2013 BCC Rider Profile #5: The Brewster Family

 

The Brewsters:

What are your ages, roughly speaking? 

40s, 12, and 8

What is your most frequent destination on your bike? Everywhere within reasonable distance— mostly work and school, but regularly to grocery stores, Farmers’ Market, friends’ homes, parks and trails, bike shops, pet stores, restaurants, even dental checkups and weddings!

How many years have you been getting around by bike? Jack and Chloe have pedaled to school and accompanied their parents on trips ever since each has learned to ride or be strapped into a bike trailer. Stacey, a dedicated transit user, has ramped up her bike trips to work over the last five years, often combining bike with bus trips. Paul is a year-round daily rider - for the past nine years.

How many times have you participated in the Bicycle Commuter Contest? Combined our family has worn at least16 contests off our tires.

How did you hear about the BCC? Workplace. We enjoy everything the contest has to offer!

What got you started with practical cycling? Regular short trips made by a car are excessive when one weighs the cost and benefits of automotive travel. In 2005, we sold our second car to achieve a more active lifestyle and reduce our dependence on driving. We enjoy the freedom our car offers us, but cycling is liberating. The decision and the benefits were clear—making a larger portion of our local trips by bike is practical, economical and healthier than driving.

Registration for BCC 2013 is Open!!

Simply click on the red button at the right, read the notes on registration, and proceed to the registration page to fill out the form. You may also register in person at the Olympia Transit Center or by mail, see earlier post for details.

BCC 2013 Rider Profile #4: Riley and Marissa

ñ What is your age, roughly speaking?

We're both 24.

ñ What is your occupation or area of study?

Riley is the online store manager for Batdorf and Bronson. He studied nature photography and evolutionary biology at The Evergreen State College. Marissa is a copy editor at a web-hosting company and studied political economy at Evergreen.

ñ What is your most frequent destination on your bike?

Going to work and running errands around town.

ñ How did you hear about the BCC?

We heard about the BCC through word of mouth.

ñ How many times have you participated in the Bicycle Commuter Contest?

This is our first year participating, although we've always wanted to do so.

ñ What got you started riding your bike to get around (practical cycling)?

When we were going to Evergreen, we lived so close to campus that it made more sense to ride our bikes to class and work on campus. It was actually faster than driving or taking the bus.

Last year we moved to Steamboat Island, since it's about a 20 minute drive to town, we realized that commuting by car wouldn't be cost effective due to gas and wear-and-tear on the car. But riding the bus would take nearly an hour which is the same amount of time, if not longer, than riding our bike to town. We resolved to begin riding daily. 

Registration opens for the BCC on April 1

To participate in the 2013 BCC:

Register in April (or by May 10) online, or in person at the Olympia Transit Center.
(you can also register by mail: BCC c/o Intercity Transit PO Box 659 Olympia, WA 98507-0659)
Adults: $5. Up to age 18 and currently enrolled college students register FREE.
Record your miles and days biked in May (on provided Mileage Log*)
Report your participation by June 7 (by returning your mileage log or reporting online)

On April 1, we'll post a link to the online Registration Page (pay with PayPal) and to a downloadable Mileage Log* and mail-in Registration Form, in case you'd rather register by mail.

*When you register online or by mail, we'll send you your mileage log. You'll also receive valuable discount coupons to local bike shops, and a cool reflective sticker for your bike!

Rewards! When you return your mileage log, we'll send you a fat envelope full of great discounts and free offers from local merchants: grocers, gift shops, bakeries, gyms, a flower shop, bike shops and others. We'll also enter you in a random drawing for one of several new bikes and other great prizes!

You can earn extra miles by participating in our Earth Day Market Ride on Saturday, April 20.
Join our mailing list to receive complete info, or watch this blog and our Facebook Page for regular updates.

See you in April and May, on your bike!

Spring Countdown!

Count down: Spring is only two days away! And, registration opens for the 2013 BCC two weeks from today! If you haven't already signed up for our mailing list, this would be a really good time to do so. We'll send out a FEW well-timed info-blasts to keep you informed of upcoming events and BCC deadlines. Find the "Join Our Mailing List" button at right...

Seattle Bike Expo this weekend

If you're up in Seattle this weekend and are enthusiastic about bikes and related activities, check out the Seattle Bike Expo!

https://shop.cascade.org/content/events/expo

Capitol Bicycling Club events

Upcoming Events with our partner, Capitol Bicycling Club:
 
Our own local Bike Swap Meet is this Wednesday evening at the Capitol Museum Coach House starting at 7:30pm. Bring bike-related 

stuff to swap, or just come and shop!
 

Also, registration is now open for the 2-County ride:
http://capitalbicycleclub.org/2County/

2013 BCC Rider Profile# 3 Anne Marie

We're interviewing a few intrepid practical cyclists who commute by bike year-round, to find out how they do it! 

