TBN Who’s Who TBN Hotline!Toronto Cycling Cttee. Rep. Martin Koob [email protected] Membership...

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Toronto Bicycling Network 131 Bloor Street West Suite 200, Box 279 Toronto, Ontario M5S 1R8 MOVING? Send changes of address and cor- rections to: [email protected] a or leave a message on Line 3, the Social & Membership Mailbox of the Hotline TBN Hotline! To best use TBN’s voice mail system, follow these easy steps: Dial 416-760-4191 to go directly to the main menu. From the main menu press... 1 Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing day trips (January-March) 1 Weekend and holiday rides (April-December) 2 Weekday events 3 Social events & membership information 4 Inline skating 5 Weekend trips & Cyclon 2006 information Hotline tips: • From the main menu you can make a selection at any time, and you don’t have to wait for the message to finish. You can return to the main menu after making a choice, by pressing 2 at any time. After making a selection from the main menu, press 1 to leave a message related to your main menu choice. • Please be sure to select the appropriate mailbox in which to leave your message. • If you’re not sure where to leave your message, please leave it in the Social & Membership mailbox (i.e. press 3 from the main menu, then press 1). TBN Who’s Who TBN Board of Directors Acting President Ron Fletcher [email protected] Past President Loreto Mani Director, V.P. Skiing & snowshoeing Peter MacDonald [email protected] Director, V.P. Touring John Burdett 905.881.9259 Treasurer Roy Hill 416.291.2249 Secretary Brenda Sweet [email protected] Paul Price Newsletter David Bolivar [email protected] Education Director Dinsmore Roach Marie Ferguson [email protected] Publicity & Promotions Carlo DiFlorio Social Director Ron Fletcher 416.461.9695 Weekend Trips Director David Maclean 416.482.8033 Cyclon Director Evelyn Bradley [email protected] Others Quick Release Graphics David Belford [email protected] Toronto Cycling Cttee. Rep. Martin Koob [email protected] Membership Secretary Eileen Harbinson 416.482.2157 TBN Coordinators City Walks Mark Brousseau 416.466.4979 Howard Chan Country Cruise, Saturday Shorts Rowena Maclure 416.487.1474 Barry Pinsky 416.928.0503 Easy Roller Roberta Terzolo [email protected] Friday Night Ride Peggy McFarland 416.405.8307 Hiking Terry Davison 905.453.1952 Ice Skating Molly Cheung [email protected] Indoor Spinning Lori Roth [email protected] Inline Skating Michael Lin [email protected] Leisure Wheeler Jamie Hauyon 416.537.8865 Promotions Projects Manager Martha Krzic [email protected] Membership Secretary Eileen Harbinson 416.482.2157 Mtn. Biking, Trail Riding Doug McCorquadale [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 416.461.9695 Wednesday Wheelie Bill Hannaford 416.482.2125 S e pt./ O ct./N o v . 2 0 0 6 V olu m e 2 4, Issue 4

Transcript of TBN Who’s Who TBN Hotline!Toronto Cycling Cttee. Rep. Martin Koob [email protected] Membership...

Page 1: TBN Who’s Who TBN Hotline!Toronto Cycling Cttee. Rep. Martin Koob tcc-rep@tbn.ca Membership Secretary Eileen Harbinson 416.482.2157 TBN Coordinators ... It took many litres of Gatorade,

Toronto Bicycling Network131 Bloor Street WestSuite 200, Box 279Toronto, OntarioM5S 1R8

MOVING?Send changes of address and cor-rections to: [email protected] orleave a message on Line 3, the

Social & Membership Mailbox ofthe Hotline

TBN Hotline!To best use TBN’s voicemail system, followthese easy steps:

Dial 416-760-4191 to go directly to the main menu.

From the main menu press...

1 Cross-country skiing andsnowshoeing day trips (January-March)

1 Weekend and holiday rides (April-December)

2 Weekday events

3 Social events & membershipinformation

4 Inline skating

5 Weekend trips & Cyclon 2006information

Hotline tips:

• From the main menu you can make aselection at any time, and you don’thave to wait for the message to finish.You can return to the main menuafter making a choice, by pressing 2at any time. After making a selectionfrom the main menu, press 1 to leavea message related to your main menuchoice.

• Please be sure to select theappropriate mailbox in which to leaveyour message.

• If you’re not sure where to leave yourmessage, please leave it in the Social& Membership mailbox (i.e. press 3 from the main menu,then press 1).

TBN Who’s WhoTBN Board of DirectorsActing President Ron Fletcher [email protected]

Past President Loreto Mani

Director, V.P. Skiing & snowshoeing Peter MacDonald [email protected]

Director, V.P. Touring John Burdett 905.881.9259

Treasurer Roy Hill 416.291.2249

Secretary Brenda Sweet [email protected] Price

Newsletter David Bolivar [email protected]

Education Director Dinsmore RoachMarie Ferguson [email protected]

Publicity & Promotions Carlo DiFlorio

Social Director Ron Fletcher 416.461.9695

Weekend Trips Director David Maclean 416.482.8033

Cyclon Director Evelyn Bradley [email protected]

OthersQuick Release Graphics David Belford [email protected]

Toronto Cycling Cttee. Rep. Martin Koob [email protected]

Membership Secretary Eileen Harbinson 416.482.2157

TBN CoordinatorsCity Walks Mark Brousseau 416.466.4979

Howard Chan

Country Cruise, Saturday Shorts Rowena Maclure 416.487.1474Barry Pinsky 416.928.0503

Easy Roller Roberta Terzolo [email protected]

Friday Night Ride Peggy McFarland 416.405.8307

Hiking Terry Davison 905.453.1952

Ice Skating Molly Cheung [email protected]

Indoor Spinning Lori Roth [email protected]

Inline Skating Michael Lin [email protected]

Leisure Wheeler Jamie Hauyon 416.537.8865

Promotions Projects Manager Martha Krzic [email protected]

Membership Secretary Eileen Harbinson 416.482.2157

Mtn. Biking, Trail Riding Doug McCorquadale [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 416.461.9695

Wednesday Wheelie Bill Hannaford 416.482.2125

Sept./Oct./Nov. 2006 • Volume 24, Issue 4

Page 2: TBN Who’s Who TBN Hotline!Toronto Cycling Cttee. Rep. Martin Koob tcc-rep@tbn.ca Membership Secretary Eileen Harbinson 416.482.2157 TBN Coordinators ... It took many litres of Gatorade,

Page 3Toronto Bicycling Network

by Carl Friesen

It took many litres of Gatorade, about adozen bicycle tubes and some prettyskilled wayfinding through some of themore forgettable cities of rustbelt America,but we did it – 550 km along the ErieCanal during what was probably one ofthe hottest weeks of the summer.

Five riders – two women on upright(boring) bicycles and three men onrecumbents – started their journey fromSchenectady near theeastern end of the Canal.

The day before, we’ddriven our vehicles toNiagara Falls NY andparked them there, anddriven a rented car anda cube van containingthe bicycles and luggage,down the NY Thruway.We’d intended to startfrom Albany on the Hudson River wherethe canal starts, but couldn’t get hotelrooms – every last room in the city wasbooked by the baby lawyers taking theNew York Bar Exam. In retrospect, thiswas a good thing, because starting furtherup-river it made our first day about 100km instead of about 150.

For the next three days, we continued thepattern of getting up at around 6:00 a.m.and onto the bikes by about 7:00. Westopped to “smell the roses” where suchwere offered – a few museum tours,(reasonably) long lunches, and theoccasional snooze along the pathway.

As with previous multi-day trips, we’dscheduled a rest day for relaxing andlaundry – in this case, in the town ofAurora. Such rest days are prettyimportant, and as it happens we’d alsothoughtfully scheduled the only seriousamount of rain for our day off.

Having a rest day meant that we wereactually eager to climb back onto thebikes for the three final days of thetour, through Rochester and smallertowns like Brockport.

To my surprise, not much of the ErieCanal Path is beside the actual currentErie Canal. Some of it is alongroadway, some on rail-trail and some ofit along the original Canal, now apeaceful backwater involving ducks,Canada geese and herons. We saw threedeer one morning.

About half of the route is paved; the rest ison stone-dust trail and that, plus the effectsof our luggage and the headwinds, slowedus to an average of about 19 km/hour.

We’d booked our motels ahead of time,mostly through on-line searches. One daywe had to shorten our ride and ended upin Palmyra NY, which is the birthplace ofMormonism. We stayed at a very pleasanthotel filled with earnest, chubby, friendlypeople with lots of children.

A few pointers foranyone considering asimilar trip:

• Ride the canal west toeast, not east to west aswe did it. The guide-books are set up thisway, it’s in the directionof the prevailing winds,and it’s slightly moredownhill.

• Take a rest day part way through.

• Remember that way-finding, the unpavednature of the trail and the weight of yourluggage will slow your speed.

• Carry lots of spare tubes and tools.

