- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

On-Topic Please and New Drupal Website for Sibley Bike Depot
by Wilbur Ince 16 Oct '08

16 Oct '08

Collective Supporters: Let's keep the emails on-topic! We are here to support and sustain each other with ideas and information about Bike Collectives. At The Sibley Bike Depot in Saint Paul, we are implementing a new Drupal 6 powered website. We are using Drupal because it is a powerful platform that allows us to run the calendar, newsletters, etc. We are also using it because we have a few volunteers with Drupal experience and a commitment to help. We are starting from the ground up, developing everything ourselves. We will give updates as we tackle some of the more pressing items like tracking volunteer hours and bike donations/inventory. You can see our new Drupal 6 site here (not quite production ready yet!) http://www.sibleybikedepot.org You can see your current Drupal 5 website here: http://www.bikeped.org If you have questions or want more information, give me a shout! Wilbur Ince Sibley Bike Depot Web Team

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Unsubscribe me
by jill bedford 16 Oct '08

16 Oct '08

Jill Bedford __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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TIP: Keeping your hands warm in the winter.
by Jonathan Morrison 16 Oct '08

16 Oct '08

I have been having alot of bicyclists ask me what gloves to buy so that their hands will stay warm in the winter. My response is that there is no glove that will cut it. I used to live and bicycle commute in upstate New York and I tried everything from lobster claws to neoprene without satisfaction. The only thing that works came from my winter motorcycle riding experiences and they are called handlebar guantlets aka "hippo hands." As compared to bulky gloves that prevent dexterity, hippo hands surround your handlebars and allow you to use a thin pair of summer gloves and not feel cold. They keep the wind off you while your hands heat up the space inside. Your hands may even sweat. Yes, they may look funny, but if they can keep the hands of a motorcyclist (and snowmobilers) flying at 75 mph warm in the dead of winter -- the bicycle is a logical crossover. Jill Homer, of Juneau, Alaska, rode her bicycle in the Iditarod Trail International — 350 miles of wintry pedaling over tough terrain. Note the hippo hands she is using in this NPR article: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16314506 This will only work on flat bars, not sure what to suggest about drop bars, except it was rumored someone was promoting a commerical version for drops this year at Interbike (www.interbike.com). Here are some at overstock.com that might work: http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Insulated-ATV-Handlebar-Gauntlet/30827… Here is the company that bought the hippo hand name, the originals (which you can get on ebay) were made by craig vetter from 1971-1978: http://www.hippohands.com/ -- Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison c: 801-688-0183

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unsubscribe me please!!
by Allegra Brace 16 Oct '08

16 Oct '08

please take me off the mailing list thanks erin brace

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reschedule bikebike southeast so it won't conflict with inauguration?
by rachael spiewak 15 Oct '08

15 Oct '08

Hi, everyone. Bike!Bike! Southeast is scheduled for the weekend following the presidential inauguration. Some of our volunteers already have DC travel plans, whatever the results may be. Said uncertain results might have some bearing on what other potential BBSE participants want to do with their time that week, too. The events don't completely overlap, but there's a possible scheduling conflict there. So, if there is a reasonable amount of interest in pushing BBSE back a week to accommadate whatever inauguration plans people have, we have no problem with that. You can reply sender so we don't clog up inboxes. Thanks! Rachael -- Sopo Bicycle Cooperative 404-425-9989 www.sopobikes.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hours of operation: Tues, Wed, & Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm Sat & Sun 2 pm - 6 pm

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(no subject)
by Elijah Evans 15 Oct '08

15 Oct '08

please unsubscribe me as well! Elijah Evans Earn-A-Bike and Instructor Training Coordinator Bikes Not Bombs ~ 284 Amory Street Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 617-522-0222 x 600 617-522-0922 (fax)

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tap & die
by Macho Philipovich 15 Oct '08

15 Oct '08

a couple of local buy & sell type websites have people selling used tap & die sets. some metric. some not. one, for example, says "sizes NC/NF 3,4,5,6,7,8,10,12, 1/8 pipe tap. 16 taps and 18 dies." would any of this be usable on any bike part at our shop if i buy it? just throwing this out there. macho

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unsubscribe me
by al ness 15 Oct '08

15 Oct '08

please unsubscribe me from your mailing list.

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anyone have any really great photos from Bike Bike SF?
by free ride 14 Oct '08

14 Oct '08

Mine aren't working out. Need them to be print quality. if they're on flickr that's great. later. -erok

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Bylaw Drafting Help
by reno bikes 14 Oct '08

14 Oct '08

To Whom It May Concern: The Reno Bike Project, a non-profit, community-based organization in Reno, Nevada, is in the process of drafting bylaws. The Reno Bike Project is committed to producing an outlet that will encourage all forms of cycling, including personal health, alternative transportation, cycling activism, as well as cycling arts and culture throughout the Reno/Truckee Meadows area. Our goal is to make Reno a more eco-friendly, healthy, culturally rich and communal city through cycling awareness and improved resources. www.blog.renobikeproject.com We are hoping that some similar organizations might share their own corporate bylaws so we can get an idea of what people are using, what works, what doesn't. Any information you can offer would be appreciated. Thanks! Gabriel Urza Reno Bike Project Board of Directors -- www.renobikeproject.com Wed-Sat 12-6pm 541 E. 4th Street. Reno, NV 89512 775.323.4488

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Bicycle Zines...welcome here
by Geoffrey B 12 Oct '08

12 Oct '08

Hello all cycling folk. Please to inform you that there will be a home for any zines willing to be sent to Canada. Toronto's Bike Pirates hopes to lend a hand at the circulation and publication of any compiled zines about cycling with a reading room/library. Please play a part and help circulate zines about bikes and bike trips. Send us a line with your experiences with zines and cycling at... Bike Pirates Toronto, Canada 1292 Bloor Street W. M6H 1N9 We pirates will share, sending you a packet of zines we have complied. Geoffrey B -- "You must be the change you would like to see in the world." - Gandhi

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list request
by Macho Philipovich 11 Oct '08

11 Oct '08

hey folks. can people sending large attachments (like, >1M) please post them on the web somewhere (maybe the wiki?) and post a link? my feeble email account bottoms out at 15M and then blocks me from sending/receiving email and it's a real hassle. thanks! macho

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unsubscribe
by Robert Priestley 11 Oct '08

11 Oct '08

Please unsubscribe this email addy. Awesome to be part of the community- but not interested in getting a copy of every email. Thanks Bob

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bikebike final numbers?
by rachael spiewak 09 Oct '08

09 Oct '08

Heya, BikeBike organizers! How many people officially registered and how much money was raised? We're crunching Bike Bike Southeast <http://southeast.bikebike.org> numbers, and that info would be very helpful! -rachael -- Sopo Bicycle Cooperative 404-425-9989 www.sopobikes.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hours of operation: Tues, Wed, & Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm Sat & Sun 2 pm - 6 pm

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I'd like to sign up for your bike collectives email list
by Rich Points 09 Oct '08

09 Oct '08

Collectives, I like keeping up on what other bike collectives are doing and how they're communicating it their constituents via email. I've signed up to some of your email announcement lists and I'd like to sign up for more. Please send me your sign up pages or email addresses. Thanks -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Education/Clinic curriculum?
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 09 Oct '08

09 Oct '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi, Everyone. This thread is great! Thank you for all the wonderful information. I have a slightly different bike education challenge. A lovely gym teacher at Assumption Catholic High School wants to work with me, and with some of my other bike dork friends, and with some of her collegues who teach other subjects, to develop a bike related curriculum for the school at large (and perhaps to be used at other kits)-- it will have: -- a gym component -- a shop class bit (bike repair, maybe bike building) -- an art class section (both an art history section and actual creative work with a bike theme-- art bikes, bike related art, etc.) -- units for geography, history, science... -- and can you think of anything else that would be good? Does anyone have ideas about things we should put in it? I am reminded of the lovely "bicycle thinker" notion from earlier e-mails-- is there a possible high school unit on bicycle thinkers waiting to be written? Has someone already written it? If we can end up with an integrated bike-related curriculum that fits with the government mandated curriculum, we are going to be pretty happy. It will take us a while to develop this, but we have started already. If anyone else is doing this or has done it, please get in touch. I am so happy to be part of this community. thank you all for doing such cool and needed work. Thank you. Sasha On Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:37:22 -0400 John Gatlin <johngatlin(a)gmail.com> wrote: >Dave, >I stand corrected. However, how do you get to that page from their >main >site? Perhaps their reorganization of the website confused me. >Anyway, it's >an excellent resource that ought to be in any shop's files. Thanks >for >finding it. > >Drew > >On Tue, Oct 7, 2008 at 11:59 PM, Dave Bourgeois ><stdaveb(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> Bikes Not Bombs is still posting the manual here: >> >> http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/EarnABike >> >> Note this just above the download links: >> >> "We make our training manual available for people wanting to run >youth >> bicycle programs in other places. This is the mechanics manual >we use >> to train the volunteers who will become assistant teachers in >> Earn-A-Bike." >> >> I'm guessing BNB won't get upset if we use their copyrighted >manual to >> teach adults as well as youth. >> >> Dave Bourgeois >> Bici Centro >> Santa Barbara, CA >> http://www.bicicentro.org/ >> >> >> On Tue, Oct 7, 2008 at 8:50 PM, John Gatlin ><johngatlin(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> > Hey all, >> > >> > Along the line of instructor sheets, I was able to obtain a >copy of Bike >> Not >> > Bombs' Instructor Training Manual before they took it off the >web-- >> > the one they use in their Instructor Training Course. It is 13 >chapters, >> all >> > in .pdf, and very well put together with clear language (the >copy I have >> is >> > in english) and nice drawings. However, I'm not sure I feel >comfortable >> in >> > handing it out since they have stopped sharing it. Is a >representative >> from >> > Bike Not Bombs on this list? If so, would your organization >feel >> comfortable >> > if I submitted this to the wiki? If not, what do y'all think? >In the >> > interest of collaboration and team spirit I'd love to share >it, but I >> > definitely didn't develop this manual and it has a copyright >clearly on >> each >> > page. >> > >> > So, BNB, are you out there? Lemme know. >> > >> > Drew @ Back In The Saddle >> > 512.573.0408 >> > >> > On Tue, Oct 7, 2008 at 8:43 PM, Ryan Guzy <ryanguzy(a)gmail.com> >wrote: >> >> >> >> We just started an advanced maintenance class at Bike >Saviours in Tempe, >> >> AZ. We're targeting people who are potential volunteers. The >goal is to >> show >> >> the general principles so that they can work on any bike they >come >> across, >> >> and also so that they can begin to teach others. The class >will get them >> >> exposed to all of the maintenance aspects, and we envision >them working >> as >> >> assistant mechanics during our shop hours to gain experience >after the >> class >> >> session is over. >> >> We wrote some instructor sheets over the past few months and >have been >> >> teaching off of them. Right now I have them on Google Docs >and I plan on >> >> putting them on the Wiki. I'd like to gather material and >make handouts >> to >> >> go with each class too. Right now we're just using the same >sheet as a >> >> handout even though it is kind of dense. >> >> I have also been talking to Christine at Bici Centro about >working on >> >> a curriculum together. She is working on some good material >for a basic >> >> class. I've also seen other material out there that has good >diagrams >> that >> >> are free to use. >> >> I think if we can gather interested people to collaborate >online we can >> >> put out some really good material that we can all use. >> >> --Ryan >> >> >> >> On Tue, Oct 7, 2008 at 3:24 PM, Boson Au <boson.au(a)gmail.com> >wrote: >> >>> >> >>> Hi everyone, Boson from Baltimore, MD's Velocipede Bike >Project... >> >>> >> >>> First of all, @ bike!bike! the education-related workshops >were the one >> >>> that inspired/interested me the most. We got back and the >first thing >> I >> >>> want to kick-start was our clinic program which had be >suspended due to >> a >> >>> multitude of reasons... anyways... >> >>> >> >>> so we're about to reinstate our bike clinic series >(previously we had >> one >> >>> person do ALL the teaching and she's about to leave out of >town for 3 >> months >> >>> so we've decided that we're going to try to have a group of >educators >> rotate >> >>> classes) and I'm interested in any organizations that hold >regular >> >>> classes... This isn't exactly a youth program but more like >a general >> >>> public thing. We do have a curriculum, but I'm kind of >interested in >> other >> >>> project's solutions. If any project has their own >curriculum set up >> and >> >>> want to trade/compare notes that'd be so awesome. >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> _______________________________________________ >> >>> Thethinktank mailing list >> >>> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >>> To unsubscribe, send a blank email to >> >>> leave-TheThinkTank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >>> To manage your subscription, plase visit: >> >>> >> >>> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> >>> >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> Thethinktank mailing list >> >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> To unsubscribe, send a blank email to >> >> leave-TheThinkTank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> To manage your subscription, plase visit: >> >> >> >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> >> >> > >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Thethinktank mailing list >> > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > To unsubscribe, send a blank email to >> leave-TheThinkTank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > To manage your subscription, plase visit: >> > >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> To unsubscribe, send a blank email to >> leave-TheThinkTank(a)bikecollectives.org >> To manage your subscription, plase visit: >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkjs0psACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRlnXQCeJqhkGw0XMCYwdVXYgvlBfWuDoSoA oIqcj+uvQackPhdsDazBSLRY+q/7 =vqSU -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Education/Clinic curriculum? Bike Not Bombs?
by Bikes Not Bombs 08 Oct '08

08 Oct '08

Hello Think Tank! Arik here from Bikes Not Bombs in Boston. I've been on the list since it started but I only find time to check in occasionally and briefly. (and I think maybe someone administering Think Tank just subscribed some more of our staff members to the list ... ) First off, the Instructor Training manual we use to prepare our teachers to run Earn-A-Bike ... sorry it was off our website for awhile at the end of last year but it is back up now. I'm glad that you found it, and YES that is meant to share. Make copies, make use of it for any good purpose, just make sure to keep our name with the materials. Dave gave the URL but here it is again: http:// www.bikesnotbombs.org/EarnABike Someone else mentioned the YBEN site (Youth Bicycle Education Network) http://www.yben.org, which has been a great place for resources, but the site is currently down. Hopefully it will be back up soon. Recycle-A-Bicycle (RAB) in NYC is managing YBEN now, right? Our Instructor Training manual is focused on mechanics lesson plans, so it combines well with RAB's manuals which cover other, non- mechanics issues of running a youth program, at http:// recycleabicycle.org/resources/publications. We've just recently had two short documentary movies made about BNB by some motivated volunteers. You can see them online at http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRzSvVXVYrM and http://vimeo.com/1706577 , but note that the one on Vimeo will probably stutter - we'll be moving it to YouTube soon and also embedding on our website. We ALMOST sent two staff members to Bike!Bike! this year: Elijah Evans our Earn-A-Bike Coordinator (and originally a graduate of the program himself many years ago), and Jasmine Laietmark is our director of Grassroots Fundraising & Events. Then last minute we balked at buying the plane tickets. We've had some dreams that we would love to offer to host a Bike!Bike here in Boston in some future year, but don't quote me on that. It is really inspiring to know that there is a network of bike groups out there, and we would LOVE to be more involved. But we had to move 2 years ago, took on debt for our new space, took our full-service bike shop to 6 days a week, we're processing 5,500 donated bikes a year and sending trainers to Africa to start new programs, supporting our existing partners in Guatemala, Nevis Island, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, developing an appropriate technology working group to help spread knowledge about pedal-power designs, running Earn-A-Bike, summer youth programs, girls programs here, barely staying involved in official bike advocacy at the city level ... getting bigger and catching up with our growth ... basically we're overcommitted to everything we're already doing so it is hard to find any time to connect with this network. We're starting a new phase of updating and improving our website, and maybe we'll be able to post more resources. The applications for programs that we usualyl have up for downloading can be useful to see how programs are structured. It would be interesting to know what people most want to know that BNB would be better at answering than other groups. Also if we're not so active on this list, you can email our staff directly - use the website to find the right person to ask. We can often accommodate visitors from other programs to sit in on activities and learn here - let us know if you want to visit. As to the nonprofit question, here's a quick answer. Bikes Not Bombs started in 1984 as a volunteer-run solidarity effort with the people of Nicaragua when the Reagan administration was funding and running the Contra war, and the work was all in Nicaragua developing bike projects with donated bikes collected in the States. In 1991 we started youth programs in Boston. In 1994 we got our own physical space and added a teen-job training bike shop open a few days a week, and also started paying two staff - at that point we became an official nonprofit, and have developed that way ever since. In December 2006 we moved a few blocks and split into 2 spaces: the Bike Shop now has its own space and is open 6 full days a week and is employing 15 people, in addition to our Hub staff of 7 running the international work, youth programs, administration, plus the 8 teens who work part-time as assistant teachers in the youth programs (this is a new exciting development - more and more . We probably have 300 people who plug in as volunteers at some point in any given year. Over half our budget is the Bike Shop, which covers it's own expenses thru sales and service and makes profit that goes into supporting the youth program and international work. The rest of our budget is raised through a small amount of grant income, and much more significantly by the two to three thousand people who make a donation to support BNB in any given year. OK! -Arik Grier Outreach Coordinator, Office Manager Bikes Not Bombs 617-522-0222 www.bikesnotbombs.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 15:08:14 -0600 From: "Jonathan Morrison" <jonathan(a)slcbikecollective.org> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Education/Clinic curriculum? Bike Not Bombs? To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Message-ID: <4dd29fd10810081408q64d37233u14dbb1fc08b6454(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" There is no question there is a tremendous amount of information that the 130+ organizations on this list could use from well established groups like Bikes not Bombs and the Community Cycling Center. The question is, what do we have to offer them? At a minimum it would be good to interview some of the longer standing members of each of these organizations and figure out what hard decisions they had to make and what the out come was. One thing I have observed with some of the larger organizations is that they went more in the direction of a traditional non-profit. I would be curious to find out if it started out that way, or if that was an active choice. -- Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Executive Director 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 Get Addicted to Crank! http://www.slcbikecollective.org/crank/ The mission of the Salt Lake City 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 Bicycle Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households. On Wed, Oct 8, 2008 at 2:08 PM, Rich Points <rich(a)richpoints.com> wrote: So, BNB, are you out there? Lemme know. I'm curious why BNB isn't present on the Think Tank or at Bike Bike! I can think of some other groups like the Community Cycling Center in Portland. These are groups that are way more established than most of us and have a lot to offer. I think the communications we have here and at Bike Bike are what makes us a movement and these more established groups should be part of our conversations/discussions. How can we get these groups involved? Rich Community Cycles ___________________

