news Team “Get Your Erigeron” Wins 2016 Team Bike Challenge
Congratulations to team “Get Your Erigeron” for winning the 2016 Marin County Team Bike Challenge (TBC) and gaining a coveted place on the podium for the regional competition – snagging 3rd place against very tough competition!
Get Your Erigeron Team Members:
Shelagh Fritz
Maria Durana
Monica Stafford
Charity Maybury
Anna Schlosser
We had a chance for a quick Q&A to learn what made this all-women’s team a success for 2016!
How long have you been cycling with Get Your Erigeron?
Three of us have been with Get Your Erigeron for three years (Shelagh, Monica and Maria). Anna and Charity joined us this year to round out a team of 5 women!
How did you compile most of your mileage?
Most of our miles came from commuting to work. We all worked hard to make sure our weekend social plans and errands could be done on bikes.
What would you have liked someone to tell you before you started cycling for the TBC?
Competition is a little addictive! We were edged out of first place last year and were pretty disappointed with coming in second. This year, we aimed to put together a team of women and only intended to motivate each other (a few of us hadn’t touched our bikes since last May). We all really got into the competition and biked more than we thought we would– thanks to pressure from team Golden Gauchos from Alameda who kept fighting us for third place (in the regional competition).
What part of your ride do you like the best?
Hands-down, the best part of our ride is coming across the Golden Gate Bridge in the morning. This year, we were even treated to whale sightings from the bridge! We’re all so lucky to live here and have riding the Bridge as a part of our commute. We all work for the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and riding through areas that we steward, such as the Marin Headlands, Fort Baker and Mt. Tam, is very rewarding, especially when we see other cyclists and hikers out enjoying themselves.
What would you like to share with people who ride a bike in Marin County?
Join the Marin County Bike Coalition (editor’s note – we didn’t ask them to say that, but we’re not above providing a link to join…) – we are very fortunate to have an organization that advocates safe bike paths. To be able to ride year-round through such amazing scenery and towns is not something to be taken for granted.
Also – volunteer and give back to the trails you love. Support trail and restoration efforts through the Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service, One Tam or in partnership with MCBC.
Recognition and sincere shout-outs go to the following placing teams as well.
Nice show Marin County for giving it your all for the 2016 Team Bike Challenge!
Marin County- Team Bike Challenge:
Second Place: #Gotta Ride
Third Place: WRA Yak-ness Monsters
Marin County – 2016 Company Competition:
Small company:
First Place: Sustainable Fairfax
Second Place: Weir/Andrewson Associates
Third Place: KWMR
Medium company:
First Place: WRA, Inc.
Second Place: REI Corte Madera
Third Place: Romberg Tiburon Center – SF State
Large company:
First Place: County of Marin
Second Place: Kaiser Permanente San Rafael
Thanks to all of those who took part in the 2016 Marin County Team Bike Challenge. If you’d like to take part in next year’s competition, which runs through the month of May each year, why not start planning now? It’s a great way to cut down on motorized trips in the county while team building at your organization. You can request an Employer’s Toolkit here.
