September 2014 - TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Reusable Repair Checklist Tag
by director 02 May '23

02 May '23

Hey All, We just spent some time and redid the tag we use to track repairs on a bike. I'm sure your shops are similar to ours in that many mechanics of varying skill levels will work on a single bike before it's distributed back to the world for use. This make it challenging to ensure a standard of quality on any given bike leaving the shop. As we fleshed out the tag we realized that it could function loosely as a curriculum. For most mechanics, especially students we suggest starting at the top and working down the list. I've come to realize that no two mechanics will do things in the exact same way, everyone has their own style. We've been suggesting that folks do the first two items in order and then address the rest of the repairs at their discretion. Of course we couldn't put everything on a half page so we had to make compromises. You'll notice as you get closer to the bottom of the tag the categories are a little more broad and don't get into the finer details. We're working on a final check list that will include finer details like checking bearing play, tire wear, fine tune derailleurs and brakes... The final checklist won't hang on the bike but it'll be around the shop and part of our training. Stay tuned for this. We print these double sided, cut them in half and laminate them. We hang them on the handlebars and fill them out with a Sharpie. When the bike is done and gone we clean the Sharpie off with 90% rubbing alcohol and a rag. This allows us to use one tag over and over and over. We've been using these tags for about 2 weeks now and it's been awesome. Communication between mechanics is much clearer and bikes are getting done faster. It's really helped orient Earn-A-Bike students to what needs to be done next on their bike. Anyway if you think it's a good idea feel free to adapt it to your shops needs. -- 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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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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Instruction for Marginalized Communities: Women on Wheels and Multilingual Nights
by Lauren Warbeck 26 Feb '16

26 Feb '16

Oh HEYYYY again... It's a double email kinda day. 1) Multilingual Nights We're hosting our first ever multilingual nights YAYYYYY! We now have a posse of rad mechanics who are fluent in English, Spanish, French, Cantonese, and Mandarin and we are planning to hold a series of multilingual instruction nights. We're about to have our first sub-committee meeting about how we're going to go about the planning of these nights (ie: Do we have a strictly Spanish night, or a Spanish & French night? What is the role of Anglo mechanics in these nights? What are the underlying needs of these communities beyond language instruction?), but first I wanted to find out if any of you have feedback or resource materials about your own experiences hosting multilingual nights. What did you set out to do? Did it work? What did you learn? 2) Women on Wheels We're in the process of reconsidering the reach and name of our women's night, Women on Wheels. This name has been revisited several times by our collective, and again we're feeling the need for change. Those of you who commit energy to thinking about providing services across the gender/sexuality spectrum...I'm looking for your input. The key challenges for us, (and maybe all of us?) I think, are two-fold: First, it's about holding space for those who adhere to identity politics (tangible and named - Woman, Lesbian, Dyke, sometimes Transwoman etc) while also holding space for folks who exist all along the gender and sexuality spectrum (intangible and variably named - Queer, Tomboi, sometimes Transwoman, Genderqueer, etc ). As in, how do we hold safer space for butch grandmas and trans women and gender queer folks all at once? Is it feasible or possible to hold safer space strictly around gender variance? Or is it presumptuous as fuck to try to lump these diverse communities together? Or reductionist to assume gender experience is the key connecting factor between these individuals (and not race, or class, or ....)? Second, it's about negotiating the instances of inclusion and exclusion that emerge as a result of differing levels of awareness and knowledge around these varied philosophies and ways of identifying. This is the crux of why we've called it Women's Night for so long. While in practice our "women's night" is attended by trans-women, cis-women, femmes, masculine-identified genderqueers, tombois, etc etc, we have continued to call it women's night to make sure that people who aren't familiar with the world of post-modern gender identity know they are welcome, and cis-men know easily and clearly that it is not for them. I guess, to make it legible to mainstream communities, while still welcoming to non-mainstream communities. Meanwhile, we've also had interest from femme-identified cis-men and trans men in having services for masculine-presenting folks or folks who are presumed masculine (which again, is on a really broad spectrum). We're in convo with folks about their needs and wants, but it would also be great to have input from other shops. Where I'm really seeking is input about how your shops are drawing the lines around participation in nights for marginalized communities (including communities bonded around race, ethnicity, ability, etc) and/or how to meld diverse communities in appropriate and supportive ways. I know that Plan B has Ladies, Trans, and Sissies Night, and BICAS has Women, Trans, and Femme night. Where are folks at with their organizing process around this? What are other shops doing? You are all so great. Lauren