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leave-
by Beth Mort 08 Oct '08

08 Oct '08

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Tool List with Pictures
by Maggie Burrus-Granger 08 Oct '08

08 Oct '08

Does anyone have or know of any handouts with a list of bike shop tools with pictures or pictures of tools with the names next to them? Thanks -- Maggie Burrus-Granger Recycle-a-Bike 27 Sims Ave. Providence, RI 401.273.7101 www.recycleabike.org

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Fwd: tax break for cyclists??
by adam schwartz 07 Oct '08

07 Oct '08

hey dudes, so apparently in all the bullshit in that "bailout bill", there was a gem for us bike commuters... http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/10/bailout-for-bikes.php the clause doesnt apply till after december 31, but this means that we can get up to 20 bucks a month for bicycle maintenance if we regularly use our bikes to work...sweet! spread the word. christian -- Adam Schwartz Program Coordinator, The Engaged University Center For Educational Partnership 6200 Sheridan Street, Riverdale, MD adamgs(a)umd.edu (301) 405-3213 Adam Schwartz Co-Founder, Green Guild Biodiesel Coop adam(a)greenguildbiodiesel.org (301)275-2362

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Addressing incidents from last year's BikeBike!
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 07 Oct '08

07 Oct '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hello, Dave. It takes courage to do the sort of introspection you've clearly done, and courage to apologize the way you just have. I was not there when you stepped over the line, and I didn't even know you had until I read this post, but I was pleased that you wrote it and impressed that you had done so, also. Thank you. Everyone has someone they wish had written to them the way you have just written to this community; it is nice to read such an apology, just to know that people do face themselves and take responsibility sometimes. Many of us probably have someone we should go back and write to. The positive way I felt about you reading this made me want to call an old friend whose feelings I know I hurt. So, your letter was encouraging in two ways. Thanks for writing it. Sasha On Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:53:51 -0400 Dave Caz <pwloffice(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >Hey all, > >My name is Dave, and I was asked to address a situation I created >at last year's bikebike before attending the current conference, >and after consideration, I wholeheartedly agree with the request >and apologize it was not done sooner. > >Last year, at the bikebike party, I drank quite heavily and >crossed major boundaries of people I never met. I created a very >uncomfortable situation for people just trying to have a good >time. I was responsible for making people feel threatened for >their safety and space they deserved. I apologize for turning a >people's night to celebrate into a bad memory for some. > >I can not say for sure what happened exactly, because I was too >intoxicated to recall a large portion of that night, but the >second hand accounts of my actions blew my mind. I have never >acted in such a horrific way, nor have EVER considered to do the >audacious things I did to people that eve. > >But I am responsible for my actions, drunk or not, and in no way >excuse what I did. I owed it to the people who worked so hard to >make bikebike! a success that year, to the visitors, conference >members and all in attendance, to manage myself in a respectful >manner, and I blew it. I am sorry. > >This year I promise to show the utmost control over my person as >to never ever ever ever make people feel the way I did. I >frequently dwell on the facts of what happened, and it is a burden >I will have to live with, but live with AND change from it to >never allow it to happen again. I will not be drinking >before/during/after anything going on in the next potential >FOREVER, and will also not be attending the celebration going on >this year or next. > >All I ask is that you take me for who I am, and not the monster I >was. I am truly sorry and understand that if I now have a bad >reputation with you, I earned every bit of it, but I am trying to >redeem myself. > >Sending this to 2 giant list-servs is not easy for me, but it is >something I am doing to come clean to everyone. Hoping that >people not expect a repeat from me, and encouraging others to >police their actions and not lose control as I did. Remember a >lot of people got their shit together and busted their collective >asses to make this awesome thing happen. > >If you wish to talk to me about this, please come find me and >we'll chat. >I'm trying to learn from this as best as possible. > > >Thanks to everyone for not blacklisting me and giving me a second >chance. >Again, I am truly sorry, and hope you can get past my past, as I >am trying to do the same. > >peace, >Milwaukee Dave. > > > > >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >To unsubscribe, send a blank email to leave- >TheThinkTank(a)bikecollectives.org >To manage your subscription, plase visit: >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkjrymYACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRkicACeMD6fIe1J8ZLaxbHPwuB6yxCz6PYA mgPsrZG+7Z+mFhTOYDQZUQ7RGBwu =sVPk -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Saturday Hours Question
by Bob Giordano 07 Oct '08

07 Oct '08

11-3 for free cycles missoula. works well, though we ususally stay open til 5pm informally. -Bob g. Jonathan Morrison wrote: > In Salt Lake City we are looking into opening another open shop night on > Saturday. For those of you that have Saturday hours, what are they? -- Bob Giordano Free Cycles Missoula Shop: 732 S. 1st St. West, 541.7284 3PM-7PM Mon-Thurs & 11AM-3PM Sat Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation www.strans.org, mist(a)strans.org, 406-880-6834

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Election do's and don'ts for non-profits
by Urban Bike Project Wilmington, DE 07 Oct '08

07 Oct '08

For all those with 501(c)3 status, this election guide<http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikeadvocacy/election.php#nonprofits>from the League of American Bicyclists was just posted on Thunderhead listserv and I thought I'd share it with you all as well. Brian Windle P.S. For newer members of the list: check out the Bike Collective Wiki<http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page>first before posting to the list, lot's of good information is just waiting for you there! Bike Collective Starter Kit<http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Bike_Collective_Starter…> Shop Locations<http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Shop_Locations>(Finding space for your shop) -- Urban Bike Project of Wilmington -a 501(c)3 non-profit bike shop- 1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind the building) Wilmington, DE 19801 Hours: Thursday 6:30-9:00 Saturday 1:00-4:00 Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Saturday Hours Question
by troy neiman 06 Oct '08

06 Oct '08

At bicas we are open from 12-6pm every sat. and have a build a bike class that is usually from 1-4pm that runs simultaneously to our open shop. This requires 4 staff for the shop and 2 teachers for the class. Saturday is with out a doubt our busiest day for shop use, community service, and work traders. Its almost always overwhelming for us but works really well for the general public. Troy @ BICAS > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Jonathan Morrison" <jonathan(a)slcbikecollective.org> > To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > Subject: [TheThinkTank] Saturday Hours Question > Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 13:51:47 -0600 > > > In Salt Lake City we are looking into opening another open shop night on > Saturday. For those of you that have Saturday hours, what are they? > > -- > Sincerely, > > Jonathan Morrison > Executive Director > 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 > > Get Addicted to Crank! > http://www.slcbikecollective.org/crank/ > > The mission of the Salt Lake City 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 Bicycle Collective provides > refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on > children and lower income households. > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > To unsubscribe, send a blank email to leave-TheThinkTank(a)bikecollectives.org > To manage your subscription, plase visit: > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > -- Be Yourself @ mail.com! Choose From 200+ Email Addresses Get a Free Account at www.mail.com

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A catchy name for "women's night"?
by Alex Rosenblatt 06 Oct '08

06 Oct '08

Hey all, Alex here from Recycle Ithaca's Bicycles in Ithaca, NY. We're currently reorganizing and overhauling shop logistics and we're looking for a catchy name for our "women's night." We want to stray away from that name because the night is not exclusively women but instead a place where women and transpeople are the active shop leaders. Any names catchy or appropriate names that you use or come to mind? Thanks, Alex

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Bike Storage Racks and Other Solutions
by Sam Santos 06 Oct '08

06 Oct '08

I'm a member and volunteer at The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign. Due to a recent donation of abandoned bikes from the local university, we are dealing with some space problems. Space has always been an issue, but this new donation makes it plainly obvious that we need to build something that will allow us to store bikes a bit better than our current non-solution of leaning them against each other. I'm certain other co-ops and collectives have run into this issue, and I would love to hear how you solved it. If you built some cool storage rack, shelf, hanging thing or whatever, I would be incredibly interested to hear about that. I would be even happier if you could describe how you built it or had pictures of the finished structure. No point in re-inventing the wheel here. If there is a great solution that can be built cheaply, I'm all for it. Thanks... and have fun at BikeBike. Wish I could be there as it sounds like an awesome time. --sam

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designer bike helmets
by adam schwartz 06 Oct '08

06 Oct '08

One of our ongoing challenges at the Renaissance Youth Bike Shop is getting kids to wear helmets. All participants in our programs are required to wear helmets, but influencing the youth culture is difficult, where helmets are considered even by most adults in our community, non-essential and un-cool. Our idea is to work with a local graffiti artist to create our own line of designer helmets. We would sell these helmets as a fundraiser, both in our shop and at our local bike shop. Has anyone any experience with customizing helmets or bikes? I am thinking the BMX style helmets would work best as a surface area to paint. Pictures to come. Also, see a pic of our recent mural installed at the shop, painted by students and their art teacher at nearby middle school. -- Adam Schwartz Program Coordinator, The Renaissance Youth Bike Shop Center For Educational Partnership 6200 Sheridan Street, Riverdale, MD adamgs(a)umd.edu (301) 405-3213

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Saturday Hours Question
by Jonathan Morrison 06 Oct '08

06 Oct '08

In Salt Lake City we are looking into opening another open shop night on Saturday. For those of you that have Saturday hours, what are they? -- Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Executive Director 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 Get Addicted to Crank! http://www.slcbikecollective.org/crank/ The mission of the Salt Lake City 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 Bicycle Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households.

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bulk universal derailleur cables
by rachael spiewak 06 Oct '08

06 Oct '08

Does anyone have a preferred brand or source for a filebox of universal (double ended) derailleur cables. We're *this close* to having a distributor account, which will probably solve the problem, but in the meantime, our people, they need to shift gears. One source we use sends them individually bagged, which is dumb (we reuse the bags, of course, but we don't need that many). JensonUSA and BikepartsUSA are lacking in photos and descriptions, and when I call them, they give me different information from the people at Pyramid and Jagwire. I'm starting to think that the world is consipring against DIY bike repair, also made evident by the complete elusiveness of Park Tool FR-2 in this town. One retailer asked why in the world we might need that tool...it's for OLD bikes. Well you see, sir... Anyway, any info on a filebox of 2-ended shifter cables would be marvelous. -rachael -- Sopo Bicycle Cooperative 404-425-9989 www.sopobikes.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hours of operation: Tues, Wed, & Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm Sat & Sun 2 pm - 6 pm

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drugs, alcohol and our mission
by John Boyer 06 Oct '08

06 Oct '08

Now I realize this is not going to win alot of people over but here goes anyways! I am strongly opposed to a slack, go with the flow, biochemical personality run environment for our cause. Let me explain, My collective exploded recently due directly and indirectly to a paranoid environment that split the group into 2 groups and cost us alot of time finance and momentum. "the new reality crew"" banded together with a constant flow of weed use and subsequent paranoia. The following attacks on those that didnt party literally spun off alot of good people. The few that questioned the devisiveness of this""know best" group were then railroaded out by smear campaigns induced by the amount of weed smoked on a daily basis. I truly feel we will never overcome the barriers ahead of us if we create a place where drug use is the common denominator in the collective movement. This call out is not an anti drug message. Im the first to open a bottle of wine after a long day of riding and wrenching. Its just a call out that we can do better when we are all rooted in the reality that we have a lot of work ahead of us. Here in the States the car rules right now and we will have to do a better job united and communicating effectively to change our reality to a bike friendly world. Be steadfast in creating an environment friendly to all walks of life and ability and we all win. Thanks for your time reading this.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 26, Issue 8
by burdenistic＠gmail.com 06 Oct '08

06 Oct '08

I think this is an issue of not having a clear vision and agreed upon boundaries on the get go. I brought this up at the Consensus workshop at BikeBike and no one heard me. If the collective is the goal then members should be meticulous and thorough creating clear consensus to establish a vision that eliminates these issues prior to schisms and splits. It takes time given the structure of decision making. There is no short cuts. In an entity that is a decentralized collective the process takes as long as it takes for all to be heard, understand and all to make a choice. No one said it was easy. I wish you well and applaud your sharing a real issue. On Mon, Oct 6, 2008 at 1:10 AM, <thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org>wrote: > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. drugs, alcohol and our mission (John Boyer) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 00:10:02 -0700 (PDT) > From: John Boyer <worldbfree2b(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: [TheThinkTank] drugs, alcohol and our mission > To: thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > Message-ID: <221816.14863.qm(a)web52811.mail.re2.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Now I realize this is not going to win alot of people over but here goes > anyways!?I am strongly opposed to a slack, go with the flow, biochemical > personality run?environment for our cause.? Let me explain,? My collective > exploded recently?due directly and indirectly?to a paranoid environment that > split the group into 2 groups and cost us alot of time finance and > momentum.? "the new reality crew"" banded together with a constant flow of > weed use and subsequent paranoia.? The following attacks on those that didnt > party literally spun off alot of good people. The few that questioned the > devisiveness of this""know best" group were then railroaded out by smear > campaigns induced by the amount of weed smoked on a?daily basis.??I truly > feel we will never? overcome the?barriers ahead of us if we create a place > where drug use is?the common denominator in the collective movement. > > ? This call out is not an anti drug message. Im the first to?open a bottle > of wine after a long day of riding and wrenching.? Its just?a call out that > we can do better when we are all rooted in the reality that we have a lot of > work ahead of us.??Here in the?States the car rules right now?and we will > have to do a better job united and communicating effectively?to change > our?reality to a bike friendly world. > > Be?steadfast in creating an environment friendly to all walks of life and > ability?and we all win. > > Thanks for your time reading this.?????? >

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bike bike
by tom emm 04 Oct '08

04 Oct '08

Nary a word on the recent bike convention held in san francisco. Somebody please say something, Like can you get a decent slice of pizza in the city by the bay?

