Ride with Carson City’s Leaders

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Jeff Moser

A combination of great weather and growing enthusiasm for cycling in Carson City is getting getting people out there on their bikes, and the ride with Carson City’s Leaders on May 7th was no exception.

Assembling at Telegraph Square – Muscle Powered’s Kelly Clark and Lee Harter talk with Mayor Bob Crowell and Shelly Aldean

This annual Muscle Powered event has really grown, since we first started doing it in 2008. The first year we rode with Supervisor Shelly Aldean to work in an effort to showcase a couple bike routes, and demonstrate that one could ride a bicycle safely across town. The following year, a few more riders attended, and we escorted Mayor Bob Crowell to work.

Teri Vance from the NV Appeal conducts interviews with Richard Stokes (Superintendent of the Carson City School District) and Sheriff Kenny Furlong

In 2011, we invited the Mayor and the City Supervisors, and we took them out for a ride around Carson’s west side on tandems. Even though the ride ended in a near white-out blizzard, the group had become quite large, and we all had a blast. We were no longer trying to demonstrate to the leaders that cycling was fun and practical. They already knew this, and they were there to show the community.

Joanne Vaughan and Kristy Moser show their support for biking in Carson City

Muscle Powered decided to step it up this year, and not only did we invite the Mayor and City Supervisors, but the Sheriff, School Administration, Parks and Recreation, Carson City Health and Human Services, and other leaders in our city. All people that have an interest in creating a safe community for cycling, and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. And they showed up!

Preparing to ride. Muscle Powered’s Jeff Potter and Supervisor Shelly Aldean shared a tandem, Supervisor Molly Walt, and Mayor Bob Crowell

Mayor Bob Crowell leads the way, legs still strong after Sunday’s Tour of Carson.

Working with law enforcement was something rather new for Muscle Powered, and was even an area that the League of American Bicyclists mentioned that we were deficient in when we applied for a Bicycle Friendly Community status. It was so great to see Sheriff Kenny Furlong participate this year. And not only did he participate, but he was very enthusiastic and provided comic relief along the ride. At one stop he yelled out, “Someone stole my bike!”, and he wasn’t shy with the siren on his police issue Cannondale either.

Cruising Carson’s Historic West Side

Supervisor Karen Abowd, Jenny Scanland (State Parks)

The Sheriff brought along a few bicycle cops as well. You would think that with law enforcement along, there would be strict adherence to the rules of the road. As it turned out though, the bicycle cops rode ahead, blocked the intersections for us, and let us ride through without stopping. Just like a parade. I wonder if these guys are available for my morning commute? I could definitely shave off a couple minutes!

Muscle Powered President Donna Inversin, followed by Superintendent Richard Stokes

This year’s route began at Telegraph Square. We made our way over to King Street, then north on Ormsby for some scenic views of Kings Canyon, Ash Canyon Road to Winnie, then made our way back to Telegraph Square. It was an easy pedal, but enough to work up a bit of an appetite for lunch. You couldn’t have asked for better weather for the ride either.

Supervisor Molly Walt, Tim Rowe (NV Bicycle Advisory Board)

Juan Guzman (Open Space Mgr), Sheriff Furlong, Supervisor Karen Abowd

When we arrived back at Telegraph Square, the KOLO TV Crew was waiting for us. We took one more loop around the block for them, dinging our bells all the way, and then parked the bikes.

Escort provided by Carson City Sheriff’s Office

A big thank you goes out to all of those at Muscle Powered who organized the ride! Thank you to the Nevada Appeal and CarsonNow.org for your continued coverage of our events. Most of all though, thank you to our city’s leaders who took the time out of their busy schedules for the ride, and for continuing to make this community a great place to live!

Corporate Challenge 2012

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Jeff Moser

Last year, Corporate Challengers logged 1,222 trips, and 3,793 miles! We’re hoping for an even bigger turnout this year, thanks to a much lighter winter.

Here are the details of the 2012 Bike to Work Week Corporate Challenge. We’re doing things a little different this year to create a more level playing field. It’s just no fun if NDOT wins EVERY year! Go bookmark this page on the Muscle Powered Blog to get the latest updates: http://musclepowered.org/corporate-challenge/

NDOT’s Secret Weapon

From Muscle Powered:

To enter the Carson City Corporate Challenge, please send an email to: corporatechallengecc@gmail.com, and include the following information:

* Company or Agency Name
* Total Number of Company, Agency or Department Employees. Not riders who are participating. All Employees!
* Contact information

When: The Corporate Challenge runs during Bike to Work Week, May 14th – May 18th.
Who: Anyone may enter!

