Go Green and Breathe! Bike Commute Challenge Kicks off

The Bike Commute Challenge is a friendly competition to encourage people to try bike commuting. It starts September first. Register today! From BTA-HQ:

As a special for BCC participants this year, we’re offering a discounted BTA Membership for only $25! Join the BTA as an individual or business and share in our mission to create healthy, sustainable communities by making bicycling safe, convenient and accessible. Your supports helps us to continue offering this great program for free, and as a BTA member, you’ll receive year-round discounts at your favorite bike shops!

Finally, while there are no major changes in how the website works this year, we do want to point out a few things:

1. Individuals that participated last year are still in the system; when they log in for the first time this August or September, they will be prompted to update their personal information including their email address, mileage, default work week, and team.

2. If anyone has forgotten their username or password, they can receive an email with both pieces of information by clicking, "I rode last year," and then clicking, "I forgot my password or username."

Stretching and Self-Massage Techniques for Athletes

One of the perks for Salem area BCC participants is a sweet deal on a massage class! Debbie Boe, LMT and Yoga instructor will keep you limber!

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday September 1, 2010
First United Methodist Church 600 St Street
Corner of State and Church (in the dining hall)
Cost: $20.00
Special Discount for Bike Commute Challenge Participants, 1/2 Price!
Class size limited, pre-registration required
email boemassage [at] hotmail.com

New to Cycling and Bike Commuting?

Do you like to ride your bike at Minto, but wonder about taking it to the grocery store and navigating among cars?

On Saturday, September 4th, the Salem Bicycle Club and League Cycling Instructor Gary Obery will offer the third "Introduction to Smart Cycling" clinic. It's free!

Using the League of American Bicyclists curriculum, the ride will feature a 20 minute pre-ride presentation focusing on tips for riding safely on neighborhood and busy streets. You'll practice a few bicycle handling drills in the square before the ride.

Then out on the road! The ride course will take you through a variety of types of city streets and intersections. We'll stop periodically to talk about strategies to share the road, especially techniques to address auto drivers core concerns about bicyclists' predictability and visibility. You'll also learn techniques that address bicyclists concerns about auto drivers.

Together we can share the road!

Class meets on Saturday, September 4th from 10 am to 12 pm at the Wall of Water fountain on the south end of the Capitol Mall. The cherry tress provide pleasant shade for the outdoor class!

So come learn the tips and skills that can sometimes take time to acquire. Minimum age 12. Minors must be accompanied by a parent. Helmets required. Bright clothing or safety vests encouraged.

Contact Gary at oberyfamily [at] comcast.net if you have further questions.