October 2012 - TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Webhosting/domains
by Bike City 24 Mar '25

24 Mar '25

Well, I recently threw together some hand-written HTML and slapped it onto a free (and ad-less) webhost. This seemed great at first, regardless of the weird URL. But after lots of other publicity and potential traffic, I've seen it get hacked twice (by a radical Islamic group after the whole host, nothing personal), and lately it's either painfully slow to load or completely down. So, I haven't done this for about a decade and I'm out of the loop. I'm really not willing to suffer any ads, but since our budgeted is obcenely limited for such fluff, does anyone have recommendations? Are there any more reliable ad-free free hosts? (Probably not, for obvious reasons.) Otherwise, how do you guys handle web hosting? How much does it cost? What's a good balance between reliable and affordable? How much is domain registration nowadays? We don't have our 501(c)(3) status yet so we won't get a deal until later this year, by the way. Anyway, please help. It's rough to find time to FTP an update and find the site's down. Thanks, andrea Bike City Recyclery of Fayetteville, Arkansas http://bikecity.uuuq.com/ (hahaha)

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no boys allowed zine from bikebike?
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 27 Sep '18

27 Sep '18

hey all, i'm looking to get in touch with the person who wrote/published the "no boys allowed" zine which was passed out at bikebike in san francisco. it was part of one of the oppression and gender identity issues workshops. we're looking to start a women's night here at community cycles, and i'd like to scan my copy as a pdf and email it to potential volunteers, as well as make some copies to have in the shop... if you're on the list, or if you know the person who wrote it (her name escapes me), please get in touch with me off list... thanks! josh. community cycles boulder

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How to Teach "Hands-off"
by Geoff Heath 02 Apr '13

02 Apr '13

I think I put this request out 6 months ago but I figure I'll try again; Anyone have notes from the Bikebike 2010 workshop "how to teach hands off"? I'm making a document on teaching in the bike shop and would love to know what happened in said workshop. Thanks! -- *Geoff Heath*, Mechanical Director The Winnipeg Repair Education N' Cycling Hub 1057 Logan Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3E 3N8 www.TheWrench.ca

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Is there a collective in New Orleans?
by Jonathan Morrison 06 Dec '12

06 Dec '12

Email me if you know of one. -- Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Project Coordinator Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective 2312 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84115 w: 801-328-2453 c: 801-688-0183 f: 801-466-3856 www.slcbikecollective.org

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Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toronto?
by Geoffrey Bercarich 04 Nov '12

04 Nov '12

I would like to ask a formal question ? Would anyone be interested in attending a bike conference in Feb 15th in Toronto Canada that consists of educational workshops, forums, and discussions on topics ranging from wheel building, consensus decision-making, gender dynamics, and of course, how to make a community bike space and cyclists survive through winter. All workshops will be presented and facilitated by attendees. *Please reply with interest so we can gauge interest.*

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Assembling List of Student/University Bike Collectives and Advocacy Groups
by Ryan Feller 04 Nov '12

04 Nov '12

Hello Think Tank, I am assembling a list of student/university bike collectives and advocacy groups, hoping that by organizing and learning from each other and from outside experts, we can multiply our efforts to increase bicycle use. Does anyone know of any bicycling-related student groups, or individual students with an interest in bicycle advocacy? I am also interested in environmental and public transit-related groups. -- Ryan Feller Transit and Bicycle Coordinator New College of Florida '15 (941) 894-4333

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Storing Bikes near a Pipe Organ
by Henry Dunbar 02 Nov '12

02 Nov '12

Okay, this is an odd one, but I'll ask it anyway: Anyone have experience storing bikes near a pipe organ and if so, do the bikes make any noise due to the vibration? I ask b/c we're considering working with a local church to give away a bunch of little kid bikes around the holidays. The pastor says I can store them in the choir loft until the event in December, but the choir director has concerns that they'll make noise (i.e. vibrating spokes) because they'll literally be right next to the huge pipe organ. I suppose it's possible, but told them I honestly didn't know and would check in with this astute body to see if anyone has first hand knowledge of a situation like this. My guess is we won't know until we get them in there. Anybody? Henry Phoenix Bikes Arlington, VA