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Unsubscibe
by wind＠riseup.net 04 Oct '08

04 Oct '08

Please unsubscribe me from the list. thanx Justin

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Cranksgiving
by Patrick VDT 04 Oct '08

04 Oct '08

We have found Cranksgiving to be a great project. Cranksgiving equals Teaching the kids about giving back to the community. Volunteers get a chance to relax and have fun Chance to show the shop off to people who otherwise would not stop by. Lots of media PR Another Interaction with other Non-profits So we have multiple routes for different abilities and separate out the race portion to a completely different day, this allows everyone to come hang out, not just the urban hipsters. http://www.flickr.com/photos/77602109@N00/sets/72157603248547348/ This year we are going to have 300 riders = about 4800 food items P Http://www.stlbikeworks.com Date: Fri, 3 Oct 2008 17:58:17 -0700 From: bikedadlien(a)yahoo.com To: thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Hello Patrick: Welcome aboard. Checked out your website and it looks great!!! I like the idea of Cranksgiving. Way cool. Bruce -- Hello from Stl, just signed up for the list and looking forward to meeting everyone Http://www.stlbikeworks.com Patrick Van Der Tuin See how Windows Mobile brings your life together—at home, work, or on the go. See Now _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _________________________________________________________________ Want to do more with Windows Live? Learn “10 hidden secrets” from Jamie. http://windowslive.com/connect/post/jamiethomson.spaces.live.com-Blog-cns!5…

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Last call for bikebike Tshirts
by troy neiman 03 Oct '08

03 Oct '08

We are going to do a small run of bikebike t-shirts for anyone that is interested. They will be 2 color prints on new, 100% cotton, USA union made shirts and mailed to you at a cost of $18. Available in black, red, or grey. If you are interested please e-mail Dwight directly at orders(a)peacesupplies.org no later that Oct. 10th with the size and color that you would like. Printed by Peace Supplies in Tucson, AZ lots of other great bike swag available at peacesupplies.org love peace and bicycle grease troy@bicas -- Be Yourself @ mail.com! Choose From 200+ Email Addresses Get a Free Account at www.mail.com

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Starting a coop bike shop
by Tony DiLorenzo 03 Oct '08

03 Oct '08

I'm considering starting a coop shop here in San Diego. Is there a document out there that gives steps on how to get one setup? Thanks -- Tony DiLorenzo Executive Director Forward Motion Foundation 858-345-2327 www.forwardmotionfoundation.org

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meeting protocal and questions about programming
by maintenence collective 02 Oct '08

02 Oct '08

Hey from Bike Farm in PDX, We recently had our first meeting back from Bike!bike! and it was incredibly successful. At meetings we usually allow beer-drinking, and its not a huge deal, though has been in the past. This last meeting I noticed someone passing around a pipe. Though that doesn't bother me as an individual, it was slightly distracting and could be a little off-putting to new volunteers (we had 4 newbies at the meeting). What do other shops have as policies surrounding illegal substances..... what about legal substances? Also, we're doing some winter programming and came up with a "winter weatherization class". Does anyone have a ciriculum for this sort of thing.. (ie. best types of tires in the rain, fenders, lights, how to be safe in crappy weather etc). Any other one-to two day classes would be helpful.... and does anyone know of a particular company who might donate, like 30 fenders to us? thanks for all your help!, RaRa

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 26, Issue 3
by burdenistic＠gmail.com 02 Oct '08

02 Oct '08

BikeBike, Was fabulous and real! I am teeming with ideas and energy from being there. I applaud the organizers who worked their asses off to make it great on a very human level; people who are doers and clear thinkers! Bravo to you all! The world improves one bike at a time! Cheers, Gary On Thu, Oct 2, 2008 at 4:49 PM, <thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org>wrote: > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. bike bike (tom emm) > 2. Re: bike bike (veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com) > 3. Re: bike bike - Advocacy (Rich Points) > 4. Re: meeting protocal and questions about programming > (Macho Philipovich) > 5. Re: bike bike (Forrest Cutrer) > 6. Re: bike bike (Bruce Lien) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 2 Oct 2008 16:30:41 -0400 > From: "tom emm" <tom48236(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [TheThinkTank] bike bike > To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > Message-ID: > <ff627a300810021330l3fe419f7sfcba97eae7d783a(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > Nary a word on the recent bike convention held in san francisco. > Somebody please say something, Like can you get a decent slice of > pizza in the city by the bay? > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Thu, 2 Oct 2008 14:36:55 -0600 > From: veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] bike bike > To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > Message-ID: > <53e5a1720810021336j324ed48dt15f48fffc3e382c3(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > i dunno about the rest of you, but i'm still waiting for my voice to get > back from san francisco... > > in the best way possible, of course. > > josh. > > > On Thu, Oct 2, 2008 at 2:30 PM, tom emm <tom48236(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > Nary a word on the recent bike convention held in san francisco. > > Somebody please say something, Like can you get a decent slice of > > pizza in the city by the bay? > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > >

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Starting your own?
by Mark Rehder 30 Sep '08

30 Sep '08

I was asked off-list for advice in getting a bike collective started and keeping it going, and after sending I thought it might be helpful to post it to the list. Mark +++++++++++ Getting one started can be tough. Our shop had some problems getting going, and a similar shop opened this year in another part of town and we've been helping them keep their spirits up while they struggle. The big challenges are: - finding an affordable space (you'll need lots of room for all the bikes and parts) - ability to pay rent while getting things ramped up and income happening - getting insurance For our shop, we started out in donated spaces, but those got taken away as the landlords found paying tenants. After losing our second such space we realized we needed to pay rent and stay in the same location, otherwise it's hard to attract volunteers and customers when they can't trust that you'll stay open. But then the money thing comes in. And landlords don't always like to rent to one person for some vague bicycle collective. We lucked out by approaching a public interest research group (PIRG) on one of the campuses here and became one of their working groups. So they signed the lease for us, and after much wrangling let us have our own bank account. Affiliating with them turned us into a legal entity, so we could get both that bank account as well as insurance. But we still needed some funding to tide us over. We filed a grant application with a local funding org. and were able to get a two-year operating grant, with the provision that we be self-sustaining at the end of the two years. Once again being part of the PIRG made this happen, as there was no way the funder would just give our little collective money without someone taking legal responsibility. So the PIRG got the money and disbursed it to us at regular intervals. In the end it worked out great for us. The PIRG more or less left us alone, especially once they saw how hard we worked, and that we had achieved the self-sustainability within the first year (that made the 2nd year's grant money just extra cash in the band for us). We're still affiliated with them, and have not had to ask anyone for money since that first grant (grant applications, and then the follow- up reports, are a big pain in the butt). We've built up (and maintain) a year's operating expense in the bank in case anything goes wrong, and in terms of our various numbers we've grown each year. One thing we had to do with the grant was track some numbers, since they'd want to see some "results". So we kept track of the number of bikes sold and recycled (scrapped), number of people served, volunteer hours, that sort of thing. And we kept that up after the grant was done, and this has been very useful in helping us identify how the shop gets used. Each year a report is produced and we see how the numbers may have changed, specially if we'd implemented a policy or changed an old one. For instance in 2004 we had approx. 630 people use our shop, and we processed about 150 bikes. In 2005 we moved to a larger room in the same building and those numbers jumped to 1000 and 200 respectively, and by 2007 it was 1500 and 400! If nothing else it showed us that we were on the right track with our operations. About our shop: - We have only one paid person (me) and at that I only get a monthly honourarium (and I worked as Director for four years on a volunteer basis before requesting it). - We sell two different levels of bikes. Fully overhauled, from around $100 to $200, and As Is, meaning safety checked and all systems working but not rebuilt, for $40 and up. Bare frames for projects go from free on up. - Most parts aside from wheels are $1 to $10, but of course the really nice goodies (and we don't get a lot of those) are kept in a locked display case and priced accordingly. My personal opinion is that you should somehow find some funding to get you started, but avoid it after that if at all possible. This way you don't have to answer to anyone beyond your landlord. If you wish to run programs that cannot be self-sustaining just keep in mind that time and energy will have to be spent finding the ongoing funding and maintaining it, and you'll be at the whims of the funding orgs. If you start making a profit (your income exceeds your expenses) then perhaps that would be a good time to look into such projects.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] favorite bike movie
by troy neiman 30 Sep '08

30 Sep '08

We do a community bike ride and a bike-in movie every month at BICAS in Tucson. We are always looking for fun movies with bike scenes and themes. You can check out this site for bike movies and other sites for reviews http://www.massbike.org/info/movies.htm more obscure and I am guessing not on this list is a film called BLOOD CAR. It came out about a year or two ago and is an excellent Horror film spoof with some of the best bike scenes ever including a kindergarten teacher splattered in blood and bicycling with hatchet in hand chasing a car full of government spies. You probably will not find it at blockbuster but worth tracking it down. Troy @ BICAS > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Davis_S <steve.davis(a)ncsd.k12.ca.us> > To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] favorite bike movie > Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:36:44 -0700 > > > I am surprised no one has mentioned the movie Breaking Away-great > movie about adolescence and the power of bikes. > Steve Davis > Seven Hills School > 700 Hoover Lane > Nevada City, CA 95959 > steve.davis(a)ncsd.k12.ca.us > 530-265-1840 ext. 8143 > > > > On Sep 30, 2008, at 8:59 AM, Kim Jensen wrote: > > > 1. E.T. all throughout. > > 2. Intro scene to Donny Darko > > 3. Bike parts in Goonies. > > 4. BMX bandits - if you're like what is that... you must see right > > away- Nicole Kidman is rocking BMX and flatlander stunts and more, > > she's like 13 years old > > 5. Some dutch film, forgot the name- but the main girl was promiscuous > > and had a lil gold windmill attached to her handlebars.... and the > > bike bloomers! > > 6. I second 2 seconds. > > > > This was a fun break from the norm, great to see people excited in > > response. To all you riding from Bike Bike to S.C. ride on, be safe, > > wish I was there!! > > > > XX > > Kimchi > > Bicycle Kitchen - LA baby! > > > > > > On Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 2:40 PM, Ann Altstatt <annaltstatt(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> hey everybody, what's your favorite bicycle related movie? > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Thethinktank mailing list > >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >> > >> > > > > > > > > -- Kim Jensen > > > > Studio > > la (213) 482 76 62 > > www.fleurstudio.com > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > -- Be Yourself @ mail.com! Choose From 200+ Email Addresses Get a Free Account at www.mail.com

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Re: [TheThinkTank] favorite bike movie (cedric@holycitybikecoop.org)
by Holy City Bike Co-op 30 Sep '08

30 Sep '08

Speaking of movies on bikes, I'm thinking more and more about bicycles as a way to provide a broader message. As a mode of transportation that respects its environment (both physical and human), they are ideal catalysts for social change. And that is probably why bike co-ops make sense. Anyhow, it's been wonderfully informative to follow the list. I look forward in further participation as we grow. We also anticipate the Bike Bike Southeast! to be wonderful. Maybe we could volunteer to teach a mechanic's class, or something like that (brakes, chain, tires)? Bikes! Cedric cedric(a)holycitybikecoop.org --- On Tue, 9/30/08, thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org <thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org> wrote: From: thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org <thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org> Subject: Thethinktank Digest, Vol 25, Issue 26 To: thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2008, 4:01 PM Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org You can reach the person managing the list at thethinktank-owner(a)bikecollectives.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Re: favorite bike movie (veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com) 2. Re: favorite bike movie (rachael spiewak) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:36:16 -0600 From: veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] favorite bike movie To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Message-ID: <53e5a1720809301136ob88fdah74942bb5e7cbdb48(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" is anyone else interested in trading--ahem--sharing movies with the group? most of the ones i've got are more mainstream--breaking away, american flyers, triplets, etc--but i'd be into expanding our library for movie nights and such. strictly for "educational" purposes, of course. i guess email me off the list if you're interested. On Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 12:30 PM, Boson Au <boson.au(a)gmail.com> wrote: > oh man a bike ride => bike movie night sounds awesome... I wanna run this > by some peeps here and make it happen. > > > On Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 2:21 PM, <veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> speaking of so bad they're good horror movies with bikes, "blood trails"<http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0805185/>is pretty awful. the description totally oversells it, but it's got a great >> scene with the villian killing someone by table topping his sprocket into >> someone's neck. you know, cos everyone rides a bike with razor sharp >> chainwheels. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> On Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 12:14 PM, troy neiman <troyneiman(a)myself.com>wrote: >> >>> We do a community bike ride and a bike-in movie every month at BICAS in >>> Tucson. We are always looking for fun movies with bike scenes and themes. >>> >>> You can check out this site for bike movies and other sites for reviews >>> http://www.massbike.org/info/movies.htm >>> >>> more obscure and I am guessing not on this list is a film called BLOOD >>> CAR. It came out about a year or two ago and is an excellent Horror film >>> spoof with some of the best bike scenes ever including a kindergarten >>> teacher splattered in blood and bicycling with hatchet in hand chasing a car >>> full of government spies. You probably will not find it at blockbuster but >>> worth tracking it down. >>> >>> Troy @ BICAS >>> > ----- Original Message ----- >>> > From: Davis_S <steve.davis(a)ncsd.k12.ca.us> >>> > To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> >>> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] favorite bike movie >>> > Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:36:44 -0700 >>> > >>> > >>> > I am surprised no one has mentioned the movie Breaking Away-great >>> > movie about adolescence and the power of bikes. >>> > Steve Davis >>> > Seven Hills School >>> > 700 Hoover Lane >>> > Nevada City, CA 95959 >>> > steve.davis(a)ncsd.k12.ca.us >>> > 530-265-1840 ext. 8143 >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > On Sep 30, 2008, at 8:59 AM, Kim Jensen wrote: >>> > >>> > > 1. E.T. all throughout. >>> > > 2. Intro scene to Donny Darko >>> > > 3. Bike parts in Goonies. >>> > > 4. BMX bandits - if you're like what is that... you must see right >>> > > away- Nicole Kidman is rocking BMX and flatlander stunts and more, >>> > > she's like 13 years old >>> > > 5. Some dutch film, forgot the name- but the main girl was >>> promiscuous >>> > > and had a lil gold windmill attached to her handlebars.... and the >>> > > bike bloomers! >>> > > 6. I second 2 seconds. >>> > > >>> > > This was a fun break from the norm, great to see people excited in >>> > > response. To all you riding from Bike Bike to S.C. ride on, be safe, >>> > > wish I was there!! >>> > > >>> > > XX >>> > > Kimchi >>> > > Bicycle Kitchen - LA baby! >>> > > >>> > > >>> > > On Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 2:40 PM, Ann Altstatt < >>> annaltstatt(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>> > >> hey everybody, what's your favorite bicycle related movie? >>> > >> >>> > >> _______________________________________________ >>> > >> Thethinktank mailing list >>> > >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >>> > >> >>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >>> > >> >>> > >> >>> > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> > > -- Kim Jensen >>> > > >>> > > Studio >>> > > la (213) 482 76 62 >>> > > www.fleurstudio.com >>> > > _______________________________________________ >>> > > Thethinktank mailing list >>> > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >>> > > >>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >>> > >>> > _______________________________________________ >>> > Thethinktank mailing list >>> > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >>> > >>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >>> >>> > >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Be Yourself @ mail.com! >>> Choose From 200+ Email Addresses >>> Get a Free Account at www.mail.com >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Thethinktank mailing list >>> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >>> >>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >>> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >

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Thanks
by burdenistic＠gmail.com 30 Sep '08

30 Sep '08

Bike Kitchen and Bike Church and all involved, Thank you for all of your hard work. I am inspired by your efforts and feel very fortunate to have been able to participate in Bike!Bike! I met a ton of great people with clear minds energetically involved in creating a better world through cycling and service. As a new person to decentralized cycling collectives and community cycling initiatives I have come away filled with ideas and energy. I laud all of your hard work and long hours creating a very successful conference and I hope to return next year with experiences to share with all of my own success from following the example you all have set! Thank-you, Gary Burden Participant

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Thank You Bike Kitchen and Church
by Rich Points 30 Sep '08

30 Sep '08

Bike Bike Hosts, I just wanted to thank everyone who helped make bike bike happen this year. Your efforts are appreciated. It's invaluable to be able to meet and talk shop with other coops/collectives/non-profits. Looking forward to next year in Minneapolis! Peace -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019

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favorite bike movie
by Ann Altstatt 30 Sep '08

30 Sep '08

hey everybody, what's your favorite bicycle related movie?