* What is your age, roughly speaking? 39
* What is your occupation or area of study? Pre-nursing student and Navy Reservist
* What is your most frequent destination on your bike? School - preschool for my son, and SPSCC for me
* How did you hear about the BCC? Not sure, but we moved to Olympia in March 2012 and I tend to notice things that have to do with bicycles. I probably googled it after seeing signs around town.
* How many times have you participated in the Bicycle Commuter Contest? This year will be my first. I am looking forward to it.
* What got you started riding your bike to get around (practical cycling)? When I lived in Germany a few years ago, my office was within 2 miles of my apartment. I started biking to work then and realized I was much happier than when I drove. We moved to the DC area after that, and I started to hate driving more because of the traffic congestion there. After moving here, we decided to try being a one-car family to save money, so my commitment to daily cycling became much greater.

2013 BCC Rider Profile# 2 Jonathan H.

We're interviewing a few intrepid practical cyclists who commute by bike year-round, to find out how they do it!
 What is your age, roughly speaking? 
2013 will be my last year in my 20s!

•What is your occupation or area of study?
I manage the Customer Care department for The Spa Depot. We are an online retailer of hot tubs and spa supplies based here in Olympia.

•What is your most frequent destination on your bike?
Work, the grocery store, laundromat, Eastside tavern, Ralph's - I bike pretty much everywhere. The majority of my miles, however, are commuting to work.

•How did you hear about the BCC?
I believe a friend of mine encouraged me to sign up when I first moved to Olympia about 4 years ago.

•How many times have you participated in the Bicycle Commuter Contest?
Every year since 2009. In that first year, I had just moved to Olympia from
Centralia, but I was still employed down in Lewis County. I commuted 5-6 days a
week from Olympia to Centralia by bike and ended up winning the overall
mileage category with 1,763 miles!

Winter: a good time for bike maintenance

The cold, dark, rainy season of winter may not be your favorite time to ride your bike (though many of us do it anyway!), but it is a great time to get your bike tuned up.If you don't have your own back-yard bike shop, Thurston County has eight professional bike shops to choose from, all scattered around the urbanized area of the county. All of these shops are equipped to tackle your bike maintenance needs, and they are not swamped with work right now! Bike shops get really busy in the spring- even as early as March. You could wait a week for your bike to get a tuneup in the busy season. Right now though, bike shops are hungry for work and want your business, and you shouldn't have to wait so long for your bike.  Remember to shop local for your bike accessories and clothing. Support the local bike shops that offer professional service to keep us rolling!

BCC 2013 Rider Profile #1: Beth R.

We're interviewing a few intrepid practical cyclists who commute by bike year-round, to find out how they do it!

BCC: What is your age, roughly speaking?

Beth: Roughly speaking?!?  Is that question worded like that for those who fear growing old?  I’m 47!

BCC: What is your occupation or area of study?
Beth:I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.  I own my own business near downtown, Olympia.  I work with individuals who are suicidal and who self harm.  I love my work and I love the people I work with (both clients and other therapists). 

BCC: What is your most frequent destination on your bike?
Beth:Sadly, work.  I’d say 90 % of my bike riding is to get me to work or home from work.  I want to do the CUPPA rides with Capital Bike Club, but errands and family commitments rarely make it possible for me to take that much time to ride on a Sat. 

BCC: How did you hear about the BCC?
Beth:Originally, I’m not absolutely sure, but I think it was one of those street banners across State Ave by the bus station.  I remember the first year I did it (I think maybe 2010) running into Duncan right after I had registered.  I was commuting that day and I stopped at the bus station to sign up.  After signing up, I went to Olympia Hardware to pick something up on my way to work.  When I was coming out of the store, he asked me,  “Hey, do you ride much?  Have you heard about the Bicycle Commuter Contest?” (or something similar to that).  And, I said, “Well, as a matter of fact, I just signed up.”  It was really cool to meet the “Director” of the BCC within minutes of signing up!

Early Season Events of Interest

Transportation-Advocacy-Day-2013 February 12 in Olympia- a chance to let our legislature know about our transportation needs and preferences.  
Seattle-Bike-Swap Hosted by Cascade Bicycle Club- hundreds of booths with vendors from individuals to large area bike shops. February 10, 9am - 2pm Seattle Center Exhibition Hall.
Seattle Bicycle Expo  The largest consumer bicycle show in the United States. Exhibitors from the United States and Canada fill over 250 booths with exhibits of bikes, gear, travel, health and fitness.  Every top event producer in the region is represented as are most bicycle tour companies, local bike shops and top national manufacturers. Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. & Sunday, March 10, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Smith Cove Cruise Terminal in Seattle.
Capitol Bicycling Club Newsletter and Website Check out your local bicycling club (and even join)! Our local club hosts great rides year-round and offers classes and instructional rides for the novice cyclist.

BCC office opens for 2013- Theme ideas?

Preparations for the 26th Thurston County Bicycle Commuter Contest begin today! We'll post updates on our progress here periodically, so stay tuned. Also check out our Facebook page for updates and to offer your input. Speaking of input, we're looking for inspiration for this year's theme and graphics- want to help out? Submit your ideas to dgreen"at"intercitytransit.com. If we use your idea or incorporate it into our theme, we'll give you a prize!

