Monthly Archives: May 2010

Upcoming Road Rides

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Looking for someone to do some road rides with?

Sat, May 29, 10:00am – 12:30pm – Washoe Lake Loop

Contact: Paul Zatarain: pzatarain9th@yahoo.com
Paul will be leading a Muscle Powered road ride this weekend, starting at Bower’s Mansion parking lot and riding 21 miles around Washoe lake. Short snack break half way through in Washoe City at the Postal Cafe or 7-11. For those looking for a longer ride, there is an additional loop that adds 12 miles to the ride. Email Paul for more details (pzatarain9th@yahoo.com). Weather permitting and helmet required! Hope to see you there! -Paul

End of the road on Ebbetts Pass - Photo by Jim

Looking for something longer with more climbing?  Join Jim and Thomas!

5/29 Spooner – Mt. Rose loop

Contact: Thomas Sloniker, slonikerdesigns@yahoo.com, 443-5306
82 miles, 6,000 feet of climbing
This is another preparation road ride for the 6/12 Alta Alpina Challenge ride. The ride starts at 7:00am at the North Carson Save Mart at the corner of College Parkway and N. Carson Street, heads south and then east over the Spooner Summit, north to Incline Village, to Reno via the Mt. Rose Highway and then return to Carson City via route 395 and Old 395. There will be regrouping and resting stops along the way. Contact Thomas to confirm specifics prior to the ride.

6/6 (Sunday) Spooner – Lake Tahoe loop

Contact: Thomas Sloniker, slonikerdesigns@yahoo.com, 443-5306
100 miles, 5,000 feet of climbing
This is another preparation road ride for the 6/12 Alta Alpina Challenge ride. The ride starts at 6:00am at the North Carson Save Mart at the corner of College Parkway and N. Carson Street, heads south and then east over the Spooner Summit, clockwise around Lake Tahoe and then return via the Spooner Summit. There will be regrouping and resting stops along the way. Contact Thomas to confirm specifics prior to the ride.

Ash Canyon Flower of the Week

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Here’s a flower you’ll want to check out when riding or hiking the trails in Ash Canyon. It’s easy to miss, since the flowers hang towards the ground, and the rest of the plant is somewhat unremarkable. Brown’s or Wild Peony can be found growing all along the lower trails right now, but I’ve seen a few plants up higher too.

Wild Peony
Brown’s or Wild Peony

According to the Sierra Wildflowers website:

Scientific Name: Paeonia brownii
Common Name: Brown’s or Wild Peony
Family: Peony
Color: Maroon with Yellow edges

Description: The nodding flower heads consist of five purplish sepals, five to ten maroon petals with yellow edges, and many scraggly yellow stamens. Two to five pistils develop into pod-like fruits that push through the stamens.

Habitat: Dry slopes and forest openings.

Medicinal uses: Northwestern Native Americans made tea from the roots to treat lung problems.

Comments: The unusual look of this early bloomer can intrigue even the mildly interested observer. The large flowers are surprisingly inconspicuous, blending in to their own foliage. The genus name (Paeonia) comes from “Paeon,” physician to the gods in Greek mythology.

Wild Peony
Look for this plant growing alongside the trails

So if you’re looking for a good excuse to rest on the climb up the canyon, take some time to enjoy these flowers while they’re blooming!

Rules of the Trail

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There’s no doubt about it, the Ash Canyon trails are getting busier and busier.  I see the regulars out there every day, and I’m starting to see many new faces as well.  It’s quite common to see 3 or 4 cars parked at the trailhead.  It’s pretty much a given now that you’re going to meet someone on the trail, so it’s important to know a few Rules of the Trail.

Ash Canyon
Singletrack in Ash Canyon

Who are our trail users?  In addition to mountain bikers, you’re just as likely to see a hiker, and on the rare occasion you may even encounter someone on horseback. Since singletrack is so narrow, there seems to be some confusion over who has the right of way.

Since horses are living creatures, prone to spooking, and quite massive, it only makes sense that horses always have the right of way. Pull off the trail and let them pass, and never sneak up on them from behind. A handlebar mounted bell is a good way to alert horseback riders of your presence before you’re actually right up behind them.

