Get Fit: Challenge yourself - join Bike to Work week

Editor's note: Statistics show nearly a quarter of Carson City's population is obese. This is the third in a six-week Get Fit Carson City series to help community members get healthy.

Dr. Drew Robison and his staff at Redrock Family Dental are ditching their scrubs for Spandex next week, at least during their commute to work.

This is the third year the office will participate in Bike to Work week, and they hope to make it the third consecutive year they win the Corporate Challenge.

"We're going to beat our competitors," dental assistant Nichole Fisher resolved.

The challenge, sponsored by Muscle Powered and Bike Carson, is a way to get more people participating.

"The competition drives a lot more people to ride bikes," said organizer Jeff Moser.

Fellow organizer Jeff Potter said he's noticed increased intensity as well.

"It's interesting to see how serious people take it," he said.

And, he said, the enthusiasm is contagious.

"If we just have one employee who rides, they can encourage their co-workers to ride, too."

Robison first decided three years ago to participate in Bike Week at the urging of Potter, who delivers mail to the office.

He enlisted his five employees to join him.

"It's something we've found we have fun doing," he said. "It takes a little bit of planning, but we enjoy it."

They were surprised by their win the first year, then determined the next year to retain their title.

This year, they are offering to cook breakfast for any business that can beat them.

"We're just encouraging the sport, to get more people to try and do it," Robison said.

And distance shouldn't be a barrier.

Because some members of the staff live in Reno and Gardnerville, those employees drive to spots in Carson City and pedal from there, which is legal in the Corporate Challenge rules.

Sarah Nelson, a dental hygienist, drives to the college, then rides to the office on Nevada Street.

"In the early morning, it's damp and chilly so it kind of wakes you up," she said. "The end of the day isn't so fun. It's uphill back."

Although it's Bike Week, walking is also allowed.

Kimberly Landry, the office coordinator, walks the mile from home to work during the week.

"I love it, actually," she said. "I should do it more."

The Bike Smith employees have emerged as the dental office's greatest rivals, threatening to end their winning streak.

However, store manager Mickey McDowell said it is more than the competition that gets them cycling.

"We love it," he said. "It's just a great way to start the day. And we like to support everything bike-related in town."

And even if the Bike Smith does win the traveling plaque this year, Landry said, it may be a hollow victory.

"They'll still be third on the list," she said.