coxwell Ave on Coffee Time. Directions: Meet for a 10:00 a.m. departure at Lakeshore Blvd. MONDAY, MAY 24 (VICTORIA DAY) Distance: 30 km the Boardwalk Pub, just east of the foot of MAPLE BAKERY Classification: Leisure Wheeler Coxwell Ave., in the Woodbine Beach parking lot. A shortened Holiday version of the ride to Centro Après: Boardwalk Pub Distance: 60 km Bakery in Maple. Mostly on quieter streets. Classification: Easy Roller Directions: SUNDAY, MAY 9 Meet for a 10:00 a.m. departure at Finch Subway Kiss and Ride, northwest corner TRIPLE H - HORNBY HALTON HILLS MAPLE BAKERY RIDE (New route!) Yonge St and Hendon Ave, one block N of Finch. (TO LOWVILLE) Head north for brunch at TBN’s favourite bakery. Distance: 35 km True to form the hills of Halton loom. Enjoy Directions: Meet for a 10:00 a.m. departure at Classification: Easy Roller this route as it takes you to Lowville for a pic- Finch Subway Kiss and Ride, NW corner Yonge Après: Tim Hortons nic lunch in the park. and Hendon, one block north of Finch Ave. Directions: Meet for a 10:00 a.m. departure at Distance: 35 km HEAVENLY HOLIDAY Hornby Park. Exit Hwy 401 westbound at Classification: Leisure Wheeler A two-hour exercise ride south on the Don Trail Trafalgar Rd, then head north to Steeles Ave Après: Tim Hortons, East side of to the Martin Goodman Trail, across Queen’s and west to Sixth Line. Yonge, N of Hendon/Bishop Quay, and then north past the Sky Dome. Distances: 67, 85 & 98 kms Directions: Meet for a 10:00 a.m. departure at Classification: Country Cruise SUNDAY, MAY 23 King Edward’s Statue, Queen’s Park. The statue THE SHELTER VALLEY SHUFFLE is at the north end of the park, due south of the KINGSWAY RIDE Explore the wonderful rolling hills and views intersection of Bloor St West and Avenue Rd. Wander the lovely neighbourhood back streets north and east of Port Hope. This ride travels Distance: 32 km of Etobicoke and return along the Lakeshore along some favourite, tree lined roads of the Classification: Leisure Wheeler Trail area, including Shelter Valley. The lunch spot is Après: The Second Cup Directions: Meet in the parking lot of Etienne on the grounds of the Baltimore Community Brule Park for a 10:00 a.m. departure. Etienne Centre. Note: Bring your own lunch. Snacks and SUNDAY, MAY 30 Brule Park is located at the junction of Old Mill drinks available at general store just before the ALLISTON, BORDEN, CREEMORE Rd and Old Mill Dr (around the corner and lunch spot. Revised routes, avoiding Angus and Utopia. A down the hill from the Old Mill subway station). Directions: Meet for a 10:00 a.m. departure at fairly easy ride with some gently rolling hills

Page 8 Quick Release May - June 2010 near Alliston and near Creemore. The long SUNDAY, JUNE 13 Classification: Easy Roller route has a scenic and hilly loop through Glen STOUFFVILLE TO UXBRIDGE Huron. Bring a picnic lunch for the short ride. Follow the shady, rolling backroads of Durham DIM SUM RIDE Medium and long rides have lunch in region to Uxbridge and back again. Join Fred Lee for Dim Sum in Markham. Other Creemore. Directions: Meet for a 10:00 a.m. Directions: 10:00am departure. Meet at the foods available. Ride skips Cummer Hill. departure in the Town of Alliston, at the public North Stouffville Free Park. To get to Stouffville 10:00am departure parking lot at end of Mill St. Take Hwy 400 drive north on Hwy 404 to Stouffville Rd and Start: Finch north to exit 75, Cookstown. Go west on then east to the Stouffville Free Park on the Dist: 40 km Highway 89 about 18 km to Church St. - the north side of Main St. past the train tracks & Class: Leisure Wheeler second intersection with traffic lights west of before Market St. the train tracks. Mill St. is the next street west Distances: 61 km & 89 km SUNDAY JUNE 27 ASHBURN TOUR of Church St. Do not park at the Beer Store. Classification: Country Cruise Allow sufficient travel time - this is about 80 Another Wednesday Wheelie favourite added to km from Yonge St and Highway 401. No HIGH PARK - CENTENNIAL PARK - the Country Cruise schedule. Like all tours in washrooms at the starting point, so stop at the PORT CREDIT the Durham area, this is a lovely ride along MacDonalds at exit 75, or at Tim Hortons in Parks and river banks is the theme of this quiet roads with undulating terrain. Lunch in Cookstown or Alliston. scenic tour. Ride through two parks and along Enniskillen Conservation Area or picnic area Distances: 65, 93 & 106 kms two river banks to lunch in Mississauga, with a near Enniskillen store. Bring a lunch for this Classification: Country Cruise return along the waterfront trail. Directions: tour. Directions: To get to Ashburn, go east on Meet at the Grenadier Restaurant in the centre Hwy 401 to Brock Road, north to Claremont HUMBER RIVER TRAIL of High Park for a 10:00 a.m. departure. and east on County Road 5 to Ashburn. Follow the trails of the Humber to the Distance: 54 kms 10:00am departure at Ashburn Community northwest corner of Toronto. Classification: Easy Roller Park on the west side of Ashburn Road, 200 m Directions: Meet in the parking lot of Etienne north of the main intersection in Ashburn. Brule Park for a 10:00 a.m. departure. Etienne RANDY'S RAMBLE Distances: 57 km & 84 km Brule Park is located at the junction of Old Mill A five-star ride westward from the Humber Classification: Country Cruise Rd and Old Mill Dr (around the corner and along the Waterfront Trail. We tour a couple of CENTENNIAL PARK - PORT CREDIT down the hill from the Old Mill subway station). parks and the Humber College campus, picnic Distance: 52 km in Douglas Kennedy Park, and then continue Ride mostly on trails and quiet streets. Classification: Easy Roller another 3 km to Port Credit.10:00am departure. Directions: Meet at Etienne Brule Park, near Start: Old Mill Subway the junction of Old Mill Drive and Old Mill SCARBOROUGH SEE THE GEESE Dist: 48 km Road for a 10 a.m. start Explore the asphalt trails of Morningside and Class: Leisure Wheeler Distance: 52 kms Col. Danforth parks en route to the mouth of Classification: Easy Roller the Rouge River. Bring lunch. SUNDAY, JUNE 20 Start: 10:00am departure at Kennedy Subway BEAVERTON CANALS, CAUSEWAYS EDWARDS GARDENS Park & Ride (south lot on Transway Crescent, AND COTTAGES The most popular LW ride. Bring lunch or buy south of Eglinton and east of Kennedy) A flat ride around Beaverton. Explore farmland, something there as you enjoy the flowers and Distance: 40 km the Trent-Severn Waterway, and the shores of sights; asphalt trails and streets. departs 10:00am Class: Leisure Wheeler Lake Simcoe. On the short ride there is no Start: Finch Subway Après: Tim Hortons restaurant at the lunch stop, so you must bring Dist: 37 km a lunch. Directions: 10:00am departure. Class: Leisure Wheeler SUNDAY, JUNE 6 Beaverton Community Centre. Take Hwy 404 Après: Tim Hortons PORT PERRY PEDLAR (VERSION #1) N, Davis Drive E, and Hwy 48 north. Turn left An undulating scenic ride up and down the on Durham Road 23 at Port Bolster (just past drumlins of Durham County. Directions: the drive-in theatre). In Beaverton, turn left on 10:00am departure. Go east on Hwy 401. Exit Bay St. (at the XTR gas station). Turn left on FOR THE JUNE TOURIST RIDES, at Oshawa (Simcoe Street/ CR#2) and continue Main St. to the Beaverton Community Centre. PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR UP north to Conlin Rd. Meet at Durham College Distances: 59 km, 86 km & 117 km TO DATE LIST OF SCHEDULES! North Parking lot, located off of Conlin Rd. just Classification: Country Cruise west of County Rd. #2 in Oshawa. Distances: 72 km & 85 km MAPLE BAKERY Remember to Thank Classification: Country Cruise A longer version of the ride to everyone’s favorite bakery in Maple. your Ride Leaders ! RIDE FOR HEART Directions: Meet at the Finch subway parking TBN is made possible There is no scheduled Easy Roller nor Leisure lot, on Hendon Avenue just west of Yonge Wheeler rides as TBN will be participating in the Street for a 10 a.m. start entirely by volunteers! Ride for Heart. We encourage others to do so as well. Distance: 55 km

