Take the Summer Commuter Challenge: save money, get fit

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tammie Ramsouer
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARSON, Alaska --  This summer, more than 100 people on JBER have decided to take on a challenge.

The 2014 Summer Commuter Challenge is hosted by the Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage, an organization that focuses on making Anchorage a better and safer place for bicycle riders. The challenge started June 2 and individuals or teams can sign up through August 29.

The team or individual with the highest mileage receives a trophy of welded bicycle parts, said Matthew Mills, 673d Wing Staff Agency wing plans officer. But the real prize is fitness and savings.

"The organizers work on laws, infrastructure and events that get people to go biking," Mills said. "The bike challenge is one of the bigger events they do."

Mills heard about the challenge a few years ago and decided to get the base involved by spreading the word to the Chiefs' and First Sergeants' group on JBER-Elmendorf.
"Last year, we had about 43 riders in the challenge," Mills said. "This year I have more than 130 people signed up to ride."

There will be traveling trophies awarded to the first-place workplaces in five size categories. Extra-small teams are for up to four people. Between five and 15 make a small team; up to 50 form a medium team. Large teams comprise up to 200, and more than that make an extra-large team.

The teams are arranged by workplace with the end of season team awards going to the workplaces with the highest percentage of their total workforce getting to work by bike or foot, he said. This does not include commuting anywhere other than work.

Individuals can also compete for a chance to receive a trophy for the most miles traveled in the time allotted for the challenge.

"If you're the guy who bikes to work every day and you live 20 miles away, you're probably going to get a trophy," Mills said.

Not only does this challenge promote getting people outside and active, it also gives them positive attitudes and bigger savings, he said.

"I didn't realize I was spending so much money on my car with the maintenance and gas," said Jan Johnson, 673d Force Support Squadron manpower analyst. "I looked at my checkbook after the first six months of riding my bike and I had saved $1,500."

Johnson said when she started her commute she was exhausted, but by keeping up with her daily bike ride she became committed to the routine and it became less tiring.

There are many benefits to bicycle riding; it helps burn calories, it saves money on gas, and provides your body a workout while you travel to work without having to go to the gym.
"After I retired I didn't know what I would do to keep in shape," Mills said. "Jan told me to bike to work like she does. This was something I didn't think I would be able to do, but after a while I didn't want to stop."

"I'm not young anymore, and biking is something anyone can do," Johnson said.

For more information about the 2014 Summer Commuter Challenge, contact
Matthew Mills at 552-3498.