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Private Bike Repair Lessons?
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 31 Oct '12

31 Oct '12

I'm available for one on one instruction. Members can exchange work credits for tutelage or they can pay cash. I also teach a free basic bike repair class. Later, there will be an advanced class; for that there will be a tuition fee Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Rich Points" <director(a)communitycycles.org> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Private Bike Repair Lessons? Date: Wed, Oct 31, 2012 13:31 Hey All, We're playing with the idea of offering private bike repair sessions. This would be for folks who already have a bike and don't qualify EAB and would like more guidance/instruction working on their bikes. We have a membership which gives you access to the shop and tools but not necessarily and instructor. Private lessons would help us fill this gap. Are any of you guys doing this? Would love to hear your experience. Questions 2hrs? - 3hrs? Scheduling? Cost to participants? Staffing/Volunteering Promoting Ride On! -- -- Rich Points http://communitycycles.org Executive Director (c)303-589-0597 (w)720-565-6019 Community Cycles is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/CommunityCycles

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Private Bike Repair Lessons?
by Rich Points 31 Oct '12

31 Oct '12

Hey All, We're playing with the idea of offering private bike repair sessions. This would be for folks who already have a bike and don't qualify EAB and would like more guidance/instruction working on their bikes. We have a membership which gives you access to the shop and tools but not necessarily and instructor. Private lessons would help us fill this gap. Are any of you guys doing this? Would love to hear your experience. Questions - 2hrs? - 3hrs? - Scheduling? - Cost to participants? - Staffing/Volunteering - Promoting Ride On! -- -- Rich Points http://communitycycles.org Executive Director (c)303-589-0597 (w)720-565-6019 Community Cycles is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/CommunityCycles

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Getting started
by Harold Schreckengost 27 Oct '12

27 Oct '12

Hey, everyone! For next spring, the owners of the LBS and I are hoping to have a co-op together. Preferably by late March or early April. What, as far as tools, fixtures, etc, will we need? And what will we need for paperwork, record-keeping, etc? (We're in Pennsylvania, by the way, if that matters much) The more detailed you can be, the better, and the more I will owe you. Any help I can get from you guys would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Harold Schreckengost

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toron to?
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 26 Oct '12

26 Oct '12

Ohio does not issue enhanced driver licenses Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "summitcyclingcenter(a)yahoo.com" <summitcyclingcenter(a)yahoo.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toron to? Date: Fri, Oct 26, 2012 07:54 Interesting! I'll check Ohio BMV. THANKS Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Matt Brittenham" <mattface(a)gmail.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toronto? Date: Thu, Oct 25, 2012 08:20 If your state offers an enhanced drivers license, that is a slightly less expensive, and quicker alternative to a passport for crossing the canada border. In VT it took less than 10 days to get an enhanced ID, and costs $25 on top of the regular drivers license fee. They also do Non-Driver ID. On Oct 25, 2012, at 8:16 AM, summitcyclingcenter(a)yahoo.com wrote:I would attend but for two limitations-the passport requirement and February is at the bottom of the income cycle. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Geoffrey Bercarich" <geoff.bercarich(a)gmail.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toronto? Date: Wed, Oct 24, 2012 22:39 I would like to ask a formal question ? Would anyone be interested in attending a bike conference in Feb 15th in Toronto Canada that consists of educational workshops, forums, and discussions on topics ranging from wheel building, consensus decision-making, gender dynamics, and of course, how to make a community bike space and cyclists survive through winter. All workshops will be presented and facilitated by attendees. Please reply with interest so we can gauge interest. _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toronto?
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 26 Oct '12