Three Divisions: Private Business, Public Agency and Solo.
Solo riders compete for total mileage only.

In an attempt to create a fair competition, teams are limited to a maximum of 10 riders. If your corporation can field a team larger than 10, you may enter a second, third or fourth team. Teams will compete for a perpetual trophy and bragging rights in the following categories:

* Total miles
* Number of trips
* Percentage of employees participating

Rules:
* Riders may ride as many or as few days as they wish.

* Total Miles: Miles ridden to work and back may be counted. Miles ridden at lunch for dining or errands may be counted. Recreational ride mileage may not be counted. If you ride with your children to school you may include one mile to your company’s daily total.

* Trips: The ride to work is considered one trip. An errand or ride to lunch is considered one trip. The ride home is another trip. You may include riding to and from school with your children as one additional trip.

* Percentage of Employees Participating: Since the number of employees in a corporation can vary greatly, big corporations/companies can create smaller, more manageable teams; for example, data processing, accounting, Carson Office, etc.

* Alternative Transportation: One of the goals of Bike to Work Week is to encourage alternative transportation. Therefore, walking, public transportation, and multi-mode transportation will be allowed. Bicycle trips and bus/auto trips may be combined for one trip; for example, taking the bus half way to work and riding the rest of the way. Bus/auto mileage cannot be added to your team’s total mileage.

* In the event of a tie the total age of participating employees will determine the winner.

* Winners: We would like to hand out awards to the winning teams at the Bike to Work Week Party on Friday, May 18th at the Firkin & Fox. In order for us to do this we need your help. On Friday, May 18th we will require team leaders to upload their information by 5pm. We realize that some of your team may still be on the clock at this time, so we will accept projected miles and trips.

2012 Tour of Carson

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Jeff Moser

May’s Bike Month is almost here, and so is Bike Habitat’s Tour of Carson! This is a very fun, moderately paced road ride around the perimeter of Carson City. The route is 27-30 miles, but short cut options are available through town if you don’t think you can ride the whole distance. Here’s the scoop from Bike Habitat:

Please join us for the 5th Annual Tour of Carson City Bike Ride & BBQ Sunday May 6, at 9am!

The ride will begin at 9:30. The route tours around the perimeter of Carson City for a moderately paced 27-30 mile bike ride.
Lunch will be provided and all are welcome.
Kick-Off Bike Month with Denis and Viola as they celebrate the Fifth Anniversary of Bike Habitat.
This is a Free Event.
Donations are being accepted to support Muscle Powered of Carson City to promote a more bike friendly community.
The ride will begin at the shop and tour around the perimeter of Carson City for a moderately paced 27-30 mile bike ride.
Click here to view a map of the ride.
The Bike Habitat is located next to Best Buy in the shopping mall off Topsy Lane.
Call Denis at the Shop for Information 267-5053

Bike Month 2012 Planning Meeting

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Jeff Moser

Spring is here, and May’s Bike Month celebration will soon be rolling into town. With this year’s high gas prices, many people are seriously considering transportation alternatives. If you’re new to bicycle commuting, Bike Month is the perfect time to network with other cyclists that can give you tips, ideas, and support for using the bicycle as transportation. If you’re a seasoned bicycle commuter, this is your chance to help others get on their bikes. The more bikes that are on the road, the more visible and safer we all are.

Bike Month will soon roll into town!

Once again, Carson City will be observing the national dates for Bike to Work Week, May 14th – 18th. In addition to Bike to Work Week, we’ll have social activities, how-to clinics, and group rides.

Who: Muscle Powered (musclepowered.org)
What: Bike Month planning meeting
When: Wednesday, March 28th, 5:30 PM
Where: High Sierra Brewery, 302 N Carson Street, Carson City, NV
Contact: For more info, jeffmoser@musclepowered.org

To accomplish all this, we’re going to need a plan and some help. Join Muscle Powered for the Bike Month planning meeting this Wednesday, March 28th, 5:30 PM at the High Sierra Brewery. Hope to see you there!

2011 Bike to Work Week Wrap Up

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Jeff Moser

Jeff Potter told you about the Corporate Challenge results below. But when we weren’t fighting tooth and nail for miles and trips, we came together for a few social events and bicycle clinics!

WOMENS BIKE REPAIR CLINIC

Jennie Hamiter taught a Womens Bicycle Repair Clinic down at the Bike Habitat on May 4th. The idea was to have a class for women, taught by women, with no male interference. Many times the ladies don’t get as much hands on repair experience, since the guys often jump in to take over the duties. While this is a nice gesture, the girls don’t always get the skills they need when they’re out on their own. Jennie went over wheel removal, flat repair, rear derailleur adjustment, and answered questions that the audience had. The class was successful, and a more advanced class has been asked for as a follow up!