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members and sign up database software
by Jesse Cooper 23 Sep '15

23 Sep '15

Hey Folks! So at Our Community Bikes in Vancouver, we're thinking it's time to set up a proper sign in / sign out system, combined with a membership and volunteer database. Ideally we would like to know what software is out there that can track people coming in and using our space, a simple laptop or desktop kiosk where folks can type in info, and it would enter our database. Also to serve as a database that members can register into, and again wherein volunteers can sign up, and log their hours, and tasks accomplished. sooo.. any ideas? Jesse Cooper

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Bike Pirates Announces a Big Move!
by Ainsley Naylor 28 Oct '14

28 Oct '14

Friends and allies, Bike Pirates would like to announce that we are currently in search of a new home for 2015! We are excited to start a new chapter and to have you all along for the exciting years ahead. Our hope is to be settling into a new, bigger and better space in January which should have the least impact on our operations. But we need your help! We will need hands to help sort, pack and move out of our home on Bloor Street. We will also need lots of help and skilled individuals to help build and set up our new home. To cover the predicted costs of moving and renovating and lost income during this transition period we will be launching a fundraising campaign in the next few weeks. Please stay tuned for details on this campaign, as well as callouts for support and “hands on deck” as we sail into the future. *Check our website, facebook and twitter feeds to keep up to date*. Thanks for all of your support, we couldn't do this without you! Bike Pirates.

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CBC Job Posting - Development/Communications Director
by Andy Greif 28 Oct '14

28 Oct '14

Hi Colleagues, We are recruiting to hire a Development/Communications Director for the Community Bicycle Center. The link announcing the job application details along with the job description can be found at http://communitybike.net/images/Development_Communications%20Director%20CBC. pdf. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for helping us get the word out to potential candidates. FYI, Bronwyn has chosen to leave the CBC effective January 1, 2015. She plans to continue supporting the CBC as a volunteer leading our AppleCycle benefit in 2015. Our hope is that we will have our new Development/Communications Director on staff by early December to have cross over with Bronwyn. Contact me if you have any questions. Thanks for your help! Take care, Andy Andy Greif, Executive Director Mailing: P.O. Box 783, Biddeford, ME 04005 Shop: 45 Granite Street, Biddeford Shop Phone: 207-282-9700 Cell Phone: 207-229-8199 Website: www.communitybike.net <http://www.communitybike.net/> "Providing Opportunities for Youth to Grow" Don't forget to check out our orchard-hopping bike ride to support kids! Oct. 5 | Southern Maine | 17, 30 or 62 miles Register now for a free event shirt! www.BikeAppleCycle.com <http://www.bikeapplecycle.com/>

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Shop Liability Insurance- who are you using these days?
by Leslie Peteya 27 Oct '14

27 Oct '14

Hi all, We at the Durham Bike Co-op are on the market for a new shop liability insurance carrier to cover our assets, our volunteers, and their assets. What carrier have you had good success with? Who should we avoid? And to those shops that don't carry it, holy crap, I totally suggest you should. We recently had a patron's health insurance company come after us because of an accident on our premises, and saved us a good amount of hassle by having our insurance deal with it. Best, Leslie Board Member, Purchaser and 4 Other Roles Durham Bike Co-op

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bikebike 2014 inventory discussion handout
by William Wedler 15 Oct '14

15 Oct '14

Hey everyone, Thanks for the great discussion at BikeBike on inventory. Attached is the handout that I had. I am also cc'ing this to the thinktank list. Please send this along to anybody else who may want to see the information. -Will

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Bike collectives in New Hampshire/Vermont areas
by mfen651＠aol.com 10 Oct '14