Mountain Bikers yield to horses and hikers.  Even if there is room to pass a hiker, slow down when passing to keep down the dust. Also, hikers tend to scatter unpredictably when surprised by a speeding bike.

Here’s what the IMBA Rules of the Trail say about sharing the trails:

Yield to Others – Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you’re coming — a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to all other trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. Strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.

The Pirate Code

Of course the above rules are the guidelines you should follow, but you should have some wiggle room; for example, on one recent ride, we had just started our ascent, and we pulled over to let a descending rider finish off his downhill run. He earned it, and it was easy for us to pull over. Instead of finishing his descent though, he pulled off the trail 50 yards uphill of us, and wouldn’t continue until we got back on our bikes and passed him. He told us he always strongly adheres to the IMBA rules.  Both of us kind of lost out on this encounter.

The Pirate Code

I attended a trails class last year, and one of the guys from the Tahoe Rim Trail Association spoke of “The Pirate Code“. He said it’s important to follow the rules of the trail and yield properly to other traffic, but you need to use your best judgment and analyze the situation. You don’t want to make a rider stop in the middle of a gnarly climb, as it will be hard for them to get started again. But what if you’re in the middle of an easy climb, and there is a descending rider getting ready to setup a jump or technical obstacle? Do you follow the letter of the law and screw them up? No! You pull over and let them complete the section. And as they pass, you say hello and exclaim, “What a great day to be out on the trails!”.

Bike to Work Week 2010 Wrap Up

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Bike to Work Week 2010 has come to an end. Here’s a look at all that went on last week.

Freeway Multi-Use Path Cleanup

On May 15th, Muscle Powered assisted the Chamber of Commerce and others with a cleanup of the multi-use path that connects College Parkway to Northridge Drive. The entrance was the worst, with huge piles of tumbleweeds and trash stuck to the fence.

Freeway Bike Path Cleanup
Freeway Bike Path Cleanup – Before

But with the help of about 30 volunteers, we cleaned the whole place up in a few hours! Full story on the Muscle Powered blog HERE.

Freeway Bike Path Cleanup
Freeway Bike Path Cleanup – After!

Movie Night at Capitol Automotive

Later on the 5th, after the big cleanup, cyclists rode down to Bicycle Movie night at Capitol Automotive. We filled up the parking lot with bikes, and Marcus had a theater setup inside the shop. Pam Anderson down at the new Straw Hat pizza on HWY 50 donated several large pizzas. We had a good night filling up on pizza, socializing, and watching movies.

Bike Movie Night
Marcus and Lisa Marchegger, Owners of the Capitol Automotive Theater

Bike Movie Night
Cocktails in the Theater Lobby

Commuter Libation at the Feisty Goat Pub

Bike to Work Week started off with less than desirable weather. Although the weather wasn’t as pleasant as in years past, it probably shook up the results of the Corporate Commuter Challenge by adding even more challenge to the contest. We celebrated the first day of the contest with a pint down at the Feisty Goat Pub on East Long Street.

Feisty Goat Pub
Commuter Libation at the Feisty Goat Pub

Flat Tire Repair Clinic at The Bike Smith

On May 18th, The Bike Smith hosted a Flat Tire Repair Clinic. Several people attended to learn one of the most important repair procedures you can learn on a bicycle. Think of how far you can ride your bike in an hour.  Knowing how to fix a flat will keep you from walking for miles and hours.  Mickey did a great job with his demonstrations, and then attendees put their new knowledge to the test with various wheels.

Flat Tire Fix Class at the Bike Smith
Flat Tire Fix clinic at the Bike Smith

Flat Tire Fix Class at the Bike Smith
Mickey Demonstrates Flat Tire Repair

West Carson Cruiser Ride

One of the most popular events of Bike Month is the West Carson Cruiser ride. At least 50 riders of all ages showed up in spite of the strong winds for a leisurely cruise around Carson City’s quiet west side.  We always get a friendly response from the residents along the four mile route.  Most people are really surprised to see 50 bikes come out of nowhere down their normally quiet street.  One rider told me she really likes this ride, because she feels uneasy about going out on her own.  It’s a great way to encourage new riders!  After the ride, many folks went over to the Firkin and Fox to warm up by the patio fire.