• Be prepared to ride in the rain and intothe wind.

Participants: Brenda Porter, Carl Friesen,GretheJensen,Jack Ellis,MikeMaloney

Riding the Erie Canal: twoupright women and three ´bent men

Seeking yourideas onfuture

priorities for TBN

TBN’s Board of Directors wants yourinput into the future of the club andhow we can better meet our priorities.So if you have an initiative you’d liketo see the club undertake, a way tomake it meet members’ needs better,or other suggestions for improvement,we welcome your feedback. Boardmembers are your representatives, andwe want the club to meet the needs ofthe members.

Please send your suggestions [email protected].

Also, we plan on holding a specialinformation meeting for all membersat which you can present your ideasverbally. When: 7:00 p.m., Thursday,14 September 2006. Where: RalphThornton Centre, 765 Queen StreetEast, just east of Queen and Broadview.

Photos by Brenda Porter

Page 2 Quick Release September/October/November 2006

Sept 2 9:00 am

GOODWOOD WANDERER - A beautiful,although sometimes hilly ride over theOakridges Moraine from Stouffville to Mrs.Wideman’s Bake Shop at Goodwood for lunch.Start: Meet for an 9:00 a.m. departure at theNorth Stouffville Free Park. To get to Stouffvilledrive north on Hwy 404 to Stouffville Rd andthen east to the Stouffville Free Park on thenorth side of Main St. past the train tracks andbefore Market St.Dist: 61 km

Sept 16 9:00 am

CAMPBELLVILLE COUNTRY CRUISER- A ride through the rolling countryside aroundCampbellville. You would never believe thereare such quiet scenic roads so close to Toronto!Lunch is in the park in Lowville.Start: Meet for a 9:00 a.m. departure in thecommuter parking lot at Guelph Line & ReidSideroad (lot is small). Take Hwy 401 west toexit 312 and go south on Guelph Line towardsCampbellville. Parking lot is on the rightimmediately after crossing over Hwy 401. If lotis full, turn right on the Reid sideroad. Goapprox. 1/2 km until past the last "NoStopping" sign on top of the "80 KPH Begins"sign. Park on shoulder. Ride back to commuterparking lot to begin ride.Dist: 62 km

Saturday Cruising Shorts

Message from TBNPresident, Ron FletcherAs our wonderful summer heads to a close, the TBN looks forward to a fun-filledautumn schedule of events. As everyone knows, TBN's success depends on ourvolunteers. Our premier event, Cyclon, held this year at beautiful Kingston, could nothave happened without a massive effort by Evelyn Bradley, her Cyclon Committee, andall the others who pitched in. Great work, Ev, and thank you from all who took part.You have brought much enjoyment to our members and spread the word on our clubfar beyond our city.

Also at this time, the Board and membership thank our departing editor, Carl Friesen,who for the last two years got Quick Release together. Regretfully, the issue you have inyour hands is Carl's last. Dave Bolivar will be taking the helm for our next issue.Thank you, Carl, a well-deserved rest.

And while we're at it, wasn't that a great BBQ put together once again by Joe Hickieand Bob Everett!

Also, Terry Davison and Wally Lem are taking a break after 13 years of leading our fallhiking program. Please contact me (416 461-9159) if you can help out. Thanks Terryand Wally.

Please add Thursday, September 14th to your calendar. The TBN Board is looking fordirection on matters you feel are important to the membership. To this end we arehaving a visioning meeting at Ralph Thornton Centre, 765 Queen St East of Broadviewat 7 PM. Your participation is important.

Lastly, we wish a speedy recovery to VP of Touring, John Burdett. Too many ridershave sustained accidents this year. Poor road conditions are usually a factor as is ridingtoo closely in large groups.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and see you at the AGM for our dinner/dance atWhistler's Saturday, October 21st.

AGM DINNERDANCE

SATURDAYOCTOBER 21

$25 members; $30 non-members

Whistler’s, 995 Broadview Ave. (at Pottery Rd)

Cash Bar from 6:30Dinner and elections 7:30

DJ Jimmie Fraser 8:30-12midnight

Cheques payable to...Toronto Bicycling Network Inc.

Mail C/O Melanie McGill149 Langley Ave., Apt 1Toronto ON M4K 1B6

Questions?Ron Fletcher416 461-9159

Please note that no tickets are mailed

to you. We have a list of paid diners

at the door. Note that cheques must

be received by October 14th or a

$5 surcharge will apply. No tickets are

available “at the door” as dinners must

be pre-ordered.

Photo by Belfountain

Friday Night Ride. Photo by Ania Poradzisz

Cover photography by Patrick Lam, Frank Lee, Mike Maloney & Jon Watts

Page 3: TBN Who’s Who TBN Hotline!Toronto Cycling Cttee. Rep. Martin Koob tcc-rep@tbn.ca Membership Secretary Eileen Harbinson 416.482.2157 TBN Coordinators ... It took many litres of Gatorade,

Page 5Toronto Bicycling Network

by Lowell Aronoff (reprinted from the June/July 1991, TBN News)

On July 1, 1986, Dick Quemey wasdiscussing with Bud Jorgensen thefrustrations of organizing the GreatCanadian Bicycle Rally every year for thepast five years. The GCBR was a greatsuccess, but it was too much work. Dicktold Bud that if he could not find someoneto take over the event 1986 would be itslast year!

This started Bud thinking. The GCBR wasa fabulous weekend. With 10 years under

its belt, it was a tradition. Cycling inOntario did not have many icons oftradition. Organizing bicycle tours was notsomething new to Bud; he organized manyTBN day trips as well as weekend trips.But a bicycle rally was different - ten timeslarger and infinitely more complex. Couldhe get the turn out? Did he have the time?Could he solve the problems? Did he

really believe he knew what the problemswere? Could he find people to help withtalent in the needed areas?

On TBN Sunday rides, Bud bounced hisideas off many fellow TBN’ers and foundtremendous enthusiasm. But was itenough? Would people contribute morethan verbal support?

The Point Pelee Wheelee weekend whichBud organised that summer was a greatsuccess. It managed to attract 50 peoplebut more important was the warm feelingthat was pervasive among the participants.This gave Bud the confidence to feel thathe really could organize a bicycle rally. Butwhat kind bicycle rally? And where wouldhe get the seed money - from the GCBR orthe TBN?

Bud approached the board of the TRNwith the idea. There was a great deal oftrepidation. In the three years of itsexistence, the TBN had exploded from zeroto 600 members. The club had alreadychanged its focus from the founder,

Richard Aaron's idea ofa network of small clubsand tour organizers, to aclub with a greatersocial focus. Themajority of the workwas still being done bythe same small group ofvolunteers that hadstarted the TBN. Abicycle rally wouldbroaden the base of theTBN. The board was notconvinced that a larger

club was either desirable, orthat they could handle theincreased size.

By this time, however, Bud’senthusiasm for the idea hadspawned enthusiasm in others.It made sense to call a meetingto determine whether Bud hada group with enoughexperience to pull it off. Thefirst organizing meeting for theas yet unnamed CYCLON took

place on September 30, 1986.

With the enthusiasm of the first meeting, itwas obvious that we were not talkingabout if we were going to organize abicycle rally, but how to do it. Not a singleperson at that meeting had ever beeninvolved in the organization of a bicyclerally and there was no clear consensus ofideas. Where would we get the seed

money? If we took over the GreatCanadian Bicycle Rally, Dick Querneywould insist that our rally be a campingweekend. Did we want more amenitiessuch as nicer accommodation? Did wewant to organize evening activities? Andwhat about insurance? All volunteer sportsorganizations at that time were worriedabout insurance. None of us wanted to beheld personally liable for accidents.Insurance companies were decidedlyunenthusiastic about covering these typesof events because of the massive awardsthat the courts were handing out. The listof potential problems seemed endless, butyes, at that meeting we decided that wewere going to organize a bicycle rally.

Dave Hearn came up with the name‘CYCLON’, and in that first meeting wedecided that if we could convince the TBNto sponsor the event, we would holdCYCLON on the Civic holiday weekend.This way we would not compete with theGreat Canadian Bicycle Rally.

If there was one thing that the rally hadan abundance of, it was volunteers. Bud,Dave Hearn and Pam Harrison had aknack for infusing their enthusiasm inothers. The amount of talent on thatcommittee was amazing. Among thepeople who donated time in theirrespective professions were commercialartists, journalists, marketers, a lawyer, a nutritionist and a database application designer.

By the beginning of July, despite ninemonths of a lot of hard work by manytalented people, we had not finished theroute research, had not finalized theentertainment, had only 60 peopleregistered, and no idea what to do aboutinsurance. The TBN had reluctantly put upmore than it could afford in seed money.And everyone on the committee wasworried that we had created a huge flopthat would lose a ton of money!

At that point the real (frantic) work started.The TBN membership list was dividedamongst volunteers and most memberswere called.

A group spent the weekend in St.Catharines to finish and check all theroutes. A huge last minute push resultedin the insurance coming through on theday before the event.

