MacDill to participate in cycling event Published May 1, 2007 By Nick Stubbs 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs MACDILL AFB, Fla -- Prizes for pedaling? Bicycling already has a great set of perks: cardiopulmonary exercise, being out in the fresh air, free-wheeling along a scenic route, not to mention getting from one place to another without burning fuel. But May offers the opportunity to get more from your bike riding, says Joan Craft, director of the Health and Wellness Center, who announced MacDill will be joining the Bicycle Commuter Business Challenge. The challenge is a month-long event coinciding with National Bike Month, pitting similarly sized businesses against one another by tracking the miles pedaled to and from work by employees. Bike lights, cyclometers, water bottles, gift certificates and more are on the line for those who top the field. If riders participate in the Bikes on Bus program, the entire trip mileage counts toward the total. There are additional prizes for best photograph and best bike story from the road. "It's really exciting to be involved in the competition," said Ms. Craft. "Everyone has a bicycle in the garage, so pull it out, dust it off and use it." The challenge is being coordinated through TampaBayCycle.com, where participants can sign up; log miles traveled and view the events schedule. There will be a safety skills luncheon and more, with details available on the Web site. A company/military e-mail address must be used when registering. All participants will receive a goodie bag filled with safety information, a road map and other cycling essentials. "It's a beautiful area we live in, so cycling is a great way to enjoy the scenery while getting fit," said Ms. Craft. "I think it will boost morale and there are some wonderful prizes being offered, too."