Back in the saddle

After a smoky start to the summer, the air has cleared – well at least enough to redo Durango’s annual Clean Commute Week. Festivities are as follows:

• Pedal vs. Metal Challenge, 12 noon, Tues., Aug. 21 - The annual test of man or woman against machine will leave from the Transit Center at high noon. Participants on bikes, motorcycles, foot or in cars will face off to see who can complete a set of errands around town the fastest, before ending back at the Transit Center. Friendly wagers encouraged.

• Bike to Work Day, 7 – 9 a.m., Wed., Aug. 22 - Main Avenue in front of Animas Chocolate Co. or Three Springs in front of Mercy Regional Medical Center. Stop by either station (or both if you’re a real honch) to pick up your free T-shirt and listen to live music while enjoying Desert Sun coffee, and sundry snacks from Clif Bar, Bread, Animas Chocolate Co. and more. As if that’s not fabulous enough there will also be drawings for fabulous prizes.

• Love Your Commute Celebration, 5 – 7 p.m., Thurs., Aug 23, Ska Brewing - The culmination of Clean Commute Week features awards for the winners of the Business Commuter Challenge and the Commuter of the Year. And, of course, food, beer and lots of C-clips.

Speaking of the Commuter of the Year, shout out to Paul Madonna, who rides his bike to work and for errands around town to the tune of nearly 3,000 miles a year. For him, the commute has myriad benefits, which incidentally might come in handy after the Ska fest. "I like riding to clear my mind before work and to mellow out after work,” he says. “It also keeps my belly in check.”

And, for those hoping to make the quadfecta with Float to Work Day on Fri., Aug. 24, details were murky, if you’ll pardon the pun. We say go for it – the boss will approve, as long as you deflate the giant unicorn before bringing it into the office.