- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Riding More with Less
by Sam Tracy 19 May '24

19 May '24

Hello ThinkTank, Greetings! Hope you're well. I wanted to let people know about my new book *Riding More with Less*, published 1/23/24 by PM Press. It focuses on resourceful approaches towards fixing the bikes people actually ride, giving space to topics including how to break rust, knowing when it's safe to reuse parts, and more broadly to the many older technologies still in common use. Best of all, the book also features technical insights and commentary from volunteers and mechanics at 34 community bike shops across 4 countries. Great to encounter so many insightful people, through this project -- I learnt a lot, and as I hope you'll agree their voices add quite a bit. Background: I began working as a mechanic in bike shops in 1994, and this is my fourth bike repair manual. It's the second one that I've done with PM Press. More info can be found at the publisher's website here: https://pmpress.org/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1543 Question: I'll be visiting family in the Boston/Cambridge area the second and third weeks of July, and I'm hoping to set up some book events. Would anyone know people at community shops out there whom I might ask about this? Thanks, Sam Tracy

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What do y'all do with old cycling computers?
by Triss Cimò 08 May '24

08 May '24

Hi, all, Our shop's been slowly amassing too many donated old cyclometers (like the old wired ones with spoke-mounted magnets, lots of Cateyes and some Shimanos and other brands). I'm seeing that when they're complete in a box and have all the parts they sometimes sell on eBay, but generally our clientele is not interested in this now obsolete tech. We don't currently have an electronics recycling partner, but I'm worried that looking for a way to recycle these is our only option. Does anyone in this group have wisdom to share on this topic before we go down that route? What have your other shops done with yours? Thanks in advance! -- Triss Cimò* (they/them)* *Crew at The <http://www.thebicycletree.org/>* * Bicycle Tree <http://www.thebicycletree.org/>, Santa Ana, California*

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Biking videos and info for kids
by Marc Ford 08 May '24

08 May '24

Hi folks, Some neighbors are getting together a bike-bus to bike to the local elementary school (up to age 10). The school is cool with it and has asked that there be some kind of unspecified "safety thing". This is all coming together without much notice so all the local organizations that could help are busy. So these neighbors are looking for something to share with the school or parents. I found a couple videos. They are OK but a little preachy. Anyone have anything you've made or like for this? The expectation is that parents are riding with kids, on one lane neighborhood streets. Thanks! Marc

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Phoenix Bikes Hiring for Executive Director
by Emily Gage 04 May '24

04 May '24

Hi Everyone, I've announced I'll be stepping down from my position as Phoenix Bikes' Executive Director at the end of August. I've absolutely loved this role over the past five and a half years and would love to see us find an exceptional person to lead Phoenix Bikes into the future! Phoenix Bikes is an Arlington, Virginia nonprofit that uniquely combines youth educational programs with a full-service bike shop. We pursue a dynamic mission: harnessing the power of bikes to help youth build passion, purpose, and a place in the community. Our incredible supporters—including individual donors, foundations and corporate sponsors, and bike shop customers—make it possible for us to offer our youth programs entirely free of cost and to offer repairs and sales at affordable prices, so that we can serve the underserved in our community. You can learn more about Phoenix Bikes and our work at www.phoenixbikes.org. The Executive Director has overall responsibility for ensuring that programs—both our youth training programs and our community bike shop—are running successfully, executing successful fundraising, managing the financial health and the sustainability of the organization, developing staff, and managing operations. This full-time position manages an annual operating budget of about $700,000 and an outstanding team of five full-time staff and 7-12 part-time staff, supported by over 100 volunteers. Please see our Indeed posting for further details: Phoenix Bikes Executive Director <https://www.indeed.com/job/executive-director-317821f41b17d690?_gl=1*1vkacq…>. *Applications close May 14.* Best, Emily _________________ [image: Phoenix Bikes] <https://www.phoenixbikes.org/> *Emily Gage* Executive Director, Phoenix Bikes www.phoenixbikes.org | emily(a)phoenixbikes.org [image: icon] 909 S. Dinwiddie St. Arlington, VA 22204 <https://maps.google.com/?q=909%20S.%20Dinwiddie%20St.%20Arlington,%20VA%202…> [image: icon] (703) 346-0035

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Now Hiring: Lincoln (Nebraska) Bike Kitchen Executive Director
by Director Lincoln Bike Kitchen 02 May '24

02 May '24

Please spread the word about this job posting. We are looking for a full-time executive director with nonprofit skills who loves bikes! The full posting is available at:https://www.lincolnbikekitchen.org/careers I am also happy to answer any questions about the position as I have been at Lincoln Bike Kitchen for the last 4 months. It truly is a great group of volunteers to work with. Ingrid -- Ingrid Kirst Interim Executive Director Lincoln Bike Kitchen<http://lincolnbikekitchen.org/>

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Youth Bike Summit--Early Bird registration through April 26!
by Kim Schaffer 25 Apr '24

