The Community Says:
Charmaine lives & breathes cycling. She is a long-distance all-weather bike commuter - 32 miles RT between her Mount Vernon home & DC office. She incorporates errands into her commute & weekend rides. She is a regular participant in local rides (eg, 50 States, Swedish Blueberry). She vacations by bike; last year across upstate NY and, to celebrate a birthday milestone, the Danube River Valley; this year in a cycling Mecca - Portland OR
Charmaine was featured in Patrick Smith’s documentary “Pedaling Lives” on individuals in the local cycling community.
Inspiration: "For one, the GREAT bike path system in this area! :) It makes it VERY easy to get around to many towns, and also works well with the Metro system - as the bike paths aren't too far from the Metro stations. I lived in northern California for a number of years, and one BIG reason I moved back to my home area here is the bike paths - I really missed them - not many towns have this great system! We are very fortunate. And for the Park Service and other agencies that maintain them, that helps a ton too. There's nothing worse than a bike path in disrepair or poor shape.... :("
"I try to inspire my friends, family and co-workers, to consider biking as a viable option in getting around. So many people just get in their car to go short distances... Lots of people need a lot more exercise in their life. Their lives are so hectic and stressful, and their health deteriorates as a result. Exercising by biking is a great way to reduce these negatives forces."
Charmaine serves the cycling community: as 4 of July bike valet for WABA, starting & planning routes monthly for a ride club, and transporting donated bikes for Bikes for the World. In response to news on someone cycling across the country to attend the Obama inauguration, she hosted a contingent of 9 cyclists, who attracted major media attention. She would have continued assisting BftW, but in 2008 made the ultimate sacrifice (as far as our car-oriented society is concerned); she donated her pick-up to benefit WABA & receive a lifetime ZipCar membership
"I started up the DC Bike Friday Club (folding bike club) a few years ago - to try and get folding bike enthusiasts and others, to take time out to relax and enjoy rides in VA, MD and DC. The Club is a social club - we do easy-going (not hammering away) rides, stopping to enjoy sights along the way, get to know our fellow club members, and check out various restaurants in the area to enjoy. In this electronic age, it's good to get outside and get some FRESH AIR, meet others, see new sights, and be invigorated. :) I like to explore new areas and bring other people to enjoy also."
- Judge's comments:
- "Charmaine lives it. There's the killer commute, the vacations on which she bikes more, but most important that she gave up her car. Charmaine proves you can live a decent life in the suburbs without a car."
- "She rides routinely for her commute as well as for fun. Further, she is successful in her efforts to highlight the benefits of cycling and she uses cycling to build community."