26 Oct '12

Interesting! I'll check Ohio BMV. THANKS Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Matt Brittenham" <mattface(a)gmail.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toronto? Date: Thu, Oct 25, 2012 08:20 If your state offers an enhanced drivers license, that is a slightly less expensive, and quicker alternative to a passport for crossing the canada border. In VT it took less than 10 days to get an enhanced ID, and costs $25 on top of the regular drivers license fee. They also do Non-Driver ID. On Oct 25, 2012, at 8:16 AM, summitcyclingcenter(a)yahoo.com wrote:I would attend but for two limitations-the passport requirement and February is at the bottom of the income cycle. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Geoffrey Bercarich" <geoff.bercarich(a)gmail.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toronto? Date: Wed, Oct 24, 2012 22:39 I would like to ask a formal question ? Would anyone be interested in attending a bike conference in Feb 15th in Toronto Canada that consists of educational workshops, forums, and discussions on topics ranging from wheel building, consensus decision-making, gender dynamics, and of course, how to make a community bike space and cyclists survive through winter. All workshops will be presented and facilitated by attendees. Please reply with interest so we can gauge interest. _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toronto?
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 25 Oct '12

25 Oct '12

I would attend but for two limitations-the passport requirement and February is at the bottom of the income cycle. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Geoffrey Bercarich" <geoff.bercarich(a)gmail.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toronto? Date: Wed, Oct 24, 2012 22:39 I would like to ask a formal question ? Would anyone be interested in attending a bike conference in Feb 15th in Toronto Canada that consists of educational workshops, forums, and discussions on topics ranging from wheel building, consensus decision-making, gender dynamics, and of course, how to make a community bike space and cyclists survive through winter. All workshops will be presented and facilitated by attendees. Please reply with interest so we can gauge interest.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Tricks of the Trade- unbending an axle
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 24 Oct '12

24 Oct '12

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Tricks of the Trade- Hub Adjustments
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 24 Oct '12

24 Oct '12

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unbending an axle?
by Bob Giordano 24 Oct '12

24 Oct '12

Points well-taken Josh. I've been looking on-line and found this from Park: ---------- "If inspecting axle, roll axle on flat surface... Bent axles cannot be re-bent. A new axle is required" http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/hub-overhaul-and-adjustment ---------- Other axle thoughts? veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com wrote: > hammering an axle straight while it's still in the hub? not trying to stir > up an argument, but i think you're just as likely to damage the cones as you are to straighten the axle this way. to say nothing of making the bearings out of round in a quick manner. if the axle is bent enough to matter, chances are the inside guts, bearings, cones, cups are going to need inspection anyway. > On Tue, Oct 23, 2012 at 2:12 PM, Bob Giordano <mist(a)strans.org> wrote: >> When you hear a hammer in a community shop it is worth a quick look to ensure there is a real need for that type of tool. >> One good use of a hammer is to get an axle 90% straighter, by rolling the >> axle back and forth with one hand and delivering a moderate blow to the bent side with your other hand (hold the rim against your chest, perpendicular), when it is obvious the bent part of the axle is in the 'up' position. >> Deliver the blow to the axle nut- which must be on the bent side- so you >> do not damage threads. Not the best method, as slight damage can be done >> to the cone and/or bearing, yet for many bikes it is good enough and sure >> beats full axle replacement. >> Bent axles almost always occur on the drive side of a rear wheel (where the most torque is applied during riding probably). >> -Bob Giordano >> -- >> Free Cycles Missoula >> Shop: 732 S. 1st St. West, 541.7284 >> 12PM-6PM Mon-Sat >> Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation >> www.strans.org, mist(a)strans.org, 406-880-6834

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Liability waiver
by wormsign＠gmail.com 23 Oct '12