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speaking of bikebike southeast!
by rachael spiewak 30 Sep '08

30 Sep '08

GET EXCITED! *Go here for more info:* southeast.bikebike.org You can *sign up for the mailing list* there. Of course, EVERYONE is invited to participate. By design, we want to meet the needs of folks developing shops in the South, but don't let that stop you from being a part of the fun! * Just added to the workshop possibilities list: * - How to work with the media, facilitated by Jamie Gumbrecht, Atlanta-Journal Constitution Reporter and friend of Sopo - Assertiveness for community bike shop folks: How to advocate for your safe space, approach foundations, and otherwise say what you gotta say - Grantseeking at the Foundation Center (a free library of foundation/grant information...gonna see if they'll do something special for us). - Community bike shops in marginalized communities (hopefully one of our teens will give a talk about developing a shop in his refugee community). *What you can do to help: * - Find more people who need to get involved. Any rumblings about new shops around your neck of the woods? Sign those people up to come! Let's really reach out to anyone who wants to get in on the community bike shop game. - Holler at us off of this mailing list so we don't clutter it up. Let us know if you're game! - Make swag. We can email you the graphic if you'd like to screen some shirts or patches. - Suggest workshop topics and/or volunteer to facilitate!!! If you know lots, great! If you know not lots and you want to change that, even better! - If you are traveling by car or if you have hauling capabilities, consider bringing a loaner bike or two with you. We can't keep loaners in stock around here. - Likewise, if you would like to solicit food donations and you can haul it over here, that would be great. We're going to work with our local FnB chapter, but the food donation climate around here is a bit hostile and we don't want to take away from the good work they're struggling to do. - Throw yourself a fundraiser party to come up with whatever travel money you might need. Your pals, Sopo -- Sopo Bicycle Cooperative 404-425-9989 www.sopobikes.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hours of operation: Tues, Wed, & Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm Sat & Sun 2 pm - 6 pm

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shop rules
by rachael spiewak 29 Sep '08

29 Sep '08

Hi, everyone. Thanks for a fantastic weekend! I'm curious about whatever rules you may have posted at your shop. This might be a good wiki topic. I'd like to know if anyone's come up with clear, creative ways to state what kinds of behaviors are over the line. It would be nice to avoid having the word NO posted up and followed by a laundry list, but we need to make it plain as day that things like flirting or boozing in the shop are harmful to the shop atmosphere (for example). Thanks! Rachael -- Sopo Bicycle Cooperative 404-425-9989 www.sopobikes.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hours of operation: Tues, Wed, & Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm Sat & Sun 2 pm - 6 pm

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Proposed Bicycle Frame Building Collective in Denver
by burdenistic＠gmail.com 29 Sep '08

29 Sep '08

To whom it may concern: My fellow cyclists, I am proposing to all who would be interested the development of a bicycle frame building collective in Denver. I have long been interested in building frames and my recent trip to Bike!Bike! in San Francisco has moved me from thought to action. I was able to participate in a short but excellent frame building seminar given by Josh from Bike Church in Santa Cruz. Josh has built some very lovely and functional frames using steel tubing. One of the frames Josh built is used to viably haul things, like his black Labrador Retriever. I believe in the bicycle. I believe that individuals who travel by their own power are quietly doing the best work for our environment and our planet. Could there not be a collective that used old bikes to make new and more effective bikes to move people and goods? My intent is as follows: Invite all interested to a meeting at to get an idea what a collective for the purpose of building frames would mean. I am looking for feedback and input along the following lines: 1. What types of bikes could be made i.e. cargo bikes, touring bikes , city bikes? 2. What tools and materials would be needed to start? 3. Would this be a for profit or an non profit or a mixture of both? 4. What would our mission be in regard to the community and the needs of the people around us? ie disadvantaged people learning a skill we could teach them? 5. Could viable bikes be created reusing some steel tubing from old bikes? 6. What tools and materials are available to train ourselves and others to build and repair frames? 7. Can building a bike for a specific practical purpose supersede buying one because of labor issues and artisanship? Thanks, Gary E Burden

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Addressing incidents from last year's BikeBike!
by Dave Caz 25 Sep '08

25 Sep '08

Hey all, My name is Dave, and I was asked to address a situation I created at last year's bikebike before attending the current conference, and after consideration, I wholeheartedly agree with the request and apologize it was not done sooner. Last year, at the bikebike party, I drank quite heavily and crossed major boundaries of people I never met. I created a very uncomfortable situation for people just trying to have a good time. I was responsible for making people feel threatened for their safety and space they deserved. I apologize for turning a people's night to celebrate into a bad memory for some. I can not say for sure what happened exactly, because I was too intoxicated to recall a large portion of that night, but the second hand accounts of my actions blew my mind. I have never acted in such a horrific way, nor have EVER considered to do the audacious things I did to people that eve. But I am responsible for my actions, drunk or not, and in no way excuse what I did. I owed it to the people who worked so hard to make bikebike! a success that year, to the visitors, conference members and all in attendance, to manage myself in a respectful manner, and I blew it. I am sorry. This year I promise to show the utmost control over my person as to never ever ever ever make people feel the way I did. I frequently dwell on the facts of what happened, and it is a burden I will have to live with, but live with AND change from it to never allow it to happen again. I will not be drinking before/during/after anything going on in the next potential FOREVER, and will also not be attending the celebration going on this year or next. All I ask is that you take me for who I am, and not the monster I was. I am truly sorry and understand that if I now have a bad reputation with you, I earned every bit of it, but I am trying to redeem myself. Sending this to 2 giant list-servs is not easy for me, but it is something I am doing to come clean to everyone. Hoping that people not expect a repeat from me, and encouraging others to police their actions and not lose control as I did. Remember a lot of people got their shit together and busted their collective asses to make this awesome thing happen. If you wish to talk to me about this, please come find me and we'll chat. I'm trying to learn from this as best as possible. Thanks to everyone for not blacklisting me and giving me a second chance. Again, I am truly sorry, and hope you can get past my past, as I am trying to do the same. peace, Milwaukee Dave.

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BC in Wisconsin
by Julia Schnell 23 Sep '08

23 Sep '08

So I'm just starting out and wondered how you all went about finding a space for your bike collective. Thanks! Julia.

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Non Profit Fund Raising/Membership letters
by Rich Points 23 Sep '08

23 Sep '08

Hey All, So it's getting to be that time of year again when we ask our current members to re-up and solicit new ones. I wanted to ask how you guys are writing these letters and maybe post a few on the wiki. Fund raising is not as fun as bike riding :-( -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019

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Cycling back east after Bike Bike
by Stephanie Previc 22 Sep '08

22 Sep '08

Hey all! Looking forward to Bike Bike and another year of great ideas and great people. I am heading down to San Francisco by Greyhound, but I'm interested in finding other cyclists to join me in riding back east after the conference. I'm fairly flexible as to when I need to leave SFO, and I would be open to going straight back through Yosemite, or taking a more southerly route from Los Angeles or San Diego. I am hoping to ride all the way back to Florida, but if anyone is going as far a the eastern slope of the Rockies, it would be great to find riding partners across the more desolate, western stretch. Feel free to email or call if you're planning on doing something similar! (352) 219-3408 -Ani

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Bike for Environmental Awareness
by Jennifer Nordhem 20 Sep '08

20 Sep '08

Please send this on to any of your friends, post on your blog or MySpace, etc. We can make this huge! This stuff is important! Love, Jen Next Saturday, September 27th, 1Sky.org , GreenJobsNow.com , and WeCanSolveit.org are hosting a rally and bike ride to bring awareness to the need for more green jobs! Below are details about the event and what the organization is going to accomplish. Please read and come out to show your support next week! The rally is at 10am, speakers at 11am and the ride to Washington Park is at 12pm. Bring your friends! Bring your parents! Bring your boss! We need as many people there as possible! Come and show your support for the environment and the need for green jobs! Check it out before going to the Track Shack Grand Opening! trackshackdenver.com If you believe in the following message come: Urge our elected officials to invest in creating millions of green jobs and a Clean Energy Corps. We can't drill and burn our way out of the current crisis. We can invest and invent our way out. We can create new pathways out of poverty and curb global warming at the same time. We will do this by retooling our factories, rebuilding our communities, and repowering America with 100% clean and renewable electricity. It's time to build an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. There are events going on all over Denver (Highlands, 5 points, Cheesman Park), see the whole list here: http://events.greenjobsnow.com/events/search So what are we supporting exactly? The following text is care of BikeDenver.org ---- The 1Sky campaign (www.1Sky.org) is a new national campaign that pressures the presidential candidates to take bold federal action on global warming. Our goal is to make global warming a priority and get real solutions passed. America needs solutions based on science and justice that match the scale of the problem of climate change. The 1Sky platform includes global warming emission reductions 25-40% by 2020 and 80% by 2050, a moratorium on new coal fired power plants and investment in clean and renewable technology, and the creation of 5 million new green jobs as pathways out of poverty. Transportation amounts to almost a third of global warming emissions, and supporting bikes and cyclists to make riding safe and easy is the easiest way to start reducing those emissions! To jumpstart this campaign, there is a National Day of Action for Green Jobs. As part of the campaign, we’re going to make the National Day of Action for Green Jobs a success. Below are the details for the event. We need everyone to get involved come to these event in order to send a clear message to our leaders in Washington. The Rally starts at 10 and needs to be a visible presence of 100 people from diverse communities in order to get the media’s attention. We’ll have action booths, sign-in photo petitions, and letter writing. At 11 we’ll have three short speakers and media coverage, and at 11:30 we’ll head off to Washington Park on the Cherry Creek path and bike around Washington Park. It’s really important to have people from the ride also at the rally in order to get the visibility of how many people are involved, so please come for both! *What: Green Jobs Rally and Ride When: Saturday, September 27th at 10am Starts: The Alliance Center, 1536 Wynkoop, Denver To: Washington Park Who: www.GreenJobsNow.com* Climate change affects us all in some way, whether it be the health of our communities, the enjoyment of our wilderness, or the simple belief that Americans deserve an equitable and sustainable future. We need Green Jobs in order to transform us into the new green economy. Please RSVP to eleanor(a)greencorps.org or call at 773-750-7845 so we can know how many to expect. We hope to see you there! Eleanor Green Corps Field Organizer eleanor(a)greencorps.org 773-750-7845

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Fwd: [BikeBike08] Transportation to/from Denver
by Ann Altstatt 19 Sep '08

19 Sep '08

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: <burdenistic(a)gmail.com> Date: Fri, Sep 19, 2008 at 12:01 AM Subject: [BikeBike08] Transportation to/from Denver To: bikebike08(a)groups.google.com To whom it may concern @ Bike!Bike! Hello loving bike people, My name is Gary Burden. I have a very small indie shop in my warehouse/house in Denver. I am interested in attending your event, however I need a ride to/from Denver to San Francisco. If you know of anyone participating in your event coming from close to my area (Denver, Boulder) to the event: I can pay for 1/2 of the gas and share in the driving duties as well. I will need space for; me, a small bag and one bike. I give you permission to forward this email and my telephone number, 720 219 0954 to the applicable party(ies). I am excited to participate and volunteer. I am willing to bring two portable repair stands and my tools for the purpose of doing repairs if that would help. Thanks so much, Gary E Burden Denver City Bikes 720 219 0954 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "BikeBike08" group. To post to this group, send email to bikebike08(a)googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to bikebike08-unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/bikebike08?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

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BikeBike Workshop Call Out
by Ann Altstatt 18 Sep '08

18 Sep '08

Dear Bikey Ones, This year's Bike!Bike! conference in San Francisco is right around the corner! As one of the folks dealing with workshops and registration, I am sending this long email to let you know how exciting this event is going to be. . . oh yeah, and we still need your help to make it even better! We have an exciting list of workshops on the schedule, but we would still like to offer even more options. *Here is a list of workshop topics which already have been proposed:* - Becoming incorporated/tax stuff (Ed France, Bici Centro, Santa Barbara) - Free Hub Membership Tracker (Alon, Bike Kitchen, San Francisco) - University Bike Co-ops Forum (Ildiko, CCSF, Daniel, UCSC Bike Co-op, Davis Bike Church, etc.) - Productive Paperwork (Casey, Fargo Moorhead Community Bike Project) - Working with the City to get space (Nathan, Austin Yellow Bikes) - Mobile bike shops (Sachi, Austin Yellow Bikes) - Starting a Community Bike Shop (RaRa, Portland Bike Farm) - How do you organize your space? (everyone bring a picture of their shop - "this is what we do with fenders", etc.) - Tour of Box Dog Bikes/For-Profit Co-ops (Dan, Box Dog Bikes) - Volunteer Retention Forum (Ed of SB, etc.) - Starting a Bike Share Program (Lynda from Queens) - Cut the Red Tape: Navigating the "Shared Governance" System in Colleges (Ryan, Cabrillo Bike Coop) - Bike Trailer Building (Aron, East Bay) - Chloroplast pannier building (Sachi, Austin Yellow Bikes) - Lowbagger bike touring (Quentin, Bike Church Santa Cruz) - Planning a Bike Tour: SF to Santa Cruz (Josh, SC Bike Church) - Wheel building (Ellie, Bike Church Santa Cruz, and Daniel, UCSC Bike Co-op) - Frame construction/repair (Josh, Bike Church Santa Cruz) - Youth-based earn-a-bike programs (Community Cycles, Boulder) - Bicycle Touring for Social Change/Fostering Sustainable Communities (Nora Dye and "Within Reach" folks) - Understanding bicycle-focused international development work: Case studies in Nepal and Namibia (Mario, SF Bike Kitchen/Wrench Nepal) - International Bike Projects: Tanzinia (David, Neighborhood Works, Philly) - Adult Education (Ed France, Bici Centro, Santa Barbara) - Youth programming funding (Free Ride, Pittsburg) - Youth forum (John from Sacramento, Jami from Pittsburg, Justin from Chicago, etc.) - Envisioning the Future of Bicycle-based Urbanism (Jonathan, Davis Bike Church) - Up the Punks: counter-cultural roots in the era of "green capitalism" (Kyle, Bicas/Bike Church) - Forming a Community Bike Coalition (Daniel, New Haven Bike Collective) - Non-Violent Communication (Ani, the Kickstand, Gainsville) - How To Set-Up Ladies/Trans Shop time (Alissa, Bike Saviours, Tempe Arizona) - Round Table discussion on gender issues in shops/projects (Chole from Bike Church Philly and Kanako from Bike n' Bike, Olympia) - Forum on project demographics - Who are We Serving (Ami from SF Bike Kitchen, Emilyn from Bike Church Santa Cruz, etc.) - Being a guy ally/supporting women/trans/queer folk (Ian and Quentin from Bike Church Santa Cruz, etc.) *And here is our wish list of topics we'd still like to see covered:* - co-op and collective structures- grant funding how to's and pros/cons - cutting threads/taps and dies - bike fit - welding/choppers - lights/generators - basic bike systems - bearings, wheels, cables, etc. - how to set up classes/classes vs. open shop time - political advocacy - getting bike lanes, working with local gov't, etc - safe routes to schools programs - working with schools, bike shops in schools - panel on racism in projects - working with a language barrier - how to be a white ally - how diverse is our staff/volunteers, how to attract diverse staff/volunteers -your great and novel workshop idea you see missing, there are so many possibilities. . . * We also are very interested in finding folks interested in helping with existing forums/workshops on:* youth in bike shops race and racism shop demographics/who are we serving? volunteer retention how to be a guy ally If you would be interested in facilitating or collaborating on any of these topics, please do let us know! Here's who to contact: Emilyn, Ian and Ann (emilynrose(a)yahoo.com, ian.paleale(a)gmail.com, annaltstatt(a)gmail.com) Thanks and I look forward to seeing everyone soon! Ann Altstatt The Bicycle Church Tool Cooperative Santa Cruz, CA

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Campus bike programmer's 1st Conference
by Tim Potter 17 Sep '08

17 Sep '08

I know this comes close on the heels of the Bike!Bike! conference, but please consider our 1st conference hosted by UC Davis, CA, this Nov. 1 -2: <http://www.bikes.msu.edu/ubikes/> http://www.bikes.msu.edu/ubikes/ You can also just join our listserv if you're unable to attend to connect with other campus bike programmers around N. America; we've got about 75 on our list at this point. Hope the Bike!Bike! conference goes great; wish I could be there. Tim ******************** Tim Potter Coordinator MSU Bikes Service Center B10 Bessey Hall/ Michigan St. University Along the N. River Trail, 300 ft. west of Farm Ln. Bridge E. Lansing, MI 48824-1033 Ph: 517/432-3400 Fax: 517/432-2743 Email: <mailto:bikes@msu.edu> bikes(a)msu.edu Web: <file:///C:\Documents%20and%20Settings\tbpotter\Application%20Data\Microsoft \Signatures\www.bikes.msu.edu> www.bikes.msu.edu Home Dept: <file:///C:\Documents%20and%20Settings\tbpotter\Application%20Data\Microsoft \Signatures\www.transportation.pp.msu.edu> www.transportation.pp.msu.edu

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[Updated Invitation] Bike Collective Network Booth at Interbike @ Wed Sep 24 – Fri Sep 26, 2008 (The Think Tank)
by Jonathan Morrison 16 Sep '08

16 Sep '08

Details for the following event have changed: Title: Bike Collective Network Booth at Interbike Time: Wed Sep 24 – Fri Sep 26, 2008 (Timezone: Mountain Time) Where: Sands Expo Center Calendar: The Think Tank Description: Read this: http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=prlHsC-DLLuQ_ogqq3iszfg&hl=en You can view this event at http://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=VIEW&eid=ZTFtZm5iaGlvcThyMmVvdW… You are receiving this courtesy email at the account thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org because you are an attendee of this event. To stop receiving future notifications for this event, decline this event. Alternatively you can sign up for a Google account at http://www.google.com/calendar/ and control your notification settings for your entire calendar.

