tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12481172113546746082024-03-13T12:07:55.363-07:00TORBAThe Toronto Off-Road Cycling Association (TORBA) represents the interests of mountain bikers and other off-road cyclists in Toronto. This includes advocacy work, trail building, and trail stewardship, particularly of the multi-use unpaved trail system in the Don Valley.jCitizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016334208958893976noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248117211354674608.post-47345330623424438072012-09-10T10:30:00.001-07:002012-09-10T10:39:28.644-07:00Trailbuild this Saturday September 15th<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Hey Everyone, </div>
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Calling all volunteers to come help out our beloved Don
Saturday September 15th.<br />
<br />
We'll be focusing our efforts on the trailhead climb
up from Pottery Road, which as I'm sure you've noticed could use a little
love.</div>
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Here are a few key details about the day:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Start time is 10am sharp at the Trailhead off Pottery
Road</li>
<li>The good folks of the CoT and IMBA will be providing
tools and some great expertise</li>
<li>We will have water on-hand, but pack a lunch,
sunscreen, a hat, and anything else you’ll need for a potentially hot day
working on the trail.</li>
</ul>
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<br />
Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you all out!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
TORBA</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->jCitizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016334208958893976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248117211354674608.post-16134580392761844182012-06-07T10:05:00.001-07:002012-06-07T10:16:28.106-07:00The Toronto MTB Fest is a GO! June 16th!<br />
<b>Saturday, June 16th, 11am,</b> TORBA and friends are proud to bring back the Toronto MTB Fest for a second year. Our first year’s Fest was a great one, and this year we have something even better. So come on out and celebrate our sport, our city – and getting dirty! Festivities include:<br />
<br />
<b>GROUP RIDES</b><br />
Once again we will have expert-led group rides sending out packs of riders,<br />
partnered with the Wild Betty’s and Lapdogs Cycling Club. The trails are fresh off a recent trail day and ready to ride!<br />
<br />
<b>LOBLAWS BBQ AND CUSTOMER APPRECIATION</b><br />
Last year we had a simple BBQ. This year, we are stepping it up to partner with the Redway Loblaws Customer Appreciation Day for an extra special Fest offering. You get an awesome BBQ along with a whole whack of fun events for the whole family! Expect great food, lots of fun kid’s activities, kids Cannondale bike raffle, and a great atmosphere – all to benefit a local charity!<br />
<br />
‘<b>DONNIE DRAG’ HILL RACE</b><br />
That’s right, we are running a hill climb event straight up Redway Road from the far end base of the water plant to the top of the hill! The event will be run ‘eliminator’ style with a bracket system... you’ll be lined up elbow to elbow with a group of your rivals, with only the top half of your heat moving on. Any bike is allowed, but we will vary your starting line to equalize the playing field. Want to be top seed? Get out there with your GPS device and the top times recorded on this STRAVAtm segment will be given a seed value. Entry will cost you $5 WILL BE FREE (with optional donation), and you are encouraged to wear your best gender-bending drag outfit for free entry no reason at all, but keep it PG-13! Etch your name on the inaugural Donnie Drag trophy for eternal glory… or at least until next year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>SKILLS CAMP</b><br />
We are bringing in a variety of technical wood features to the parking lot. Kid-<br />
friendly and adult-petrifying options will be available. There will be prizing doled out for displays of awesome.<br />
<br />
<b>GREAT PRIZES</b><br />
Lots of sponsor prizing and swag will be available! We have goods from event sponsors such as Cycle Solutions and the Carrot Common to pass out and draw in raffles! Come out and show your spirit, tell us a story about your ride, or wow us with feats of cycling… and you shall be<br />
rewarded!<br />
<br />
<b>‘THE DON’ T-SHIRTS FOR SALE</b><br />
By popular demand, we will be selling our ‘The DON’ T-shirts in a limited supply. Come early while supplies last!<br />
<br />
<b>LOCATION</b><br />
The Fest is held at the Redway Loblaws right at the heart of the Don trails – 11 Redway Road<br />
<br />
<b>INFORMATION AND UPDATES</b><br />
