Bicycle News, Culture, and Lifestyle in Carson City, Nevada
May 16th, 2008 by Jeff Moser
I had 10 bicycle commuters show up at the Starbucks on Retail Drive. Free coffee (and hot chocolate for the kids) was enjoyed, and I gave out a few Muscle Powered Maps. 2 riders just happened to be riding by and didn’t realize it was Bike to Work Day.
And yes, I thought the NO Bicycle Riding sign behind me was a nice touch!
May 15th, 2008 by 6dogs
Bike to Work Day is tomorrow, and it’s a day packed full of events; free bus service for bicycle commuters, bicycle commuter stations, and Bike Month raffle.
Carson City Stylin’
Starting at 6:30 a.m.
JAC-Jump Around Carson
You may have seen the Jump Around Carson (JAC) buses making their rounds in Carson City. Lately I’ve noticed more passengers are filling up the seats. This isn’t a scientific study I’m reciting. When a bus goes by I look to see how many people are using our local transit system, and lately I’ve noticed more users.
I imagine usage is up because of higher fuel prices. I’ve also noticed something else on JAC buses, and that is bike racks.
When I contacted JAC I was informed that all their buses have bike racks installed on the front of the vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to thank JAC for providing a multi-mode transportation option in our city.
JAC is participating on Bike To Work Day, Friday, May 16, by graciously offering free all-day bus service to bicycle commuters.
You might ask, ” If you’re on your bike, why would you need to take a bus?”
One of our major goals for BTWD is to encourage as many people as possible to ride their bicycle to work. Some people might think they couldn’t possibly ride a bicycle 10 miles in one day…. but maybe five miles is possible. There are many combinations a person could use to achieve their car-free goals.
Pedal to work, take the bus home, or vice versa. Or you could pedal to a JAC bus stop, lock up your bike, and take JAC to work.
JAC’s offer to allow free passage to bicycle commuters on BTWD is an outstanding position to take towards their continuing community involvement. While free is a great incentive, their regular daily fares are more than reasonable, which makes it a very affordable way to get around town.
JAC’s hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Be forewarned, there are only two available spaces per rack on each bus, so if the rack is full you may need to have a “plan B”.
Visit JAC’s website here to get more information about routes and schedules.
Please contact JAC and thank them for installing bicycle racks, and for supporting Bike Month.
Bicycle Commuter Stations: 7:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
Comma Coffee
312 S. Carson St
June Joplin, proprietress of Comma Coffee, who among other vocations is an actress, massage therapist, jazz singer, and mother, is once again supporting
Bike to Work Day.
Bicycle commuters can stop by from 7 - 9 a.m. and grab a free cup of joe while on
their way to work.
STARBUCKS 7 a.m. - 9 a.m.
3325 Retail Dr
1410 E. Williams St
921 Topsy Ln.
3228 N. Carson St.
2320 S. Carson St.
In our early stages of organizing Bike to Work Day activities, I approached a few of our local Starbucks’ managers and asked if they would like to participate in BTWD. Each one of them, without hesitation, said “YES!” So thinking I had everything under control (boy was I kidding myself), I continued with the printing of our Bike Month fliers and brochures.
A couple of weeks ago I received an e-mail from Starbucks’ district manager Rick Roche, who after seeing our fliers and viewing our website, noticed a huge over-site on my part: Why are only three Starbucks’ shops participating? Oops! What was I thinking?
Mr. Roche informed me that not three, but all five of the Carson City Starbucks’ would like to be involved in BTWD. Whew!
The generous offer from Starbucks will give us six commuter stations to serve the Carson City area, helping to make this our most successful Bike Month ever. Thanks Rick!
Wrap-up Party and Raffle: Firkin & Fox 6:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.
Bringing things to a close is the Bike Month Raffle sponsored by Muscle Powered.
We have some cool things happing this evening, starting with a special performance by African drum and dance group, Anouaze Beat. This energetic ensemble is giving us a preview performance a week in advance of their upcoming Brewery Arts Center gig on Saturday, May 24
During intermission we’ll raffle off prizes donated by our wonderful sponsors, including our grand prize, a KHS Urban-X commuter bicycle donated by Lumos and Associates with help from Big Dan (Bicycle Authority).
So ride your bicycle over to the Firkin & Fox and tip back a cold brew, listen to some hot music, and make a few new cycling friends.
And that’s not all.
TOUR OF CARSON 25-35 miles
On Sunday, May 18 Denis and Viola will take us on an unsupported, moderately paced ride around Carson City to celebrate the one year anniversary of Bike Habitat. Meet in front of the shop at 9:30 a.m. There will refreshments served after the ride.
HELMETS REQUIRED!
P.S. Events like these don’t happen without the generous support of our sponsors. So if you’re participating in one of the events, or you visit them in the future, please thank them for their community support.
See you there.