Toronto Bicycling Network Page 9 Trail and Mountain Bike Rides

One very large hill- tough going up, a blast going down. Fabulous views. Moderate, clay with mud holes, limestone boulders.

Trail pass: $7 Facilities: washrooms Trailhead: meeting at top, Summit Gatehouse: 401 W to Hwy 25, south towards Milton, west on hwy. 8 (Steeles Ave.) 4km, parking north side at Old Bell School Line www.conservationhalton.on.ca/kelso.html Après: Tim Horton’s in Milton

SATURDAY, JUNE 5 COULSON’S HILL - 10AM START A twisty, hilly 15km fun ride on single track clay, sand, trails & gravel fire roads with logs & mud to keep you awake.

Trail Pass: free Facilities: none Trailhead: From the 400, exit 64 east towards SUNDAY, MAY 2 coming from the north, or east, travel 50m Bradford, north on 10th Side road, west on 11th GLEN MAJOR- 10AM START south of Pottery Rd. on Bayview at Toronto Concession. OR from Bradford, take Hwy 11/4 20 km of tight technical single track, for Brick Works parking lot. north to 11th Concession (Coulson Hill Rd.). Beginners to Advanced, Drop-offs, sandy areas, Aprés: Whistler’s 995 Broadview Ave. Turn west and follow for about 10mins. Forest long runs and great scenery, south of Uxbridge. is on north side of road just before the bridge over Hwy. 400. Aprés: Pub in Bradford Trail Pass: Free Facilities: Parking SUNDAY, MAY 16 Trailhead: Hwy. 401 east to Brock Rd. in RAVENSHOE – 10AM START Pickering. North on Brock Rd. to about 20km With 18 km of single-track trails, Ravenshoe SUNDAY, JUNE 6 to Claremont, turn east on Durham Rd. 5. offers lots of roots, logs and stunts to challenge DON VALLEY - KNOBBY NEWBIE Travel to Balsam, go north on Sideline #4, for the rider, one of our hardest and favorite rides. BEGINNER RIDE - 10AM START about 3km. Aprés: Appleby’s Hwy 2, Ajax Moderate to extreme, fairly flat but very twisty, See Knobby Newbie description for May 9. can be muddy. SATURDAY, MAY 8 Trail pass: Free Facilities: limited parking SUNDAY, JUNE 13 HILTON FALLS - 10AM START Trailhead: 404 north, exit Green Lane, east to GLEN MAJOR- 10AM START Dual suspension heaven. 33km of single & Woodbine Ave, north 5 km to Ravenshoe Rd, 20 km of tight technical single track, for double track loops through rocky hardwood east 9 km to McCowan Rd., turn south 600 m, Beginners to Advanced, Drop-offs, sandy areas, forest and wetlands. Discover the new trails parking lot on the right long runs and great scenery, south of Uxbridge. beyond the Falls & NE (Rim Bender trail is Après: Shoeless Joes 18947 Woodbine Ave. Advanced). Easy to extreme, clay, gravel, Trail Pass: Free Facilities: Parking limestone rocks. SATURDAY, MAY 22 Trailhead: Hwy. 401 east to Brock Rd. in Pickering. North on Brock Rd. to about 20km Trail Pass: $7 Facilities: washrooms, parking DURHAM FOREST – 10AM START to Claremont, turn east on Durham Rd. 5. Trailhead: Hwy. 401 west to Hwy. 25, north to Ride 25 km of single and double track trails. Travel to Balsam, go north on Sideline #4, for Regional Rd. 9 (Campellville Rd.), west 6km to With mixed forest and pines this fat-tire about 3km. Aprés: Appleby’s Hwy 2, Ajax entrance on right. www.conservationhalton.on.ca. playground is sure to please. A popular spot for Aprés: Capbellville café all. Moderate, clay, sandy areas. SUNDAY, JUNE 27 Trail pass: free Facilities: parking DON VALLEY –– 10AM START SUNDAY, MAY 9 Trailhead: 401 to Brock Road exit, Pickering, We will ride this popular loop plus go beyond DON VALLEY - KNOBBY NEWBIE north up Brock Rd about 23 kms to Durham into Taylor Creek/Eglinton ravine to ride new BEGINNER RIDE - 10AM START Rd. 21 (Coppins Corners), east 5 km to 7th trail with bridges and river crossings - 20km Concession Rd., turn right, entrance is 1 km A recommended intro to MTB riding if you are Will be muddy, steep and scary. Moderate to south on east side. new. An instructional ride that takes you Advanced. Après: Annina’s Bake shop Goodwood through the basics of technique and trail safety. Then ride an easy 10km route through the Trail Pass: free Facilities: none ravines in the heart of Toronto. Trailhead: Bayview Ave & Pottery Road parking SUNDAY, MAY 30 lot by the train tracks. Trail Pass: free Facilities: parking KELSO – 10AM START Aprés: Whistler’s 995 Broadview Ave. Trailhead: DVP to Bayview / Bloor exit and Features 16 km of single-track trails that weave north on Bayview Ave. about 400m. If you are and intertwine through trees, rocks and fields.