<a href="http://mtbfest.com/">MTBFest.com</a> is your go-to resource for event information, updates and all the details (hint: it <span style="text-align: center;">links directly to our Facebook event page).</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9vXuTZOlPhA/T9DhkxJj4WI/AAAAAAAAAIk/5XvjR1bShKQ/s1600/TORBA_8.5x11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9vXuTZOlPhA/T9DhkxJj4WI/AAAAAAAAAIk/5XvjR1bShKQ/s640/TORBA_8.5x11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>jCitizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016334208958893976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248117211354674608.post-39902467539734683682012-04-05T10:54:00.000-07:002012-04-05T10:54:26.829-07:00<br />
<h2>
Upcoming dates for work days in the Don</h2>
<br />
Coming right up on <strong>April 14th</strong> is our Spring Clean-Up. We're going to tackle the Ridge trail and haul out as much garbage as we can.<br />
<strong>When: </strong>10AM-12:30PM. We'll meet at E.T. Seton carpark (the "cricket pitch" end of the Ridge). <a href="http://www.google.ca/maps?q=E.T.+Seton+Park,+Toronto,+ON&hl=en&sll=43.703091,-79.336567&sspn=0.003079,0.006968&oq=et+&hq=E.T.+Seton+Park,+Toronto,+ON&t=m&z=17" rel="" style="color: #ff6600;" target="_blank">Click here</a> for a Google map. Gloves and garbage bags will be provided.<br />
<br />
Next is our first <strong id="yui_3_2_0_1_1333646793657289">Build Day</strong>
on May 26th. Details to come, but please add it to you calendar - and
we want to know, what area should we focus on? Send us an <a href="mailto:info@toronto-offroad.org" rel="nofollow" style="color: #ff6600;" target="_blank">email</a> or post up on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/torontooffroad/" rel="" style="color: #ff6600;" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.<br />
<br />
Can't make these? There are a few other dates for which we're putting
out the call for TORBA volunteers. These are public events and we want
to lend a hand.<strong> </strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Saturday May 5th</strong> - We're working with Youth Unlimited on the Bayview Bike Park Park revitalization like we did last year. Here's the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/237106959709663/" rel="" style="color: #ff6600;" target="_blank">event page</a> on Facebook.<br />
<div>
<strong> </strong></div>
<div>
<strong>Saturday June 9th</strong> - Trail Maintenance in Crothers open to the general public - buff the trails for the MTB Fest the next weekend!</div>
<br />
We're not done for the year! We'll take a break after the MTB Fest on
June 16th, and we have more dates lined up for events in the fall.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248117211354674608.post-73213806628762215622012-04-04T05:18:00.000-07:002012-04-04T05:18:39.757-07:00AGM: Upgraded TORBA Board!<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">TORBA's AGM provided an opportunity to discuss our
strategy for the upcoming year, plans for the MTB Fest and other opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Alastair Patterson has stepped down as President, pending
his move to Calgary. Stepping up to the President role is Graham Seaman, and
returning as Directors are Jesse Edwards, Jean Michaud, Aaron Kempf and
Richmond Sedcole. Joining the Board as newly-elected Directors are Andy McKean,
Chris Svirklys, Greg Paszkowski and Wayne Felder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This makes for a 9 member board, with a lot of energy,
enthusiasm and good ideas for 2012… thanks to all who came out to lend support
and share in the planning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It's going to be a great year for biking in Toronto! We
hope to see you at one or all of our upcoming events, or drop us a line to find
out how you can get involved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248117211354674608.post-26133017002602342972012-03-19T10:33:00.000-07:002012-03-19T10:33:13.976-07:00TORBA AGM - March 28 7pm<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hi All,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Reminder: coming up is our AGM, to be held on Wednesday,
March 28, at 7pm. This will be at the same spot as last year, <a href="http://www.google.ca/maps?q=Sarah%27s+Caf%C3%A9+and+Bar,+1462+Danforth+Ave&hl=en&ie=UTF8&sll=43.652496,-79.37893&sspn=0.011815,0.018647&hnear=Sarah%27s+Caf%C3%A9+%26+Bar,+1426+Danforth+Ave,+Toronto,+Toronto+Division,+Ontario+M4J+1N4&t=m&z=15&iwloc=A&utm_source=TORBA+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=548a8ae6a5-AGM+2012+Reminder&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">Sarah's Café andBar</a>, 1462 Danforth Ave (in the back room). If you're not riding your bike to
the meeting, Sarah's is close to Greenwood Station, or there is usually street
parking nearby.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We hope you'll join us to hear about our plans for 2012.