Thank you Bike Month Sponsors:
BICYCLE AUTHORITY
BIKECARSON.COM
BIKE HABITAT
COMMA COFFEE
CYCLO-CORE
DOWNTOWN CARSON CITY
FLEET FEET
FLUME TRAIL BIKES
JAC- JUMP AROUND CARSON
LUMOS & ASSOCIATES
MUSCLE POWERED
RED ROCK FAMILY DENTAL
STARBUCKS
THE BIKE SMITH
VELTEC
May 14th, 2008 by 6dogs
We had another successful Bicycle Maintenance Clinic last Thursday at the Bike Habitat.
Denis demonstrated several emergency repair scenarios that may occur when out riding your bicycle and what to do to fix the problem.
One more example of why Jeff M. should be the only person allowed to take photos
This Thursday’s clinic may be the most important: Home Bicycle Maintenance.
You can decrease your chances of roadside repairs by taking the time to give your bike a little home lovin’.
Clinic starts at 6:30
Bike Habitat
921 Topsy Lane #238
May 13th, 2008 by Jeff Moser
Continuing the Bike to Work Week celebration on Wednesday, May 14th, is the West Side Social Ride. This Muscle Powered sponsored event will begin at 6:00 PM at the Brewery Arts Center (corner of Minnesota and King Streets). Come join us for a 4 mile slow ride along the quiet streets of Carson City’s historical west side.
All participants will be required to sign a waiver (release and waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity agreement), and helmets ARE required. The route is mostly flat, and stays off the narrow, heavily traveled streets. Kids are welcome, so you are encouraged to make this a family event! We will also be giving out raffle tickets to all participants for Friday’s prize giveaway at the Firkin and Fox.
After everyone has checked in and signed up, we will start the ride. Please remember that since we will be on public streets, we are required to follow the rules of the road. This means obeying all traffic signs, and riding no more than two abreast. Hope to see you there!
Long time readers, going back to the Facility Bike Club Blog, will remember the popular Mojo Bag Promotion from last year. The Mojo Bags are back just in time for Bike to Work Week, and will be available for purchase at the Social Ride. These good luck charms were handmade by Kristy Moser and Amy Potter, and contain a variety of botanicals and artifacts from the Carson City / Ash Canyon area. Last year, these mojo bags were shipped out all around North America! Both coasts, the heartland, the north, the south, and one even made it to Canada after a long stay in customs. See Amy or Kristy during the ride to get your mojo!
Also for purchase at the ride are these one of a kind, made in Carson City ankle straps to keep your pants out of your chain on your bike commute. Production has just started on these, so they are limited in quantity at this point. See Kristy or Amy to get your ankle strap!
May 13th, 2008 by Jeff Moser
Yesterday’s morning bicycle commute with Shelly Aldean is up on News Carson City. The direct link isn’t working properly, so you’ll need to scroll a bit to get to the video.
May 12th, 2008 by Jeff Moser
There have been so many bike events lately that it’s hard to keep track. I’m getting pretty worn out, but I don’t want to miss out on any of the fun! I just had an ibuprofen/glucosamine/multi-vitamin cocktail, and I’ll get some good sleep tonight. This should keep me going for the rest of the week’s events!
Here’s a look at what happened over the weekend…
Friday night was the Bike Commuter Forum at the Bike Habitat. The audience was made up folks that already commute by bike. I had envisioned this event being attended by people new to commuting, but having the group we did actually worked out pretty good. It was great to hear everyone’s commuting stories, and everyone had a different one. We really do live in a culture built around the automobile, so things that should be simple like bike storage and safe routes become challenging. Dennis Coyne was an excellent host, providing us with treats and barley pops. After the forum, a bunch of us bicycle convoyed back through town for a fun night ride, including my 7 year old son. He’s a good stoker on the tandem.
On Saturday morning, I met up with Jeff Potter down at the Bike Smith for the Safety Inspection/Bike Fit/Flat Tire Fix. We hung out with Mickey, Rob, and Bob from the shop, and soaked in some sun out in front of the store. We met fellow Carson blogger Roger and his buddy Mark. Roger was showing off his 1971 Schwinn Typhoon, and Mark picked up some new knobbies for his moutain bike.
Scott R and Patrick made an appearance too. Scott and I invented a new extreme sport (at least it was new to us…). Eating Mexican Food from the trunk of a random stranger’s car. Look for it on the X-Games. The food smelled good, and the price was right. Way too hard to resist. And we didn’t get sick either.
Early risers Jason and Tasha showed up before I did, and got their raffle tickets. They’ve been at every event, and are probably tired too!
Saturday Night was Movie Night at Comma Coffee. This was the biggest event to date, and even attracted some friends from Reno and other outlying areas. Every seat was full for a showing of Off Road to Athens. It was great to see such a good turnout, and chat with people after the movie.
The next big event for Bike to Work Week will be the Wednesday night social ride on Carson City’s west side. More details soon…
May 12th, 2008 by Jeff Moser
The weather was a bit chilly for the opening morning of Bike to Work Week, but this appeared not to be too discouraging, as many riders were out today in honor of this great event.