10 Oct '14

Hi all, quick question - do you know of any bike collectives, organizations in the Brattleboro Vt, Keene New Hampshire area? Could you let me know contact information. I have a young lady friend who I think would like to get tied into a group to learn all aspects of cycling. Thanks in advance. Matt

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Super Advanced Planning for Bike Tour To B!B!15 in Guadalajara
by Erk Magosh 10 Oct '14

10 Oct '14

Hey ya'll, During B!B!14 I had regrets of not biking to Columbus. I started saying that no mater where 2015's conference was I was going to bike (at least some of the way) there. What looks to be the most feasible to me is flying into Mexico City and biking the 350 miles (563 km) to Guadalajara. That might be around 5-7 days. Anyways I wanted to know if other people have interest in touring to Guadalajara, know of any good routes though that part of Mexico, or can help me plan the best trip I can? I would love to be part of a good sized group because to me biking is a social activity. I know it's early, and we don't even know when it's going to happen, but I just want to start thinking about this now, so next year I'm not planning a trip last minute. -erk nashville, tn

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[REQUEST] Bike!Bike! Organizer notes and resources
by Clint Watson 01 Oct '14

01 Oct '14

Hi all, During Darrin's session (about making decisions in groups/bike!bike! organizational structure discussion) I volunteered to compile all of the extant material that has been used by and resulted from previous iterations of bike!bike! So, I'm putting out a call. Have you aided in organizing a Bike!Bike! conference? Even if you aren't affiliated with the hosting organization, but helped from afar, I can use documentation of anything that helped you. Any and every document even slightly related is welcome, but specifically I'm sure most people would appreciate the following: successful AND unsuccessful procedures for finding housing (what DIDN'T work might be educational.) organizational methods for assigning housing records regarding loaner bike cataloging, storage, and acquisition web development timelines and records budgets printing costs templates for program/welcome zines food costs large scale food preparation info Overall program guidelines Anything else you think others would be interested to know. I'm also working with Josh Bisker to get the zinezine.bikebike.org site fully functional. I'll compile all this stuff and put it up on the website (and post here) as soon as I'm able--depending of course on when I receive it. Please send directly to me clint(a)boisebicycleproject.org Thanks everybody, -- Clint Watson Volunteer/Programs Coordinator Boise Bicycle Project 1027 Lusk St 208.429.6520

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Share your shop policies?
by anne dunckel 25 Sep '14

25 Sep '14

Community Bikes in Charlottesville, VA has been operating without any major written shop/board/manager/program policies since it's existence. With a large donation coming we are trying to get some of our ducks in a line and draft a good policy for a functioning shop. We were wondering if any other shops could share some of their policies so that we could see if we are missing any major language or ideas. I know each policy would be unique to each shop, but we need some rough guidance and help to make sure we do this right. Any help is appreciated, including references to think tank discussions that I do not know about. Thank you! -Annie D.

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Hiring AmeriCorps VISTA for the Reno Bike Project in Reno, NV
by Reno Bikes 24 Sep '14