We have a bunch of dates for trail build days and other events across the city,
and we're busy planning the second Toronto MTB Festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus if you can spare either a little time or
a lot to help out with various initiatives - we'd love to hear from you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cheers,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">TORBA (Toronto Off-Road Bicycling Association)<o:p></o:p></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248117211354674608.post-71263828658819003912012-02-16T07:25:00.000-08:002012-02-16T07:25:13.303-08:002011 Year in Review<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hey everyone!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s time for a TORBA update – 2011 was another busy
year! The Directors are pleased with the progress we’ve made and momentum we’re
building in getting the voice of off-road cyclists heard, and positive changes
made, in the GTA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are some of our key achievements in 2011:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At our April AGM we acquired 3 new board
members: Jean, Jesse, and Aaron. We also saw two of our board step down –
thanks again to Tim and Jim for your efforts in building TORBA over recent
years</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Effective involvement in consultations for:
replacing the dirt jumps in High Park, the City’s five year plan for parks, and
gaining mountain bike access to the Rouge Valley (in partnership with DMBA and
IMBA)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beginning in June we held the first of three
build days that we organised in partnership with the City of Toronto; we were
also involved in helping rebuild the BMX dirtjumps at the Bayview Arena (Finch
& Bayview)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In June we successfully launched Toronto’s first
ever festival for mountain bikers, the TO MTB Fest. We jointly organized with
the Lapdogs, and had assistance from the Wild Bettys and Sacred Rides</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Positive media exposure: over winter regarding
sabotage of bridges Don Valley trails; and in October coverage in the Globe and
Mail, including the cover of the Globe TO section on biking in the Don, and a
second article on the City meeting for a replacement of the High Park dirt
jumps<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The more complete list is available <a href="http://www.toronto-offroad.ca/downloads/TORBA_2012Review.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>… and includes
some of the things where we didn't achieve as much as we'd hoped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In addition, in late November TORBA’s Directors begin the
process of updating our Vision, Mission, and Strategy statements. These can be
found <a href="http://www.toronto-offroad.ca/downloads/TORBAVisionandPlan.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We will be building on our accomplishments over the next
12 months, with our plans including:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Continuing pressure on the City to build a new
skills park to replace the dirt jumps in High Park. We hope that success there
will make it easier to get a skills park built in the Don Valley</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Planning for the TO MTB Fest is already
underway. We’re looking for a marketing and promotional manager to join our
group, so let us know if you (or someone you know) is interested</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We will hold our Don Valley clean-up day in
spring, as well as 4+ trail maintenance/build days</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Increase our focus on the Humber river valley to
enhance off-road riding opportunities</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Continue our involvement in the redevelopment of
the Bayview Arena dirt jumps</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Establish relationships with more
cycling-related groups<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our AGM is set for Wednesday March 28, 7:30-9:00,
location TBD. So mark your calendar and come along to give us your thoughts,
hear the latest news, and get involved. We’re always looking for more
volunteers, particularly given the success we’re having in making positive
changes for mountain bikers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248117211354674608.post-41023314794274606822011-10-13T08:09:00.000-07:002011-10-13T08:10:00.932-07:00High Park Skills Park Meeting with Jay Hoots Wednesday Oct. 19<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">TORBA has been working with Toronto BMX and City of
Toronto to get a skills park to replace the loss of the old High Park BMX area
this past summer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">City staff have now proposed a site (an existing parking
lot in the south-east corner of the park) and have engaged well-known bike park
designer, Jay Hoots </span><a href="http://www.hoots.ca/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">www.hoots.ca</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">, to develop
a new park that will include off-road features, skills areas and landscape
amenities.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We now need as many riders as possible to come to the
design consultation meeting. It is important to show our support for a
replacement skills park, and to have input into the design process. The park is
not yet approved and needs strong backing from the cycling community to
proceed. Even if you don't normally ride in this area, please attend the
meeting to show your support - the success of this project will lead to more
City-sanctioned skills parks and trails across Toronto. The City is currently
working on its city-wide Trail Strategy, and it's important for riders to be
included in the process. This skills park is one step along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When: Wednesday October 19th, 6PM - 8:30PM</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where: Rousseau Room, Swansea Town Hall, 95 Lavinia
Avenue (near Bloor and Runnymede).</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whether you can attend the meeting or not, please send an
email to the local councillor, Sarah Doucette, who so far has been very
favourable to this project. If you can't type, even a quick phone call to
Councillor Doucette's office will help - they'll be pleased to hear from you,
as they're supporting the proposal. And while you're at it, please let your
local councillor know of your support as well.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please note that there is opposition to this skills park.
