It’s the time of year when the city gets jazzed for cycling! We’re already marking our calendars with rides to the beaches and park picnics, but before the heat sets in, hit some of these events to tune up your ride and get in the mindset.

Bikes and Books: Street Smarts and Bike Repairs for the Novice (April 21, 11 AM – 1 PM. Danforth Branch, Toronto Public Library)

Get handy tips from bike mechanics about how to fix a flat, lube up a chain, and tune up your brakes for spring riding. The Cyclists Union will also dish out some free cycling maps for your spring excursions. Afterward, check out some books from the library so you can repair your bike anytime.

Ontario Bike Summit 2012 (April 24 – 25th, Hyatt Regency Toronto, 370 King St.)

If you’re all about cycling activism, check out this summit and get some ideas for encouraging cycling in your neighborhood with inspiration from bike friendly cities around the world. Get the latest on bike routes in Ontario and ask reps from local political parties their plans for enhancing cycling.

Mother’s Day Bike Challenge (May 9, 2 Berkely St.)

If you or someone you know would be up for a 5 day bike mission to raise money for moms across seas, alert them and their ma! Participants will ride from Toronto to Ottawa with other cyclists who are passionate about equality. Funds go toward the International Development and Relief Foundation.

Planning Heritage Bike Rides in Etobicoke (May 8, 6:30 PM – 9 PM, LAMP Community Centre, 185 Fifth St.)

If you’re looking for a creative way to volunteer this summer, head to this meeting. The South Etobicoke Cycling committee will be planning 90 minute bike rides led by city cycling enthusiasts with input by local historians. They’re hoping to kick it off this summer, but they need your help to do it!

Tour de Dufflet (Starts May 22, runs everyday except Mondays through June 30th)

Here’s how it works: registered cyclists bike from one Dufflet location to the next, grab a souvenir and a treat and get their “passports” stamped at each one. Hand in your passport at the end to win a prize. Grab a crew of your sweetest pals and make a day of it. $5 registration goes to the Toronto Cyclists Union.

Toronto Bicycling Network Spring Kick-off Event (May 26, 9 AM – 11AM, Etienne Brule Park, Bloor West and Old Mill Rd.)

Group rides will take off from the park all morning. Meet other cycling fans and learn what events and programs the Toronto Bicycling Network has in store this summer. 

Photo by Lorena Cupcake via Flickr.

~ Kait Fowlie