Jennie Hamiter teaches the Womens Bike Repair Clinic

Students enjoy the Womens Bike Repair Clinic

FLAT TIRE REPAIR CLINIC

A week later, The Bike Smith hosted a Flat Tire Repair Clinic on May 11th. Mickey went over flat tire repair, and then went on to answer questions from the audience. It was good to see some new faces at this clinic, and I could see that people were excited to learn some new skills.

Two young ladies that attended the flat tire repair clinic

Mickey shows the proper technique for flat tire repair

BIKE MOVIE NIGHT

On Saturday May 14th, Marcus Marchegger hosted Bike Movie Night at his shop, Capitol Automotive. Pam Anderson at Straw Hat Pizza provided us with several large pizzas, and Muscle Powered supplied some munchies. Marcus searched far and wide, and found what many would agree to be the best cycling film of all time. Pee Wee’s Big Adventure! In previous years, we’ve had plenty of serious documentaries, so it was nice to lighten up the mood this year. Everyone had a great time, and nobody left hungry. Following the movie we had a a Big Adventure trivia contest. I don’t want to brag, but I scored highly on my keen knowledge of the film…

Theater Parking

Jason and Tasha Gardner talk with Jeff Potter after the movie

Luxurious Theater Accommodations

Possibly the best cycling film of all time…

More photos of Bike Movie Night HERE.

BIKE SOCIAL AT THE TAP SHACK

Monday May 16th was the first day of Bike to Work Week. We celebrated the first day with a fun social down at the Tap Shack on Rice Street. James Wilsey came down from Reno to play guitar and sing for us, and we filled up the back patio with bikes. It was a chilly beginning to the week, so it was nice to be huddled into the cozy Tap Shack to stay warm. The tunes went on until about 10:00 PM, and we even had people help James out on the singing.

James Wilsey performs as Jessica sits in for a few verses

Kelly Clark and Lee Harter enjoying the Tap Shack

Ashley Dale prepares for the ride home

More photos from Social Night HERE.

WEST SIDE CRUISER RIDE

Our annual West Side Cruiser Run was on May 18th. The weather was questionable the whole day, but we decided to go for it. Shortly after work, the sky darkened and it started pouring rain. I thought the ride was doomed. But just 10 minutes before the ride, the rain stopped! I pedaled down to Telegraph Square, and riders were starting to show up in spite of the weather. We had 38 riders sign up for the ride, and then we rode a 4 mile meandering route through the historical west side and surrounding neighborhoods. We had some funny costumes on the ride as well. At least I’m pretty sure they were costumes…

Whoo Hoo, Witchy Woman, she got the moon in her eye… (aka Jenny Scanland)

Hula Rider Ashley Dale

Nathan Harrison takes the Hi-Wheeler for a spin…Look Out!

Kelly Clark – Costume or real life?

Group Photo at Sunset Park

Cruising up Mary Street

More Photos of the Cruiser Ride HERE.

BIKE TO WORK WEEK DAY

Bike to Work day arrived on May 20th, and we finally had nice weather! The day began with Free Coffee at Comma Coffee and participating area Starbucks. I rode down to Comma Coffee and hung out for about a half hour. This was definitely our biggest turnout for coffee in the four years I’ve been helping to plan Bike Month. Various commuter teams came in for their morning java, but there was no trash talking…only the sharing of the excitement of the day and the stories of the fun we had all week.

Free morning coffee at Comma Coffee!

After work, riders pedaled down to the Firkin and Fox for our end of the week celebration. The High Sierra Brewery donated a couple kegs, and Hick’ry Switch was there to entertain the crowd with their lively bluegrass music. Proceeds from the raffle tickets and beer sales went to benefit Muscle Powered, and both were selling fast. The grand prizes were two cruiser bikes from Phat Cycles that Dan Turner at the Bicycle Authority helped us acquire. In year’s past, the bikes have been highly contested items, but this year, the raffle went smoothly, and the bikes seemed to find their new owners just fine. Many other great prizes from local businesses were given out as well, and many people went home a winner.

Winners of the Corporate Challenge were announced, and once again, NDOT really cleaned house. I was happy to be on the 2nd place team for the number of trips though! In the end we all had a total of 1,222 trips made by bike or on foot, and 3,792 miles traveled without a motor vehicle! These are big numbers when you think of the impact on our city’s roadways. Bike to Work Day needs to be way more often. The party went until after dark, with many folks even staying well past the raffle. It was a party so fun, that it made the front page of the local paper the next day!