23 Oct '12

ill copy paste it when i get to an actual computer. We believe it to be bullet proof but it hasnt been legally challenged. It is based on a liability waiver used by disney world for teaching swimming to 8 year olds and has additions that reflect our space and policy. Its efficacy would be dependent on your local regulations as well. I'll send it as a guideline though, you can fill in your own details and use it of you wish but ideally youd have a local lawyer and your insurer review it. Geoffrey Bercarich <geoff.bercarich(a)gmail.com> wrote: >Can I get to see the bike o wave waiver. I heard it was bullet proof. >Anyone? >On Oct 23, 2012 11:51 AM, "Jonathan Morrison" <jonathan.morrison(a)gmail.com> >wrote: > >> Each insurance company may require specific language to transform a piece >> of paper into something of legal significance. In other words, this is a >> question for your insurance company. >> >> On Tuesday, October 23, 2012, Froilan Landeros wrote: >> >>> Heys, >>> >>> Last week, someone that visited our shop during Open Shop got into an >>> accident because their wheel came loose. Turns out they were working on >>> said wheel during our shop time. >>> >>> They are okay now but were seriously injured from the accident. >>> We started talking about training volunteers better to do 'checks' before >>> peopel leave the shop. We are also considering having liability waivers. >>> Does anyone have an example of a waiver that we could build off of? Does >>> it need to be very details or can it just be..."By signing below I accept >>> the responsibility..."etc etc. >>> >>> Thanks. >>> >> >> >> -- >> Sincerely, >> >> Jonathan Morrison >> c: 801-688-0183 >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >> To unsubscribe, send a blank email to >> TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org >> To manage your subscription, plase visit: >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >> >> > >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org >To manage your subscription, plase visit: >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Tricks of the Trade
by Andrew Burnell 23 Oct '12

23 Oct '12

Good morning, Lately, many of our kids have been coming in and requesting that we share a "trick of the trade" with them to help them in their bike repair/learning. Many of them have spent time on YouTube and searching the web for pro mechanics tricks and creative bike repair tricks. Could you add your tricks of the trade to our list? Here is what we have thus far: 1. Use WD-40 with steel wool to remove rust from your bike. Be careful when using this method on rims- or be sure to clean your bike very well before riding it after using this method. Oily breaking surface = no breaks! 2. For rust removal, rub the part with aluminum foil dipped in vinegar. 3. When you put the seat back on, pull a piece of string taught from the center rear of the seat to the center of your steer tube. This is much more precise than "eyeballing" it. 4. Use old spoke nipples as cable ends, just slide the nipple over the cable end, shank end first, squeeze the nipple shank with the wire cutting jaws of a pair of pliers (gently) to fix to the cable then nip off the head of the nipple with the wire cutters. 5. If you have a bent derailleur hanger, find an old, worthless hub axle with the same thread pitch, thread it into the hanger, and use as a lever to bend it back. Be careful not to strip threads or snap the hanger. 6. When you are attaching your cleats to your shoes, especially with MTB shoes, fill the hex holes with melted wax (just drip it off a candle). Then, when it's time to tighten/adjust/replace your cleats all you have to do is melt the wax out with a lighter rather than spend 10mins chipping out 2 years' worth of well packed clay. 7. When trying to remove a stripped hex bolt try gently tapping your hex wrench into the bolt and then loosening the stripped bolt-call it Andy's trick. You may also try using a rubber band at the end of the hex wrench. 8. When installing pedals, just remember that the right pedal goes in the "right way" and the left pedal is not "right". 9. Use a pair of spanners to hold grip tape in place when taping your bars. 10. Use fourth hand tool to tighten zip ties. 11. Use steel file on the ends of brake housing to give your work a nice professional touch. Andrew Andrew Burnell, Volunteer and Program Director Community Bicycle Center Shop: 284 Hill Street, Biddeford, ME 04005 Mail: P.O. Box 783, Biddeford, ME 04005 207-282-9700 (shop) <http://www.communitybike.net> www.communitybike.net

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Youth Metrics Data Management
by Henry Dunbar 23 Oct '12

