Vermont and the Capital City Loom Large in the National Bike Challenge
by Gregory Gerdel
Vermont cyclists have quickly pedaled into a substantial lead among the U.S. states in the 2013 National Bike Challenge. Montpelier has at least 43 riders participating in early May, and more will be welcomed.
The Challenge is designed to encourage both non-polluting transportation and recreation, along with personal health through exercise. Vermont won overall among the states during the first year of the Challenge in 2012, and appears to be making a strong start this year.
While cycling as transportation is at the core of the program, sport cycling and mountain biking outings and miles also earn points for individuals, teams, workplaces and, yes, entire states. But you do have to get outside to ride: time and miles on a stationary trainer do not count.
Any one joining the Challenge during May has the opportunity to backlog any miles ridden earlier in the month.
The Challenge has a fun tech component in the form of a free GPS app from Endomondo that can be downloaded to any Smartphone. The app maps rides with data about speed, elevation, calories burned and automatically uploads to the Challenge database. Endomondo can also be used for just about every outdoor activity we enjoy in Vermont, though it may not guide you to Ticklenaked Pond.
The State of Vermont’s employee wellness program has recognized the Challenge as an attractive incentive for personal fitness. “This is the second year that the State of Vermont has participated in the National Bike Challenge as an employer,” said Alissa Robertson, who is a health educator for the state’s program and a participant in the Challenge.
“In 2012, the State of Vermont came in second place out of 317 participating organizations in Vermont. Currently, the State is in third place with over 85 employees registered. There is a lot of excitement among participants to move up in the standings this year,” Robertson says. “The Challenge is an exciting opportunity for State employees to bike for transportation, recreation and their health. It is also a fun way to partner with coworkers, family or friends. This promotes healthy competition among individuals and employers, as you can compare the results on the site throughout the Challenge.”
The Challenge aims to have 50,000 riders pedaling 20 million miles from May 1 through September 30. It is open and free to anyone who lives in the U.S. or works for an organization with U.S. employees. Kimberly-Clark Corporation created an internal Bike Challenge in 2009 for its more than 50,000 employees. The program went statewide in Wisconsin for 2011 and national in 2012, with more 30,000 participants riding 12 million miles.
Every time you get on your bike the miles count. Whether they are for fitness, fun, or transportation make sure to join and log them on nationalbikechallenge.org. The Challenge is organized by the League of American Bicyclists with Kimberly-Clark Corporation as the lead sponsor.
For more information about organizing a business or organization to participate in the Challenge as a team, go to endomondo.com/campaign/national/orgguide
Greg Gerdel has joined the Challenge for a second year and relishes the daily climb up Northfield Street to his office in the Davis Building at National Life only slightly less than the rapid descent into the high speed traffic on Memorial Drive each afternoon.
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