West Carson Cruiser Ride
West Carson Cruiser Ride

Look for more Muscle Powered cruiser rides to start in June!  It will warm up, I promise.

West Carson Cruiser Ride
West Carson Cruiser Ride

End of the Week Party and Fundraiser

On May 21st, we finished up with the big Corporate Challenge, and celebrated the week’s accomplishments with a party down at the Firkin and Fox. The wind was howling, and the rain and snow were coming over the mountains. It was one of those nights that made you want to stay home by the fire.

Bike to Work Week Party
Plenty of Bike Parking at the Firkin and Fox

But even with the foul weather, lots of people still came down. And for good reason… The Firkin and Fox and New Belgium Brewing donated a keg of Mighty Arrow Pale Ale for the party. We had a whole bunch of prizes to raffle off including two beach cruisers. Singer / Guitarists James Wilsey came down from Reno to perform for us. We huddled by the fire, watched the occasional snow fly overhead, and had a good time.  We signed up a few new people for Muscle Powered memberships, and raised money for our organization with raffle ticket sales and beverage donations.

Bike to Work Week Party
Kathy and Fritz, holders of one of the winning tickets!

It finally came time to raffle the beach cruisers that were made possible by the generosity of Dan Turner at the Bicycle Authority. People around the fire began to chant, “Bikes, bikes, bikes…” as the ticket can was shaken for the final drawing. It was very tribal!

Kathy, Fred, and Fritz always buy a LOT of raffle tickets. And they always win a lot of prizes. Jesse Richardson gave his tickets to them before he left, and as it turns out, one of them turned out to be a winning ticket! Jesse wouldn’t learn of his good fortune for a couple days though…

Bike to Work Week Party
Jeff Resler won this cruiser and surprised his wife with a new bike!

Jeff Resler won the second bike. He was happy to win the woman’s bike, as it made a fantastic surprise for his wife!

Bike to Work Week Party
James Wilsey played us music as long as his frozen fingers could take it!

Bike to Work Week Party
Staying Warm at the Firkin and Fox Bike to Work Week Party

When Jesse arrived to work on Monday, he had a big surprise waiting for him in the office. From the photo, he appears pleased.

Jesse's New Ride
Jesse’s New Ride

And as always, just because Bike to Work Week is over, it doesn’t mean you put your bike away. Keep riding to work throughout the spring and summer. Have fun, get fit, and protect the environment.

The complete photo collection of May’s Bike Month can be found on Flickr HERE.

Corporate Challenge 2010 Results

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lily
Lily, possibly our youngest corporate challenger

The Bike to Work Week Corporate Challenge results are in, and considering the unseasonably chilly and wet weather we had the numbers are very impressive.  Carson City cyclists completed 987 trips by bike and logged in 3,234.26 miles.

This is the third year that Muscle Powered and Bike Carson have kept track of the Corporate Challenge competition, and we hope that you have as much fun accumulating the miles as we do calculating them.

Percentage of participation category:  The Bike Smith took control of this category early in the week. If 100% participation isn’t impressive enough, the mileage that these five gentlemen put in was quite admirable.

Trips & Mileage categories:  For the first time since we’ve been keeping track of the challenge, one agency has claimed victory in two categories.  NDOT rode away from the competition in the Most Trips category with 177, and dominated the mileage race with 757. What a huge improvement over last year’s performance.

Solo: In the solo category Tammy Steele proved to everyone that you can have a handlebar basket and cup holder and still rack up the mileage. Way to go Tammy!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the challenge and we look forward to seeing you next year.

Bike to Work Week Party
The Bike Smith takes the bragging rights from Red Rock Dental

Top 5

Mileage:
NDOT 757
Bike Smith 356
State Public Works Board 293
DMV-MVIT 253
USGS 239

Trips:
NDOT 177
SPWB 144
DMV 140
Redrock Dental 83
Bike Smith 83

Percentage:
Bike Smith 100
Redrock 70
SPWB 61
DMV 45
Hair Studio & Spear Me 44

Solo:
Tammy Steele 72
John Aragon 44
Kiersten Briggs 33
Brenda Horton 31

For complete results click HERE

Bike To Work Day Coffee Stations

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Friday is Bike To Work Day and below you will find a list of our Bike To Work Day Coffee Stations.