23 Oct '12

I'm a new (6 months) director of Phoenix Bikes, the youth shop in Arlington, VA. Was wondering how other shops track and measure youth time and progress as they go through your programs. I'm specifically interested in what software you use that can generate decent reports and spreadsheets. I looked in the Wiki but didn't see this topic addressed. Henry Dunbar Phoenix Bikes

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Liability waiver
by Froilan Landeros 23 Oct '12

23 Oct '12

Heys, Last week, someone that visited our shop during Open Shop got into an accident because their wheel came loose. Turns out they were working on said wheel during our shop time. They are okay now but were seriously injured from the accident. We started talking about training volunteers better to do 'checks' before peopel leave the shop. We are also considering having liability waivers. Does anyone have an example of a waiver that we could build off of? Does it need to be very details or can it just be..."By signing below I accept the responsibility..."etc etc. Thanks.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] TigreBici
by Mariposa.obsidiana 21 Oct '12

21 Oct '12

Hola desde San Antonio Tejas Hemos empezado aqui en San Antonio con la BiciCocina, trabajando con ninos en un barrio de bajos recursos reparando a sus bicicletas. Estamos en el proceso de convencer al distrito escolar urbano tomar nuestra programa para que este en la escuelas secundarias. Nos gustaría intercambiar ideas con ustedes porque queremos promover la cultura saludable por parte de la bicicocina pero tambien la comida saludable en una zona cultural muy similar a ustedes. Hello from San Antonio Texas We have started a bicycle kitchen, BiciCocina, here working with low income kids learning how to repair their bikes. We are in the process of trying to convince the Urban school district here to take it on so that we can spread to different schools. We would like to exchange ideas with you all because we want to promote a healthy culture through the bicicocina and also a healthy diet in a cultural regional very similar to yours. Thanks! Judit Vega Enviado de Samsung Mobile -------- Original message -------- Subject: [TheThinkTank] TigreBici From: Tigre Bici <bici.uanl(a)gmail.com> To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org CC: ¡Hola a todos! Solo queremos presentarnos ya que por fin hemos decidido suscribirnos a esta herramienta que nos parece maravillosa. Somos TigreBici una plataforma universitaria que busca la inclusión de métodos alternos de transporte dentro de los diferentes campus de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) y eventualmente queremos contar con nuestro taller comunitario ciclista donde no solo la comunidad universitaria, si no la comunidad en general tenga un espacio para aprender a arreglar si bici, la pueda arreglar y se pueda crear comunidad, universitaria como en general, alrededor de la bici. Aún estamos digiriendo toda la información que encontramos en la página, que por cierto es muy buena, y una vez que se discuta si tenemos dudas estaremos poniendo en contacto con ustedes. Quedamos a sus ordenes para cualquier duda, comentario o lo que sea. Un gusto saludarlos y a seguir pedaleando! Raquel Treviño -TigreBici. Hi everyone, we just want to introduce ourselves to this amazing tool we just suscribe to. We are TigreBici a university platafform that looks to implement alternative transportation methods inside all campuses of Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) and hopefully a community bicycle workshop that allows every student and people in general to learn how to fix a bike, fix it and create community around the university and general public using the bicycle. We are still digesting all the information available on te page and once we have read and discuss all the new information we have if we have questions we will emailing you again. If you have questions, comments or anything we are at your service. A pleasure to greet you all and keep pedaling! Raquel Treviño -TigreBici

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TigreBici
by Tigre Bici 19 Oct '12

