Q: Can I keep logging #GHCC trips all year?

A: Yes! But not through the Group Health Commute Challenge website.

As Cascade's Commute Challenge drew to a close last week, we received a ton of inquiries from people who enjoyed tracking their miles with us so much that they want to keep doing it all year. And we think that's great. But we're not going to be able to provide year-long trip-logging through our website.

Here’s why: We only have funding to support the Challenge during one month of the year (pssst... donations keep all Cascade programs going strong). We've also heard from participants that the month-long timeframe actually contributes to the success of the program, since it's easier for people to stay engaged over a short period of time.

We feel good knowing that Bike Month helps new bike-commuters get started -- and helps everyone get energized for another year of riding -- and we trust that summer sunshine will keep that momentum going once the month is over.

That said, we recognize that some of you really like tracking your trips. So here are some options for those of you who aren't ready to break the habit:

National Bike Commute Challenge
Scale: Nation-wide
Timeframe: May 1 through Aug. 31
Types of trips: All bike trips (including recreational ones)

Rideshare Online
Scale: Washington state
Timeframe: Year-round
Types of trips: All modes (including transit, carpool, etc.)

Walk Bike Ride Challenge
Scale: Seattle
Timeframe: Year-round, in two-month cycles
Types of trips: All modes (including transit, carpool, etc.)

Tour de Redmond
Scale: Redmond
Timeframe: July 9 through Aug. 31
Types of trips: Bicycle only

Daily Mile
Scale: Everywhere!
Timeframe: Year-round
Types of trips: Workouts (including bicycling, running, swimming, etc.)

There you have it. Best of luck as you venture into other trip-tracking contests and web interfaces -- and please let us know if you discover features that would help us improve the Group Health Commute Challenge for next year.