Registration is now open!

Our favorite part of National Bike Month -- May -- has to be Team Bike Challenge.

This month-long contest is the opportunity you've been looking for to help you form a long-term, bike commuting habit.

Already a dedicated bike commuter? Become a team captain to help your co-workers, friends, family, and neighbors get hooked on going by bike. That way, you'll have more two-wheeled company out there on Sonoma County's roads and trails.

It's easy to sign up and tons of fun to participate. Here's how it works:

Form a team of up to five people. Name your team. Register online at http://www.youcanbikethere.com/tbc. Post a picture of your team!

Get ready! If your bike's a little dusty from sitting in the garage, take it to your local bike shop for a tune-up and safety check. Get yourself a bag or bags to carry what you'll need for work, from the store, for your softball game, for your book club. Take a look at a map (we sell a great bike route map here) to plan your first routes and practice the routes when you're not in a hurry.

When May rolls around your team will be itching to pedal. You'll log your rides and miles throughout the month at the Team Bike Challenge website. The three top Sonoma County teams at the end of the month will win prizes and receive recognition at a reception in June. Your team will also be competing against teams from the 9 Bay Area Counties, so your team could be a Regional champion too!

Besides the possibility of prizes and untold glory, you are sure to enjoy the exercise, comaraderie, fresh air, saved money, and other great benefits that come with biking where you need to go.