Page 10 Quick Release May - June 2010 TBN Educational Corner 30 Days To A Beautiful Bike 1 Part 1

By Ken Derry We know how it is: work, family, happy hour, etc. all conspire to make it impossible to set aside even a measly hour to concentrate on bike maintenance. But if you devote a little time to bike care every day for a month, you can accomplish much more than you would by squeezing in a spare hour here and there on weekends. Our simple, 30-day plan assumes you want to keep riding your bike. Aside from a scheduled three-day stint at the bike shop to take care of the major stuff, there's no forced down time. Happy wrenching!.

1. Start off the month by giving your bike a light cleanup. This isn't the full-on Silkwood shower--we'll get to that. For now, use a damp cloth to remove the first layer of grime from the frame, rims, derailleurs, crankarms, brakes, stem and handlebar. Wipe with a dry rag. Now you can touch your bike without getting filthy.

2. Check the frame for cracks. This is satisfying to do for two reasons: First, you probably won't find any. Second: If you do, you just saved your life, or at least one of your collarbones. Cracks usually occur near welded areas, or where the frame is butted. Probably the most common spot is the underside of the down tube, just below the head tube. On carbon frames, it can be difficult to tell if you're looking at a scratch in the clearcoat or a crack in the frame. Gen- eral rule: If your fingernail can catch on the blemish, it might be a crack. If you have your suspicions, go to the bike shop tomorrow for a learned opinion.

3. Even if your frame checked out, head over to the bike shop today and get everything you might need: two tires, three tubes, two sets of brake pads, a set of cables and housings for shifters and brakes, handlebar tape, degreaser, and frame wax. You might not use all this, but at least you'll have spares.

4. All seatposts can bond to the frame. Take 5 minutes to avoid this. Mark the height of your seatpost with tape or a pencil, then remove it, wipe it clean and, if it's steel or aluminum, smear a light layer of grease over the section that goes inside the frame. For carbon, apply a layer of Tacx Dynamic Assembly Paste, or Scott Carbon Grease, which, like regular grease, prevents the post from bonding to the frame but is gritty enough to stop the common problem of slippage.

5. Inspect each tire. Deflate the tube to about half its pressure, so the tire is still shaped but pliable. Rotating the wheel in the frame, manipulate the tire with your hands to expose cuts in the sidewalls or tread. If you find any that go either entirely through the tire, or are deep enough to make you anx- ious, replace the tire. Rule of thumb for mountain bike tires: If five or more treads are ripped away, the tire is ready to fail systemically and should be replaced if you want to avoid lots of flats.

6. Look at the underside of your down tube: All those disgusting black warts are road tar that was thrown up onto your bike at some point and dried there. At first pass of the rag, removing them will seem impossible. Keep soaking them with diluted degreaser or a solution of equal parts dish soap and water, and scrub hard. That's a noble 20 minutes you just spent doing something no one but you will ever appreciate.

7. Spin the wheels and see if they're running crooked. Hold your bike 4 inches off the ground and drop it onto its tires, listening for rattles and clinks, then pinpoint them. Think back to all those clunks you've heard on your recent rides and catalog them. Think about how your bike has felt: Sticky steer- ing? Loose feeling from the rear on descents? Write everything down, then call the bike shop and make an appointment to bring your bike in midweek to check on those things.

8. Remove each wheel from the frame. Hold the wheel between your hands, and slowly turn the axle. If Spend just a few min- the motion feels rough or the axle seems to catch, try slightly loosening the cones inside the hub to reduce utes caring for your bike pressure on the bearings. (There are various methods, ranging from two cone wrenches to one hex; all are simple but can seem intimidating. You might want to just add this to your list of concerns for the bike shop.) every day for a month, and If the axle spins smoothly, check it for looseness: Using your index finger and thumb, wiggle the axle around; you'll end up with a shiny, if it moves enough to cause a knocking feeling, tighten the hub or add it to your shop list. smooth, safe, speedy ride.

9. Scuff up your shoes today. Glazed brake shoes cause weak braking and impolite squeals. Use sandpaper, a file or an emery board to buff off the glaze and roughen up the pads. Also pick out dirt, grit or pieces of metal that have become embedded in the pad. If the pad has hardened so much you can't scratch it with your fingernail, or if it's worn past the indicator line, replace it.