BCC closing up for 2012- take our survey!

The 25th Annual BCC has come to a close, with a very successful spring season behind us.


When it comes right down to it, the BCC is about improving the quality of life in our community, and you are our community. We hope that you will share your thoughts with us and allow us to include the needs and preferences of our community by taking a brief survey. There is a link to our survey on our Facebook page. The survey has some multiple choice questions and some open-ended questions designed to help us improve the BCC for next year and the next 25 years!

BCC Office Closing for 2012:


BCC Central is closing up shop for the remainder of the year, but please feel free to stay in touch. You can reach us by contacting Kris Fransen at kfransen"at"intercitytransit.com or 705-5836. You can also "Like" us on Facebook to stay informed about practical cycling issues in our area.

HENDERSON BOULEVARD SIDEWALK PROJECT – BICYCLE LANE CLOSURE

HENDERSON BOULEVARD SIDEWALK PROJECT – BICYCLE LANE CLOSURE
For bicycle and pedestrian safety, the northbound bicycle lane on Henderson Boulevard from McCormick street to the trail head of Watershed Park will be closed during the sidewalk construction. The bicycle lane closure will start on July 3, 2012 and the lane will reopen approximately the end of August.

Contact:
• Brett Bures, Project Manager, City Of Olympia
• 360.753.8290
• bbures"at"ci.olympia.wa.us

BCC Progress Update: Coupons and Random Drawings

We had our annual "coupon stuffing party" this morning and stuffed 897 envelopes with BCC Rewards Coupons! They are waiting for the mail pick-up now and should be in particpants' mailboxes tomorrow or Saturday. Several teams will be distributing their team members' coupons "in house". Members of the Thurston County, City of Olympia, DOR, UTC or Intercity Transit teams, should see their Team Captains to get their coupons.

In Random Prize Drawing News, also in the mail are three gift cards to Joy Ride Bikes and four cards for a pound of coffee at Batdorf and Bronson. The lucky winners: Dawn, Ryan, Alan, Burke, Anna, Erika and Krista!

Awards Ceremony Draws Crowd in Spite of Rain

Photos by: Paul Mongillo of www.wideawakephoto.com

Over 100 stalwart BCC riders showed up at our Awards Ceremony last Saturday morning in spite of the wetness of the air...
Three of the four Bike Prize winners came out, plus lots of kids and families. Around 200 participants won prizes in this year's BCC, including Eddy, who won the New Belgium Cruiser (pictured), Kalina, who won a bike from Joy Ride Bikes, Paul, who won a bike from The Bike Stand, and Kim, who won a bike from Bike Tech. Now we're busy getting the rewards coupons ready to mail- hopefully the first batch will go out tomorrow!

"Official" 2012 BCC Results

Believe it or not there are still a few mileage logs trickling into BCC Central, so the real numbers are actually very slightly higher than these, but we had to quit adding and publish sooner or later so these are the "official" results of the 25th Annual BCC!

See the Team Results Page (in the tabs above) for team standings in four categories.
(Scroll down to find all the categories)

Registrants: 1545
Logs turned in: 1058
Miles traveled: 120,653 (all time record)
Trips by bike: 13,974 (all time record)
Teams Returning Mileage Logs: 72 (all time record)
Avg. Daily miles per rider: 10.75
Avg. Monthly miles per rider: 114
First Time participants: 542
Prize recipients: 200
Sponsors: 56
CO2 prevented: 60 tons
Gallons gas saved: 5500
Gas dollars saved: 23,000

BCC Prizes and Awards Shaping Up

We're on track to award many prizes at our award ceremony on Saturday (this Sat. June 23, 9:30 am at the Olympia Farmers Market): outstanding BCC participants will be receiving prizes donated by our sponsors, such as Ortlieb Panniers, Timbuk2 Messenger Bags, CatEye, NiteRider, Portland Design Works and Planet Bike Lights and light sets, Showers Pass and Novara rain gear, bike accessories from REI and Swift Industries saddle bags. We have Gift Cards from Joy Ride Bikes, Bike Tech, Alpine Experience, Old Town Bicycle, Batdorf & Bronson, Fish Tale Pub, Compass Rose Gifts, The Beauty Temple and 5th Ave Fitness.

We have winners in our random drawings for FOUR NEW BIKES, and will announce them once we've managed to contact them all. We'll be holding more random drawings for cool prizes tomorrow, so watch your email!

Mileage Count Update:

We have smashed all previous records for the number of miles traveled by bicycle in the month of May by participants in the BCC! Together, the 1044 participants who returned their Mileage Logs recorded 117,642 miles, on 13,512 practical trips by bike in May!
Way to go, BCC participants! That is almost 60 tons of CO2 that we prevented from entering our atmosphere, and that is just the tip of the iceberg of the positive effects we contributed to our community and planet, not to mention our own health and well-being. Thank you!