Cortney Bloomer and Jeff Moser battle for most colorful shirt

Hick’ry Switch Performs and entertains the crowd

Robin and Dan Ochsenschlager and Jill Martin enjoy a warm (finally!) evening

Jeff Potter presents NDOT’s Bill Story with a very special award

Bill Grasberger helps others and himself out with the High Sierra Brewery OMG IPA

Heidi Ayarbe and nieces win the Womens Cruiser!

Tom Young, Winner of the Mens Cruiser!

Brent and Sandie Ruybalid and Scott Russel prepare for a safe ride home

Danielle Cook helps sell beer and raffle tickets until the very end

More photos of the party HERE

PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD

Saturday morning came way too fast, but I made it down to Riverview Park for the Run/Walk/Bike Put Your Best Foot Forward event. All ages of participants showed up to enjoy the beautiful wetland scenery. Local groups CASA, We Can, and Muscle Powered all volunteered for the event, and we all shared the donations that the participants threw into the bucket. There were plenty of snacks as well, and all the kids went home with a prize. Good times!

Participants make their way to the Mexican Ditch Trail

Jean Bondiett stationed at the course turn-around on the Mexican Ditch Trail

More photos of Put Your Best Foot Forward HERE.

Thank you to everyone who planned, volunteered, and donated goods and services! Thank you to the Nevada Appeal for doing a great job covering Bike Month. But most of all, thank you to everyone who showed up and participated in our events and made them worth planning in the first place! It’s our hope that everyone had a lot of fun, but also that we inspired more people to consider their bikes as a legitimate form of transportation. Don’t put those bikes away. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Hope to see everyone at Thursday’s Bike Polo Tournament at the Bicycle Authority!

Bike to Work Day is Coming!

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Jeff Moser

It’s almost here! Friday, May 20th is Bike to Work Day, and we have a lot going on to celebrate. Our Corporate Commuter Challengers have been racking up the miles, and tomorrow is the final day of the contest. Participating coffee shops will be giving out FREE morning coffee to bicycle commuters. The day will end with a big party at the Firkin and Fox with live music, and many raffle prizes including two cruiser bikes!

Free Coffee for Bicycle Commuters!

FREE COFFEE

Here’s a list of of participating coffee shops that will be giving out free cups of coffee to enjoy on your morning commute.

Comma Coffee – 312 S. Carson St.
Starbucks - 4 Carson City Locations:

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

Party at the Firkin and Fox on May 20th!

BIKE TO WORK WEEK PARTY

Pedal on over to the Firkin and Fox after work on Friday, and join the party! The weather is going to cooperate for fun outdoor festivities. No snow this year…promise! Winners of the Corporate Challenge will be announced at the party. Expect some challenges and contests throughout the evening as well.

Cruiser Bike Giveaway!

We’re going to have a big prize raffle again this year! Once again, many wonderful local businesses have donated some great prizes. The grand prize drawing will be for 2 Cruiser Bikes from Phat Cycles. A big thanks to Dan Turner at Bicycle Authority for helping us get these bikes to you guys!

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 giving away raffle tickets with purchase of a delicious brew from the High Sierra Brewery.

Money raised from the raffle will go to benefit Muscle Powered, Citizens for a Walkable and Bikeable Community. Consider becoming a member if you’re not already! We work hard to make Carson City a better place for you to ride your bike.

Here’s a list of the businesses that have donated prizes:

Bicycle Authority
Bike Habitat
The Bike Smith
Red Bike Cycling
Adele’s
Nevada State Parks
Red’s Old 395 Grill
High Sierra Dent Co
CrossFit Rad
The LED Light, Inc
…and maybe more to come!

Live Music from Hick’ry Switch

Providing the entertainment for the evening will be Carson City’s Hick’ry Switch! These guys have been playing a lot lately, and are ready to lay down some lively blue grass tunes for your foot stompin’ pleasure. Yee Haw!

It’s going to be a fun day! Hope to see you there!

West Side Cruiser Ride is ON!

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Jeff Moser

As of 2PM we’ve decided that the cruiser ride is still ON! The forecast is for 15% chance of rain at ride time, so we’re going to go for it.

When: 6PM, 5/18/11
Where: Telegraph Square, corners of Telegraph and Curry Streets
Bring: Any bike you want. A helmet. Warm clothes.

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Bicycle News, Culture, and Lifestyle in Carson City, Nevada

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