Trading cars for calf muscles

The teachers and administrators of Carson City's schools are hoping to set an example this week by shedding their cars and strapping on a bike helmet.

The district is holding a contest in conjunction with National Bike to Work Week, pitting school against school to see which institution puts the pedal-driven rubber on the road.

"We have sign-in sheets at the schools for anyone who participates and we are awarding a trophy based on percentage of most riders," said Dr. Mary Pierczynski, Carson School District superintendent.

The names of all those who participate from the winning school will be entered into a prize drawing using money provided by the district.

"We are doing it to promote the national Bike to Work Week and to encourage physical fitness. We hope this sets a good example for our children and encourages them to get out and ride their bikes," Pierczynski said.

The contest includes all Carson City public schools as well as the district offices. Pierczynski said there are a couple of employees making the extra effort to make it competitive, like Director of Operations Mike Mitchell.

Mitchell, who lives north of Reno, rode his bike to work on Monday. He started when the sun came up and arrived at work just over two hours later and repeated the trek to get home.

"He's a very avid bike rider and wanted to take part in the program," Pierczynski said.

While riding to work is a new experience for most of the district's employees, it's become a routine for CHS history teacher Kelly Hogan.

For the last four years, Hogan rode to work almost every day, storing his bike in the classroom for the last four years. He said it really isn't that major of an adjustment once you get used to it.

"I keep a closet with my good clothes and bring everything I need in my backpack. I usually end up driving to work four or five days a year when its really snowing or bad weather," Hogan said. "The hardest part is when I have to carry stuff, but I have it down so that when I do drive I carry all the big things I'm going to need."

Hogan said his students have come to expect to see his bike in the corner of the classroom and when they don't it throws them off.

Bike-to-Work Week began Monday and culminates with Bike-to-Work Day on Friday.

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.

Events

Events taking place in conjunction with Bike to Work Week:

• Ride of Silence honoring cyclists who have been injured or killed, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Legislative Building

• Free coffee at Mango Joe's and Comma Coffee for riders on Friday. Also enter to win several prizes in a free raffle.