December 2012 - TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Ride Somewhere Far
by Claire Bangser 04 Dec '12

04 Dec '12

Hi Think Tankers - I have recently co-written and published a book called *Ride Somewhere Far: The Adventurer's Guide to Mindful Bike Touring<http://www.lulu.com/shop/claire-bangser-and-brandon-hill/ride-somewhere-far…> *. It's a guidebook for new cyclists interested in using their bicycle as a vehicle for discovering, learning from, and creating the world they wish to live in. It combines personal narrative with practical touring advice and relevant resources for the aspiring two-wheeled traveler. Our project (called The Wise Routes Project<http://wiseroutes.wordpress.com>) leading into publishing this book has been super DIY. As recent college grads, we raised funds through a Kickstarter campaign<http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beehill/the-wise-routes-project>(and outside donations) last year that funded book planning/research during our 3 month bike tour down the Pacific coast. All of the time that has gone into creating the book has been completely volunteer, including the writing, illustrations, 12 young cyclist "journal" contributions, and the help of 4 excellent volunteer editors from the cycling and alternative education spheres. We've self-published the book on Lulu's online marketplace<http://www.lulu.com/shop/claire-bangser-and-brandon-hill/ride-somewhere-far…>and now we'd love your help spreading the word to anyone you think might be interested in checking it out. It is specifically written for a young audience, first time tourers with no assumed cycling experience who may want to use a tour to create cool projects or deepen their studies. If you'd like to pick up a copy (only $12!), you can find it online here<http://www.lulu.com/shop/claire-bangser-and-brandon-hill/ride-somewhere-far…> and if you'd like to buy a bulk order (for your bike shop!), send me an email and we can arrange a discount. Thanks in advance for helping us get our book into the right hands and for being the source of so much cool information during this research and writing process. Happy tailwinds, Claire PS- Sorry if this is a repeat message. I'm not sure if the first one went through! -- *Claire Bangser* cjbangser(a)gmail.com clairebangser.com wiseroutes.wordpress.com LIKE The Wise Routes Project on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheWiseRoutesProject

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Studies on adult personal & economic self-sufficiency
by jonny b 03 Dec '12

03 Dec '12

Does any have any leads on community bike shop impact studies on adult personal & economic self-sufficiency. Thanks! -- John Barrett The Good Life Community Bicycle Shop / Two Wheel View / The Organic Saskatoon & Iron Orchard jonny(a)goodlifebikes.ca 403.619.2648

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rewarding volunteers & members/discounts on bike parts
by carlvoss＠mac.com 30 Nov '12

30 Nov '12

At the Des Moines Bicycle Collective, we're reviewing our volunteer and member guidelines for special orders of parts and bike tools. Currently, we offer cost plus 30% on orders, which we believe matches what most cyclists could find on Internet sites. Typically, it's replacement bottom brackets, upgrades to fenders, handlebars or derailleurs. We get some Park tools ordered after completing maintenance classes. Our members ($40 annual membership) can quality for up to cost plus 10%. There is no threshold of volunteer hours for this discount, which is probably worth a second look. I see that at Community Cycles in Boulder, volunteers need to book 100 hours before earning an increased wholesale benefit (no hint of percent not noted on website). What's working for your nonprofit while maintaining good relationships with your local bike shops? Thanks. Carl Des Moines Bicycle Collective carlvoss(a)mac.com Mobile: 515-210-0237

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