24 Sep '14

Reno Bike Project is hiring an AmeriCorps VISTA as the coordinator for the Major Taylor Program. VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) is a year-long commitment to serve a community in capacity building and works to change the cycle of poverty. The goal of the Major Taylor Program is to teach participants the skills and knowledge that will lead them to become life-long cyclists. The classes are offered in groups of 10 to provide an in-depth introduction into cycling. Currently classes are offered as a high school PE credit, benefiting participants both physically and academically. Now in its third year the Major Taylor Program has seen consistent growth. Currently partnered with a local charter high school and youth shelter, we aim to expand to two or three more schools in the coming year. Member Duties: AmeriCorps VISTA members will expand the scope Major Taylor Program by: 1. Developing partnerships with staff, administrators, teachers, after school program leaders, at target High Schools to facilitate recruitment of program participants. 2. Further develop existing curriculum to fine tune lesson plans and materials for the program. 3. Recruit volunteers to escort group and training rides. 4. Through the experience of observing and interacting with program participants and under the direction of the staff member conducting the instructional time, improve the overall flow of the class sequence and fine tune materials curriculum. 5. After working knowledge of the program has been gained, engage in the search for funding and bicycle donation process for this program. Service Term: November 2014 – November 2015 Program Benefits: Training , Relocation Allowance , Health Coverage , Living Allowance , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend . Service Areas: Children/Youth , Health , Education , Community Outreach . Skills: Computers/Technology , Community Organization , General Skills , First Aid , Leadership , Fund raising/Grant Writing , Team Work , Education , Public Health , Teaching/Tutoring , Writing/Editing , Youth Development , Public Speaking . If you have any questions, please contact Noah Silverman, noah(a)renobikeproject.com -- Wed-Fri 11am-6pm Sat 10am-4pm 541 E. 4th Street. Reno, NV 89512 775.323.4488 donate via paypal: http://www.renobikeproject.com/index.php/donate/ Follow us on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/renobikeproject/ Please let us know if you would like to unsubscribe to our email list.

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Using Freehub?
by sylvia crum 17 Sep '14

17 Sep '14

Hi All, I just started trying to use Freehub to track our Shop's members. I thought that I had previously set up an account but wasn't allowed to log in. When I requested the email to reset my password, I received nothing. So, I set up an new account with my personal email address. As I was adding members' info, I got a message in a banner at the top of the screen saying: Your account is pending activation. We've sent an activation email to y***(a)hotmail.com. Check that email account and your spam filter for the activation email. I've checked and rechecked my hotmail account, but I also didn't receive that email. Any thoughts on what to do, and if there is a bug, any hope it will be fixed? I attempted to join GitHub, where it looked like I should report problems, but it is way too technical for me. If Freehub is not working, I'm also open to suggestions of other programs to use. Thanks! Sylvia CrumDirector Revolutions Bicycle CoOpMemphis, TN

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Fwd: West Town Bikes September 2014 e-Newsletter
by Garth Katner 04 Sep '14

