Week 2 Challenge Recap: 20,000 Riders and Counting

Just two weeks in, we’re already on track to far exceed our goal of 50,000 riders in the National Bike Challenge. And the team spirit is strong in the Endomondo virtual locker room, as pedalers across the country trade advice, share their stories and provide encouragement to their fellow cyclists.

If you haven’t already, join the network of 20,000 riders — register for the National Challenge today!

So who’s on top this week?

• Leonard Wright is still in the lead among individuals as he logged multiple century rides in a single week, leading some to wonder: Has the Florida retiree discovered the Fountain of Youth? Of course, he’s not alone: The “Retired” team is making waves, rising to third place among workplaces.

• Joining Trek (still #1 among all workplaces), major corporations like Ingersoll Rand, Facebook, Texas Instruments and, of course, Kimberly-Clark are putting in impressive efforts that have landed them in the Top 10, too.

• Universities are making a strong showing, as well, with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Nebraska, Temple University, Carnegie Mellon and the University of Vermont all ranking among the Top 20 workplaces.

• Speaking of Vermont, they’re still in the top spot among states, extending their lead over Wisconsin and Nebraska. And, at least this week, Georgia is edging out South Carolina in the friendly Georga-lina throw-down.

• The Hawkeye State is also stretching its wings with cities like Iowa City, Ames and Council Bluffs creeping up the communities’ ladder thanks to inspiring individual efforts from Iowans like Jamie Shea from Cedar Rapids (who’s number #2, just behind Wright) and the leading female rider, Cindy Dodd, in Cedar Falls.

But more important than stats or scoreboards, the Challenge is creating community and providing encouragement.

As Michael L noted on the comments this week: This national challenge has been a godsend for me. Riding is all I think about. I’m so proud of myself for doing what I’ve done in these past 10 days and can’t wait to see where the next few months.

Keep on logging those miles!