19 Oct '12

¡Hola a todos! Solo queremos presentarnos ya que por fin hemos decidido suscribirnos a esta herramienta que nos parece maravillosa. Somos TigreBici una plataforma universitaria que busca la inclusión de métodos alternos de transporte dentro de los diferentes campus de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) y eventualmente queremos contar con nuestro taller comunitario ciclista donde no solo la comunidad universitaria, si no la comunidad en general tenga un espacio para aprender a arreglar si bici, la pueda arreglar y se pueda crear comunidad, universitaria como en general, alrededor de la bici. Aún estamos digiriendo toda la información que encontramos en la página, que por cierto es muy buena, y una vez que se discuta si tenemos dudas estaremos poniendo en contacto con ustedes. Quedamos a sus ordenes para cualquier duda, comentario o lo que sea. Un gusto saludarlos y a seguir pedaleando! Raquel Treviño -TigreBici. Hi everyone, we just want to introduce ourselves to this amazing tool we just suscribe to. We are TigreBici a university platafform that looks to implement alternative transportation methods inside all campuses of Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) and hopefully a community bicycle workshop that allows every student and people in general to learn how to fix a bike, fix it and create community around the university and general public using the bicycle. We are still digesting all the information available on te page and once we have read and discuss all the new information we have if we have questions we will emailing you again. If you have questions, comments or anything we are at your service. A pleasure to greet you all and keep pedaling! Raquel Treviño -TigreBici

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Re: [TheThinkTank] New community cycleworks need top tips!
by Mattbc 19 Oct '12