04 Sep '14

Hey Folks! I just wanted to share our new e-Newsletter with you. It's the product of much hard work by a number of our youth who are training in organizational development and office management right here at West Town Bikes. Enjoy! gk Garth Katner, Manager Resource Development *West Town Bikes NFP* 2459 W. Division Street Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 772-6523 Office (773) 485-4089 Cell *West Town Bikes* Welcome to our first e-Newsletter! If you're receiving this you must be interested and aware of the work of West Town Bikes. We are a multi-faceted organization that uses bicycles as a tool to help build community; not one that is simply about bicycles. I love bicycles, but I love people even more! I believe that this city can be a better place if everyone used a bike to get around. And I understand that most people have greater concerns than riding a bike. So I ask myself, "How can bikes address people's larger concerns?" How can they help communities with issues about safety, crime, employment, education, housing, and healthcare, just to name a few. Isn't bicycling in comparison a concern for those who can afford it? I believe that bicycles can be part of a simple solution for these complex issues. Using them as a tool to work with Chicago communities, we address many of these concerns. This has put more people on bikes to get around and make the city a better place to live. The work is far from done and we look forward to the continued use of bikes as our tool. We also look forward to keeping you updated, informed and engaged with this our newest tool, the West Town Bikes e-Newsletter! -Alex Wilson, Founder & Executive Director, West Town Bikes <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_40zdnJQiIWWctr4XTwm-ysw5kGQqGWxUvQ2qavICjPG…> Our first-ever Annual Report Card <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_40zdnJQiIWWctr4XTwm-ysw5kGQqGWxUvQ2qavICjPG…> for 2013! Youth Programs The Summer 2014 Bicycle Safety and Repair program yielded the greatest number of participants in West Town Bikes history. With 14 Apprentices and 15 Interns the program saw fresh faces and experienced ones. The youth hosted information tents at community farmers markets as well as managed our Bicycles Valet Parking Service at local events. They also hosted mechanic stations, helping other youth learn to fix there own bicycles. We had several participants that really stood out. Jose is an excellent example of the many leaders our organization produces. He has been participating in our programing for the last three years, taking everything that he learns and putting it into immediate use. As a leader among his peers, he guides them in their own bicycle build, showing them what they can do. He has also taken his bicycle mechanic skills to the next level as an Apprentice at Ciclo Urbano, the West Town Bikes retail shop. Jose has taken all of our programs and utilized them to the fullest, embodying what we want for all our youth. -Lebster Pabon Cyclocross Racing Program Our program kicks off on September 3rd with a meeting and open discussion <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_40zdnJQiIWWctr4XTwm-ysw5kGQqGWxUvQ2qavICjPG…> about who is interested in racing this year. Cyclcoross is a hybrid between mountain bike and road racing. Chicago has a great local series, the Chicago Cross Cup <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_40zdnJQiIWWctr4XTwm-ysw5kGQqGWxUvQ2qavICjPG…>, and our first race is in Caldwell Woods <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_40zdnJQiIWWctr4XTwm-ysw5kGQqGWxUvQ2qavICjPG…> on September 28th. This program will provide sponsorship, mentorship and coaching to juniors and young adults that would otherwise not have the opportunity to participate in cyclocross events. Racing cyclocross requires fitness and teaches commitment and perseverance. The skills, knowledge and friendships gained through participation can help form a socially intelligent and responsible, physically fit, person. The sport of cyclocross benefits from our attendance as it creates diversity and new interest that will help it grow. A few photos from our previous season can be found here <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_40zdnJQiIWWctr4XTwm-ysw5kGQqGWxUvQ2qavICjPG…> . I guarantee we will be having a lot of fun! If you have any questions about the program or sport, contact Michael Young at michael(a)westtownbikes.org or 312-656-1953. -Michael Young Bike Shop We celebrated our 5th year in business back in May! We're are proud to claim that over half our full-time staff are graduates of WTB youth programs. Here's what one of our customers, Jose N., said about us recently on Yelp: "Unfortunately, on my first ride this summer, I got stranded with a non-working bike in the middle of a forest with mosquitoes voraciously attacking me ... Luckily, I came across Ciclo Urbano. As soon as I explained my problem, Jean Carlos and Felix knew what was causing it. Jean Carlos replaced the part within 30 minutes ... He let me watch while he worked and answered all of my questions. You could tell he loves what he's doing. He also replaced my rear shifter cable, my chain and adjusted my brakes for much less than my previous estimates. You could sense the camaraderie amongst the young mechanics. I love the fact that West Town Bikes and its store Ciclo Urbano support the youth of the community by teaching them bicycle repairs. I will definitely return to Ciclo Urbano for any future repairs and purchases." Thanks to for the nice review! -Michael Bush Forward this email <http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?m=1114567510435&ea=globalguy%40gm…> STAY CONNECTED [image: Like us on Facebook] <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_40zdnJQiIWWctr4XTwm-ysw5kGQqGWxUvQ2qavICjPG…> [image: Follow us on Twitter] <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_40zdnJQiIWWctr4XTwm-ysw5kGQqGWxUvQ2qavICjPG…> Forward this email <http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=dncnwaoab&m=1114567510435&ea=…> <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001v5bhpGnuzUedgVnkQ7zM0w%3D%3…> This email was sent to globalguy(a)gmail.com by info(a)westtownbikes.org | Update Profile/Email Address <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=001v5bhpGnuzUedgVnkQ7zM0w%3D%3…> | Rapid removal with SafeUnsubscribe <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001v5bhpGnuzUedgVnkQ7zM0w%3D%3…>™ | Privacy Policy <http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp>. <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=PT_MN> West Town Bikes | 2459 W Division St | Chicago | IL | 60622

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bike!bike! group photo?
by breathingplanet . 02 Sep '14

02 Sep '14

is it online anywhere!? want to include it in a newsletter. thanks... and thanks everyone on this list who was there, for a great time and great people. Third Hand rules! andrew troy bike rescue -- ------__o ----_`\<,_ ---(_)/ (_) andrew lynn 518-573-7947

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