ORP Cycling Team Places Third in Challenge

RICHLAND, Wash. – Four EM Office of River Protection employees peddled for the annual Federal Bike Challenge, logging an impressive 1,375 miles and taking third place out of 200 teams. The ORP team “The Isotopes,” which included James McCormick-Barger, Benjamin Crock, Layne Papenfuss and David Garcia (pictured), also placed second in DOE for average trips per rider. The challenge encourages bicycle riding, especially to replace automobile use. Participants recorded trips greater than .10 miles between home and work, to the park, store and other places two wheels take the riders. McCormick-Barger logged the most trips of The Isotopes with 46, followed by Papenfuss with 45. McCormick-Barger also biked the most miles of the team with 434.5 miles total, followed by Crock at 377.8. The challenge fosters awareness of the benefits of cycling, such as increasing cardiovascular fitness, decreasing body fat levels, reducing stress and helping the environment.