Bike week concludes with party, prizes

As part of Bike to Work Week, Ashley Dale rode her bike to her job with the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation every day this week.

"It went wonderfully," she said. "Even with the chilly weather, it wasn't that bad. I actually felt overdressed most of the time."

She plans to make it a regular occurrence from now on.

"I figured out how easy it is," she said. "It saved me a lot of gas this week."

That's the same way Jeff Moser, now president of Muscle Powered, started out and has ridden his bike to work every day since November 2007.

"You don't feel like your trapped in traffic," he said. "You enjoy your ride and get some exercise."

The main purpose of Bike to Work Week, Moser said, is to introduce people to bicycle commuting and encourage them to make it a habit.

"We try to make it as fun as possible and get as many people out as possible," he said. "Each year, we pick up a few more people. This week the weather wasn't wonderful, but it was better than last year."

Bike to Work Week ended Friday, concluding the Corporate Challenge where local companies compete in total number of miles biked, number of trips and percentage of employees participating.

Prizes were awarded at party celebrating its conclusion Friday night at Firkin' and Fox, where participants enjoyed food, drinks and music by Hick'ry Switch. Dozens of items also were raffled off, including both a men's and women's cruiser bike.

Bike Month continues with the Run for the Bucket 5K run and 10K bike ride 9 a.m. today at Riverview Park. Participants can walk, run or cycle.

"You can do anything you want," said Jennifer Scanland, manager of conservation and natural resources for the Carson City Parks Division. "You can bring dogs or whatever."

There will also be a bike polo tournament 6 p.m. Thursday at the Bike Authority, 1501 N. Carson St.

Moser has some advice for those looking to make biking to work a habit.

"There are a few challenges to start off with," he said. "Be patient."

Corporate Challenge Results

Total Mileage

Nevada Department of Transportation: 1,117.25 miles

Nevada National Guard: 417.4 miles

US Geological Survey: 313 miles

Percentage of Employees Participating

Nevada Division of State Parks: 72 percent

Redrock Dental: 60 percent

Nevada Department of State Lands: 40 percent

Most Trips

NDOT: 235 trips

Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation: 162 trips

Nevada Department of Environmental Protection: 152 trips

Solo

Tasha Gardner: 134.9 miles

Tammy Steele: 77.3 miles

David Eiswert: 55.89 miles

For a complete list of results, click the Corporate Challenge tab at bikecarson.com.