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off mailing list, please
by julie vincent 16 Sep '08

16 Sep '08

Hi there, Although your discussions are politically interesting, the sheer amount of random people emailing me is clogging up my inbox. Please remove my name from your mailing list. I do not even live in the US and a large majority of the topics you discuss have nothing to do with me or anyone in my region or country... I was just looking for bike info relating to Burningman, that's all. Clearly I don't belong here! Thanks for understanding and good luck with it all. YOu're doing a good thing. Sincerely, Julie Vincent __________________________________________________________________ Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Yahoo! Answers and share what you know at http://ca.answers.yahoo.com

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8000 miles pedaling for the dignity of the immigrant
by Erik D Stockmeier 16 Sep '08

16 Sep '08

The following is a post from the blog of Flor Crisostomo, an undocumented worker who has taken sanctuary in a Chicago church for the past several months and has been blogging on her experiences... thought it might be of interest to some of us! The blog is interesting on its own (outside of bikes) and each post is translated into english. http://floresiste.wordpress.com/ Mario Castellon, ¡si se puede! Mario, 8000 miles pedaling for the dignity of the immigrant On Wednesday September 2 at 8 o'clock in the morning we received a visit from a thin, tired, and bearded youth. The only thing that he brings is a bicycle with a few flags, loaded with a small carrier of clothes and spare bike parts. What I noticed in his tired face was a big grin of tranquility, peace and a tremendous humility, which these days almost nobody carries. His name is Mario Castellón, and he has traveled more than 8,000 miles by bicycle since May 31, 2008. His starting point was his home country, El Salvador. His purpose is to help the pro-immigrant fight, bringing the message to the world and the communities through which he passes. Mario wants to bring attention to the importance and significance of more than 12 million undocumented immigrants in the long-awaited IMMIGRATION REFORM. After welcoming him with a cup of Mayan coffee and Mexican bread, talking for a couple of hours, I started to get to know him a little more. He is a very nice person, with immense faith that leads him to believe the situation will change. He told me of such strong experiences that he has gone through, starting in Guatemala when some police wanted to rob him thinking he brought dollars. After, in Mexico he saw the treatment of the undocumented Central Americans. At the arrival of the United States border he saw companions trying to cross to this country in half-dead conditions. Already, in this place he saw the good and bad of those that understand his message and also that of the xenophobes that still think we live in the time of Hitler or of the KKK. He has slept underneath bridges and in parks, but he says, "everything is worth it, to bring this message to the government of our countries of the support and commitment that we need of the North American government." We know that it is election time and the press does not cover this type of news. He and I know what we face and what the yellow press wants. He and I understand that the work that we do is so that our message reaches where it has to go, and little by little we are getting there. We both know that the young and the new North America is desperate with a spirit very full of Faith and Dignity. To him, like me, we have united in the same cause and we are representing it in the form we think is correct. For so many reasons he deserves more than my respect. We hope that he will bring a little attention, that they will give him a hand with the rest of his journey; Tennesse, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona, New Mexico, San Antonio to the finish where he lives in Dallas, Texas. Thank you Maria, may God bless and protect you. You, like I, together with the 12 million of us that we know ¡¡¡SI SE PUEDEEE!!! *FLOResiste is writen by Flor Crisóstomo. Blog translation is done by Dalia Rubiano Yeddia, Eva Nagao, Willy Barreno, Jesus Carlin and Jhonathan F. Gómez. Design and updates by Willy Barreno, Jesus Carlin and Jhonathan F. Gómez. Edited by **Jhonathan F. Gómez.*

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Theft and Selling Locks
by Sandra Medd 16 Sep '08

16 Sep '08

hi I am also looking for low cost or donation bike locks. The youth in my area (west end/central) need locks. We are willing to purchase, but because we need so many, they would have to be cheap. any ideas?Sam @ spence neighbourhood youth outreach> Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:54:18 -0500> From: graham.stewart(a)winply.ca> To: Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Theft and Selling Locks> > 1. Are there any shops out there who buy locks in bulk and re-sell > them? The rationale for doing this would be that providing a > good-quality low-cost lock to people visiting the shop would reduce the > likelihood of having their bike stolen. I see the rampant bike-theft > here as one of the common reasons people stop cycling or don't want to > invest time or money in their bike.> > My questions are, where do you get locks from, and how is the program > run? Are their any other initiatives you take to reduce the problem of > bike-theft?> > Graham @> The Bike-Dump in Winnipeg> > _______________________________________________> Thethinktank mailing list> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _________________________________________________________________

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Running your bike collective website on Joomla!
by Rich Points 15 Sep '08

15 Sep '08

Bike Collectives, Just wanted to shoot this note out before Bike Bike that I'll be presenting a workshop called "Getting the most out of your website with Joomla and a custom bike collective database". The system I'm working on, along with Jonathan from Salt Lake, can be easily shared between sites. The only requirement is that you be using the current version of Joomla!. I'm writing to encourage you to move your sites to Joomla! as it is a powerful tool even without the Bike Collective Database. Find out more about Joomla! http://joomla.org If you won't be able to attend Bike Bike but are interested in the Bike Collective Database let me know and I'll send you my notes. Peace -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Theft and Selling Locks
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 15 Sep '08

15 Sep '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi, Matt. I would not worry too much about the potential that you will turn your EAB kids into bike theives if you explain good and bad locking jobs to them. If they are at your bike shop, watching older people provide loving mentorship and lots of free labour and enthusiasm to encourage something they love, they are getting quite the innoculation against growing up to become theives. They see people working hard to fix and care for their bikes, and they meet a lot of the bike-dependant people in their community, and they know that people can recognize each other's bikes. They know and understand the value of a bike, a value that is deeper and stranger and more about love and freedom than it is just about the monetary value of that bike. I know a good locking job from a bad one, and so do the people on this list. I've never stolen a bike, and that probably hold true for (almost?) everyone on this list. We don't steal not because we don't know how, but because we are people of (reasonably?) good character. The kids who come into places like their community bike shop are putting themselves into situations where they hang out with good adults (or ordinary adults behaving well). This, rather than any technical ignorance, is why they likely will not steal bikes. They are, or are becoming, good people. Your walking tours sound great. What a good idea. They work so hard for their bikes, it sucks when those bikes get stolen. Sasha On Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:04:38 -0400 veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com wrote: >not to hijack the sourcing locks question, but does anyone include >in their >curriculum/EAB/youth classes some kind of locking information? i >know >there's the video of the guy in NYC grading lock jobs on the >street, and in >one of our classes here (community cycles in boulder, co), we >start the >class with a walk around the neighborhood, to point out some of >the lock >jobs that are less than stellar. > >it's a weird balance, because in order to teach someone good lock >technique, >it's easiest to show them examples of how not to do it, which is >basically >teaching them to think like a bike thief...how to do this without >actually >encouraging them to become bike thieves? it's not a major concern, >but one >that came up while we discussed the issue. does anyone else have >experience >with this? > > > >On Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 8:57 AM, Matt <mattface(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> We sell inexpensive U-locks. THey are not top quality, but they >are more >> than adequate for the type of theft we have here, and they are >relatively >> affordable. >> >> >> >> On Sep 15, 2008, at 10:54 AM, Graham wrote: >> >> 1. Are there any shops out there who buy locks in bulk and re- >sell them? >>> The rationale for doing this would be that providing a good- >quality >>> low-cost lock to people visiting the shop would reduce the >likelihood of >>> having their bike stolen. I see the rampant bike-theft here as >one of the >>> common reasons people stop cycling or don't want to invest time >or money in >>> their bike. >>> >>> My questions are, where do you get locks from, and how is the >program run? >>> Are their any other initiatives you take to reduce the problem >of >>> bike-theft? >>> >>> Graham @ >>> The Bike-Dump in Winnipeg >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Thethinktank mailing list >>> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >>> >>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkjOsSQACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRlMNgCgia0xaX0+0yqxTL+sCBreQhJrMpMA njAx5BMIMmRovIBPSqFmtgexViLJ =Ge8L -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Re: [TheThinkTank] rickshaw cart?
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 15 Sep '08

15 Sep '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hello, Everyone. I'm still in that weird time-warped world of new parenthood, so I have not mananged to post our pictures and specs for the mobile bike shop we made earlier this spring and summer. We did not use a rickshaw cart. We made a bike trailer, and we used rubbermaid tubs containing smaller tubs, all nicely labelled with the contents-- contents labelled in English, French, and Cree. We strap the tubs to the trailer. I'm told that it is working pretty well. Now that it is up on reserve, I haven't seen it in months. But I'm told it is working. One tub is getting pretty dirty, but we designed it so that the really messy stuff would mostly mess up only one tub. We have a laminated checklist on the inside lid of each tub, and a master list, also laminated, to help with restocking the shop. (Yes, folks, we needed to leave some space for PAPERWORK even in our mobile shop--volunteer hour binder, manuals, etc.) (Ideally, we would have a different way of coping with the bike stand; it is OK, but it could be better. We'll keep thinking about that.) If the tubs needed to be moved to another type of vehicle-- car, truck, train, bus, snowmobile, boat, etc.-- that would work, too. Doing it in tubs does localize and simplify cleaning tasks. It is also easier to store the mobile shop at someone's house or at a shop, etc., as you can reconfigure how all the tubs are stacked depending on what space you have available, and if the trailer is relatively flat. It is going to be hard for you to store a rickshaw-shop, but it will look so pretty-- please send pictures. The trailer cost under $100 to make. The tubs, some of them we had in our houses, some we bought. It was a reasonably economical way of doing everything. Filling it with tools and supplies was the expensive part-- we put ads requesting unused tools or small donations to buy tools in lots of places-- free weeklies, neighbourhood papers, and lots of church newsletters and school newsletters, posted our needs on boards at local co-ops and grocery stores, at Mountain Equipment Co- op and other sporting goods stores-- they were helpful. People were generous to us; we were lucky. If we had not had so much loving help from so many people, it would have cost us much more. We made a book to go inside the mobile shop listing who gave us what, so that we could remember their contribution. I added writing thank you notes to them to the list of baby- related thank you notes I am still writing, three months (! Outrageous! I'm suprised people are still talking to me!)) later. I had more help with the bike thank-yous, so they are done already. We did send pictures of the bike shop to everyone who had helped us, so that they could use it for their own promotional purposes, or just to make them happy. My best wishes to you. Good luck. I am excited by all these mobile shops that people are making! We put a great first aid kit-- kindly donated by the good people at St. John's Ambulance-- in ours so it could also be used at races, should anyone up there decide to have races. Apparently that is going over well. My best to all of you Sasha On Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:04:57 -0400 Erik Ryberg <ryberg(a)seanet.com> wrote: >Maryland is a long way away from Mexico, but I have bought two >Mexican >cargo trikes in Nogales, Mexico (right over the border from me) >for >$220.00 each (yes that is two hundred and twenty dollars) and >ridden >them off the shop floor and back into the U.S.. Here's the link: > >http://www.bicicletasmercurio.com.mx/carga.htm > >They aren't super high quality but they are definitely good >enough! > >Erik > >Matt wrote: >> I have Haley Trike which I think is quite well suited to the >task of >> carrying tools for a mobile bike shop. They are built to order, >and you >> can order them with many custom box options, and the optional >umbrella >> holder can actually hold a post for a bike stand provided it's >the right >> diameter. if you have a bike stand you would like to use, give >Stephen >> the post diameter, and I'm sure he could add a mount for it for >a >> reasonable price. http://www.haleytrikes.com/options.html >> >> Matt >> >> >> On Sep 15, 2008, at 11:00 AM, adam schwartz wrote: >> >>> Here at the Renaissance Community Youth Bike Shop in the DC/MD >area, >>> we are looking to develop a mobile bike repair stand for >events, >>> farmers markets, festivals, etc.. Does anyone know where we >can >>> acquire a pedal rickshaw cart like found in most "developing" >parts of >>> the world. >>> >>> -- >>> Adam Schwartz >>> Program Coordinator, The Renaissance Youth Bike Shop >>> Center For Educational Partnership >>> 6200 Sheridan Street, Riverdale, MD >>> adamgs(a)umd.edu <mailto:adamgs@umd.edu> >>> (301) 405-3213 >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Thethinktank mailing list >>> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> >> >> ----------------------------------------------------------------- >------- >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org > > >-- >Erik B. Ryberg >Attorney at Law >445 West Simpson Street >Tucson, AZ 85701 >phone: (520) 622-3333 >fax: (520) 792-6677 >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkjOrUQACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRlDWgCgjjcAAvwM8hRhQtYhj8gCUb/rH34A n3Bt0ncDfBWZYos2JmB9yz7fQ0AL =Xf2X -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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rickshaw cart?
by adam schwartz 15 Sep '08

15 Sep '08

Here at the Renaissance Community Youth Bike Shop in the DC/MD area, we are looking to develop a mobile bike repair stand for events, farmers markets, festivals, etc.. Does anyone know where we can acquire a pedal rickshaw cart like found in most "developing" parts of the world. -- Adam Schwartz Program Coordinator, The Renaissance Youth Bike Shop Center For Educational Partnership 6200 Sheridan Street, Riverdale, MD adamgs(a)umd.edu (301) 405-3213

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Bike Theft and Selling Locks
by Graham 15 Sep '08

15 Sep '08

1. Are there any shops out there who buy locks in bulk and re-sell them? The rationale for doing this would be that providing a good-quality low-cost lock to people visiting the shop would reduce the likelihood of having their bike stolen. I see the rampant bike-theft here as one of the common reasons people stop cycling or don't want to invest time or money in their bike. My questions are, where do you get locks from, and how is the program run? Are their any other initiatives you take to reduce the problem of bike-theft? Graham @ The Bike-Dump in Winnipeg

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Bike coop
by Noah McColl 14 Sep '08

14 Sep '08

Hey Cris, Jessica Jeffers told me that you're running a bike coop in the Have'. I've been looking for an old refurbished commuter bike and was wondering if you had anything. I would also be interested in getting involved in the coop. Let me know what I can do, Noah

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Welcome to the "Thethinktank" mailing list
by Cristina.Cruz＠CityofOrlando.net 12 Sep '08

12 Sep '08

Please subscribe me to your newsletter. Thank you thethinktank-bounces(a)bikecollectives.org wrote on 09/12/2008 08:50:36 AM: > Welcome to the Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org mailing list! Welcome > to The Think Tank, the goal of this list is to discuss ways to improve > and encourage communication between existing and future community bike > shops. > > To post to this list, send your email to: > > thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > General information about the mailing list is at: > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- > bikecollectives.org > > > If you ever want to unsubscribe or change your options (eg, switch to > or from digest mode, change your password, etc.), visit your > subscription page at: > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank- > bikecollectives.org/cristina.cruz%40cityoforlando.net > > > You can also make such adjustments via email by sending a message to: > > Thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org > > with the word `help' in the subject or body (don't include the > quotes), and you will get back a message with instructions. > > You must know your password to change your options (including changing > the password, itself) or to unsubscribe. It is: > > geunorbe > > Normally, Mailman will remind you of your bikecollectives.org mailing > list passwords once every month, although you can disable this if you > prefer. This reminder will also include instructions on how to > unsubscribe or change your account options. There is also a button on > your options page that will email your current password to you.

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Help Whole Foods Keep Promise to Fundraise for Homeless Shelter Bike Shop
by rachael spiewak 11 Sep '08

11 Sep '08

Dear friends and neighbors, On Wednesday, September 10, 2008, Whole Foods on Ponce canceled a 5% Day<http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/poncedeleon/community-giving.php>* fundraiser to support an Earn-A-Bike program at Taskforce for the Homeless<http://www.homelesstaskforce.org/>because the Midtown Ponce Security Alliance <http://www.midtownponce.org/> threatened to boycott the store. Sopo Bicycle Cooperative <http://www.sopobikes.org> is a community partner in this project, along with Paideia High School and Americorps. We would like to offer some clarification about the project, and to ask you to support us by asking Whole Foods to reinstate its commitment to Taskforce by rescheduling 5% Day. The Taskforce Earn-A-Bike project was created by a Sopo intern from Paideia High School and an Americorps Volunteer at Taskforce who wanted to make independent transportation accessible for Taskforce Resident Volunteers (people who complete volunteer commitments at the shelter in order to reside there). We all came together to create an on-site bicycle repair shop that provides access to an environmentally responsible form of transportation as well as opportunities to learn marketable skills. Skill building and reliable transportation are necessary for everyday life, and will help our friends at Taskforce access jobs and independent living. Sopo and Taskforce for the Homeless are asking Ponce Whole Foods to reinstate its commitment to Taskforce by rescheduling 5% Day. You can help by calling or emailing: Lesley Sifford lesley.sifford(a)wholefoods.com 404-853-1681 Let's keep it positive. Ponce Whole Foods staff members selected this project to be the beneficiary of 5% Day. Let's be supportive and friendly as we work together to make sure Ponce Whole Foods follows through with its promise. *On a designated 5% day, 5% of store sales are set aside and donated to a local nonprofit. Sincerely, Rachael Spiewak, MSW Executive Director Sopo Bicycle Cooperative 404-425-9989 www.sopobikes.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hours of operation: Tues, Wed, & Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm Sat & Sun 2 pm - 6 pm

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Our Booth at Interbike 2008
by Jonathan Morrison 11 Sep '08

11 Sep '08

Like last year the Bike Collective Network will have an advocacy booth at Interbike (www.interbike.com) from Sept 24th until Sept 26th. Yes, they scheduled Bike!Bike! on top of it this year. So if you are not planning on going to Bike!Bike! this is a great opportunity for grants, tools, parts, sponsorships, manufacturer seconds, networking, professional workshops that will put your head in a whirl for months, and not to mention tearing up the Vegas strip on a bike. So three things: 1) This booth is for all of us, and people with deep pockets ask where the closest community bike shop for a donation, it is helpful if we can give them your info. So please mail any materials you want handed out before Sept 22nd to: 2312 S. West Temple; Salt Lake City, UT 84115. If you have photo albums, they would be great and we will mail them back after the show. 2) We will be printing out copies of the Bike Collective Network Directory (not the wiki) to hand out, so please make sure you are listed. http://www.bikecollectives.org/component/option,com_sobi2/sobi2Task,addNew/ 3) If you are planning on going to Interbike, please contact me (off the list) so we can establish some volunteer shifts at the booth. If you are coming alone feel free to room and board with us, we usually get a bunch of rooms at Circus Circus and pack as many people in as possible. -- Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Executive Director 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 Get Addicted to Crank! http://www.slcbikecollective.org/crank/ The mission of the Salt Lake City 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 Bicycle Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households.