10. Take your bike to the shop for its appointment. While you're there, buy two new matching water bottles. Never buy just one.

The Educational Corner is brought to you by Dinsmore Roach and Marie Ferguson - Stay tuned for Part Two . . .

Toronto Bicycling Network Page 11 Inline Skating Adventures

The good weather is TBN inline skates are a great way to explore the Skate Leaders and regulars are extremely upon us, the Leafs the city, as well as meet and socialize with helpful with the advice and patience they lend have been mathemat- great people who share your enthusiasm for an to the newer skaters. Nobody gets left behind ically eliminated from active outdoor lifestyle. This year our regular as we will re-group every couple of kilometers the NHL playoff race skates will be on Saturday mornings and and re-group points will be outlined on the and all across the Thursday evenings. route maps distributed prior to skates. GTA people are putting skis and ice Saturday morning skates will be at a variety of All in all, it looks to be an exciting season of skates into storage places both within the GTA and outside of the inline skating with the TBN. So if you're look- and bringing out the GTA. Among the out of town venues we'll be ing to put a little more fun and excitement into summer gear. If you visiting are the scenic, smooth and wide Hamil- your active outdoor lifestyle, come on out and spend some of your riding time on the numer- ton Beach Trail, the Ajax Waterfront trail. We give eight wheels a try. You might just end up ous Multi-Use-Paths around the city, you’ll are also exploring the idea of a weekend road having four times the fun! know that more and more people are turning trip in co-operation with another group of in- to Inline Skating as a fair weather choice to inline skaters. Our in-town skates will allow us Marty Streeter crease their fitness and enhance their enjoy- to enjoy the beautiful Toronto waterfront as TBN Inline Skating ment of the outdoors. Once again TBN will well as explore many of Toronto's diverse com- offer its’ members an exciting program of in- munities. INLINE SKATE line skating with official skates starting in May CLASSIFICATIONS and carrying right through until Thanksgiving Weeknight skates will be on Thursday this SS (Shorter/Slower Skate) weekend. year, with a common central start point in the For recreational (rec) skaters Cherry Beach area of the Martin Goodman Inline skating is a great form of weight bear- Trail. FF Farther/Faster Skate ing, cardiovascular exercise without the risk of For fitness (fit) skaters joint stress caused by activities such as run- Inline skates are sold at most multi sport retail MM Monthly Marathons (42k) & ning. It can also serve as a great cross training stores, with entry level skates available at little Half Marathons (21k) activity for fit minded cyclists that want to add more than $100 a pair. We welcome all levels For strong rec and fitness skaters a little variety to their routine. of skaters to come out and join us. You'll find

Page 12 Quick Release May - June 2010 Inline Skating Schedule Saturday, May 1 2010 Saturday, May 22 2010 Thursday, June 10 2010 WESTERN BEACHES AJAX EASTERN BEACHES Start Point: Humber Bay Bridge Start Point: Rotary Park Start Point: Keating Channel Pub Meet Time: 9:45 a.m. Meet Time: 9:45 a.m. Meet Time: 6:30 p.m. Class: SS/FF Class: SS/FF Class: SS/FF Saturday, June 12 2010 Thursday, May 6 2010 Monday, May 24 2010 HAMILTON BEACH TRAIL EASTERN BEACHES FIREWORKS Start Point: Eastport Dr. Start Point: Keating Channel Pub Start Point: Leslie & Unwin Meet Time: 8:45 a.m. Meet Time: 6:30 p.m. Meet Time: 8:30 p.m. Class: SS/FF Class: SS/FF Class: SS/FF Thursday, June 17 2010 Saturday May 8 2010 Thursday, May 27 2010 EASTERN BEACHES BANBURY EASTERN BEACHES Start Point: Keating Channel Pub Start Point: Edwards Gardens Start Point: Keating Channel Pub Meet Time: 6:30 p.m. Meet Time: 9:45 a.m. Meet Time: 6:30 p.m. Class: SS/FF Class: SS/FF Class: SS/FF Saturday June 19 2010 Thursday, May 13 2010 Saturday, May 29 2010 BANBURY EASTERN BEACHES RICHMOND GREEN Start Point: Edwards Gardens Start Point: Keating Channel Pub Start Point: Richmond Green Meet Time: 9:45 a.m. Meet Time: 6:30 p.m. Meet Time: 9:30 a.m. Class: SS/FF Class: SS/FF Class: SS/FF Thursday,June 24 2010 Saturday, May 15 2010 Thursday, June 3 2010 EASTERN BEACHES WATERFRONT TRAIL EASTERN BEACHES Start Point: Keating Channel Pub Start Point: Marie Curtis Park Start Point: Keating Channel Pub Meet Time: 6:30 p.m. Meet Time: 9:45 a.m. Meet Time: 6:30 p.m. Class: SS/FF Class: SS/FF Class: SS/FF Saturday June 26 2010 Thursday, May 20 2010 Saturday, June 5 2010 WATERFRONT TRAIL Start Point: Marie Curtis Park EASTERN BEACHES WESTERN BEACHES Start Point: Keating Channel Pub Start Point: Humber Bay Bridge Meet Time: 9:45 a.m. Meet Time: 6:30 p.m. Meet Time: 9:45 a.m. Class: SS/FF Class: SS/FF Class: SS/FF TBN Spring KickCOff Breakfast May 29 2010, Ashbridges Bay Park Picnic Area 2 Set aside Saturday, May 29 off on your calendar for

TBN’s spring kick-off event! P

Be sure to come to this Saturday morning event at TBN Ashbridge’s Bay Park and help jump start the cycling season with your fellow TBNers.

We’ll have morning breakfast snacks, a how-to- P change-a-flat clinic, information about some of our summer camping trips, Cyclon, and more. And of course, you’ll reconnect with cycling friends ... and we’ll have a couple of rides following the clinics.

Stay tuned. More information will be available soon on the TBN website.