On Friday, July 31, 1987, it was clear thatall the work had been worthwhile. Thefeeling of camaraderie on the first night ofCYCLON made it apparent that CYCLONwould be an annual event for a long timeto come.

How Cyclon Began

Quick Release September/October/November 2006

For this year’s Cyclon, which is TBN’smajor event of the year, some 150+ peoplemade their way to Kingston for three daysof riding, great meals and fun for all.Queen’s University residence at LeggettHall was booked for accommodations,which to the relief of all, is fully air-conditioned. Salsa dancing, karaoke and ahistorical walk of downtown Kingstonwere some of the activities planned for theweekend as well as a special presentationmade by the “Four Spokes” at lunch on Monday.

To celebrate the 20th anniversaryattendees had the option of ordering acustom Sugoi Cyclon jersey. Many of thoseattending Cyclon wore their jerseys withpride each of the three days; we can onlyhope that they washed them after eachday’s ride. We received a number ofrequests to order more, but unfortunatelyit was a one time order. Perhaps we’llhave something just as special for the 25thanniversary – you’ll have to wait and see.

As with all TBN events, Cyclon could nothave taken place if it wasn't for ourvolunteers. Most people think “it justhappens”… which of course it does, butnot without a lot of hard work, dedicationand yes - even a few tears… A number oftasks are necessary to plan such a hugeevent, such as research of venues androutes, budgets and cost analysis, updatingforms, information phamphlets, thewebsite, registration night & data entry,assembling attendee packages, coordi-nation of rides, leaders & sweeps, prizes…and the list goes on and on.

A special thanks to the followingcompanies for generously donating prizesover $1000 in value to Cyclon this year:

Velotiquewww.velotique.com1592 Queen Street East, Toronto416-466-3171

Mountain Equipment Co-opwww.mec.ca400 King Street West, Toronto416-340-2667

Louis Garneau Sports Inc.www.louisgarneau.com

At this point, I would like to take amoment to thank the Cyclon Committeemembers and a few others, who were

active behind the scenes… You name it -they did it. Support, suggestions, emails(oh so many emails…) and lots of fun inbetween.

Cyclon Committee Members:Doug Innes (Maps extraordinaire)Arne Oslinger (Jersey Guru)Loreto ManniCarl FriesenRon FletcherSandra McCrossan Carole HillRoy HillDan Sideen (Cyclon Widower)

Honourable mention alsogoes to...Eileen Harbinson (lunch & sock monitor)Brenda Porter (Queen of SWAG)Owen Rogers (King of the Web and lastminute updates)Barry Pinsky Paul Rappell (Kingston Velo club) localroute & adviceAgain, all “behind the scenes” action… butsupportive all the way!

Cyclon Ride Leaders, Sweepsand Sag Wagon Support -they did a great job.Lionel SimmonsCatherine WhitfieldEdith WilliamnsJanie SiegelbergFred LoftinIlana KleinMary KennedyBill KennedyDerek WuPatrick LamDave OtwayTom VaivadaCatarina von MaydellSam BootsmaMarc Smith

And I’m sure therewere many morevolunteers thatsimply helped out(passing alongmessages, hangingposters, taking down signs, etc.) because

that’s what TBN volunteers do... If I’vemissed anyone, please forgive me - old ageis creeping up.

Speaking of age... did you know that theaverage age of the attendees at Cyclon was51? Our youngest rider Lana Monas, wasfive years old and a real trooper... and(according to our records) the eldest wasFred Loftin. Don't worry Fred, your secretis safe with me.

We had attendees from as far away asOhio, and Connecticut, and Paul Rappelljoined us from the local club.

The ratio of male to female was 46% male,54% female - believe it or not! Twentynine attendees indicated this year wastheir first Cyclon, and 38 of the 156 werenon-members. We hope they becomemembers and join us again next year.

Speaking of next year - we'll be back inKingston, at Queen's University theweekend of August 3-6th, 2007. If youwould like to assist in the preparation ofnext years event, please [email protected] and let us know. As the saying goes... many hands makelight work!

Hope to see you all again next year

Sincerely,Evelyn BradleyCyclon Director

Cyclon’s 20th AnniversaryEvent a success!

Page 4

Photos by Patrick Lam andLionel Simmons

Page 4: TBN Who’s Who TBN Hotline!Toronto Cycling Cttee. Rep. Martin Koob tcc-rep@tbn.ca Membership Secretary Eileen Harbinson 416.482.2157 TBN Coordinators ... It took many litres of Gatorade,

Page 6 Quick Release September/October/November 2006

by Martin KoobTBN representative to the Toronto CyclingCommittee

At the July 2006 Toronto CyclingCommittee meeting the membersapproved a number of recommendationsfor the 2007 budget year. They were:

• $6.0 million in the TransportationServices Division cycling budget for newbike lanes and paths in Hydro corridors,

• $1.5 million in the Parks Forestry andRecreation Division Budget for upgradingand building new paths in parks,

• $270,000 added the Planning Divisionbudget to expand cycling promotionprograms such as Cycling Ambassadors,Bike User Groups, Bike Week and othercycling events during the year,

• $100,000 in the Toronto Public Heathbudget for an education programregarding sidewalk cycling.

These recommendations will go forward tothe various committees of City Counciland then on to Council itself thisSeptember. However it will not be thecurrent Council that decides the fate ofthese recommendations and the fate of theBike Plan. Normally at this point in thearticle I would encourage people to calltheir Councillors and ask them to supportthese recommendations. However thisyear is an election year. The candidatesfor Council will be calling you this fall andasking for your support. You should tellthem that your support will depend ontheir stand on the Bike Plan.

If you have been following the progress ofToronto’s Bike Plan over the past threeyears you will know it has proceededslowly. There have been some advancessuch as in getting funding for bike laneconstruction increased from $1 millionannually to $3 million annually, but mostof the proposed bike lanes have not yetbeen built since they haven’t beenapproved by Toronto’s City Council. In2005 only one kilometre of new bike lanewas built; there were 16 km proposed inthat year. In 2006 it is estimated that only12 km of a proposed 30 km will be built.While the Mayor has positioned himself asa supporter of cycling and someCouncillors have been very supportive ofthe proposals in the Bike Plan, and many

other councillors are indifferent when theyare asked to support cycling projects andprograms, and some are staunchly opposedto them. With this mix at City Hall theBike Plan is at risk of stalling.

The only way we will see real progress onimplementing the Bike Plan is if we havea Mayor and Council that believe in thegoals of the Bike Plan and are committedto ensuring all its recommendations areimplemented. Toronto’s municipalelection, on Monday, November 13th, isour opportunity to change the make up ofCouncil to one where the Mayor andCouncillors support the full funding of theBike Plan for 2007 to 2010, the bike laneprojects that need approval over the nextfour years, and, all the other recommen-dations in the Bike Plan.

Cycling has to be an issue in this electionand a group has formed to make sure thathappens. The Toronto Coalition for ActiveTransportation (T-CAT) is a coalition oforganizations and individuals who want tosee walking and cycling (ActiveTransportation) recognized as importantforms of transportation; and who want tosee policy changes enacted and adequatefunding provided to enhance the role thesemodes play in Toronto’s transportationsystem. TBN has joined with other localcycling and pedestrian organizations topresent a common front and raise theprofile of these issues in the election.

T-CAT has developed a platform organizedaround five themes which are:

• BUILD better cycling and pedestrianinfrastructure

• INTEGRATE cycling and pedestrianissues into city planning

• PROMOTE walking and cycling as safe,sustainable transportation

• PROTECT cyclists and pedestrians fromunsafe road conditions

• LEAD in promoting active transportation

Under each of these themes there areplatform planks that outline actions thatCity Council needs to take over the nextfour years to implement the Toronto BikePlan and to realize the principles that areset out in Toronto’s Pedestrian Charter.Here are some examples of the cyclingrelated demands that are in the platform.

Under BUILD is the demand that Councilincrease its funding for cyclinginfrastructure in as recommended in a citystaff report on an Implementation Strategyfor accelerating the Bike Plan. UnderINTEGRATE the platform asks for a newstreamlined bike lane approval process befollowed. Under PROMOTE it asksCouncil to double the staffing for thecycling safety education and promotionprograms run by the city as recommendedin the Implementation Strategy Report.Under PROTECT is asks that Councilimplement the recommendations from the1988 Regional Coroner’s Report on CyclingFatalities in Toronto. Finally, under LEADone of the planks is that the city increasethe use of cycling and walking to conductcity business by having more staff usebikes as they conduct their duties, such asbylaw enforcement officers, police andothers, by encouraging staff and residentsto bike to city buildings for work orbusiness, and by making more use of footand bike couriers. There is much more tothe platform, too much to outline here.You can see it and how to get involved inthe election at the T-CAT website:www.torontocat.ca.

