Third annual Bike to Work Week kicks off in style

It’s official: bikes rule!

At least, that’s the verdict after cyclists cleaned up in the commuter challenge Saturday afternoon. Allison Leslie (accompanied by her friend Jamie Marshall) and Ann-Marie Gill, riding their bikes, beat out drivers Gord McCartney and Tony Shumick respectively in a five stop chore challenge that saw them race all over Revelstoke, from the Big Eddy to Grizzly Plaza.

In the end, both cyclists cruised to the finish line first, beating out the drivers by several minutes each. To be fair, McCartney did look pretty relaxed driving around in his convertible.

Shortly after the race finished, the winners of the North Columbia Environmental Society’s Great Bike Giveaway cruised onto Mackenzie Avenue. The winners all received free commuter bicycles that were given a repair job by the mechanics over at Flowt Bikes.

Monday morning saw the official kick-off of Bike to Work Week, with celebration stations set up at Grizzly Plaza and Queen Victoria Hospital.

In contrast with the first two years of Bike to Work Week, which were cold and rainy, the sky was blue and the sun was shining bright, though there was a slight chill in the air at first.

The stations served up coffee courtesy Stoke Roasted, muffins from the Modern and fresh fruit to morning commuters.

About 50 cyclists stopped by the station at Grizzly Plaza and many received some tweaks on their bikes – once again courtesy  of Flowt. There was also a draw for a Specialized commuter bike, the winner to be announced at a later date.

Keep on riding!