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bike!bike! thursday
by allison karow 07 Sep '08

07 Sep '08

I can't tell from the bikebike website if there will be any events on Thursday during the day. Our shop is trying to decide when we will leave for san fran. Does anyone know yet how early we should get there, and how late we should stay on sunday? Thanks!

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think tank
by Ainsley Naylor 07 Sep '08

07 Sep '08

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Flying to Bike!Bike! and old schedule from 2007?
by Cris Shirley 05 Sep '08

05 Sep '08

Hey! I'm really excited to go to bike!bike! this year but it's on the other side of the country for me, so i'd need to fly. Anyone have any suggestions for cheap flight to get there (i'll be flying out of JFK should I definitely flight to the san francisco airport? or is there a better one?) please lemme know! I also thought about flying standby with airtran ($99 one way, but no guarantee how long i'll wait and they first fly me to atlanta, i believe anyone know any other standby flight options?) but don't know people that have done it, anyone tried this before? ( http://www.airtranu.com/airtran_u.aspx#how) I assume I can get from the airport to the location by public transportation, but i haven't found anything on the website on how to do that, if anyone knows that'd be great to know how to do. Also, i'd really either like to see the work shops being offered this year, or at least see the workshops that were offered last year if anyone has that info, it'd be really helpful for me (especially if i'm going to ask another student organization to pay for me to go). I've been starting this bike collective in new haven, but we are in transition (new location) and should revise our operations significantly so i hear this would be a great thing to attend (right?) and that it'd be worth the money I spend rather than buying more tools for the collective. xoxo cris

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Re: [TheThinkTank] New Orleans/Gulf Cost Folks OK?
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 05 Sep '08

05 Sep '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hurray for Plan B! Hurray for New Orleans! It is good to know that you are all alright. Please let everyone know if you need help. This may not be something you can turn your mind to just yet, but... Bill Quigley's "Katrina Pain Index" hit my inbox about seventeen times the week of the anniversary of Katrina. One of the alarming statistics contained in it was that 80% of the pre-Katrina public transit capacity has not been restored. I've cycled in New Orleans in your August heat, and it was a bit much for this Canadian girl-- give me an unplowed winter street any day! Those of you who cycle in that Southern humidity are tough! I've walked long distances in that humidity, too, and it made me so sad to think of people-- particularly old folks and little kids-- walking forever because there are no buses anymore. Fixing the public transit system is going to be a challenge for you all. That stat did make me wonder about whether or not you all or any one in your community had developed a more extensive alternative to the official New Orleans bike plan to help people who do not have cars. If not, do you know what your people and your city needs, can we set up a wiki and help you to develop a great one? Some of us are working with a wiki to design a bike plan for the Detroit-Windsor region, and that model is working well so far. We are developing a plan that contains both items that we, as citizens and denizens, are either already doing or can just start implementing all by ourselves, and things that we can take with us to meetings with all levels of government and with church groups and businesses, etc.. This ground up approach to city transportation plan design is kind of awesome so far; once our bike plan is a little father along, we will formally invite groups like Tansit Riders United, anti-poverty groups, women's groups, and others, to participate with us-- some of us already members of those groups, so those view points are already informally involved. If I can help New Orleans by helping with you develop that sort of plan, it would make me very happy-- so many of the people on this list have mad skills and lots of experience, but not much money to help you in other ways. Love to all of you and to your city-- have fun at Bike!Bike! Sasha On Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:04:34 -0400 plan b NOLA Bike Project <nolabikeproject(a)gmail.com> wrote: >Hey y'all! > >Plan B is up and we hope to reopen tomorrow! Most of us were in >Jackson, Ms. >at Ethan Clark's family home when Gustav hit. Everyone is doing >well and >there doesn't seem to be any damage to Plan B, although I've only >been >around the exterior of the building; I hope to go in today. In my >hurry to >depart on Sunday I made Plan B my last stop to take important >papers, close >windows, remove money, etc. and I locked the building keys inside >the bike >shop. Oops! > >I'll post an update when I go in today but really, everything >should be >fine. That building's a fortress! > >There are a few of us that plan to head to Bike!Bike! so I'm >looking forward >to meeting you then. > >Thank y'all so much for your concern!!! > >All the best, >Victor Pizarro > >On Mon, Sep 1, 2008 at 10:58 PM, Jay Varner <jay(a)sopobikes.org> >wrote: > >> Just checking in. I realize email might not be the best way to >reach >> ya'll...but if you do get this, let us know if we can help. >> >> In solidarity, >> Jay >> Sopo Bikes, Atlanta >> sopobikes.org >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkjBaUIACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRl25wCeMx7z8wBj9PDz233vGiLGknWJqWQA oLaMXk0QQ7ghkFc98uAZyA/c/Q0V =ogzL -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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New Orleans/Gulf Cost Folks OK?
by Jay Varner 05 Sep '08

05 Sep '08

Just checking in. I realize email might not be the best way to reach ya'll...but if you do get this, let us know if we can help. In solidarity, Jay Sopo Bikes, Atlanta sopobikes.org

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Frozen seatpost - stem removal tips by Jobst Brandt
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 04 Sep '08

04 Sep '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Kyle McKinley, I love that I can open an e-mail and read that anyone is someone's "favorite living bicycle thinker". Thank you for having a catagory of "bicycle thinkers" in your head, for having favorites, and for having so many favorites that they must be subcatagorized into "living" and, presumably, "dead" 'bicycle thinkers'. Reading your post cheered me up and made me feel that the world is a good place. I think I'll go read Mr. Brandt on wheels right now. It just became the most important thing on my to-do list. Kudos to all Americans for your historic Presidential slate-- Obama-Biden, McKinney-Clemente, Nader-Gonzalez, even McCain-Palin, despite the shudder that one gives me--has everyone seen the photos of Barak Obama riding his bike around Chicago like a regular commuter cyclist? Sasha On Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:48:30 -0400 kyle mckinley <bicirider(a)gmail.com> wrote: >Mr. Brandt is my favorite living bicycle thinker. His posting on >wheels >(fully catalogued on the web) make for incredibly interesting and >entertaining reading. Unlike most everyone else out there, Brandt >is a >engineer, with no links to the industry. He's exactly the kind of >grumpy old >codger that we need in this scene, and I've never known him to be >wrong. >Thanks for these reposts... His gruff responses make me laugh out >loud. >-kyle > > >On 8/6/08, Mark Rehder <mark(a)re-cycles.ca> wrote: >> >> Speaking of Jobst, he has an FAQ on Sheldon's site: >> >> http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/index.html >> >> Lots of good reading (and opinions) there. >> >> Mark Rehder >> http://re-cycles.ca >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> > > > >-- >If an Easyrider rides easy, then a bicirider rides bicis -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAki59DwACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRl0sACfeK2qRqONK7S6floCo+OhCrYjAMYA njJOkg1q8nCajAql7ZZqaSYTutwf =/gpi -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Re: [TheThinkTank] New Orleans/Gulf Cost Folks OK?
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 02 Sep '08

02 Sep '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 I second that; when things settle down, please let non-locals know how we can help. You are all in everyone's thoughts and prayers. Sasha On Mon, 01 Sep 2008 23:58:04 -0400 Jay Varner <jay(a)sopobikes.org> wrote: >Just checking in. I realize email might not be the best way to >reach >ya'll...but if you do get this, let us know if we can help. > >In solidarity, >Jay >Sopo Bikes, Atlanta >sopobikes.org >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAki9EN8ACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRlZLQCcCkqBsJV5AffBp3T/7Y7vvhNJnukA oLibxHQVqVz2E20MY7dG2LvRmEu3 =R+Tb -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Frozen seatpost
by BovineOaks＠aol.com 31 Aug '08

31 Aug '08

Friends I have removed many seat posts that bike shops could not get out, I have tried many chemicals, saw blades, oxy/acetyl torch. I have witnessed frame builders and frame painters melt them out with torches. If you get lucky and have very little corrosion you can put a bike upside down in a bench vice clamping on the seat post. If you have lots of corrosion that extends 4 to 6 inches down the seat post, Chemistry will not eat down 4 inches in less than a year. I have only seen the erosion of a few millimeters of the oxidation with chemical remedies. This will work if you are lucky and have very little corrosion. When you are not lucky then a long saw blade used mindfully will cause the least amount of damage to the bike frame. If you are going to repaint the bike then using an oxy/acetyl torch will melt the aluminum seat post out of STEEL BIKE FRAMES ONLY. The heat will destroy the paint and the torch is placed inside the seat post not outside on the frame seat tube. If too much heat is used the seat tube will crack or the seat stays will become unbrazed. Great care is needed and a bunch of skill if you are to use a torch. Cold works best if the seat post is not inside the seat tube. When they are bound together tightly they are hard to cool at different rates. When they are cooled at the same rate they stay bound together. Once again if there is very little corrosion binding the two together, cooling may work. The saw works the best for the least amount of damage to the frame. It is slow going and hard work, but it works every time. Christopher Wallace Chicago **************It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here. (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047)

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Frozen seatpost - stem removal tips by Jobst Brandt
by Andrew Bushaw 31 Aug '08

31 Aug '08

I have run into this a few times with aluminum seatposts/steel frames. I've tried the ammonium route before but found it much to stinky/messy and didn't get results. I have had success with a sheldon method of taking a longish hacksaw blade and cutting a vertical slit in the seatpost from the inside, stopping once you get near the frame. Then I grabbed onto it with a monkey wrench and it just sort of collapsed into itself as I twisted it. Very, very time intensive but effective. I've also heard the CO2 heating/cooling trick works as well. -Andrew FM Community Bicycle Workshop thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org wrote: > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Frozen seatpost - stem removal tips by Jobst Brandt > (Rigel Christian) > 2. Re: Frozen seatpost - stem removal tips by Jobst Brandt > (Arlen Cooke) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Sat, 30 Aug 2008 21:33:09 -0700 > From: "Rigel Christian" <rigelc(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Frozen seatpost - stem removal tips by > Jobst Brandt > To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > Message-ID: > <d47aa47d0808302133h343be5bcm4f56b1b27876d95b(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > the people on the framebuilders list suggest two things when everything else > has failed: > > 1) ammonia > 2) lye (red devil has been removed from the market because of meth hysteria, > but drano works - anything with sodium hydroxide as the primary ingredient) > > these work for aluminum-seatpost-with-steel-frame only, AFAIK. the latter > will actually eat away at the seatpost itself (and produce probably-nasty > fumes). the former stinks really bad. > > i have never tried either of these, but they seem reasonable from a chemical > standpoint. > > On Sat, Aug 30, 2008 at 9:08 PM, Ethan <elabowitz(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > >> For a seatpost (or any aluminum part that fits into a steel tube), I would >> think one would prefer to cool down the offending aluminum seatpost rather >> than heat the (painted steel) seat tube. >> >> Cool seatpost = smaller seatpost, ya? >> >> I hear this can be done with a CO2 cartridge, but I've never had to try it. >> >> Ethan >> Richmond, VA >> -- >> http://bikebuilding.blogspot.com >> >> >> On Sat, Aug 30, 2008 at 11:42 PM, joshua muir <muirjoshua(a)gmail.com>wrote: >> >> >>> I didn't see anything abut heat in there- I have had a fair bit of success >>> heatng stuck joints, and pulling stuck aluminum stems and seat posts. >>> >>> just don't overheat (or use the auluminum parts again). >>> >>> josh >>> >>> >>> On Sat, Aug 30, 2008 at 6:30 PM, <dragonfly(a)mac.hush.com> wrote: >>> >>> >>>> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- >>>> Hash: SHA1 >>>> >>>> >>>> Kyle McKinley, I love that I can open an e-mail and read that >>>> anyone is someone's "favorite living bicycle thinker". >>>> >>>> Thank you for having a catagory of "bicycle thinkers" in your >>>> head, for having favorites, and for having so many favorites that >>>> they must be subcatagorized into "living" and, presumably, "dead" >>>> 'bicycle thinkers'. >>>> >>>> Reading your post cheered me up and made me feel that the world >>>> is a good place. >>>> >>>> I think I'll go read Mr. Brandt on wheels right now. It just >>>> became the most important thing on my to-do list. >>>> >>>> Kudos to all Americans for your historic Presidential slate-- >>>> Obama-Biden, McKinney-Clemente, Nader-Gonzalez, even McCain-Palin, >>>> despite the shudder that one gives me--has everyone seen the photos >>>> of Barak Obama riding his bike around Chicago like a regular >>>> commuter cyclist? >>>> >>>> Sasha >>>> >>>> >>>> On Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:48:30 -0400 kyle mckinley >>>> <bicirider(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Mr. Brandt is my favorite living bicycle thinker. His posting on >>>>> wheels >>>>> (fully catalogued on the web) make for incredibly interesting and >>>>> entertaining reading. Unlike most everyone else out there, Brandt >>>>> is a >>>>> engineer, with no links to the industry. He's exactly the kind of >>>>> grumpy old >>>>> codger that we need in this scene, and I've never known him to be >>>>> wrong. >>>>> Thanks for these reposts... His gruff responses make me laugh out >>>>> loud. >>>>> -kyle >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 8/6/08, Mark Rehder <mark(a)re-cycles.ca> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Speaking of Jobst, he has an FAQ on Sheldon's site: >>>>>> >>>>>> http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/index.html >>>>>> >>>>>> Lots of good reading (and opinions) there. >>>>>> >>>>>> Mark Rehder >>>>>> http://re-cycles.ca >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Thethinktank mailing list >>>>>> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >>>>>> >>>>>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >>>>>> >>>>> bikecollectives.org >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> If an Easyrider rides easy, then a bicirider rides bicis >>>>> >>>> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- >>>> Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify >>>> Charset: UTF8 >>>> Version: Hush 3.0 >>>> >>>> wkYEARECAAYFAki59DwACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRl0sACfeK2qRqONK7S6floCo+OhCrYjAMYA >>>> njJOkg1q8nCajAql7ZZqaSYTutwf >>>> =/gpi >>>> -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Thethinktank mailing list >>>> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >>>> >>>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >>>> >>>> >>> >>> -- >>> >>> Joshua Muir >>> joshua(a)santacruzhub.org >>> >>> Frances Cycles -- francescycles.com >>> Handbuilt cycling framesets >>> Touring, Track, Road,Cross, and Cycletrucks for hauling any distance >>> >>> >>> The Bicycle Church Collective >>> Community Self-Service Cycle Repair >>> 3pm to 7pm everyday except Sunday >>> 703 Pacific Ave (enter on Spruce St) >>> Santa Cruz, CA 95060 >>> (831) 425-2453 >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Thethinktank mailing list >>> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >>> >>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >>> >>> >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >> >> >> >