One of the activities that T-CAT will bedoing is conducting candidate surveys sothat voters will know where the Ward andMayoral candidates stand on the issues.BikeToronto.ca will be hosting the cyclingelection survey, just as it did in the 2003election, as part of the coordinated effort toraise the profile of Active Transportation:cycling and walking, as an issue. Socheck www.biketoronto.ca for the results ofthese surveys as we approach the fallelection.

Voter turn out for municipal elections istraditionally low. It was 40% in Toronto’slast election compared to 60% for the lastfederal election. It is thought that peopledon’t vote because the results won’t affectthem directly. It is ironic because it is thedecisions of City Council that most directlyaffect us. For cyclists that is especiallytrue. Councillors will decide whether ornot bike lanes get built, and whether ornot park paths get upgraded and extended.T-CAT will try to raise the profile of cyclingand ask Council candidates to make theirpositions known. You can help bybecoming familiar with the issues and thecandidates, asking them to support the T-CAT Platform, and getting out and votingfor the ones that do.

Toronto Municipal Election2006 a chance to give theBike Plan a boost

Toronto Bicycling Network

Pelee WheelieSeptember 1-4 2006

Cycle the pleasant Lake Erie shorelinestarting from Wheatley Provincial Park.Relax on the Labour Day long weekendwith fellow cyclists. In the evening, enjoyswimming or hiking the Carolinian forestor just relax around the campfire. Friday,Saturday, and Sunday night will be groupcamping. Provided will be three pancakebreakfasts and provisions for three lightlunches. Saturday night dinner will bepotluck. Sunday night will be a localrestaurant (not included).

The cost is $55 for members and $60 fornon-members. Please book early.Download the sign up sheet in pdf orWord format. For more info email Paul &Brenda at [email protected] or call 905-567-1035 (no voice mail).

Tour of Madawaska October 6-9th, 2006

For the past 10 years, members of TBNhave enjoyed fall’s golden splendour in theMadawaska valley. Undeterred by toughclimbs and capricious weather, a 40 stronggroup has endured rain, wind and evensnow, and, in equal measure, sunshineblue skies and summer temperatures.

The Tour of Madawaska explores ruggedterrain between Bancroft, Barry’s Bay,Killaloe and Combermere. Thanksgiving isthe weekend when fall colours reach theirpeak in these parts and tour routes focuson the highlights, following (mostly) pavedroads. Circular tours of 60-80, 100-120 and130-160 kilometers are available each day.

Accommodation is provided in two- andthree-person rooms and six-persondormitories at the Madawaska KanuCentre, a whitewater school.

Wilderness trails afford opportunity forboth hikers and mountain bikers. In fact,trail rides, offered by our hosts, haveattracted quite a following in recent years.At the end of the day, however, the thingthat ranks foremost in a cyclist’s prioritiesis good food. Thanks to a staff well versedin dealing with ravenous kayakers allsummer long, good food comes ingenerous measure.

Fee for the weekend includes two mealsplus packed lunch each day. Payment canbe made to Madawaska Kanu Centre, 39 -First Avenue, Ottawa ON K1S 2G1.Cheques / POs for $225 per person shouldbe made out to Madawaska Kanu Centre.Visa and Mastercard payments can bemade by contacting the office at 613-594-5268 or by email to [email protected].

Weekend Trips

RONA MS Bike Tour: 10 September, Toronto, 30 km and 55 km.

The RONA MS bike tours help raise fundsfor multiple sclerosis research and services.Each ride offers optional rest stops every15 km, and at the finish line, a massagefrom an experienced volunteer massagetherapist. Experienced riders areencouraged to volunteer as tour leaders.For more information, visitwww.msbiketours.com or contact JoannaSharp at 416.922.6600, ext. 2308;[email protected].

BikeTREK 2006 September 24th, 2006,

Registration Opens 8:00am The Lung Association is hosting its 10thAnnual BikeTREK fundraiser to supportlung health. This 60km and 30km trek isa "Ride at Your Own Pace" one-day event.Beginning and ending at Phyllis RawlinsonPark at Leslie Street & 19th Line, the routewill travel through the scenic communitiesof Richmond Hill, Whitchurch-Stouffville,Newmarket, Aurora and King City.Included are a continental breakfast,snacks, a barbeque lunch, draw prizes, amassage, a well marked route, Trek pointstops, medical and mechanical support,and a participant gift bag. Register atwww.on.lung.ca or contact Erika at416.864.9911 ext. 257 or by email [email protected]. Registration fee:$50 with a pledge minimum of $200.

Charity Rides

Page 7

Picnic 2006. Photo by Patrick Lam.

In-line skatingcontinuesThe TBN inline skating programcontinues its Monday evening andSaturday morning group skatesthroughout September and earlyOctober, with the official season endingon Thanksgiving Monday.

Many of the skates are out and backroutes along the Martin Goodman Trail.We re-group often and offer shorter andlonger distances to accommodate thedifferent levels of skaters. The Apresskate provides fun and laughter as wellas an abundance of skating knowledgefor all that are interested.

Special events planned for Septemberinclude a Toronto Island "Airshow" skateon September 2nd and a Niagara ONThe Lake road trip on September 23rd.Car pooling is available for TBN inlineroad trips.

So if you're looking to put a little morefun and excitement into your activeoutdoor lifestyle, come on out and giveeight wheels a try. You might end uphaving four times the fun!

Picnic 2006. Photo by Ania Poradzisz

Page 5: TBN Who’s Who TBN Hotline!Toronto Cycling Cttee. Rep. Martin Koob tcc-rep@tbn.ca Membership Secretary Eileen Harbinson 416.482.2157 TBN Coordinators ... It took many litres of Gatorade,

Page 9Toronto Bicycling Network

Sunday, Oct 8

Albion Hills - Ride north of Bolton on 25kmof hilly, forested xc-ski trails. Trail pass: $4.Terr: Easy to moderate. Single track, somesand, roots and logs.Facils: washrooms, snacks, camping, swimmingStart: Albion Hills Conservation Area. Drivenorth on Highway 50 past Bolton until you seethe entrance to the conservation area on yourleft. Park at far end by chalet.

Saturday, Oct 14 10:30 a.m.

Hardwood Hills - With 70 km of single &doubletrack trails, Hardwood Hills is anindustry benchmark offering trails for allabilities. Don't miss this superb mountain bikecentre. Trail pass: $12.00.Terr: Easy to extreme, hard pack surfaceFacils: Full service: washrooms, showers,cafeteria, bike rentalStart: Parking lot of Hardwood Hills. Exit Hwy400 northbound at interchange 111 (Forbes Rd),travel east 10km, entrance on left side.

Sunday, Oct 15

Kelso Conservation Area - Featuring 16 kmof single-track trails that weave and intertwinethrough trees, rocks and fields. One very largehill--tough going up, a blast going down.Fabulous view. Trail pass: $7.00.Terr: Moderate, clay based hard pack withmud holes, limestone bouldersFacils: washrooms, snack bar, camping,swimmingStart: Summit Gatehouse of KelsoConservation Area. Exit Hwy 401 westbound atHwy 25, then south to Hwy 8/Steeles Ave. Turnright and head west on Steeles, parking at OldBell School Line.

Saturday, Oct 21

Durham Forest - 25 km of single anddoubletrack trails. With mixed forest and thickpines this fat-tire playground is sure to please.Trail pass: free.Terr: Easy to moderate, clay, sandy areasFacils: none, limited parkingStart: Parking lot of Durham Forest. Take Hwy401 to Brock Road exit, Pickering, north upBrock Rd about 23 kms to Durham Rd #21(Coppins Corners), east 5 km to 7th ConcessionRd, turn right, entrance is 1 km south on eastside.

Sunday, Oct 22

Puslinch Trail - 20km of mixed riding thereare lots of tight and twisty trails with someswitch backs and a few hills. Trail pass: Free.Terr: ModerateFacils: None. Reasonable amounts of parking.Start: From Toronto head on the 401 West toGuelph exiting at County Rd 33 which is justwest of HWY 6 North off of the 401. Headsouth on county rd 33 to County rd 32 (first rdsouth of the HWY) turn left heading east. You'llpass Puslinch lake keep going. The road comesto a stop and veers off to the North (Left) followit north. Parking lot is just south of the 401 onthe east side.

Saturday, Oct 28

Albion Hills - Ride north of Bolton on 25kmof hilly, forested xc-ski trails. Trail pass: $4.Terr: Easy to moderate. Single track, somesand, roots and logs.Facils: washrooms, snacks, camping, swimmingStart: Albion Hills Conservation Area. Drivenorth on Highway 50 past Bolton until you seethe entrance to the conservation area on yourleft. Park at far end by chalet.