A small group of people are strongly against the initiative, arguing that there
should not be a skills park anywhere in High Park, and that the car park is too
close to the former site (which may be an ancient Native burial mound). TORBA's
position is that we are very supportive of a new skills park somewhere in High
Park; and that as the City has proposed this site and asked us to attend a
design consultation, we will attend the meeting and participate. There is
likely to be some vocal opposition at the meeting, and we ask you not to be
drawn into argumentative debate. Similarly, if you visit the Facebook event
page for the meeting, you may see argumentative or insulting comments posted
from opponents. We're moderating the page and deleting any comments (for or
against the skills park) that are inflammatory or off-topic, but you may read
them before we get to them. We apologize, but we want to keep the Facebook
event page public. From time to time we've had to take it private to shut down
comments; if you can't access the event page, please email us for an invite.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We hope to see you next Wednesday evening.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Below is the invite from the City's Natural Trails
Program:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hello mountain bikers and BMXers,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is to inform you that City of Toronto staff have
recently closed an informal BMX freestyle area (skills park) in High Park to
restore an ecologically significant area. The site has been replanted, fenced
off and is currently being monitored for any further cycling activity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A new skills park, offering technically challenging
riding in an accessible and controlled environment, will be built on the site
of the existing parking lot in the south east corner of High Park. City staff
are currently working with accomplished skills park designer, Jay Hoots, to
develop the new site that will include appropriate off-road cycling features,
skills areas and landscape amenities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please join Jay Hoots and City of Toronto staff on
Wednesday, October 19 from 6:00-8:30pm, at the Rousseau Room, Swansea Town
Hall, to participate in the design consultation for the new skills park in High
Park. Jay wants to hear from you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Natural Environment Trails Program</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.toronto.ca/trails"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">www.toronto.ca/trails</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">For more details please visit the Trails Program website
at </span><a href="http://www.toronto.ca/trails"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">www.toronto.ca/trails</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"> .<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To register for the event please contact Scott at
trails@toronto.ca or call 416 338 5053.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248117211354674608.post-46753367146113071562011-09-27T11:53:00.000-07:002011-09-27T11:53:59.682-07:00
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Latest Update</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lots going on in the next few weeks! There's a Crothers
Woods trail day coming up, a build day for the long-neglected Bayview
dirtjumps, and we're bringing you news about skills parks and trail access all
over the City…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Crothers Woods
Trail Maintenance Day – Saturday Oct. 1</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Come and join staff from the Natural Environment Trails
Program and IMBA on for a day of giving back to the trails in Crothers Woods.
This event is open to everyone who would like to get their hands dirty and help
out with on-going trail maintenance and management in the Don Valley. All tools
and training will be provided. No experience necessary, just come prepared for
outdoor working conditions. Trail construction, rock armouring and ecological
restoration (planting) are all on the menu!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When: Saturday October 1st, anytime between 10AM and 4PM</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where: 27 Redway Rd (Loblaws trailhead)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more details please visit the Trails Program website
at </span><a href="http://www.toronto.ca/trails"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.toronto.ca/trails</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To register for the event please contact Scott at </span><a href="mailto:trails@toronto.ca"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">trails@toronto.ca</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> or call 416 338 5053.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rouge Valley
Update</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On Friday, Alastair (current TORBA President) attended a
Rouge Park Alliance meeting in support of a presentation by IMBA Canada. As
plans for the Rouge continue, we're very concerned that mountain biking should
feature in the plans, and be both allowed and planned for. IMBA reps Jason and
Lora made a solid, credible deputation, and it was important that both TORBA
and the Durham Mountain Biking Association were present, as we represent the
two MTB groups that border the Rouge on either side. We'll continue to advocate
for mountain biking as this progresses. If you're a frequent Rouge rider and
would like to be involved, we'd love to hear from you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">High Park</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">High Park got a lot of media coverage after a native
group occupied and removed the dirt jump area earlier this year. That event
created immediate pressure to create an authorized replacement venue somewhere
in the area, and Graham (TORBA VP) has been actively following this issue,
meeting with councillors and city staff. Currently an RFP has been awarded to
Jay Hoots to build a replacement skills park in the Queensway and Parkside
area. A public meeting will be taking place towards the end of October, and
your involvement is needed because we need solid representation from the
mountainbike community to push this forward. Please be prepared to come to the
meeting - our next newsletter will have details of the time and place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bayview Dirtjumps
