Carson woman cruises to victory in Bike to Work challenge

Riding to work down Fairview Avenue on Friday morning, Tammy Steele said the wind nearly blew her off her bike.

"But people were honking in waving in support," she said. "It was really great to feel that camaraderie."

After losing in the solo category of the Bike to Work Week Corporate Challenge last year by five miles, she was determined not to let that happen again.

"This year, I wanted to compete for it," she said. "I even rode out to Costco in the rain."

And it worked. With 72.58 miles clocked this week, she took home the prize for the most miles ridden.

"It was wonderful," she said. "I hope more people get involved."

Jeff Moser, president of Muscle Powered, the advocacy organization that sponsored the challenge, said the unpredictable weather this week kept some people out of the bike saddle.

"We definitely had some challenges with the weather, but people still came out," he said.

The cruiser ride through downtown attracted more that 50 cyclists, and, Moser said, the rides are going to continue through the summer.

In the business category, Redrock Dental was defeated for the first time in three years by The Bike Smith, which had 100 percent participation every day.

The week concluded with a chilly party at the Firkin and Fox with several raffle prizes, including two cruiser bikes.