Sunday, Oct 29

Ravenshoe - The 15 km of single-track trailsat Ravenshoe offer lots of roots, logs and stuntsto challenge the rider--one our hardest/favouriterides. Trail pass: free.Terr: Moderate to extreme. Hardpackedsurface, fairly flat but very twisty, can bemuddyFacils: limited parkingStart: Parking lot at Ravenshoe. From the westor central areas: take Hwy 404 north, exit atGreen Lane, then east 300m to Woodbine Ave,north 5km to Ravenshoe Road, east 9km toMcCowan Rd. and then south for about 500 m,parking on the right. From the east: north onHwy 48 (Markham Rd) to Ravenshoe Rd, westto McCowan Rd, then south 600m.

LEISURE WHEELER Distances of 20-60 km, at speeds of 15-17km/h, at a "leisurely" pace. Designed asa series of entry-level rides for novices,those returning to cycling after a longabsence, and senior riders. Rides start at10:00 am.

EASY ROLLER Distances of 20-60 km, at speeds of 15-20km/h, at a relaxed pace. Routes are oftenon quiet streets and bike paths in the cityand surrounding areas. Rides start at10:00 am.

TOURIST Distances of50-110 km, at speeds averaging 20-25km/h, at a comfortable pace. “ShortTourist” designates rides in the 50-70 kmrange.

Advanced TouristDistances of 120-200km at speeds averaging 25-30 km/h at abrisk pace. These rides generally start at8:30 am from late April to early October.

SPORTIF Distances of 90-200 km, at speeds averaging 25-35km/h, usually at a fast pace.

COUNTRYCRUISE Rides of 40-120 km exploring thecountry roads of southern Ontario. Suitedto cyclists of varying fitness levels.Participants set their own pace averagingfrom 18 km/h to 25 km/h. At least tworoutes are offered: a short route of 50-70km and a longer route. Start points aretypically within a 90-minute drive ofToronto. Rides start at 10:00 am. unlessotherwise stated.

OTHER RIDE PROGRAMS

WEDNESDAY WHEELIES Rides of about 75 km suitable for touristriders. Start points are within a one-hourdrive of Toronto and stick to the samequiet roads that characterize our SundayCountry Cruise rides. Start times vary,usually 8:30 am during the hot summermonths and 10:00 am at other times.

SATURDAYCRUISINGSHORTS TBN presents short, scenic country rideswith start points far enough removedfrom the city yet still within easy drivingdistance. Start time 9:00 am.

TBN Ride ClassificationsPhoto by Jon Watts

Page 8 Quick Release September/October/November 2006

Saturday, Sept 2

Don Valley - In the heart of the city, +15 kmof hilly, mainly single-track trail offers fun forall that ride it. Trail pass: Free.Terr: Moderate to extreme, clay based surface,gravel, sandy along riverFacils: noneStart: Toronto Brick Works on Bayview Ave.south of Pottery Road.

Sunday, Sept 3

Ravenshoe - The 15 km of single-track trailsat Ravenshoe offer lots of roots, logs and stuntsto challenge the rider--one our hardest/favouriterides. Trail pass: free.Terr: Moderate to extreme. Hardpackedsurface, fairly flat but very twisty, can bemuddyFacils: limited parkingStart: Parking lot at Ravenshoe. From the westor central areas: take Hwy 404 north, exit atGreen Lane, then east 300m to Woodbine Ave,north 5km to Ravenshoe Road, east 9km toMcCowan Rd. and then south for about 500 m,parking on the right. From the east: north onHwy 48 (Markham Rd) to Ravenshoe Rd, westto McCowan Rd, then south 600m.

Saturday, Sept 9 10:30 a.m.

Hardwood Hills - With 70 km of single &doubletrack trails, Hardwood Hills is anindustry benchmark offering trails for allabilities. Don't miss this superb mountain bikecentre. Trail pass: $12.00.Terr: Easy to extreme, hard pack surfaceFacils: Full service: washrooms, showers,cafeteria, bike rentalStart: Parking lot of Hardwood Hills. Exit Hwy400 northbound at interchange 111 (Forbes Rd),travel east 10km, entrance on left side.

Sunday, Sep 10

Glen Major - 15 km of tight technical singletrack, for beginner to advanced. Drop offs,sandy areas, long runs and great scenery, southof Uxbridge. Trail pass: Free.Terr: Easy to extremeFacils: noneStart: Hwy 401 east to Brock Rd. in Pickering.North on Brock Rd. to about 20 km, turn easton hwy 5.Concession 9. Travel to Balsam gonorth on Sideline #4 about 3 km , trail on westside by parking lot.

Saturday, Sept 16

Kelso Conservation Area - Featuring 16 kmof single-track trails that weave and intertwinethrough trees, rocks and fields. One very largehill--tough going up, a blast going down.Fabulous view. Trail pass: $7.00.Terr: Moderate, clay based hard pack withmud holes, limestone bouldersFacils: washrooms, snack bar, camping,swimmingStart: Summit Gatehouse of KelsoConservation Area. Exit Hwy 401 westbound atHwy 25, then south to Hwy 8/Steeles Ave. Turnright and head west on Steeles, parking at OldBell School Line.

Sunday, Sept 17

Knobby Knewbie Ride: Don Valley -Come out on an instructional ride through theheart of Toronto. An easy 15km route will takeriders through the basics of technique and trailsafety. Trail pass: Free Depending on interestamong the group and leader after the morningclinic we'll take the new riders out for an easytrail ride in the Don Valley. Leader: Adam.Terr: EasyFacils: noneStart: Toronto Brick Works parking lot onBayview Ave. south of Pottery Road. Take theDVP to Bayview/Bloor exit and north onBayview about 400 m. to Toronto Brick Worksparking lot. If you are coming from the north,or east then it is 500 m south of Pottery Road.

Saturday, Sept 23

Durham Forest - 25 km of single anddoubletrack trails. With mixed forest and thickpines this fat-tire playground is sure to please.Trail pass: free.Terr: Easy to moderate, clay, sandy areasFacils: none, limited parkingStart: Parking lot of Durham Forest. Take Hwy401 to Brock Road exit, Pickering, north upBrock Rd about 23 kms to Durham Rd #21(Coppins Corners), east 5 km to 7th ConcessionRd, turn right, entrance is 1 km south on eastside.

Sunday, Sept 24

Albion Hills - Ride north of Bolton on 25kmof hilly, forested xc-ski trails. Trail pass: $4.Terr: Easy to moderate. Single track, somesand, roots and logs.Facils: washrooms, snacks, camping, swimmingStart: Albion Hills Conservation Area. Drivenorth on Highway 50 past Bolton until you seethe entrance to the conservation area on yourleft. Park at far end by chalet.

Saturday, Sept 30

Puslinch Trail - 20km of mixed riding thereare lots of tight and twisty trails with someswitch backs and a few hills. Trail pass: Free.Terr: ModerateFacils: None. Reasonable amounts of parking.Start: From Toronto head on the 401 West toGuelph to County Rd 33 which is just west ofHWY 6 North off of the 401. Head south oncounty rd 33 to County rd 32 (first rd south ofthe HWY) turn left heading east. Pass Puslinchlake & keep going. The road comes to a stop &veers off North (Left). Follow it north. Parkinglot is just south of the 401 on the east side.

Sunday, Oct 1

Ravenshoe - The 15 km of single-track trailsat Ravenshoe offer lots of roots, logs and stuntsto challenge the rider--one our hardest/favouriterides. Trail pass: free.Terr: Moderate to extreme. Hardpackedsurface, fairly flat but very twisty, can be muddyFacils: limited parkingStart: Parking lot at Ravenshoe. From the westor central areas: take Hwy 404 north, exit atGreen Lane, then east 300m to Woodbine Ave,north 5km to Ravenshoe Road, east 9km toMcCowan Rd. and then south for about 500 m,parking on the right. From the east: north onHwy 48 (Markham Rd) to Ravenshoe Rd, westto McCowan Rd, then south 600m.

Saturday, Oct 7

Glen Major - 15 km of tight technical singletrack, for beginner to advanced. Drop offs,sandy areas, long runs and great scenery, southof Uxbridge. Trail pass: Free.Terr: Easy to extremeFacils: noneStart: Hwy 401 east to Brock Rd. in Pickering.North on Brock Rd. to about 20 km, turn easton hwy 5.Concession 9. Travel to Balsam gonorth on Sideline #4 about 3 km , trail on westside by parking lot.

