It’s always the right time to try something new

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Commuter: Jesse Sandoval, Commute Challenge Team Captain
Commute Challenge Team: The Cyclopaths

It’s always the right time to try something new. That’s what Jesse Sandoval found out when he bought himself a bike at the very end of Bike Month last year.

“I purchased my first bike on May 25, 2012,” Jesse recalls. “I actually missed bike to work Month last year. I have no idea why I was compelled to buy it. I got my tax return and decided to head over to the local bike shop and spend it all on a new touring bike. One of the best purchases I’ve ever made.”

Slowly, he worked up to commuting on a daily basis but then stopped temporarily due to an injury.

“This year’s commute challenge provided the little extra boost needed for me to make that jump to everyday again, so for that I’m grateful. I’m definitely going to continue after it’s over, it just feels so good,” said Jesse, who has a commute of only 2.2 miles but likes to extend his ride into prettier locations such as the arboretum.

This year, Jesse made sure to get the most out of Bike Month and signed up to be the Commute Challenge team captain of The Cyclopaths, a team made up of the “strong and proud few” bicycle commuters at Minor and James.

To encourage his teammates, Jesse said he makes the rounds and visits with his teammates to give an extra little nudge to those who need it.

“High-fives go a long way,” said Jesse.

His personal goal was to log 300 miles during Bike Month.

“But after I realized extra miles don’t count [for the Commute Challenge], I had to make a new goal,” said Jesse. “My new goal is to commute every day for the rest of the year.”

Well done, Jesse! We hope you’ll meet your goal!

Know a Commute Challenge participant who deserves some special recognition? Nominate them for Rider of the Week! Send your ideas to Anne-Marije Rook at amrook@cascadebicycleclub.org.