Build Day - Sunday Oct. 2</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many mountainbikers will know of the dirtjumps in the
Bayview and Finch area, which were neglected and fell into disrepair. Well,
they're BACK! On October 2nd there's a build day to restore and revitalize the
jumps. If you can't make it to the Crothers build, please come to this one. The
city is using this day to gauge interest in the park, and this could lead to a
complete overhaul/redesign in the spring. Call Jesse for further info: 647 835
8062.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When: Sunday October 2, 12PM onwards</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where: on Bayview just north of Finch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bike Rodeo -
Sunday Oct. 2</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have kids, you might be interested in getting them
out to the Fall Bicycle Rodeo, organized by the new Leaside GEARS bike shop and
Toronto Police 53 Division. Participants will have their bicycle and helmet
inspected. They will then move onto the rodeo component to be tested on their
riding skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be basic
instruction on safety, hand signals, a balancing challenge and a mini time
trial to register top speeds on Laser radar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Toronto Police Mounted and K9 Units will be on hand
to meet the public, and a vintage 1957 Chevy police car will also be on
display. There will be gifts for the first 100 participants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All participants are required to bring their own bicycle
and a helmet. Youth will need to have a parent sign a waiver.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When: Sunday October 2, 11AM – 3PM</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where: GEARS is located at 109 Vanderhoof, one street
south of Eglinton, just west of Brentcliffe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">MTB Fest 2012</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yup, we've started work on planning next year's MTB Fest,
to make it bigger, better, more fun… but keeping the grass-roots flavour that
everyone seemed to love this year. At this point we'd like your suggestions –
and if you can spare some time to help out, that would be fantastic. Email us
if you have any ideas or would like to volunteer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248117211354674608.post-50326402165400077192011-09-14T13:33:00.001-07:002011-09-14T13:33:43.433-07:00Welcome to our new page!<span style="font-family:Calibri;">Thanks for stopping by to learn more about TORBA and advocacy for mountain bikers in Toronto.</span><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">TORBA (the Toronto Off-Road Cycling Association) represents the interests of mountain bikers and other off-road cyclists in Toronto. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long ago that we faced the possibility of trail closures in the Don Valley, due to conflict with other users and misunderstandings about mountain biking as a sustainable sport. </span></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Today TORBA works with the City of Toronto's Department of Parks, Forestry and Recreation to improve the safety and enjoyment of off-road cyclists, particularly in the Don Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has involved the creation of several kilometres of new, sustainable trail, the closure of erosion prone and sensitive areas, and new trail access and signage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>TORBA has a large base of volunteers that are regularly involved in city run trail build days and our own garbage clean up days.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">This is a great start to improving the experience of trail users, but we need your help continue this momentum.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">We need increased support to fulfill some of our new initiatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These include:</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 20.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;">A skills park in the Don Valley</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 20.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Increase the extent of the trails recognized by the City of Toronto</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 20.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Increased volunteer lead trail building and maintenance</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">All of these initiatives are well underway, but we need more support to make them happen effectively.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Keep coming back to our new page, it’ll soon have more information about upcoming dates and events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the meantime:</span></div>jCitizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016334208958893976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1248117211354674608.post-16453565725272234362011-09-14T09:45:00.001-07:002011-09-14T13:56:31.100-07:00Crothers Woods Trail Maintenance Day - Saturday October 1st<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Come and join staff from the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Natural Environment Trails Program</span> and the <span style="font-weight: bold;">International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) Canada</span> on Saturday October 1st for a day of giving back to the trails in Crothers Woods.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">This event is open to everyone who would like to get their hands dirty and help out with on-going trail maintenance and management in the Don Valley. All tools and training will be provided. No experience necessary, just come prepared for outdoor working conditions anytime between 10:00am and 4:00pm.</span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">For more details please visit the City of Toronto’s website </span><a href="http://www.toronto.ca/trails" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;color:#0000ff;">www.toronto.ca/trails</span></a><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;"> </span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">To register for the event please contact </span> <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="mailto:trails@toronto.ca" target="_blank">trails@toronto.ca</a><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;"> or <span style="font-weight: bold;">call 416 338 5053</span>.</span>jCitizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016334208958893976noreply@blogger.com0