Gear up with A\J: A city cycling how-to. Alternatives Journal.

Gear up with AJ: The Bike2Work Challenge

Get a first-hand account of bicycle commuting: follow along with 16 participants in the Bike2Work Challenge.

We’re partnering with the City of Kitchener for Bike Month to bring you the experiences of the city’s Bike2Work Challenge participants as they learn the ins and outs of cycling to work.

Here are some thoughts on getting started this week from Bike2Work Challenge participant Chris:

We’re partnering with the City of Kitchener for Bike Month to bring you the experiences of the city’s Bike2Work Challenge participants as they learn the ins and outs of cycling to work.

Here are some thoughts on getting started this week from Bike2Work Challenge participant Chris:

Did the last week feel long to you, too? Well, let me tell you, if Ziggy’s Cycle and Sport Ltd. had given you a brand new bike at BikeFest last Sunday and made you wait to actually use it until today, then last week did feel long! But hey, I’m not complaining. Quite the opposite! The super friendly staff at Ziggy’s has done an excellent job getting us all ready for this first day of our Bike2Work Challenge. From custom fitting bikes and helmets to teaching us how to properly shift gears and fix a flat tire to lots of tips and tricks on how to safely ride and securely park these speedy new bikes.

So today, the challenge finally began! And I am wondering how many of us hit the roads this morning. Gauging from the enthusiasm and excitement I sensed at Ziggy’s on Saturday morning, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was 16/16!?

Find out how Chris’s first day went and how other participants have fared so far on the Bike2Work 2013 blog.

Enter to win a copy of Chainbreaker and other great bike books by sharing your favourite place to bike in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter throughout Bike Month (May 27 – June 30). Visit our cycling page for more bike-related content, including How to Maintain Your Ride and How to be Safe while cycling in the city.