2 1

Frozen seatpost - stem removal tips by Jobst Brandt
by Tim Potter 30 Aug '08

30 Aug '08

Folks, My head mechanic has fwd'd me the following collection of posts from one of the top bike mechanics/ authors in the country (Jobst is the author of "The Bicycle Wheel" considered the bible of everything you ever wanted to know about bike wheels). Apparently my advice doesn't apply to any aluminum parts (seatposts/ stems). Reading thru these posts is very enlightening and should be required reading if you're a mechanic or shop estimator dealing with customers. Tim ----------------- From: jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com (Jobst Brandt) Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech Subject: Re: stem stuck... please help! Date: 3 Sep 1998 15:46:27 GMT Jim Robin writes: > My Bianchi's handlebar stem is stuck inside the fork steerer tube. > The stem is a standard aluminum quill-type (TTT Synthesis). I > loosened the quill hex bolt and sprayed WD-40 in hopes of freeing it > up, but no luck. If you have loosened the bolt and driven the expander cone out of engagement with the bottom of the stem, the stem should be rotatable with moderate force. If this is not the case, then you have a corroded frozen stem. Many forks have been damaged by twisting the bars forcefully in an attempt to free the stem. Don't do it. A skilled mechanic can drill out the stem until it is a thin shell, then with a grinder. break through one side of the shell to extract the stem. Because aluminum expands with corrosion, you cannot loosen a frozen stem by force. Get it removed by a competent shop. Frame builders do this regularly. Jobst Brandt <jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- From: jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com (Jobst Brandt) Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech Subject: Re: Frozen Stem Date: 7 Nov 1998 20:22:20 GMT Tom Gargulak writes: > My aluminum handlebar stem is frozen into my steel frame due to > corrosion. We tried penetrating oil and force. Any tips or a FAQ? The advice to: "Twist, twist, twist. It will eventually break free." Is not good. THe result of this method is often fork failure unless you use a 2x4 through the crown of the fork, and then success is rare. There are no solvents for the aluminum oxide that has expanded with more force than you can imagine. Steel tube swimming pool railings often expand by 1/8 inch from aluminum plugs in the ends that leaked. The best solution is to saw off the stem, drill out to as close to the steer tube as possible and use a Dremel tool to grind it through on one side. The local frame builder has a collection of these shells in a heap. The cause of these failures is that the stem is only anchored at the bottom and works from side to side in use at the top, where a meniscus of sweat or sweat loaded rain water waits to enter. Even the rubber seals in some head bearing lock nuts are usually not good enough to block intrusion. I have a stem with an extension protruding above the lock nut with a clamp on it. By this method the stem is held top and bottom and a fill of grease on installation does the trick as it does on seat posts. It's the motion that kills the stem. Jobst Brandt <jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- From: jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com (Jobst Brandt) Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.misc Subject: Re: stuck seatpost dilema Date: 11 Jan 2000 15:52:27 GMT Doug VanGoethem writes: > I have a 10 year old steel frame bike that I still use for commuting > and such. I was going to let someone else ride it and found the > seatpost was firmly stuck. It's not a surprise when I think about > it because it has to have been at least 3 years since I moved it > last and who knows if I had any grease on it then. [...] > So what's the deal? Is this just the worst stuck seatpost in history? Your tale of woe is not unusual and the advice you found in earlier writings is mostly malarkey, invented by readers who are hypothesizing or who had seat posts that were basically a tight fit but not corroded in place. When aluminum (seatpost or bar stem) oxidizes from water intrusion, it has both galvanic activity and a captive electrolyte (water) source. Aluminum oxide formed is porous and hard and takes up about twice the volume of the metal from which it is made. This is a press fit with molecular interlocking that cannot be separated by force and cannot be dissolved by chemical action in any reasonable time without immersion in a hot bath. Even that is doubtful because the area of attack is small and depth great. The practical way for removing such corroded parts is to saw them off and bore them out, first with a drill if wall thickness is too great (bar stem), and then with a Dremel tool. For prevention of this effect, make sure the seat post is sealed with stiff grease or paint. Bar stems are always vulnerable if they are not double clamped because they pump water by a varying gap when you wrench on the bars. Road bikes traditionally have an expander that arrests the bottom of the stem while the top is free to move laterally in the upper end of the steer tube. Only stems clamped at the upper end can be effectively sealed. Jobst Brandt <jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- From: jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com (Jobst Brandt) Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.misc Subject: Re: stuck seatpost dilema Date: 12 Jan 2000 02:09:06 GMT Mike Jacoubowsky writes: >> Your tale of woe is not unusual and the advice you found in earlier >> writings is mostly malarkey, invented by readers who are >> hypothesizing or who had seat posts that were basically a tight fit >> but not corroded in place... > I don't know if you're just trying to be contrary or mean or > whatever, but not all of the advice in the other posts was > "malarkey" (of course, you did say "mostly"...). You are correct in > your technical assessment of what causes the problem, but you are > incorrect to *assume* that the problem has progressed to the point > where the methods suggested wouldn't work. Ice water, LPS-4, WD-40 or vinegar are all theoretical methods. I have seen these attempted by people who believed in them without success. After the aluminum part was removed by drill and grind, the interface showed no sign of penetration in spite of laborious applications of said elixirs. On the other hand, I have seen forks ruined by twisting on handlebars in an attempt to remove a frozen stem. This is the more common result when a stem has corroded. > Have I seen a stuck stem which I could *not* remove using the means > I described? Absolutely. Probably three of them in 20+ years. > Have I successfully removed a great many others that people had > given up on? Yes! As I said, the ones that came out were not a result of mystical fluids but rather brute force. I didn't notice what method you claim worked for you. I also have removed stuck parts, but it wasn't with liquid nitrogen, ice or WD-40. These methods are holding out false hope for people who are not going to get served any better than by trying force up to a safe limit and then grinding the part out. > I don't know if you're just trying to be contrary or mean or > whatever, but not all of the advice in the other posts was... I think holding out false hopes is far more unkind than to tell the reader the truth. Jobst Brandt <jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- From: jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com (Jobst Brandt) Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech Subject: Re: stuck seatpost dilema Date: 11 Jan 2000 19:03:21 GMT Matt O'Toole writes: > What about headsets with O-ring seals around the top to prevent > water from seeping between the stem and steerer? Do they not work? They haven't for me even with plenty of grease. My steer tube extends through the top nut with a stainless steel clamp. This no longer pumps and doesn't corrode, but then I'm using a steel stem now. The decapitated aluminum ones are hanging on the wall. Jobst Brandt <jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- From: jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com (Jobst Brandt) Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech Subject: Re: Threaded vs. threadless Date: 27 Apr 2001 16:51:59 GMT Tim McNamara writes: > In a roundabout way I am asking whether steel stems are less likely > to get stuck in the steerer than alloy stems because of the galvanic > corrosion issue? In which case I lucked out... As I mentioned, steel stems do not get stuck and that is why that stem attachment was accepted in its day. The onset of aluminum stems caused the frozen stem syndrome. Creaking stem has always been a problem and the top clamp was devised to get rid of that. Let's not get the cause and effect sequences mixed. Jobst Brandt <jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- From: jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com (Jobst Brandt) Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech Subject: Re: Threaded vs. threadless Date: 27 Apr 2001 18:11:39 GMT Jon Isaacs writes: >> That was before they thought of the O-ring Band-Aid that did no >> good. Pumping from side to side, the O-ring reduced water >> intrusion only slightly over no O-ring. > I cannot say whether or not the O-ring seals are properly designed > in the head set in question, however it is certainly possible to > design an O-ring seal which will work under such conditions. At the risk of being excessively repetitive, O-rings don't work well in lateral displacement, a mode in which they pump. Shimano and Campagnolo lock nuts with O-rings did not prevent water intrusion although their existence should make it obvious that there is a problem, something manufacturers don't mention. See, for instance, introduction of Campagnolo's "differential" brake. What a sham. > However, I suggest that if someone is really concerned with this > problem, a gator made with carefully applied Scotch 33 tape or > better yet an old inner tube and some zip ties would make a > sufficient seal. That might be a clumsy temporary fix but the design of this interface is basically flawed and the advent of aluminum stems brought it to it's knees for those of us who ride a lot. Jobst Brandt <jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- From: jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com (Jobst Brandt) Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech Subject: Re: Threaded vs. threadless Date: 24 Apr 2001 01:15:59 GMT Mike Latondresse writes: > I won't say I have commuted to work by bike for 10+ years in > Vancouver BC where it sometimes rains in the winter and have never > had a stuck stem. I repeat that a minimum of preventive eminence is > all that it takes so negligence, not shit, is the issue. Of your 8 > points in support of this over-the-horizon advantage, number 1 seems > to be mainly a problem dogging you and some of your friends and not > the common experience of this group, and the other 7 are somewhat > dubious to me as a rider. For example who cares about a > Road/MTB/tandem standard, road riders? Oh! So what do you propose one should do, take the stem out every couple of weeks in the winter and minister to it? I can assure you that I lost a stem on a trip in the alps in less than three weeks, climbing in the rain often. When I came home, the stem was solid. I had installed it with grease before the trip. I don't understand what you and those of your ilk get out of defending poor designs on bicycles other than that you have a religious belief that if the bicycle gods made it it must be right. Therefore, anyone who has problems is a sinner to be roundly chastised. There's more to bicycling than commuting in the rain. It might just be that your experience is so narrow that you cannot visualize any other form of use. That would be the kinder assessment of your accusations. If that is not the case then you are guilty of greater social faux pas, namely righteous pomposity. Jobst Brandt <jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- From: jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com (Jobst Brandt) Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech Subject: Re: Threaded vs. threadless Date: 25 Apr 2001 17:42:31 GMT Jay Beattie writes: > Everybody knows that stem-stick can happen, but after only three > weeks for Jobst's and one week for Johan? I wonder whether there is > some other environmental factor at play, such as salt or something > else that speeds corrosion. Hold it! I thought this thread was about riding bicycles, riding that for active bicyclists involves enough sweat to cover the front of the bicycle with salt crystals. Maybe some riders never ride harder than what their mascara will sustain without running, but for those who still have a little youth, that doesn't work. I know of one local rider who was saved by titanium because everything else turned to rust and aluminum oxide under his nose. > Ordinary rain certainly isn't the kiss of death because I ride in > the rain on an every-other-day basis during the winter and spring, > do little maintenance (shame on me) and rarely get significant > sticking. The rain serves to wash the salt into the places where it can do some "good". Climbing hills in the rain can do both. Jobst Brandt <jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- From: jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com (Jobst Brandt) Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech Subject: Re: Threaded vs. threadless Date: 25 Apr 2001 17:30:22 GMT Lincoln Dickerson writes: > I am not sure where to interject this idea into this thread but this > seems as good a place as any. The O-ring idea gave me a thought and > maybe it is not mechanically sound either but here goes. > Would it be possible to use a boot like on a CV-Joint? So that the clamp > would keep the water from traveling down the stem and causing it to get > inside. > This of course would not be necessary for everyone because many people > don't have any problem but for those that do would it work? This ignores the basic problem, which is, that this is a mechanically flawed joint. Forget about the water intrusion. Stems break off and creak because they are attached only at the bottom end, being free to fret and gnaw at the top of the steer tube. I have cracked off stems and had ones with wear grooves at the steer tube exit. This is not a new problem but with the advent of the aluminum stem it got more evident. In the days of yore, track bicycles had an expander at the bottom and a clamped steer tube at the top so the stems wouldn't yaw in the steer tube. I have such a clamp on my fork and it does the job. No water will go in there just as no water goes down my seat tube because it is not a dynamic joint anymore. A little grease on installation takes care of it. > Maybe we could figure out which stem and frame combinations have the > most trouble. Or those with a particular riding style or environmental > or terrain issue. > What do you think? > I am not sure this would be any better looking than a threadless stem > but maybe it would save a lot of effort and stems. Threadless stems are made in different sizes and can be made as neat and clean as any. They probably won't look like a 1980's Cinelli stem but that is purely fashion. I prefer function. Jobst Brandt <jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- From: jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com (Jobst Brandt) Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech Subject: Re: Threaded vs. threadless Date: 26 Apr 2001 01:07:37 GMT Richard Ney writes: >> In the days of yore, track bicycles had an expander at the bottom >> and a clamped steer tube at the top so the stems wouldn't yaw in >> the steer tube. I have such a clamp on my fork and it does the >> job. > Are you saying that you have clamped a short section of steerer tube > around the stem above the headset? Yes. > I'm unclear about what you've done here. You described it. >> No water will go in there just as no water goes down my seat tube >> because it [the stem] is no longer a dynamic joint. > How is the seat-tube/seat-post not a dynamic joint anymore? What did you > do? The seat post is static. It is the stem that becomes static with a top clamp. If you look at the interface, you will find a nice meniscus of dust encrusted grease with no witness crack from motion in contrast to a typical quill stem, or pedal for that matter that always fret and pump. We've been through the pedal being a dynamic joint recently. That's why we have a left hand thread on the left pedal and why cranks break predominately there. It is a dynamic joint. Seat posts are static joints on most bicycle because they have a good clamp and contact diameter, as is noticeable when installing the post in the frame. Stems visibly move when handlebar forces are applied. Jobst Brandt <jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- From: jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com (Jobst Brandt) Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech Subject: Re: Threaded vs. threadless Date: 26 Apr 2001 15:49:43 GMT Richard Ney writes: >>>> In the days of yore, track bicycles had an expander at the bottom >>>> and a clamped steer tube at the top so the stems wouldn't yaw in >>>> the steer tube. I have such a clamp on my fork and it does the >>>> job. >>> Are you saying that you have clamped a short section of steerer tube >>> around the stem above the headset? >> Yes. >>> I'm unclear about what you've done here. >> You described it. > How do you actually secure the steerer section to the stem? What > sort of clamp are you using? An unthreaded and split length of steer tube extends beyond the conventional head bearing lock nut and a stainless steel clamp locks it. It is so inconspicuous that no one notices it. Jobst Brandt <jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- From: jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com (Jobst Brandt) Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech Subject: Re: Threaded vs. threadless Date: 26 Apr 2001 20:56:18 GMT Dave vt? writes: >> An unthreaded and split length of steer tube extends beyond the >> conventional head bearing lock nut and a stainless steel clamp locks >> it. >> Just sketch yourself a picture of what I just described. It can't be >> that difficult. The extension is smaller in diameter than the thread. > You are right, it's not difficult. Your last sentence confirmed my > suspicions. > I can imagine that the cost of machining this steerer must be much > higher than the standard steerer; that's probably why it's not in > widespread use. It's an answer to a question that is not asked very > often. We found it easier to turn the thread off than to make a clamp with threads. It costs nothing extra when the bicycle is being made. The same lathe operation that cuts the thread also turns the extended end. The whole frame is unavailable on the market, however, Cinelli track frames came standard with this design. This is not my invention. Jobst Brandt <jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- From: jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com (Jobst Brandt) Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech Subject: Re: Threaded vs. threadless Date: 26 Apr 2001 21:06:53 GMT Scott Hendricks writes: > The reason folks are having a hard time imagining what you describe, > Jobst, is that many newer headset these days have lock nuts that > CANNOT be screwed down past the end of the steerer tube. I have a > bike w/ a sealed Ultegra headset, and the lock nut bottoms out on > the end of the steerer, and has a seal that is supposed to contact > the stem quill. So? You chuck it in the lathe and cut a clearance bore so the thread can pass through. This is a custom operation so don't restrict yourself to off the shelf thinking. > Older headsets had lock nuts that could easily be screwed down > beyond the end of the steerer. That was before they thought of the O-ring Band-Aid that did no good. Pumping from side to side, the O-ring reduced water intrusion only slightly over no O-ring. Jobst Brandt <jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- From: jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com (Jobst Brandt) Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech Subject: Re: Threaded vs. threadless Date: 26 Apr 2001 15:54:43 GMT Robin Hubert writes: >> Threadless stems are made in different sizes and can be made as >> neat and clean as any. They probably won't look like a 1980's >> Cinelli stem but that is purely fashion. I prefer function. > So, the question begs, Mr. Brandt, do you use a threadless system? I think you can deduce the answer from what I have written. My solution is older than the threadless headset. Jobst Brandt <jbrandt(a)hpl.hp.com> ******************** Tim Potter Coordinator MSU Bikes Service Center B10 Bessey Hall/ Michigan St. University Along the N. River Trail, 300 ft. west of Farm Ln. Bridge E. Lansing, MI 48824-1033 Ph: 517/432-3400 Fax: 517/432-2743 Email: bikes(a)msu.edu Web: www.bikes.msu.edu Home Dept: www.transportation.pp.msu.edu

3 2

Check out my Facebook profile
by Vyki Englert 24 Aug '08

24 Aug '08

I set up a Facebook profile where I can post my pictures, videos and events and I want to add you as a friend so you can see it. First, you need to join Facebook! Once you join, you can also create your own profile. Thanks, Vyki Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=201407367&k=Y3B5XWRYQVZM5F1CSB2XP4&r&v=2 ___________________ This e-mail may contain promotional materials. If you do not wish to receive future commercial mailings from Facebook, please click on the link below. Facebook's offices are located at 156 University Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301. http://www.facebook.com/o.php?u=1443204419&k=dbb4a3

2 1

non-program traffic during specific programs?
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 22 Aug '08

22 Aug '08

Howdy all. I'm wondering how some of you handle people regular, off the street/new volunteers traffic in your shops while there's a program going on. For example, our youth EAB class is going on, and someone rides by the shop, sees bikes on stands, and walks up with questions about our organization, what we are/do, etc. Or someone comes up with a broken brake cable/flat tire/etc. Do you turn them away and focus on the program going on? Do you allow the instructor/facilitators to become distracted and possibly involved in some convoluted thing that's gonna take a lot more work than was first thought? I feel bad when I'm in the middle of a class of kids, and someone comes up who's super excited about our mission and shop, and wants to chat and get into it with me about stuff completely unrelated to the ongoing youth class, and I can't give them the attention they deserve. Any thoughts? Policies about such? thanks! josh. Community Cycles.