25 Apr '24

Hi all! The 2024 Youth Bike Summit is shaping up to be a fantastic event, and we'd love to have you join us in Allentown this summer. Here are details! Please let me know if you have questions- Kim Calling all youth cyclists! Grab your helmets and head to the Lehigh Valley, PA, for the 2024 Youth Bike Summit, June 14-16 YBS2024 will bring together up to 400 youth riders and their adult advocates from across the country for three days of workshops and rides, all designed to help youth lead through the power of the bicycle. The theme of YBS2024 is Youth Lead the Way, with a focus on youth who have historically been excluded from cycling. YBS2024 will kick off on Friday evening with a welcome reception at races at the Lehigh Valley Velodrome. Saturday will offer a full day of classroom- and ride-based workshops, and will include opportunities for attendees to Try the Track at the Velodrome or participate in a Bikes & Boating adventure. YBS2024 will culminate on Sunday with a Big Ride that will take attendees through Allentown, along the historic D&L trail, and to Bethlehem's iconic SteelStacks. The Youth Bike Summit is led by the National Youth Bike Council and the YBS steering committee, which includes youth bike advocates from across the country. Community Bike Works, a Lehigh Valley-based Earn a Bike organization, will host YBS2024. "YBS fosters connections among youth and adults who are passionate about youth cycling, while it also helps to build leadership skills of students who are the future of our cycling community," said Joshua Funches, President of NYBC. "The Youth Bike Summit is a magical, life-changing gathering for young people who love bikes," CBW Youth Projects Coordinator Avery Daniels said. "This is the 10th Youth Bike Summit and the most authentically youth-led YBS to date. We are so excited to welcome everyone to YBS2024. Come ride with us this June!" The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape, and THE LINK trail network have combined for lead sponsorship of the event. National sponsors include Outride, SRAM, The League of American Bicyclists, Sun Bicycles, and Lees-McRae College - Cycling Studies Minor. Local and Regional sponsors include PPL, The Dexter F. & Dorothy H. Baker Foundation, County of Northampton, the City of Allentown, the Nurture Nature Center, Capital Blue Cross, Discover Lehigh Valley(r), County of Lehigh, Fox & Roach/Trident Charities, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Piscitello Bicycle Law, PNC Bank, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission/Lehigh Valley Transportation Study, and Invest in Women Entrepreneurs. Details on YBS 2024 are available at https://communitybikeworks.org/youth-bike-summit-2024. Early bird registration for the three-day event-including four meals-runs through April 26 is just $80 for youth 24 and under, and $130 for adults over 24. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-youth-bike-summit-tickets-748892747367 ******************************* Kim Schaffer, Executive Director Community Bike Works www.communitybikeworks.org cell: 484.554.8971

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We're Hiring a Mechanics Instructor!
by Emily Gage 22 Apr '24

22 Apr '24

Hi Friends, Our team at Phoenix Bikes <https://www.phoenixbikes.org/> in Arlington, Virginia is growing, and we're adding a part-time Mechanics Instructor/Youth Instructor position. We're seeking candidates who excel at relationship building with youth, are experienced bike mechanics, and thrive in fast-paced environments. This team member would mostly work weekday afternoons and Saturdays, teaching 6th-12th grade youth how to fix bikes! For more information or to apply, please visit the job posting on Indeed here: Phoenix Bikes Mechanics Instructor <https://www.indeed.com/job/mechanics-instructor-8f5fb4d9dccbcdb6>. *Who We Are* Phoenix Bikes is an Arlington, Virginia nonprofit that uniquely combines youth educational programs with a full-service bike shop. We pursue a dynamic mission: harnessing the power of bikes to help youth build passion, purpose, and a place in the community . Warmly, Emily _________________ [image: Phoenix Bikes] <https://www.phoenixbikes.org/> *Emily Gage* Executive Director, Phoenix Bikes www.phoenixbikes.org | emily(a)phoenixbikes.org [image: icon] 909 S. Dinwiddie St. Arlington, VA 22204 <https://maps.google.com/?q=909%20S.%20Dinwiddie%20St.%20Arlington,%20VA%202…> [image: icon] (703) 346-0035

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ebikes
by Todd Spinner 22 Apr '24

22 Apr '24

Our coop, The BIke Project of Urbana-Champaign in Illinois, currently bans electronic or ebikes. There is some pressure to change this policy. What kinds of policies do other coops have in regards to ebikes? Regards, -- Todd Spinner The Bike Project

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Help Old Spokes Home find a new Executive Director
by Jon Copans 18 Apr '24

18 Apr '24

Hi there, Old Spokes Home is a community-supported non-profit bike shop in Burlington Vermont. I am writing to ask for help in spreading the word about the search for a new Executive Director. You can learn more about the organization here <http://www.oldspokeshome.com> And the link to the job posting is here - http://bit.ly/exec-dir-old-spokes-home. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and the deadline to apply is April 30. Thanks, Jon Copans -- (Outgoiing) Executive Director Old Spokes Home <https://www.oldspokeshome.com/> jon(a)oldspokeshome.com <http://www.oldspokeshome.com>

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Bike mechanics lesson plans?
by Nikki Meyer 08 Apr '24

08 Apr '24

Hello all, At Yellow Bike Project we are offering beginner and intermediate adult classes in bike mechanics. We'd like to have lesson plans for all our courses so prospective teachers can use them to organize their thoughts. Right now we have them for all our beginner classes, but need more for the intermediate courses and the guy who teaches them right now is a genius but doesn't want to write down his lesson plans because he says they'll end up being 50 pages long (and we believe it!). Do any of you have pdfs of lesson plans you could send us to work off for ours? Right now we need plans for: - headsets - hubs - cranks and bottom brackets - brakes systems - shifting systems - wheel building If you wouldn't mind sending any materials you have my way, I'd be eternally grateful! Thank you, Nikki Meyer

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