Jeff P arrives with Shelly Aldean
Jeff and Amy Potter rode out to City Supervisor Shelly Aldean’s house, and picked her up on a tandem mountain bike. The three rode from North Carson City to Lumos and Associates, where News Carson City and many more riders were waiting to greet them.
Jeff P with NewsCarsonCity.com
Right before the interview started, two cars sped down College Parkway. The following car had his horn full on, and was obviously in pursuit, following just a couple feet off the leading car’s bumper. I guess the Drive your Car to Work Week folks aren’t having nearly as much fun! We were informed later by News Carson City’s Dave Morgan that the road rager in the SUV was pulled over by the police! A fitting end to that event.
Heading up Long Street
After the brief interview, a few of us rode with Jeff P and Shelly Aldean, escorting them on their way to her office. We took the freeway bike path to Long Street, South on Saliman, and then West on 5th Street. The route was quite pleasant, with light, slow traffic. A great way to kick off Bike to Work Week!
May 11th, 2008 by 6dogs
Bike to Work Week starts this Monday May,12.
To help bring attention to Bike to Work Week, Carson City Supervisor Shelly Aldean will hop on the back of my tandem and we’ll pedal together from her home on the north end of town, to her office on the west-side of Carson.
On the way we’ll stop by Lumos and Associates to meet up with other bicycle riders.
Lumos and Associates is a Bike to Work Week sponsor. They are donating the grand prize for the Bike to Work Week raffle (a KHS Urban-X commuter bicycle purchased with a very sweet “bro deal” from Big Dan at Bicycle Authority.Thanks Dan!) to be held on Friday, May 16 at the Firkin & Fox.
Lumos has a long history of community involvement. Here is little bit about this great company:
Lumos & Associates is a multi-disciplinary consulting firm, providing civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, planning, landscape architecture, environmental, traffic and transportation, surveying, GIS, materials testing, and construction administration services to clients throughout Northern Nevada and Northern California. Lumos is headquartered in Carson City, with additional offices in Reno, Fallon, South Lake Tahoe and Chico.
Lumos has a strong commitment to the environment and to the communities where their employees live and work. Recently, Lumos employees volunteered their time to design a pedestrian bridge over the Mexican Ditch in Carson City to complete an important trail link. Lumos supports Muscle Powered’s efforts to make Carson City a more walkable and bikeable community.
Thank You Lumos and Associates!
Anyone interested in joining us for our fun spin to Mrs. Aldean’s office can meet us this Monday, May 12 at Lumos and Associates, 800 East College Parkway at 8:10 a.m.
From Lumos our route will take us on the Carson City Freeway Multi-Use Path to East Long Street-Saliman Street-East Fifth Street and ending at West Fifth Street.
To receive a raffle ticket you only need to attend any or all of our Bike Month activities.
May 8th, 2008 by 6dogs
To help kick off Bike to Work Week the boys at The Bike Smith are donating their time and labor to the citizens of Carson City.
On Saturday, May 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m, their annual Safety Inspection, Bike Fit and Flat Tire Fix will be held in front of the shop at 900 North Carson Street.
Your bike will receive a safety inspection and if any minor repairs are needed, they will do it for you. You will have to purchase the necessary parts if required, but all the labor is free.
Bike fit will also be checked. The single most important and often overlooked area of cycling is proper bike fit; this can make all the difference between an uncomfortable ride or an enjoyable commute.
There will also be a demonstration on how to fix a flat tire. A very easy skill once learned, though maybe a little hard to grasp until enough experience and confidence is gained to change a flat without assistance.
“Bike Smith Mickey” fearlessly launched his Pugsley (above) off of “The Rock” (below).
And that’s not all.
MOVIE NIGHT @ COMMA COFFEE
Once again June at Comma Coffee is helping us make Bike Month a whole lot better. On Saturday evening, May 10 at 6:00, Comma Coffee will host Movie Night, sponsored by Muscle Powered.
This year the feature will be “Off Road to Athens”, a documentary that follows the top U.S. pro mountain bikers as they chase points to get on the 2004 U.S. Olympic team.
Anyone who followed this race, via Velo News, may remember the eventual arbitration hearing that took place……….????
June recently switched coffee vendors and Comma Coffee now serves coffee from one of my favorite roasters, Alpen Sierra Coffee Roasting Company, based in
South Lake Tahoe.
Comma Coffee is also one four Commuter Stations on Bike to Work Day, Friday, May 16. From the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. bicycle commuters will be able to pick up a free cup of coffee and a Carson City Bicycle Route map.
May 7th, 2008 by 6dogs
On Friday evening May 9, Denis Coyne, owner of Bike Habitat in south Carson City, is hosting a Commuters Forum in his shop at 911 Topsy Lane #238 (next to Best Buy).
Refreshments will be served from 6:00-6:30 p.m., with the forum commencing at 6:30. This will be a terrific opportunity for people who are considering commuting by bicycle, or already do so, and would like more information.
You’ll be able to mingle and check out a few different commuter bikes brought in by our experienced panel members. Our panel will talk about their commuting experiences and will answer audience questions. We look forward to seeing you there.
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