Toronto Bicycling Network Page 13 Wednesday Wheelies Common TBN

Campbellville go west on Hwy 401 to the Start Locations Guelph Line, go just south of Hwy 401 and west on Reid Side Road. Park in the parking lot for the Boardwalk Pub - Just east of the Ball Park on the S. side of the road foot of Coxwell Avenue at Lakeshore Boulevard in the Eastern Beaches area. WEDNESDAY JUNE 9 Woodbine Beach parking is $5, but free street parking is available on both sides BRADFORD TO INNISFIL BEACH of Coxwell Avenue. A 70 or 78 km ride from Bradford to Innisfil Beach on Lake Simcoe. Meet for a 10 A.M. departure at Bridge Point Health – Meet at the the North Bradford Square Shopping Centre on park behind Bridge Point Health at the Hwy 11, 1 km north of the town centre. To get to corner of Broadview & Langley. TBN Rider, Jackson, Don Caswell Parking is on Broadview. Hornby/Lowville/Campbellville Bradford, exit Highway 400 at Highway 88 East. Summer 2009 Edwards Gardens – The Edwards Gardens parking lot is located on the WEDNESDAY MAY 5 WEDNESDAY JUNE 16 southwest corner of Lawrence Avenue SCHOMBERG TO ALLISTON/HOCKLEY MOUNT ALBERT TO LAKE SIMCOE East and Leslie Street. A 72 or 88 km ride from Schomberg to the village A 55 or 79 km ride from Mount Albert along Lake Etienne Brûlé Park - The Etienne of Hockley. A 10 A.M. departure at the arena in Simcoe to Keswick. Meet for a 10 A.M. departure Brûlé Park parking lot is located at the Schomberg, just south of Highway 9 west of Main at the Community Centre on Main St. in Mount junction of Old Mill Road and Old Mill Street. Schomberg is just west of Highway 27 and Albert. To get to Mount Albert go north on Drive (around the corner and down the south of Highway 9 Highway 404, east to highway 48 and north to hill from the Old Mill subway station). Mount Albert. Finch - Finch Subway Park & Ride is WEDNESDAY MAY 12 on the northwest corner of Yonge Street DURHAM COLLEGE TO PORT PERRY WEDNESDAY JUNE 23 and Hendon Avenue, one block north A 60, 72 or 85 km ride from Durham College to KING TO SCHOMBERG - SUMMER of Finch Avenue. Port Perry for lunch. Meet for a 10 A.M. departure at HOURS Kipling - Kipling Subway Park & Durham College. When you reach the lights at the A 67, 80 or 96 km ride from King through the Ride, North Lot on Subway Crescent, entrance to Durham College, turn left past the Holland Marsh to Schomberg. Meet for a 8:30 south of Dundas Street West and west College Tennis Centre and park in the arena parking A.M. departure at the municipal parking lot of Kipling. Look for the signs. lot. To reach Durham College, exit Highway 401 east located at the northwest corner of King Road and - Danforth at at Thickson Rd., go north to Conlins Road, then Keele St. (Entrance off Keele St. North of King Rd.) Shoppers World east to Durham College. Victoria Park (one block south of Victoria Park Subway Park & Ride) in WEDNESDAY JUNE 30 front of Coffee Time Donuts. WEDNESDAY MAY 19 ASHBURN TOUR – SUMMER HOURS Queen’s Park - Near the King HORNBY TO ROCKWOOD A 57 or 81 km ride from Ashburn to Enniskillen Edward statue, at the north end of the A 70 or 81 km ride from Hornby through Conservation Area. Meet for an 8:30 A.M. park, just north of Wellesley Street. Rockwood. Meet for a 10 A.M. departure at departure at Ashburn Community Park on the west Grenadier Café, High Park - Hornby Park. To get to Hornby Park exit Highway side of Ashburn Rd., 200 m north of the main Follow the signs south from the 401 at interchange 328, Trafalgar Rd. Go north to intersection in Ashburn. To get to Ashburn, go intersection of High Park Avenue and the lights, turn left and proceed to Hornby Park.. east on Highway 401 to Brock Rd., north to Bloor Street West. Clairemont and east on County Road 5 to Ashburn. Bring a lunch for this tour. WEDNESDAY MAY 26 KING TO SCHOMBERG ALT. A 70 or 92 km ride from King through Holland Marsh to Schomberg. Meet for a 10 A.M. departure at the municipal parking lot located at Saturday Morning Rides the northwest corner of King Road and Keele St. (SMR) (Entrance off Keele St. North of King Road) Saturday Morning Rides start at The Board- walk Pub (Lakeshore & Coxwell) 9:30AM WEDNESDAY JUNE 2 every Saturday, unless otherwise posted on CAMPBELLVILLE TO WATERDOWN the website. Check The Chain of Events regularly for up-to-date information on A 64, 74 or 114 km ride from Campbellville to Robin Silverstein these great rides! Waterdown. Meet for a 10 A.M. departure at the Hornby/Lowville/Campbellville Campbellville New Ball Park. To get to Summer 2009