Mountain Biking

Photo by Jon Watts

Page 6: TBN Who’s Who TBN Hotline!Toronto Cycling Cttee. Rep. Martin Koob tcc-rep@tbn.ca Membership Secretary Eileen Harbinson 416.482.2157 TBN Coordinators ... It took many litres of Gatorade,

Quick Release September/October/November 2006Page 10

Sep 6 10:00 am

SCHOMBERG/CALEDON EASTStart: The arena in Schomberg, just south ofHighway 9 west of Main Street. Schomberg isjust west of Highway 27 and south of Hwy 9Dist: 74 & 93 km

Sep 13 10:00 am

CAMPBELLVILLE/WATERDOWNStart: Shopping centre west of Guelph Line inCampbellville. To get to Campbellville go weston Hwy 401 to the Guelph Line, and southuntil you see the green parking sign for theentrance to the shopping centre on Crawford St.Park in the lot behind the Trail Eatery.Dist: 64 & 74 km

Sep 20 10:00 am

BRADFORD/INNISFIL BEACHStart: North Bradford Square Shopping centreon Hwy 11, 1 km north of the town centre. Toget to Bradford, exit Hwy 400 at Hwy 88 East.Dist: 75 km

Sep 27 10:00 am

ASHBURN TOUR Start: Ashburn Community Park on the westside of Ashburn Rd, 200m north of the mainintersection in Ashburn. To get to Ashburn, goeast on Hwy 401 to Brock Rd, north toClaremont and east on County Road 5 toAshburn. Bring lunch for this tour. Dist: 57 & 81 km

Oct 4 10:00 am

STOUFFVILLE/GOODWOODStart: North Stouffville Free Park. To get toStouffville drive north on Hwy 404 toStouffville Rd and then east to the StouffvilleFree Park on the north side of Main St. past thetrain tracks and before Market St.Dist: 61, 76 & 84 km

Oct 11 10:00 am

MOUNT ALBERT/LAKE SIMCOEStart: Community Centre on Main St in Mt.Albert. To get Mount Albert go north on Hwy404, east on Davis Drive to Hwy 48, and northto Mount Albert.Dist: 55 & 79 km

Oct 18 10:00 am

WATERDOWN ESCARPMENTADVENTUREStart: Proceed west on Hwy 5 (Dundas St) toWaterdown. Meet at the IGA Plaza at the cornerof Hwy 5 and Hamilton St.Dist: 51, 71 & 83 km

Oct 25 8:30 am

KING CITY/SCHOMBERG ALTERNATEStart: The arena parking lot on Doctor’s Dr., thefirst south street east of the intersection of KingRoad and Keele St. Dist: 70 & 92 km

Nov 1 10:00 am

HORNBY/ROCKWOODStart: Hornby Park. To get there, exit Hwy 401at interchange 328, Trafalgar Rd. go north tothe lights, turn left, proceed to Hornby Park.Dist: 81 km

Nov 8 10:00 am

SCHOMBERG/ALLISTON/HOCKLEYStart: The arena in Schomberg, just south ofHwy 9 west of Main Street. Schomberg is justwest of Hwy 27 and south of Hwy 9.Dist: 72 & 88 km

Nov 15 10:00 am

STOUFFVILLE/UXBRIDGEStart: North Stouffville Free Park. To get toStouffville drive north on Hwy 404 toStouffville Rd and then east to the StouffvilleFree Park on the north side of Main St. past thetrain tracks and before Market St.Dist: 61, 76 & 85 km

Nov 22 10:00 am

KING CITY/BOLTON/KLEINBURGStart: The arena parking lot on Doctor’s Dr., thefirst south street east of the intersection of KingRoad and Keele St. Dist: 74 km

Nov 29 10:00 am

UNIONVILLE/MUSSELMAN LAKEStart: Toogood Pond in Unionville. To get toToogood Pond drive north on Hwy 404 to Hwy7, then east to Kennedy Rd. Turn left to CarltonRd, left to Main St, and right to Toogood PondRd. Turn left into the parking lot.Dist: 70 km

Dec 6 10:00 am

HORNBY/CAMPBELLVILLEStart: Hornby Park. To there exit Hwy 401 atInterchange 328, Trafalgar Rd. Go north to thelights, turn left and proceed to Hornby Park.Dist: 66 km

Dec 13 10:00 am

KING CITY/BRADFORD Start: The arena parking lot on Doctor’s Dr.,the first south street east of the intersection ofKing Road and Keele St. Dist: 60 & 65 km

Dec 20 12:00 pm

WEDNESDAY WHEELIE CHRISTMASLUNCHEON - We'll be meeting at Rich TreeMarket Restaurant, on the west side of YongeSt, just north of Front St for a season-endingget together at 12:00 noon. Please confirmattendance with Bill Hannaford by phone (416-482-2125) one week before luncheon.

Wednesday Wheelies

Photo by Lionel Simmons

Photo by Lionel Simmons

Photo by Lionel Simmons

Toronto Bicycling Network

The Ravine Rides are 1?–3 hour rides onTuesdays at 10:30 AM. Enjoy the parkpaths without the weekend crowds. Theroutes avoid busy streets as much aspossible. All start points are accessible bysubway. Optional coffee stop after eachride. Distances are approximate andsubject to change due to weather and trailconditions.

Tuesday, September 5

Richard’s Route A new route in the farnortheast. Some street riding.Start: 10:30 a.m. Midland RT stationDist: 22 km

Tuesday, September 12

Parallel Lines: Kennedy to Kipling A one-way ride the whole length of the Bloor-Danforthline. Get full value for your subway token. Start: 10:30 a.m. beside the elevator on the eastside of the Kennedy subway station (onTransway Crescent)Dist: 35 km

Tuesday, September 19

Humber and High Park North along theHumber, east through Smythe Park, then souththrough city streets and High Park to thelakeshore and back to the Humber.Start: 10:30 a.m. Etienne Brule parking lot(down the hill behind Old Mill subway station)Dist: 24 km

Tuesday, September 26

East End Excursion This ride has a bit ofeverything: ravines, a cemetery, two cannons,an industrial park, quiet residential streets, anda stairway. All but 100 m on pavement.Start: 10:30 a.m. Coffee Time at ShoppersWorld, one block south of Victoria Park subway station.Dist: 22 km

Tuesday, Oct. 3

Boordale and the Humber About 7 km ofstreet riding near the start, but the rest of theride is on park paths and bikeways.Start: 10:30 a.m. Etienne Brule parking lot(down the hill behind Old Mill subway station)Dist: 28 km

Tuesday, Oct. 10

Mainline A one-way ride from High Park toMain and Danforth. Paved all the way with afew kilometres of street riding. Start: 10:30 a.m. Park entrance at Bloor andHigh Park AvenueDist: 28 km

Tuesday, Oct. 17

Heart of Toronto A ride linking ravines inthe centre of the city. Some unpaved paths.Start: 10:30 a.m. in Taddle Creek Park oneblock north of the Bedford exit of St. Georgesubway stationDist: 28 km

Tuesday, Oct. 24

Perpendicular Lines: Finch to Kennedy Aone-way ride that takes a shortcut from Finchsubway station to Kennedy station.Start: 10:30 a.m. Finch subway Park and RideDist: 23 km

Tuesday, Oct. 31

Balfour and the Beltline Plus Visit twocemeteries on Halloween. A lovely downtownride with a few hills and some unpaved paths.Start: 10:30 a.m. in Taddle Creek Park oneblock north of the Bedford exit of the St.George subway station.Dist: 24 km

Fall 2006 Ravine Rides

Page 11

Common TBNStart LocationsBoardwalk Pub - Just east of the foot ofCoxwell Avenue at Lakeshore Boulevardin the Eastern Beaches area. WoodbineBeach parking is $5, but free streetparking is available on both sides ofCoxwell Avenue.

Edwards Gardens – The EdwardsGardens parking lot is located on thesouthwest corner of Lawrence AvenueEast and Leslie Street.

Etienne Brûlé Park - The Etienne BrûléPark parking lot is located at thejunction of Old Mill Road and Old MillDrive (around the corner and down thehill from the Old Mill subway station).

Finch - Finch Subway Park & Ride is onthe northwest corner of Yonge Streetand Hendon Avenue, one block north ofFinch Avenue.

Kipling - Kipling Subway Park & Ride,North Lot on Subway Crescent, south ofDundas Street West and west of Kipling.Look for the signs.

Shoppers World - Danforth at VictoriaPark (one block south of Victoria ParkSubway Park & Ride) in front of CoffeeTime Donuts.

Queen’s Park - Near the King Edwardstatue, at the north end of the park, justnorth of Wellesley Street.

Grenadier Café, High Park - Follow thesigns south from the intersection ofHigh Park Avenue and Bloor StreetWest.

