Muscle Powered Road Rides to Begin

The Muscle Powered Road Rides are back for 2011! The rides will start out easy and gradually pick up speed as the season progresses.

Muscle Powered Ride
Muscle Powered Road Ride in Washoe Valley

Rides will be canceled if it’s raining or snowing, so be sure to call ride co-leaders Kelly Clark at 315-2719 or Paul Zatarain at 775 513-6335 for more information. We will do our best to update this blog for schedule changes as well.

The first ride will be this weekend on April 9th.

  • 12 noon start time.
  • Carson Loop, 27 mile loop of Carson City.
  • Meet at Bike Habitat, next to Best Buy off Topsy Lane in north Douglas County along Highway 395.

Stay tuned for a full ride calendar. Also, see the calendar page, and follow Muscle Powered on Facebook!

Due to insurance requirements, these rides are for Muscle Powered members only.

The annual membership fees are as follows, and are good for the calendar year. If you paid in June or after of 2010, you are still currently a member! Ride leaders can sign you up before the ride.

  • $10 for Senior/Student
  • $15 for individual
  • $20 for family

Muscle Powered 2011 Planning Meeting

Muscle Powered will be having our 2011 Annual Planning meeting Wednesday, March 16th at 6:30 PM. The location is the Straw Hat Pizza on HWY 50. Come on down, listen in, get involved, have some pizza, and meet new friends, as we discuss and plan our projects for the 2011 calendar year. We’ve already been busy, and there is still much to do! Hope to see you there.

More info: jeffmoser@musclepowered.org

Weekend Happenings

Here’s a look at what’s going on this weekend:

Friday, 6/18

  • Bike Habitat and Marin Bikes Present a Marin Bikes Demo!

This Friday, June 18 5:00 – 8:00
Bike Habitat and Marin Bikes will be in Ash Canyon for an evening of bike riding and fun.

The highlight of the evening will be Marin offering Demo rides on their 29′rs, and 5″ & 6″ travel full suspension bikes.
If you have ever wanted to ride a 29′er or Full Suspension mountain bike this is a great opportunity to take one out for a ride.

The Demo Van will be set up in the parking area above the water tanks.

Directions: West on Ash Canyon Rd. to the end. Turn right on Wellington West. Travel 400 yards turn left on dirt road between the houses. Go up the dirt road past the water tanks and park.

This event is free and open to the public. There will be several pedal types available to match up with your shoes, so just bring your favorite riding shoes.

Saturday, 6/19

  • Muscle Powered Road Ride (Easier Pace) Meet at Bowers Mansion at 9:00 AM.  1-2 laps around Franktown.  9-18 miles.  Avg 13 mph.  Contact Vickie 841-7825.  Muscle Powered Membership required.
  • Muscle Powered Road Ride (Moderate Pace) – 9:30 AM – Ride Leader Paul Zatarain

We will be starting at Bike Habitat at 9:30 and going around Carson via Edwards, Deer Run Rd, Arrowhead, Ash Canyon and Curry street. This is the same route that was planned for the Bike Habitat sponsored ride around Carson a few months ago. Hope to see you there! Approximately 27 miles. Contact pzatarain9th@yahoo.com for more details.

Sunday, 6/20

  • Muscle Powered Cruiser Ride – 9:30 AM at Telegraph Square (corner of Telegraph and Curry Street).

Join us for a meander around the west side of our fair city on Sunday morning. Ride about 5 miles in about 45 minutes. Wear helmets. Meet at Telegraph Square at 9:30 Sunday morning. Forecast that day so far is clear and high 78 deg F. Muscle Powered Membership required.

Cruiser Rides to Start

During Bike to Work Week, we had a good turnout for the West Carson Cruiser Ride, and everyone had a lot of fun. In years past, we had talked about doing these cruiser rides throughout the summer, but never followed through. This year we have the volunteers to make it happen though, and the first ride begins tonight!

West Carson Cruiser Ride
West Carson Cruiser Ride

  • What: Easy paced Cruiser Ride
  • When: June 2nd @ 6:00 PM
  • Where: The ride will begin and end at the Brewery Arts Center on King Street
  • What to Bring: A helmet and possibly a wind breaker if it gets chilly this evening.
  • Additional Info: These rides are for Muscle Powered members. Help support bicycle advocacy in Carson City by becoming a member. Sign up before the ride or online at MusclePowered.org.

The weather has finally warmed up now, so Muscle Powered has decided that tonight, Wednesday June 2nd @ 6:00 PM, will be the kick-off for the Summer Cruiser Rides. Tonight’s ride will start and finish at the Brewery Arts Center on King Street, and will be an easy paced 4-5 mile cruise.

For additional information, contact details, and other upcoming events please click on the Calendar tab at the top of the page.

Bike to Work Week 2010 Wrap Up

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

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 Week Party!

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!