Page 14 Quick Release May - June 2010 Saturday Cruising Shorts

If the Sunday rides are not enough and you love riding in the country, there are rides available SATURDAY, JULY 03 on Saturdays, featuring some of the Country Cruise’s favourite routes. Starting time is 9:00AM, GEORGETOWN EQUESING unless otherwise noted. HYSTERICAL TOUR SATURDAY, MAY 08 Get a head start on the September 25 version of this HOLLAND MARSH SATURDAY, JUNE 05 ride by trying a short route on a Saturday. Enjoy the Halton Hills from a different perspective. A "Wednesday Wheelie" favourite, this route just HORNBY/CAMPBELLVILLE Start: Go west on Hwy 401, travel north on Trafalgar north of the megacity is an ideal one early in the A Saturday jaunt along some quiet roads in the Road to 15th Side Road and meet at Stewarttown cycling season. See the Marsh come alive in the Halton Hills without Rattlesnake! Public School on the south-east corner. (Make sure spring and enjoy a few training hills on the way. Start: Hornby Park in Hornby. Take Hwy 401 west you do NOT go to Pineview School!) Start: King City - Meet at the arena parking lot, to Trafalgar Rd., then head north to Steeles and west Distance: 62 km located on Doctor’s Dr., first south street, east of the to Sixth Line. intersection of King Road and Keele Street. Distance: 67 km Distance: 60 km SATURDAY, JUNE 19 SATURDAY, MAY 22 BEELINE TO BOWMANVILLE PORT PERRY PEDLAR (Version #2) A popular, quiet undulating route from Oshawa to An undulating scenic ride up and down the drumlins Bowmanville. of Durham County. Start: Go east on Hwy 401. Exit Start: Go east on Hwy 401. Exit at Oshawa (Simcoe at Oshawa (Simcoe Street/ CR#2) and continue Street/ CR#2) and continue north to Conlin Rd. Meet north to Conlin Rd. Meet at Durham College North at Durham College North Parking lot, located off of Parking lot, located off of Conlin Rd. just west of Conlin Rd. just west of County Rd. #2 in Oshawa. County Rd. #2 in Oshawa. Distance: 62 km Distance: 60 km

Tuesday Ravine Rides

Enjoy park paths without the weekend crowds. The Ravine Rides are a series of relatively short rides TUESDAY, JUNE 15 at a moderate pace, generally taking 1–3 hours. The rides start at 10:30 AM on Tuesdays. The routes avoid busy streets as much as possible. Optional coffee and sandwich stop after each ride. TOUR DE DUFFLET Inspired by Dufflet’s generous tour offer during Bike TUESDAY, MAY 4 Month, this route visits three Dufflet locations. Last THE HUMBER YO-YO TUESDAY, MAY 25 year, there was a $5 registration fee, which Dufflet A great way to warm up your cycling muscles after a CEDARVALE PROSPECTING donates to charity. Much of the route is on bike paths, long winter: a paved path with gentle grades along Cedarvale Park and the Beltline extension. Some un- with some street riding. one of the nicest stretches of the Humber River. The paved paths and street riding. Start: The Dufflet at 2638 Yonge Street (5-1/2 blocks route is almost totally car-free. Start: Taddle Creek Park, one block north of the Bed- south of Lawerence subway station). Start: Etienne Brule parking lot (down the hill be- ford exit of the St. George subway station Dist: 39 km for the basic tour ending near Queen hind Old Mill subway station) Dist: 20 km Dist: 19 km and Bathurst; 49 km with the optional return to the Yonge Street Dufflet. TUESDAY, MAY 11 TUESDAY, JUNE 22 THE SECRET CIRCUIT TUESDAY, JUNE 1 BLOORDALE AND MIMICO CREEK The original – and shortest – ravine ride: a half-hid- MIMICO CREEK AND THE HUMBER, V2.1 Explore the western edge of the city. A bit of street den downtown route with a minimum of street riding Paved paths and only a few blocks of street riding. riding takes us to paths in two nice long ravines. One and enough hills to g ive you get a good cardio work- Start: Etienne Brule parking lot (down the hill behind unpaved road. out! Some unpaved paths. Old Mill subway station). Start: Kipling subway Park and Ride (north lot) Start: Taddle Creek Park, one block north of the Bed- Dist: 22 km Dist: 19 km ford exit of the St. George subway station. Dist: 14 km TUESDAY, JUNE 29 TUESDAY, MAY 18 TUESDAY, JUNE 8 SUNNYBROOK/DON VALLEY EAST END EXCURSION BALFOUR AND THE BELTLINE David Balfour Park, Moore Park, the Beltline, and Almost all of the route is paved. Some street riding, This ride has a bit of everything: ravines, a cemetery, but two-thirds of the route is on bike paths and half two cannons, an industrial park, quiet residential Cedarvale Park. Some unpaved paths. Start: Taddle Creek Park, one block north of the Bed- is in ravines. Come and see the amazing half-ele- streets, and a stairway. All but 100 m on pavement. phants (or maybe they’re giant molars)! ford exit of the St. George subway station. Start: Beside the elevator on the west side of the Start: Taddle Creek Park one block north of the Bed- Dist: 19 km Kennedy subway station (on Transway Crescent) Dist: ford exit of St. George subway station 22 km Dist: 26 km

Toronto Bicycling Network Page 15 continued from Page 5 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Cyclon? Cyclon is a 3-day cycle touring mini-vacation which takes place over the Au- gust Civic Holiday long weekend. It is the major annual event of the Toronto Bicycling Network (“TBN”), a club for recreational cyclists with over 900 members. TBN is a not-for-profit club and Cyclon is a not-for-profit event. In its 24th year, Cyclon will be held at Conestoga College, Kitch- ener, Ontario. In previous years, Cyclon has been based in Kingston, Barrie, St. Catherines, Wa- terloo, Guelph, Prince Edward County, and London.

Where will we be going? Cyclon will be touring the countryside surrounding Cambridge, Kitchener/Waterloo, and Guelph, Ontario.

Accommodation: Conestoga College, 299 Doon Valley Drive, Kitchener, Ontario th Check in time: from 3:00 p.m. Friday July 30 2010 until 9:00 p.m. in the front lobby of the residence Reception: from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Late arrivals: registration will be at the front desk rd Check out: departure is by 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 2 2010.

Where will we be going? Cyclon will be touring the countryside surrounding Cambridge, Kitchener/Waterloo, and Guelph, Ontario.

Accommodation: Conestoga College, 299 Doon Valley Drive, Kitchener, Ontario th Check in time: from 3:00 p.m. Friday July 30 2010 until 9:00 p.m. in the front lobby of the residence rd Check out: departure is by 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 2 2010.

Who goes to Cyclon? Cyclon is suitable for all levels of cyclists. It is by no means solely for very experienced cyclists, nor is it a race. Approximately 250 cyclists of all abilities are expected at Cyclon. Both singles and couples participate. Some attend for the social aspect of the weekend – no cycling! It’s that much fun!!

