SPINNING INTO SPRING
BIKE TO WORK WEEK
MAY 16TH - 20TH

Bike to Work is an exciting and fun event which promotes cycling as a form of transportation to the workplace. It celebrates those who commute by bicycle throughout the year and encourages commuters to give cycling to work a try. It also promotes clean air.

Commute Connection is hosting a variety of events and would like to thank local businesses, sponsors and local jurisdictions for their participation. There will be drawings with prizes totaling more than $2,500 to those who pledge to bike or walk to work at least once during Bike to Work Week.

The following is a list of upcoming bicycling events in your community:

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY:
May 16th Lodi Bike to Work Day 11am - 2pm - Postal Plaza, Lodi
May 18th Stockton Bike to Work Day 6:30am - 9:30 am Janet Leigh Plaza
May 19th Tracy Bike to Work Day - Tracy Transit Station - 11am - 2pm
May 28th Mayor's Bike or Hike Event 6:45am - 12pm - UOP DeRosa University Center

STANISLAUS COUNTY:
May 14th Modesto Family Bicycle Event - 10am - 3pm I Street
May 17th Modesto Bike to Work Day - 6:30 am - 8:30 am 10th Street
May 17th California Amgen Tour - Festival hours 11am - 4:30pm

MERCED COUNTY:
May 1st All Merced Road Ride - 9am - Kevin's Bikes
May 7th Monthly Family Ride - 10am - by Organic Family Market
May 20th Bike to Work Day - various locations click to go to link

Bike to Work at least one day during Bike to Work week and be eligible to enter  drawings totaling more than $2,500 in gift cards and other prizes. Prize Eligibility Requirements: Make a pledge by completing a Bike to Work registration form. Your registration will automatically enter you in the drawings. Prizes are as follows: six $250 REI gift cards (two per county) and three "Smart Commuter" gift baskets (one per county). Participating counties are San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced. Gift cards are only good for products or services and may not be "cashed out". For additional information visit our website at www.CommuteConnection.com. Registration is from April 11th thru May 20th.   Sponsors are as follows:

SPRING CAR CARE TIPS

The changing of the seasons is a good time to do a check-up on your car. Below is a list of things that you should check to keep your car running at it's best performance:

1. Check tire pressure ~ It’s crucial to check the air pressure in your tires after weather changes because tire pressure can fluctuate about 1 pound per square inch for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in temperature.

2. Rotate the tires ~ This should be done roughly every 5,000-10,000 miles. Rotating your tires can extend the life of your tires significantly by reducing wear.

3. Change oil and oil filter ~ Check your owners manual and keep to their recommendation. Typically a standard oil and oil filter change should be done every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. 

4. Change the air filter ~ Your car’s air filter prevents dust and other debris from getting into the engine’s running parts, meaning less efficient use of gas and weaker engine performance.

5. Check the belts and hoses ~ Winter weather takes a toll on your car’s belts and hoses making them more likely to break. Visibly inspect them for wear. Replace glazed or frayed belts or bulging hoses.

6 - Check the coolant level ~ With a cold engine, the radiator should be completely full and the coolant level in the remote reservoir should be at or above the “cold” level marking. Have the system flushed and refilled with fresh coolant at the interval specified in the vehicle owner’s manual.

7 - Inspect the brake fluid level ~ If the level has fallen below the “low” mark on the fluid reservoir, it usually indicates major brake wear or a leak somewhere in the system; have the brakes inspected as soon as possible.

8 - Check battery and plugs ~ Make sure battery posts and connections are clean. Spark plugs fire as many as 3 million times every 1,000 miles.

9 - Prepare the interior surfaces and upholstery of your car for more sun exposure ~ Use a good leather protector to avoid any cracking on leather seats and invest in a product that will help avoid fading cloth interiors.