Bike to Work Day
Free Coffee for Bicycle Commuters!

This will be the sixth year that Comma Coffee has participated in Bike Month by offering a free cup of coffee to morning bike commuters on Bike to Work Day! And for the last three years our local Starbucks coffee houses have also joined in to salute bicycle commuters during this important and fun event. Bike commuters can get a free cup of coffee on Friday morning, May 21, at any of the Starbucks stores listed below.

Please visit these fine establishments and thank them for supporting Bike Month in Carson City.

From 7-9 a.m.

Comma Coffee-
312 S. Carson St.

Starbucks-
2320 S. Carson St. #1
1410 E William St.
3228 N. Carson St. #15
3325 Retail Dr. #100

Bike to Work Week Party!

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The weather forecast isn’t looking spectacular for our end of the week party, but I’m guessing you’ll be there anyway. Why? Because we’re going to have a lot of fun, and we’re giving away TWO bikes, gift certificates for Carson City’s best restaurants, and other great prizes!

End of BTWW Party
Bike to Work Week Party at the Firkin and Fox

  • WHAT:  Bike to Work Week Party – Come celebrate your hard work this week!
  • WHERE: The Firkin and Fox Pub. 310 South Carson Street (corner of 3rd and Main)
  • WHEN:  Friday, May 21st @ 6:00 PM

Here’s a look at the prizes we’ll be raffling.  The proceeds from the raffle will go to benefit Muscle Powered, Citizens for a Walkable and Bikeable Carson City (musclepowered.org)

  • 2 Beach Cruisers from Phat Cycles.  Once again we have a woman’s bike and a guy’s bike to give away.  Special thanks to Dan Turner at the Bicycle Authority for helping us get these two awesome bikes!
  • 1 $50 Gift Certificate from the Firkin and Fox!  Thank you to Jim Phalan and Vicki Shell for helping us to put on this event!
  • 2 $50 Gift Certificates from Adele’s Restaurant and Lounge, courtesy of owners Charlie and Karen Abowd!
  • 2 “Lunch for Two” Gift Certificates from Z Bistro, courtesy of owners Gilles and Tina Galhaut!
  • 4 Gift Certificates for Capitol Automotive, courtesy of owners Marcus and Lisa Marchegger.
  • Some bicycle goodies from Bike Habitat, courtesy of owner Denis Coyne.
  • Bike and Walk soft briefcases courtesy of NV Department Of Transportation.  Bill Story and NDOT really helped us advertise this year’s Bike to Work Week!
  • New Belgium Brewing Beer Ranger, Cody Dawson, will be handing out some cool New Belgium stuff.
  • …and more to come!

Raffle Tickets are 1 for $2, or 6 for $10. The drawing will be held at the Firkin and Fox during the party. You MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN, so come on down! Visit the Muscle Powered table to purchase your raffle tickets.

We’ll also be announcing the winners of our 2010 Bike to Work Week Corporate Challenge!  Challengers, get your results in early!

Muscle Powered Water Bottles
Muscle Powered Water Bottles

While you’re at the party, please take the time to become a Muscle Powered member. Memberships and donations provide the primary source of funding for Muscle Powered projects like Bike Month and Bike to Work Week. Additionally, a larger membership gives us more influence when working with City, State, and Federal government.

We’ve accomplished so much! Just today, the Carson City Board of Supervisors voted to sign the action plan to become a Bicycle Friendly Community . The city also strongly supports the further development of mountain biking and hiking trails in and around around Carson City. Show your support by becoming a Muscle Powered member! Can’t make the party? Visit http://musclepowered.org to download our membership form or use our new convenient PayPal service.

Muscle Powered Yearly Membership:

  • $10 Students/Seniors
  • $15 Individual
  • $20 Family

Bonus: Join Muscle Powered and receive a Muscle Powered water bottle! These high quality water bottles are made by Specialized and are BPA free. Two sizes are available, and they come in three colors. If you’re already a Muscle Powered member, come pick up your water bottle. You get two bottles for a family membership, $5.00 for any additional bottles.

Hope to see you at the party!