Rock Point camping trip. Photos by Ania Poradzisz

Page 7: TBN Who’s Who TBN Hotline!Toronto Cycling Cttee. Rep. Martin Koob tcc-rep@tbn.ca Membership Secretary Eileen Harbinson 416.482.2157 TBN Coordinators ... It took many litres of Gatorade,

Page 13Toronto Bicycling NetworkPage 12 Quick Release September/October/November 2006

KING CITY - Visit Kleinburg and King Citybefore stopping in Maple for lunch.Start: FinchDist: 65 kmClass: Easy RollerAprès: Tim Horton’s

MUSSELMAN LAKE/MT ALBERT - Dothe Musselman Lake run to lunch in Ballantrae,or keep going north to Mt. Albert.Start: FinchDist: 85 & 102 kmClass: Advanced Tourist, TouristAprès: Slug & Lettuce, NW corner of Yonge &Finch

NIAGARA WINE LOVER'S TOUR - Wakeup and smell the grapes. Tour the picturesquefarmland, orchards, and vineyards of thewestern Niagara region, with many opportu-nities for tasting along the way. The ride isfairly gentle even when climbing theEscarpment.Start: (New Start Location) Lincoln CommunityCentre in Beamsville. Take QEW Niagara toExit 64, Beamsville. Go south (right) onOntario Street 2.5 km to John St. (at lights.Turn left on John St, go 200m, then turn righton to Central Ave. The Community Centre ison the left. Allow sufficient travel time – this isabout 105 km from Yonge & Eglinton.Dist: 77 & 97 kmClass: Country Cruise

Sunday, September 24

HOCKLEY ROAD HURRICANE - Now inits eleventh year, this big looping route covers alot familiar territory, plus the scenic part of theHockley Road sandwiched in between. We'veeven got a silver Double Metric Century Patchfor all those who complete the ride.Start: Finch 8:30 amDist: 107, 131 & 205 kmClass: Advanced Tourist, Tourist

THE ALAN GORDON METRICCENTURY - Travel along the lakeshore fromToronto into Oakville. Mostly level trails andquiet streets, many exit points if you get tired.Bring lunch. Special commemorative metriccentury patch awarded to all those whocomplete the ride. The ride will have twogroups. The first group will ride at an easyroller pace. The second will ride at a leisurewheeler pace.Start: Boardwalk Pub 9:30 amDist: 100 & 100 kmClass: Easy Roller, Leisure Wheeler

BOLTON HAMMER - Two routes to Bolton,the longer one offering (a lot) more hills,followed by a rolling return route viaKleinburg.Start: FinchDist: 85, 97 & 105 kmClass: Advanced Tourist, TouristAprès: Slug & Lettuce, NW corner Yonge &Finch

GEORGETOWN-EQUESINGHYSTERICAL TOUR - This tour hasresurrected past rides and charted the bestroads of the area resulting in three fabulousoptions to tour this area. The routes avoidtraffic trouble spots in both Georgetown andActon while catching all the best scenery and afew of those Halton Hills.Start: Stewarttown Public School. To get therego west on Hwy 401, travel north on TrafalgarRoad to 15th Side Road. The school is on thesoutheast corner. (Make sure you do NOT go toPineview School!)Dist: 47, 62 & 89 kmClass: Country Cruise

Sunday, October 1

CALEDON-KING CONUNDRUM - Ascenic and hilly route via Palgrave to lunch inCaledon East.Start: Finch 8:30 amDist: 121 & 139 kmClass: Advanced Tourist, TouristAprès: TBD

RICE LAKE REVISITED - Enjoy the fallcolours in the Northumberland countrysidefollowing three new routes to Rice Lake. Lunchin Bewdley on the shores of Rice Lake wherethere is a restaurant, store and waterfront picnicarea. Note these rides start in Port Hope (notCobourg!)Start: Meet for a 10:00 a.m. departure at PortHope Town Hall, 56 Queen Street - Exit #461from Hwy 401, follow County Road #2 intotown.Dist: 59, 75 & 93 kmClass: Country Cruise

AUTUMN COLOURS - This final LW ride of2006 will follow the Beltline Trail and somequiet residential streets.Start: Davisville Tennis Courts at Millwood Rd& Mt. Pleasant.Dist: 30 kmClass: Leisure WheelerAprès: Tim Hortons

GUILD INN - Visit the beautiful Guild Inn,and have a picnic lunch on the grounds. We'llstop to buy lunch on the way.Start: Boardwalk PubDist: 60 kmClass: Easy Roller

Sunday, September 3

PORT PERRY CENTURY - A century ride toPort Perry. Short routes head to Hy HopesApple Farm in Glen Major for fresh-bakedcookies and butter tarts. Bring a sandwich!Start: Edwards Gardens 8:30 amDist: 121, 136 & 166 kmClass: Advanced Tourist

LEISURE WHEELER COUNTRYCRUISE - A ride along the shores of LakeSimcoe from Keswick to Sibbald Point Park.Start: Keswick. Go north on the 404 to DavisDr and east to Woodbine Ave. Turn left anddrive 20 minutes north to Keswick. North of thetown turn left onto Old Homestead Road(garden centre on the right, and church on theleft marks the corner), continue across MetroRd turn right on to First St. and park there.Don't forget a bathing suit and lunch for our 1hour lunch stop at the beach, with facilities, inSibbald Point Park.Dist: 46 kmClass: Leisure Wheeler

CYNTHIA’S SCENIC SITES (PART 4) -Discover the most scenic neighbourhoods andhidden treasures in North York.Start: Boardwalk PubDist: 66 kmClass: Easy Roller

STOUFFVILLE RAMBLER - Two routeshead to lunch at the Lion of Whitchurch Pub inStouffville, long tour via Claremont.Start: Edwards GardensDist: 75 & 93 kmClass: Short Tourist, Tourist

TOTTENHAM TRAIN RIDE - JOINTTBN/GCBT - This time TBN CCer’s hostriders from the Great Canadian Bicycle Tours(GCBT) on a ride through the Caledon Hills.Those who wish to take some extra time inTottenham can enjoy an excursion on a steamlocomotive or a jaunt to a framers’ market.Start: Meet for a 10:00 a.m. departure at theMayfield Recreation Centre on the northeastcorner of Bramalea Rd North and Mayfield Rd.The parking lot is a little further north onBramalea, on the east side. To get there takeHwy 401 west to Hwy 410, then north toMayfield Rd and east to Bramalea.Dist: 53 & 80 kmClass: Country Cruise

Monday, September 4

SECRETS OF SCARBOROUGH - Somehidden treasures of this suburb, as revealed bya long-time resident.Start: Shoppers World, DanforthDist: 32 kmClass: Leisure WheelerAprès: Coffee Time

OAKVILLE ODYSSEY - Go from the westside of Toronto to the quiet gardens of classyOakville. Pick up lunch at Tim Hortonsor bringyour ownStart: In the south parking lot of KiplingSubway. The entrance to the parking lot is onKipling Ave, south of the railway overpass.Dist: 65 kmClass: Easy Roller

VANDORF/SNOWBALL - Short routeheads to lunch at Jake's in Unionville. Longroutes lunch in Maple! Start: FinchDist: 70, 85 & 96 kmClass: Short Tourist, Sportif, Tourist

Sunday, September 10

EDEN MILLS CENTURY - A beautiful tourof the quiet, rolling roads of Halton with lunchat the annual Writer's Festival in Eden Mills.Short tour goes to Glen Williams.Start: Kipling 8:30 amDist: 106, 145 & 166 kmClass: Advanced Tourist, Tourist

GUILD INN PICNIC - Join us for a picnicon the grounds of the historic Guild Inn. Bringlunch or pick-up something along the way. Newroute. Some hills.Start: Shoppers World, DanforthDist: 42 kmClass: Leisure Wheeler

CYNTHIA’S SCENIC CITY (PART 1B) -Circle around Toronto through the city’s parksystems, quiet streets, and affluentneighbourhoods of The Bridle Path area.Start: Edwards GardensDist: 62 kmClass: Easy Roller

GLEN WILLIAMS TOUR - Two routes tothe town of Glen Williams for lunch at GlenOven Bakery or a picnic in the park by theCredit River.Start: KiplingDist: 94 & 106 kmClass: Advanced Tourist, TouristAprès: Tim Hortons

NEWCASTLE NAVIGATOR - All three ridesleave from Newcastle and head north-east toPort Hope for lunch. The long route is veryhilly as it goes furthest north, the mediumroute is moderately hilly and the short route isrelatively flat. After lunch, the rides return toNewcastle along the Lake Ontario shoreline.Start: Meet for a 10:00 am departure atNewcastle Public School. Head east on Highway401 to the Mill Street, Newcastle exit (exit#440), then go north on Mill Street (towardsthe village of Newcastle) for 700 m., right (east)on Edward Street East for 300 m., right (south)on Glass Street for 300 m to the parking lot ofNewcastle Public School.Dist: 59, 75 & 99 kmClass: Country Cruise

Sunday, September 17

SIMCOE CENTURY/MT. ALBERT - Anew, quieter route to the shores of Lake Simcoeand back. Shorter option lunches in Mt. Albert.Start: Finch 8:30 amDist: 115, 131 & 162 kmClass: Advanced Tourist, Tourist

CYNTHIA’S SCENIC CITY & PRE-CENTURY RIDE - Prime yourself for theAlan Gordon Metric Century ride on 9/24 bydoing this 60-75 km ride that follows parts ofthe Waterfront Trail in an easterly direction.Start: Old Mill SubwayDist: 60 kmClass: Leisure Wheeler

Saturday, Sunday andHoliday Rides

SaturdayMorning Rides

Kick off the weekend with this brisk-paced social ride suitable for EasyRollers and Tourists. Departs at 9:30a.m. sharp and returns by 12:15 so youcan do your Saturday errands or relaxover an après ride snack or lunch.Check the web site for locations

Photo by Jon Watts

Photo by Jeff Lawrence

Weekday Evening RidesFun and sociable Wednesday and Friday evening rides continuethroughout the fall. Start times are at 6:30. Apres are at various Torontoestablishments. Check the web site for details and locations.

