Bikes and bites

There’s that old urban myth about not eating before you exercise, but in the event of Edible Pedal 100, food and fitness are inextricably linked.

This is the second year of Edible Pedal 100, a community bike ride that raises funds for Rotary Club of Reno Sunrise, which in turn helps support programs like the Urban Roots Garden Classroom. The inaugural event was a success, according to spokesperson Kerry Crawford.

“It went really well last year,” she says. “More than 550 registered cyclists participated. Not much will be changed for this year. The biggest difference is that we’ll have more riders this year. Our target is 1,000 riders this year.”

Participants can choose one of three routes—10 miles, 50 miles or 100 miles. The 10-mile ride is intended to be family friendly, and children under 5 can ride for free. Helmets are mandatory for all participants. The ride begins at 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 16 and cyclists will meet at Bowers Mansion in Washoe Valley. The 10-mile trail will take riders through a tour of the valley on a flat path, and the 50-mile route will up the ante with occasional climbs and views of the local towns and landscape. The century ride—not for the faint of heart—leads cyclists up Kingsbury Grade from the Carson Valley to Lake Tahoe.

“The event is intended to help promote a healthy lifestyle, so some of the routes require training,” says Crawford. “Especially for the hundred mile ride—some people spend a lot of time training for that.”

As its name implies, Edible Pedal is a two-part affair—good riding and good eating. After riders complete the route, a barbecue is held for all participants. Throughout the ride, rest stops provide water and snacks, including gluten-free cookies, hardboiled eggs and potatoes to keep riders fueled. No disposable cups will be available, though, so hold on to your water bottle. Crawford says the event incorporates as much local food as possible.

“I don’t think people realize how much we can grow here,” she says. “We’ll have food from local farmers and ranchers, and a lot of locally grown produce.” This year, Roundabout Catering chef Colin Smith created the menu for the barbecue, developed around seasonable fruits and vegetables. Culinary students studying the local food movement will also participate in the barbecue.

Last year, Crawford says she was pleasantly surprised by the number of participants who had never before joined in on a community ride.

“The energy during the ride is so great,” she says. “People who are just pushing themselves and energizing with other riders, congratulating themselves on completing a significant ride—it’s very exciting and energizing.”

Event organizers recommend wearing layered clothing to accommodate fluctuating temperatures throughout the ride. Bikes should be checked beforehand for tire pressure, as a flat tire can be extremely dangerous, especially on steep mountain trails. Extra helmets will be on hand, and riders should abide by traffic laws.