19 Oct '12

Thanks. Life Cycles - for all your cycling needs. Tel: 07966366762. -------- Original message -------- Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] New community cycleworks need top tips! From: veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> CC: Matt, the Community Bike Shop Directory is a list of about 200 organizations who have submitted their info, including some who have posted their mission statements. you can view this document here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0Ar4uqyu2es-YdEVvMWFNVDlyRm8wQ2… you'll want to scroll to the right, all the way to column AC to see the mission statements, but hopefully the ones which are posted will help. On Fri, Oct 19, 2012 at 8:14 AM, Matt Beale-Collins <mattbc(a)hotmail.com> wrote: Hi can someone point me to a really good mission statement please for a community cycleworks. We are a newly funded project in South London with a view to becoming a social enterprise with a five year business plan. Very excited and a bit daunted. Recycling, training, Dr Bike, group rides etc. Thanks Matt BC From: vanslyke.matthew(a)gmail.com Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2012 07:30:20 -0400 To: garethpritchard(a)shaw.ca; thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org CC: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] New community cycleworks need top tips! Thank you all so much for your insight and advice, it is very encouraging. Keep it coming! Matt V. On Oct 17, 2012, at 3:33 PM, <garethpritchard(a)shaw.ca> wrote: Regarding the comment regarding the seasonality of bike sales, we find that the winter is the time when we have the time to train our group, and build up our inventory of prepared bikes for the spring. We are not a true bike collective in as much as our main thrust is tend mountain bikes to Africa, but the refurbishing and sales (inexpensively!) of donated 10 speeds and roadsters (not suitable for use in rural Africa) are an important source of funding for us. We also donate some of the refurbished bikes to needy locals on occasion. Gareth Pritchard, Chair, Bicycles for Humanity Thunder Bay. ----- Original Message ----- From: Jonathan Morrison To: The Think Tank Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 3:21 PM Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] New community cycleworks need top tips! 1) Start with the right founders that BELIEVE in your mission statement. Make sure you have people interested in the harder / boring stuff like accounting and legal work. Other nice to haves would be people with graphic design, technology and business skills. Mechanical skills seem like a logical one too, but realistically mechanics trained by for-profits either don't know how or have trouble working on less expensive bikes and not turning the people away that right them as they would in a for-profit. In Utah our best mechanics have started out as volunteers (believers) before they worked in a for-profit, some of our worst experiences were with "frustrated" for-profit trained mechanics. 2) Don't reinvent the wheel. You are a business. You are a bike shop. You are a non-profit/social enterprise. Accept those facts earlier and you will be able to help more people sooner (per your mission statement). If anything you just add a special twist to those models, which means there are plenty of tried and true systems and methods you should just adopt/steal from the start. Get an accounting system (quickbooks online), get a point of sale system (quickbooks pos), get a volunteer hour system, PAY for a shop space, hire staff to make sure the harder / boring stuff gets done and done on-time, get insurance, file all the necessary legal paperwork, keep money in a safe when it doesn't need to be out. THEN focus on fixing bikes. AKA eat your dinner before your dessert. 3) The mission statement is your guiding light. Make sure it is a good one. It should give you an easy way to say "NO" to energy detracting ideas, that while they may be bike related, are not central to your mission. As you grow, so will your capacity to entertain those ideas, but for starters, pick a few programs/projects close to your mission and do them really well. Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Executive Director Bicycle Collective 2312 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84115 w: 801-328-2453 c: 801-688-0183 f: 801-466-3856 www.bicyclecollective.org The mission of the Bicycle Collective is to promote cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and as a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households. On Wed, Oct 17, 2012 at 12:41 PM, Anibal Davila <info(a)bikesauce.org> wrote: Josh's number 3 point is essential. Especially if your open hours are going to divide your core members. If you can afford to, start with fewer hours and then ramp up. Just so all your early members are working together and its easy to work things out as they happen, rather than at a weekly, or monthly meeting. and... (this is an odd one) eat together. have a weekly dinner, or lunch, for everyone at the shop. spending time together without an immediate bicycle-purpose is huge. You will retain volunteers better, they will work better together, and little grievances will get worked out without even trying. Anibal. BikeSauce, Toronto. On Wed, Oct 17, 2012 at 2:27 PM, Matt VanSlyke <vanslyke.matthew(a)gmail.com> wrote: These are great tips, particularly since I'm in the "exploratory phase" of starting a community shop here in New York state. We have a few good models, obviously one of them being Troy/Albany. Bicycling and bicycle retail in NY is somewhat seasonal, but I wonder if the work of community bike shops is too. I assume the answer I'll hear is "I wish I could take a break in the winter..." But maybe not. Is this a seasonal operation for those of you in the snow belt? Matt V. On Oct 17, 2012, at 12:57 PM, Nancy Stimson <freewheelinbikes(a)gmail.com> wrote: I would make funding a director a really, really high priority. Nancy Stimson, Executive Director Freewheelin' Community Bikes 3355 Central Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46205 http://www.freewheelinbikes.org Earn-a-Bike program: 317-431-7951 mailto:nancystimson@freewheelinbikes.org Retail shop: Phone: 926-5440 Hours: 10-6, Tuesday-Friday, 10-4 on Saturday CLOSED Sunday and Monday On Oct 17, 2012, at 7:24 AM, Stewart Vanns <stewartvanns(a)gmail.com> wrote: Hi, We are in the process of setting up a community cycle project in south east London, Uk. I just wondered if you guys & gals could pop down 3 top tips you learnt in your set up phase to help us avoid the common pitfalls. We are planning to build a not for profit enterprise, with a 5 year business plan, focusing on recycling donated bikes, repairing bikes and doing this with young people and young adults. The bikes will be given to trainees or sold very cheaply to local residents of low income. We also plan to do outreach work at local schools to educate children in basic cycle maintenance. We have funding, a venue and a steady flow of interested people. Thanks in advance, Stewart Burgess community cycleworks. _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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New community cycleworks need top tips!
by Stewart Vanns 19 Oct '12

19 Oct '12

Hi, We are in the process of setting up a community cycle project in south east London, Uk. I just wondered if you guys & gals could pop down 3 top tips you learnt in your set up phase to help us avoid the common pitfalls. We are planning to build a not for profit enterprise, with a 5 year business plan, focusing on recycling donated bikes, repairing bikes and doing this with young people and young adults. The bikes will be given to trainees or sold very cheaply to local residents of low income. We also plan to do outreach work at local schools to educate children in basic cycle maintenance. We have funding, a venue and a steady flow of interested people. Thanks in advance, Stewart Burgess community cycleworks.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Waivers - English and French
by scott＠gknightride.org 18 Oct '12

18 Oct '12

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