Friday Night Ride to the Lighthouse - August 11, 2006. Photo by Ania Poradzisz

Page 8: TBN Who’s Who TBN Hotline!Toronto Cycling Cttee. Rep. Martin Koob tcc-rep@tbn.ca Membership Secretary Eileen Harbinson 416.482.2157 TBN Coordinators ... It took many litres of Gatorade,

KETTLEBY/SCHOMBERG - Three routesthrough the historic village of Kettleby, beforediverging to lunch stops in Maple orSchomberg.Start: FinchDist: 72, 92 & 112 kmClass: Short Tourist, Sportif, TouristAprès: Slug & Lettuce, NW corner Yonge & Finch

Sunday, October 8

CAMPBELLVILLE CLASSIC - Follow thequiet backroads to the Trail Eatery inCampbellville.Start: Kipling 8:30 amDist: 110 & 130 kmClass: Advanced Tourist, Tourist

CYNTHIA'S NEIGHBORHOODSTREETS (PART 3B) - See the city in itsbrilliant autumn colours along the HumberTrail and most beautiful neighbourhoods ofEtobicoke.Start: Etienne Brûlé ParkDist: 63 kmClass: Easy Roller

GLEN WILLIAMS TOUR - Two routes tothe town of Glen Williams for lunch at GlenOven Bakery or a picnic in the park by theCredit River.Start: KiplingDist: 95 & 115 kmClass: Advanced Tourist, TouristAprès: Tim Hortons

CREDIT RIVER CRUISING II - Return tothe wilds north of Brampton. A different routethan earlier this season but with the sameappeal of country roads not far from Toronto.Start: Alloa School. Go west on Hwy 401 toMissisauga Rd. Continue north to Mayfield Rd.(first road north of Hwy. 7). Meet at AlloaSchool on the north side of Mayfield Rd., justeast of Mississauga Rd.Dist: 63 & 93 kmClass: Country Cruise

Monday, October 9

DIM SUM BRUNCH - Try a Dim Sumlunch out in Richmond Hill.Start: FinchDist: 60 kmClass: Easy Roller

UNIONVILLE BRUNCH - Our traditionalThanksgiving excursion is a leisurely ride northto this historic village to enjoy a bit of pub fareat Jakes Pub & Grille.Start: FinchDist: 55 & 80 kmClass: Short Tourist, Tourist

Sunday, October 15

MT. ALBERT/UXBRIDGE - Two routes tolunch in Uxbridge. Short tour lunches in Mt.Albert.Start: Finch 8:30 amDist: 110, 131 & 143 kmClass: Advanced Tourist, Tourist

CYNTHIA’S SCENIC STREETS (PART 2B) - See the leaves at their peekcolours along the Humber River.Start: Etienne Brûlé ParkDist: 59 kmClass: Easy RollerAprès: Grenadier Café

THORNTON BALES/NEWMARKET - Ahilly but scenic route to Newmarket for lunchon the shore of Fairy Lake. Long tour takes inthe Marsh.Start: FinchDist: 79 & 104 kmClass: Short Tourist, Tourist

Sunday, October 22

SCARBOROUGH BLUFFS - Visit the WorldFamous Scarborough Bluffs. Lots of places tograb lunch.Start: Boardwalk PubDist: 50 kmClass: Easy Roller

LAKERIDGE PUMPKIN RIDE - Head toHy Hopes Apple Farm in Glen Major for fresh-baked cookies and butter tarts. Bring asandwich!Start: Edwards GardensDist: 119 kmClass: Advanced Tourist

STOUFFVILLE RAMBLER - A newimproved route up to the Lion of Whitchurchpub in Stouffville, long route via Claremont.Start: Edwards GardensDist: 75 & 93 kmClass: Short Tourist, Tourist

Sunday, October 29

LAKESHORE TRAILS - A brisk ride to theborder of Mississauga along the Lakeshore.Lunch at Tim Horton’s.Start: Grenadier Café, High ParkDist: 30 kmClass: Easy RollerAprès: Grenadier Café

MEANDERING MAPLE BAKERY - Threeroutes to a terrific lunch stop at Centro Bakeryin the town of Maple.Start: FinchDist: 65, 84 & 96 kmClass: Advanced Tourist, Short Tourist, TouristAprès: Tim Hortons

Sunday, November 5

TAYLOR CREEK - Come and enjoy the bikepaths in and around Taylor Creek Park.Start: Shoppers World, DanforthDist: 26 kmClass: Easy RollerAprès: Tim Hortons

BOLTON HAMMER - Three routes toBolton, the longer ones offering (a lot) morehills, followed by a rolling return route viaKleinburg.Start: FinchDist: 80, 95 & 107 kmClass: Advanced Tourist, Tourist

Sunday, November 12

KETTLEBY/MAPLE - An undulating ride tothe village of Kettleby, with lunch at in Mapleon the return trip. Longer and shorter routespossible.Start: FinchDist: 75 & 95 kmClass: Advanced Tourist, Tourist

It ain't over ’til it’s over folks. Weatherpermitting we will continue to scheduleweekly Sunday Tourist rides at 10:00a.m. from Finch from now untilChristmas. Check the web site, weeklyemail or Hotline for details.

Page 15Toronto Bicycling NetworkPage 14 Quick Release September/October/November 2006

Peter MacDonald, v.p. skiing and snowshoeing

As I write this, skiing and snowshoeing and cold weather areprobably not on the minds of a lot of TBNers. That’sunderstandable, thetemperature outside right nowis only 35C. Without thehumidity worked in.

At the beginning of July, agroup of six members met tostart discussing plans for the2007 ski season. I’d like tothank Jean Doiron, JanetGuttsman, Joan Melnick, PhilPiltch, Wendy Schlichter andAla Tempska for offering tohelp put together what shouldbe one of the best ski andsnowshoe seasons ever offeredby the TBN.

We are still waiting to hearfrom Coach Canada what theimpact of rising fuel priceswill have on the cost of theirbuses for next winter, currentplans are to have them backagain in 2007.

Our tentative ski season for 2007 is looking like this as of the endof July, and is subject to change between now and January:

Highlights include our Saturday trips to Arrowhead in March andto Horseshoe Valley in February for Moonlight skiing. January willinclude an extra Saturday trip, more than likely to Silent LakeProvincial Park.

Our last trip of the year will feature our first Spring Flingcelebration. Highlights of the day will include a poker run in theafternoon, a costume contest and we are looking at the possibilityof a club race in the morning. This will be our own event and wewill not be heading to Hardwood Hills as we did in the past.Thank you to Ala Tempska for suggesting this last March andbecoming the chairperson of the group organizing it.

Back next year will be snowshoeing.Attention all snowshoers, thesnowshoe program needs you!Anyone interested in helping toscout out new parts of the BruceTrail to snowshoe on, send me an e-mail at [email protected].

Coming up as well will be two orthree ski and snowshoe educationnights in October, November andJanuary. Topics will include skisafety, an equipment and waxingnight and a night on snowshoeing.Check the hotline in October andNovember for information on theeducation nights those months andthe next newsletter for the Januaryevening.

If you are interested in helpingorganize next years ski season orbeing a bus captain next year, sendme an e-mail at [email protected]

In the meantime, have a good summer and think snow inDecember!

2007 Ski Season is Closer Than You Think

Sunday, December 31 Horseshoe New Years Party after?

Sunday, January 7 Wasaga

Sunday, January 14 Highlands

Saturday, January 20 Silent Lake

Sunday, January 28 Dagmar

Saturday, February 3 Horseshoe Moonlight Ski

Sunday, February 11 Scenic Caves

Sunday, February 18 Ganaraska

Sunday, February 25 Hardwood Hills

Saturday, March 3 Arrowhead

Sunday, March 11 Dagmar

Sunday, March 18 Wasaga

Sunday, March 25 TBD TBN Spring Fling

Date Destination Comments

The Fall City Walk Program We are planning a new and exciting series of Walks for thisseason. We are anticipating starting the season around Mid-October-so watch the Web Site for exact details. We plan torun some of our favourites routes but are planning someentirely new expeditions. Specifically, we are looking at goinga little further afield- by taking the GO Train northbound tovisit various Conservation Centres in the Newmarket Area-orheading east to link up with the Waterfront Trail.

Finally-like all Club Programs we are looking for potentialTour Leaders to plan and run individual hikes. We are hopingto hold an open Planning Meeting for established andpotential Walk leaders- sometime in early September-watchthe Web site for further details.

Sincerely Mark Brousseau Co-ordinatorCity Walk - High Park August 10, 2006. Photo by Ania Poradzisz

Photos by Owen Rogers