Can I prepare some of my meals in my unit? Yes, you can. Each unit has a refrigerator and a microwave. If you wish to prepare your own meals you need to bring your own dishes, eating and cooking utensils and pots. In addition, you are responsible for ensuring that the kitchen is clean after you have finished your meal.

How do I pay for Cyclon? You can register and pay online using your Visa or MasterCard by going to www.TBN.ca and selecting the Cyclon Registration link. You can also register online, and make payment by cheque through the mail. Payment must be made in Canadian funds, enclosed with a printed copy of your registration form. You can fill out and mail in a hard copy of the registration form (with cheque attached). You may also pay by cash or cheque at our Early Bird Sign-Up Night and Social on June 3rd. NOTE: for security reasons, do not mail cash payments. For U.S. participants, please send a traveler’s cheque or international money order.

Early Bird Sign-Up & Social: the Cyclon Early Bird Sign-up and Social gives you the opportunity to talk directly to Cyclon organizers about the event and with other participants who’ve been there! Cash bar and light refreshments will be provided. th Date: Thursday, June 3 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Where: The Willow Restaurant at 193 Danforth Avenue on the south side just west of Broadview

th When is the Early Bird deadline? The Early Bird deadline for Cyclon is Sunday, June 13 , 2010. All registrations must be received on or before June 13th to qualify for the early bird discount.

When is the registration deadline? The registration deadline is June 23, 2010.

Should I bring my road bike or my mountain bike for the road rides? You will see both types of bikes, as well as hybrids and re- cumbents on the road rides at Cyclon. Bring whichever is most comfortable for you.

Where can I store my bike? You will be able to bring your bike to your room for storage between rides

What else should I bring to Cyclon? Approved bicycle helmets are mandatory on all TBN rides including Cyclon, and ac- cording to the Highway Traffic Act, all bikes must have a bell. Other suggested items include: map holder, inner tube, patch kit, 3 tire levers, tire pump, tools such as small adjustable wrench, screwdriver, Allen keys or an all-in-one cyclist’s multi-tool, water bottles, food (power bars, fruit), bug repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, raingear, first-aid supplies, bicycle lock, money, credit card, phone card, identification, health card, and a fanny pack, handlebar bag, knapsack, pannier or under seat bag to carry it all.

Page 16 Quick Release May - June 2010 TBN Ride Classifications LEISURE COUNTRY WHEELER CRUISE Distances of 20- Rides of 40-120 60 km, at speeds of 15-17 km/h, at a km exploring the country roads of "leisurely" pace. Designed as a series of southern Ontario. Suited to cyclists of entry-level rides for novices, those varying fitness levels. Participants set returning to cycling after a long absence, their own pace averaging from 18 km/h and senior riders. Rides start at 10:00 am. to 25 km/h. At least two routes are offered: a short route of 50-70 km and a EASY longer route. Start points are typically ROLLER within a 90-minute drive of Toronto. Distances of 20- Rides start at 10:00 am. unless otherwise 60 km, at stated. speeds of 15-20 km/h, at a relaxed pace. Routes are often on quiet streets and bike paths in the city and surrounding areas. OTHER RIDE PROGRAMS Rides start at 10:00 am. WEDNESDAY WHEELIES TOURIST The riders are a Distances of very diverse group, from Tourist to 50-110 km, at Sportif. At least two distances are offered speeds each day, varying from 60 to 100 km. averaging 20-25 km/h, at a comfortable Start points are within a 90 minute drive pace. “Short Tourist” designates rides in from Toronto and stick to quiet country the 50-70 km range. roads. Start times vary, with 8:30 am ADVANCED during the hot summer months and TOURIST 10:00 am at other times. Distances of 120-200 km at speeds averaging 25-30 km/h at a SATURDAY brisk pace. These rides generally start at CRUISING 8:30 am from late April to early October. SHORTS TBN presents SPORTIF short, scenic country rides with start Distances of points far enough removed from the city 90-200 km, at yet still within easy driving distance. Start speeds averaging 25-35 km/h, usually at time 9:00 am. a fast pace.

The next issue of Quick Release will feature a Commuting Special

We want to hear from you TBN Members !

1. Name: 2. Favourite TBN Activity(ies): How far is your daily commute, what 3. Commuter Bicycle Model: tips do you have, clothing, type of bike? Tell us about you and your 4. Distance (both ways): commute. Send us your stories or the 5. How many months a year: answers to the posted questions to [email protected]. 6. Key reasons you like to commute: 7. Additional comments/tips: 1st TBN Ride Photos of this year April 2, 2010

Toronto Bicycling Network Page 17 End of Ski Season Social

It has been over a month since the last TBN trip to the ski trails at Scenic Caves. The end-of-ski- season pub night at Pogue Mahone on April 15th was alive with chatter and laughter as TBN's ski buddies united again. The drinks flowed and the tasty food platters (thank you TBN!) were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Victoria Plaskett & Linda Hamilton Thank you to Linda Hamilton for her hard work host the end of season ski party in putting together a second tremendous ski season and also to Victoria Plaskett who will be taking over the reigns next season.

Victoria has already started planning the 2010- 2011 ski schedule including an overnight trip to Arrowhead Provincial Park in Huntsville. It's going to be a great one thanks to Victoria's enthusiasm and skill.

Now it’s time to enjoy the cycling season, but thankfully skiing is not too far away!

Weekend Trip Reviews . . . continued from page 7

WANAKITA WEEKEND - February 2010

We just celebrated our third popular winter weekend at Camp Wanakita located in the scenic Haliburton Highlands. Hosted by Ron Fletcher, 25 adventuresome TBN members enjoyed a sold out fun filled weekend of outdoor winter activities.

The snow conditions were a pleasant surprise given how moderate this winter was. The cross country skiing - both the track set classic and skating was excellent with a light snow was falling for most of the time. Snowshoeing, Tobogganing, skating and an ice broom ball game were organized by two of the spirited staff members. On Saturday night we did a night ski across the lake with a bonfire and hot chocolate on the other side. The camp cooks did another amazing job with all of the meals from the hearty breakfasts and lunches to the dinner provided at the Core. During the evening we could sit by the wood burning fire, go for a walk, relax in the cabins or an added bonus for fun this year was Swing dance lessons put on by a member of another group. Most of the group joined in for this and had a lot of fun and laughs.

All great weekends come to an end but, Ron says that he will be organizing this trip again next year so, prepare to mark it on your calendar!

TBN Educational Recommended Websites

Corner . . . continued from pg 11 www.sheldonbrown.com www.yikebike.com

Page 18 Quick Release May - June 2010 Ride Leader Spotlight 0 John Burdett Name: John Burdett Memorable moments: I would say that among my most memorable Member since?: It’s a bit hazy. I found a moments are the great lunches at Jake’s in Unionville (almost every holiday membership card from 1989, but I have been a weekend). I also recall having one of the best sandwiches of my life (ham member continuously since 1992. & brie, garnished with red currants) in East Caledon. Generally, the lunch Which class of Rides do you lead?: stop is my favourite part of the ride. I lead Tourist Rides, and like many great gener- Non0riding TBN events: City Walks in the fall. als, I lead from the rear. The front and middle Tips for new members?: Anyone who can keep up with the middle of of the pack are mostly experienced riders who the pack on an Easy Roller ride would be able to keep up with me and the know where they are going and what they are people that I ride with at the tail end of the (short) Tourist rides. It’s really doing. My friends and I are usually at the back not much more difficult to ride 80 Km out of the city than it is to ride 60 and can help out anyone who is new to tourist rides or is interested in a Km in the city, with all of the stops for traffic lights and stop signs. Some more relaxed pace and a bit more social interaction. We may even stop oc- of the shorter, less hilly tourist rides, such as Stouffville, Maple, or casionally for a break. Unionville, would be good ones to try first.

31) Annual charity ride taking place on June 6 2010 32) To conserve 30% of your energy, you must do this 34) Name of the road with the most notorious hill for Country Cruisers 35) Location of 2010 Cyclon 37) Pub Nights are new to TBN this year. The first one was held here 38) ______Training: Ride hard, ride easy & repeat. DOWN 1) This gear is optional but a must for TBN rides 2) Bike Month month 3) Arguably the lightest material bikes are commonly made from today 6) ______& Leslie Tim Hortons: the new start point of the unofficial SMRs 7) Ride: _____ Creek 8) A great way to stay in shape in the winter 9) We must all have this accessory on our bikes to legally ride in the City of Toronto 10) Annual out of town trip on Victoria Day weekend 11) Favourite FNR ice cream spot 15) Common unofficial apres spot: ______16) Culprit of that burning feeling when you’re pedaling hard 18) Second start location for TNTO 19) On a hot day, we need to drink lots of this 21) Common complaint after a first ride 23) Goal destination for the TNTO & Hairshirt 25) A spicy FNR après spot 27) Most popular natural energy bar for cyclists Rides ACROSS 28) Common start location of the SMR 4) MTB park out of Bolton 14) A patch kit will fix these 30) Kick-off event location: ______Bay 5) You can get great speeds inline skating 17) On a bike, something to hold onto 33) First start location for TNTO here: ______Beach 19) Camping Trip: ______Wromp 36) Comon stop for Easy Roller rides: 8) Name of the canine mascot of the 20) Ride: ______Hammer ______Inn TNTO 22) Ontario’s largest 2 day cycling event 12) We need more of these in T.O. to held every June since 1972 promote bike commuting: ______24) Ride: ______Hillhop 13) Type of Easy Roller and sometimes 26) Common FNR destination – _____ Spit Leisure Wheeler Rides: ______29) Ride: ______/Goodwood

Toronto Bicycling Network Page 19 TBN Who’s Who TBN Custom TBN Board of Directors Jersey President Brian Mclean [email protected] Past President Vacant [email protected] The TBN custom jersey, made by Director, V.P. Skiing & Snowshoeing Linda Hamilton [email protected] ATAC Sportswear, is now available Director, V.P. Touring Richard Anstett [email protected] exclusively at Cyclepath located at Treasurer Marilyn Prole [email protected] 2106 Yonge St, on the west side of Secretary Brenda Sweet [email protected] Yonge just south of Eglinton. Paul Price TBN Members, cost $60, non- Newsletter Juliet Suddaby [email protected] Ginger Lee members $89. Please remember that Education Director Dinsmore Roach payment is by cheque only, made Marie Ferguson [email protected] payable to the Toronto Bicycling Publicity & Promotions Sherri Stelmack [email protected] Network. Social Director Kathleen Harford [email protected] Susan McAlister Note: the old yellow/blue Garneau Weekend Trips Director David Maclean 416-482-8033 design is still available at Cyclepath in Advocacy Director Ron Fletcher [email protected] extremely limited quantities for $60 -- Cyclon Director Arlene Smith [email protected] instant collector's item! Carol Hill Director at Large Alan Bell [email protected]

Others Membership Secretary Eileen M Harbinson [email protected]

TBN Coordinators City Walks Mark Brousseau 416-466-4979 Country Cruise, Saturday Shorts Rowena Maclure 416-487-1474 Barry Pinsky 416-928-0503 Easy Roller David Middleton [email protected] Friday Night Ride Peggy McFarland [email protected] Hiking Ed Herage [email protected] Ice Skating Fred Lee [email protected] Spinning Coordinator Kathleen Harford [email protected] Inline Skating Michael Lin [email protected] Leisure Wheeler Jamie Hauyon 416-537-8865 Mtn. Biking, Trail Riding Dan Roitner [email protected] Saturday Morning Ride Julie Willmot 416-696-9263 Tourist, Sportif, Webmaster Owen Rogers [email protected] Tuesday Ravine Rides David Peebles 416-534-7168 Wednesday Nights Ron Fletcher [email protected] MOVING? Wednesday Wheelie Bill Hannaford 416-482-2125 Send changes of address and cor- rections to: [email protected]

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