3 2

bike!bike! mailings
by Ann Altstatt 19 Aug '08

19 Aug '08

dear all, exciting news! information and registration packets for this falls' bike!bike! in san francisco will be in the mail shortly. to this end, if you wish to receive a packet and your projects address is not in the wiki directory or the boop (or is out of date, etc.. . .), please send me your address information. looking forward to seeing folks in september! thanks and thanks, ann altstatt (of bike church, santa cruz)

11 10

call for bike curriculums in school districts?
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 12 Aug '08

12 Aug '08

Hey ThinkTankers, Raise your hand if you're excited about bikebike!... *raises hand* I'm working with a few other volunteers and a Boulder Valley School District staff member on getting together some kind of bike related curriculum into PE classes for Spring 09. We have some interested PE teachers, and they basically have some freedom to use whatever curriculum they feel best achieves/measures certain benchmarks for the students' progress. (Things like "can exercise at a moderate pace for 20 minutes or longer", "can balance appropriately", etc.) We are in touch with several Safe Routes to Schools people from across the country, as they seem to be very involved in most of the in-school curricula that we've come across. I'm interested in any of your experience(s) with this, either as a volunteer involved in a in-school program, or as a member of a bike collective doing work in schools. Who funds your programs? What is involved? What is the staff/volunteer/instructor load like? Do you have multiple schools that participate? We have some very lofty (albeit awesome) goals, and I'd like to temper these with some experience and realistic expectations. Right now, we're aiming the class at 6th grade students. If anyone is interested in hosting a similar program in their own location, please get in touch offlist, and I'll put together something to share. Thanks for any input. josh brown. community cycles, boulder, co

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Bicycle Commuter Collective
by Joe A 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

I have an idea for an intentional community/housing collective that I figured would be appropriate to first convey here and elicit what other cyclists think of the idea. It is my impression that there are a great many potential bicycle commuters within our population who do not pursue such a livelihood because they are not adequately supported in the beginning. Therefore, I would like to propose a community that would be known as the Cyclist Nursery or the Bird's Nest that would function as something of a halfway house that would be open to new residents who would like to pursue the goal of becoming a bicycle commuter and encourage them to later make space for new cyclist seedlings after a number of months or as soon as they feel comfortable. There are two main areas that I feel new cyclists need notable support: safety and sustenance. As for safety, there is not much that we can do to change the presence of dangers on the road, but it would be prudent to offer a living example of how to mitigate and minimize them through safe riding practices. This would relate to the service provided by the founders, their proteges and other experienced cyclists to accompany new commuters on their regular route to work or school to familiarize them with the most calm and flat paths, point out things/actions to avoid, and a general feeling of being supported in their endeavor. The other means of support would be the important pursuit of creating sustenance composed only of whole, nutritious foods for every meal. This is not very difficult, but vitally important for the levels of energy and awareness required by regular bicycle commuters. The creation of such meals would be a staple of creative pass-time and mutual support that would help to provide a sense of solidarity among the residents. It would not be a requirement that everyone be equally involved in such shared duties due to varied obligations, but monetary support would be expected in lieu collaborative labor for food expenses and time. So, I would like to hear what the greater bike community thinks of this proposal, any questions that have arisen and also where I might seek additional feedback, guidance, fellow investors.

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Austin Yellow Bike's most recent human-powered Move
by yellow bike 08 Aug '08

08 Aug '08

Hi, all. I'm forwarding links to a new documentary of Austin Yellow Bike Project's most recent (June 21st, 2008) human-powered move. This time we moved our big 4500 sq.ft. headquarters into storage trailers on the site of what will be our new, improved headquarters<http://www.austinyellowbike.org/webberville_shop.htm>, which we hope to have completed by Spring 2009. If you'd like to help make this happen, please come by our small satellite shop at 1720 East 12th St during open hours <http://www.austinyellowbike.org/schedule.htm>, or if you'd like to donate some cash to the cause, you can do so on our website<http://www.austinyellowbike.org/webberville_shop.htm>. Feel free to forward this message freely to other folks who may be interested. BIG thanks to Shane Greb, from our local PBS affiliate (KLRU) for initiating and producing this piece. OK so the link to the docubloggers site is: http://www.klru.org/docubloggers/?p=367 and just plain old youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GgXSH1jHwI Also, if you haven't seen the video of the first human-powered move, which our friend Megan Rucker made, here it is: http://www.vimeo.com/137808?pg=embed&sec=137808 Thanks for watching! Jennifer Schaffer <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GgXSH1jHwI>

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stuck seat post tip
by Bob Giordano 06 Aug '08

06 Aug '08

a vise is good for stuck seat posts. flip over the bike, insert seat post into vise, tighten -but not too much to crush post-, move bike frame back and forth gently and smoothly while pulling up. be very careful to use smooth motions and 2 or 3 people as to not tweak frame. any other 'stuck seat post' tips? -Bob Giordano, Free Cycles Missoula

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removing self from list
by Food Guy 03 Aug '08

03 Aug '08

Hello, As helpful as this group has been, can you please tell me how I might remove myself from this list? MMoore

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Community Bike Sharing at Bike Bike
by Joe A 02 Aug '08

02 Aug '08

We should start a thread on the possibility of holding a community bike sharing forum at Bike Bike this year. I searched the history of messages and did not find any substantial discussion on the subject. I am part of a new group at City College of San Francisco known as the Green Corps working to integrate the bicycle more completely with the campus. As part of this work, we are holding a class starting this fall known as Alternative Transportation: Bicycles that will give the students an overview of bicycle mechanics, safety and policy and provide them with hands-on experience working in the campus shop known as the Bikery. Given such a well-staffed shop of people, this kind of program seems to have much potential to carefully put together a good number of bikes from donated parts and frames. As such we need to think about how these bikes can be put to use, and it seems natural to loan them out to students who would like to try commuting to school via bike. Hence an accelerated birth rate of bicycle commuters is in order. Thinking along these lines, I attended the recent bike sharing conference here in San Francisco. We heard from many people there about the preexisting options San Francisco has for the implementation of a bike sharing network. We also touched on concern for having diversity within the system as San Francisco actually realistically only has one primarily-city-funded option with the obligation to give the owner of the City's transit shelters, Clear Channel, the first right to refusal of a contract. It was specifically noted that most of these suggested preexisting systems, specifically exemplified by some major cities in Europe, are fleets composed of a monoculture of cruiser-type bikes. This would limit their use to the flat lands such as the Mission and Market corridors. Their limitations would also necessitate the wide-spread use of automobiles for the regular replenishment of bikes taken on one-way trips down from higher ground. In addition, a limited term-of-service duration and the impossibility of long-term loaning would not reach the widest possible population. It would be a shame to not consider alternatives now and end up feeling stuck with a dominant system of monocultured bicycles. The time is ripe to move with a purpose of preempting market dominance and that is where consideration of a long-overdue community bike sharing network comes into play. There are undoubtedly a lot of obstacles to overcome, especially the disabling reality of theft and liability and also consideration of location. Liability is perhaps the tallest hurdle to leap, especially in this notoriously litigious state of California. On this matter we have consulted Bill Burton of Arcata Library Bikes, the largest bike sharing network in the country, who has been at the forefront of setting a precedent for the viability of insuring bicycle sharing. And there is word of a possibility of support from his organization for the development of such a system. Visit his website here (http://arcata.com/greenbikes/) and of particular interest is his book Anybody's Library Bike, which is a guide for setting up such a community bike sharing system. There is also the question of where such bike sharing stations can be maintained and the Green Corps hopes to have City College help lead the way. The Green Corps has ensured space for the Bike Bike conference at CCSF's downtown campus and as such would like to seek and provide enthusiastic support for the development of such important community-supported infrastructure. Let us get inspired to meet and discuss where we've been, what we've learned as well as the possibilities and challenges ahead. Joe Abrams a proud member of the CCSF Green Corps

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Tools for starters
by Ariel raymon 02 Aug '08

02 Aug '08

Hey everyone, Ariel from bikefarm here. We're starting to make our space into a shop, and are looking at the tools we need to purchase. Suggestions on bare minimum tools for a funcitoning shop would be really helpful, as we'll be making a large order from the UBI distributors in a month or so. Also, Are there grants for things like this? Thanks, Ariel

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bike-powered farm equipment
by freeridemp＠riseup.net 27 Jul '08

27 Jul '08

hey gorgeous bike advocates and enthusiasts, a friend and i were kicking around ideas for bike-powered farm machinery yesterday. any resources y'all can send my way would be much appreciated. of course i'll share any promising results. all the best, colin gunn freeride montpelier www.freeridemontpelier.org

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Advice on teaching URBAN RIDING to WOMEN?
by Claire Stoscheck 25 Jul '08

25 Jul '08

Hello thinktankers! I´m right now in Quito, Ecuador with a cool project called Todas en Bici which is promoting biking as transportation for women in the city. We are holding workshops teaching adult women to bike... and we have a group now that already has balance and can basically bike. What we need are tips on how to teach more advanced techniques like breaking, turns, shifting, hand signals, and other tecniques to sucessfully bike in the city. If you have any ideas or know of any already made manuals or the sort, please let me know! Also, please submit to the next issue of the feminist bike zine DAMES ON FRAMES based out of Minneapolis, MN! Articles, stories, photos, drawings, whatever...it all goes! About GENDER, EQUALITY, ACESSIBILITY AND BIKES. Send your submissions (by August 7) to: damesonframes(a)gmail.com THANKS! Claire Stoscheck On 7/21/08, rachael spiewak <rachael(a)sopobikes.org> wrote: > > hi, everyone. > > just wanted to pass along a guide to basic repairs illustrated by one of > our volunteers (it also includes a few pages about bike anatomy from the > BICAS manual): > http://sopobikes.org/static/basicsmanual.pdf > > enjoy! > > rachael > > -- > Sopo Bicycle Cooperative > 404-425-9989 > www.sopobikes.org > * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * > Hours of operation: > Tues, Wed, & Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm > Sat & Sun 2 pm - 6 pm > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >

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new co-op
by Angelo Coletta 23 Jul '08

23 Jul '08

Hello Our organizational meeting was held 8 July. Filing for non-profit corporation is in process with the State of Ohio. Our name is now "Summit Cycling Center" contact address is Attn Angelo L. Coletta 45 Catherdal Lane #602 Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223 Please place us on the list. Angelo

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Re: [TheThinkTank] collectives in DC?
by Jessica McPherson 23 Jul '08

23 Jul '08

Chain Reaction did shut down. The larger project it was a part of, the Shaw Ecovillage, lost funding or something like that and closed its doors. Jessica ----- Original Message ---- From: Sandy Robson <sandyrobson(a)gmail.com> To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 1:26:36 PM Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] collectives in DC? There's one in Mt Ranier just outside the DC line and then there's the Velocipede Bike Project in downtown Baltimore. I've heard that Chain Reaction was shut down? Is this true? On 7/22/08, Froilan Landeros <froilanderos(a)gmail.com> wrote: aren't there a couple in Baltimore? On Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 11:50 AM, Ann Altstatt <annaltstatt(a)gmail.com> wrote: i don't know think that they are a coop or collective, but the only community bike project i've heard of so far in DC is Chain Reaction Youth Bike Shop 1416 North Capitol Street, NW Washington DC 20002 202.265.2019 On Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 10:58 AM, ReCycles Bike CoOp <lrbikecoop(a)gmail.com> wrote: > I have had a volunteer move out to the Wash DC area and he is wondering > about any bike coops or collectives in that area. Any contacts i could give > him? > > Thanks, > > Danielle > coordinator, reCycles bike CoOp > little rock, arkansas > > _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… -- froilan landeros _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… -- Macalester College 1600 Grand Ave St Paul, MN 55105 US Cell 410 206 7826 MSN jindabad(a)hotmail.com

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Bike Party Theme ideas
by Andalusia Knoll 23 Jul '08

23 Jul '08

Hey Ya'll Free Ride! in Pittsburgh is planning a big fundraiser for our youth earn a bike programs and we need a theme for the party (which, for those of you who know me, is also my "im leaving pittsburgh and beloved free ride party".) Any ideas for themes? We know our SpandeXXX party from last year's bike bike was a major hit, but we feel a little unwholesome having a scandalous party for our youth programs. Please write with any awesome theme ideas or fun party game suggestions- bike wheel bowling, huffy tosses etc. Thanks, Andalusia

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collectives in DC?
by ReCycles Bike CoOp 23 Jul '08

23 Jul '08

I have had a volunteer move out to the Wash DC area and he is wondering about any bike coops or collectives in that area. Any contacts i could give him? Thanks, Danielle coordinator, reCycles bike CoOp little rock, arkansas

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Fwd: Toronto Cylclists Union Newsletter July 2008
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 23 Jul '08

23 Jul '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hello, All. Although I don't live in Toronto right now, it is my home town, so I signed up. They sent me a newsletter today, and I wanted to pass it on to encourage and perhaps inspire everyone, particularly those in less bike friendly places-- it took thirty years to get to this in Toronto. I'm going to see if we can do the same thing here in Windsor- Detroit. Please note the reference to Momentun Magazine, and go check out their web site. They do profiles of the cycling culture in North American cities. You all could totally write articles about your city for them. Sasha - ----- Forwarded message from Toronto Cyclists Union <info(a)bikeunion.to> ----- LAUNCH INTO TORONTO'S FIRST OFFICIAL CYCLISTS UNION The Toronto Cyclists Union launched on May 20, 2008, with a public press conference at the Peace Garden in Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto. Speaking guests included Mayor David Miller, City Councilor Adrian Heaps, Metrolinx Chair Rob MacIsaac, Walk & Bike for Life Executive Director Gil Peñalosa and CultureLink Executive Director Ibrahim Absiye. The advantage to the Toronto Cyclists Union, and for cyclists in general, is the power in numbers: the more names and emails we have of individuals in the bike union, the stronger we become when working with politicians and other interested parties in the city. There's a lot of cyclists here in Toronto, ready to get involved in making this a better city to bike in - we intend to make that known, and to help make it happen. We've made the membership cost low enough to allow everyone to join, and it's now easier than ever with a direct credit card processing system. Take advantage of the bike union's lock removal program, social events, rides and parties, and other unique services. Visit bikeunion.to often to connect to the ideas, plans and actions of other cyclists. As we grow and gain momentum, so too will your member benefits. Join Toronto's first member-funded, city-wide bicycle advocacy group today at bikeunion.to New bike union makes the news Since our launch in May, the Toronto Cyclists Union has made headlines across the city. As the new representative voice of hundreds of cyclists we have already begun to establish ourselves as an important source regarding cycling issues and have been sought after for comment by most local media outlets, as well as others beyond the GTA. The more frequent recent media attention paid to cycling issues is a reflection of the growing momentum and interest in all forms of cycling, and commuting in particular. Our voice can now regularly be found in the Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, National Post, CBC radio & television, Global News, CFRB, 680 News, CIUT, Toronto Sun, Eye Weekly, NOW Magazine, Toronto Social Justice Magazine, the Christian Science Monitor, and at least a dozen cycling and non cycling related blogs. Recent coverage can be viewed here Advocacy in action In June, we met with city staff and politicians to push for increasing the number of bike lanes in our city and a full implementation of the Bike Plan. Some highlights of recent advocacy on behalf of cyclists include: o Speaking to councillors, and making deputations at a Public Works and Infrastructure Committee meeting regarding the cycling facilities on Annette Street o Being invited as a special stakeholder by Metrolinx as they prepare a sustainable GTA- wide transportation strategy o Attending public consultations for Don Mills LRT o Speaking at the Etobicoke Community Council Meeting regarding the redesign of the South Kingsway/Queensway Interchange o Engaging in discussions with Toronto Police Services to clarify procedures of the recent Bicycle Safety Blitz Visit bikeunion.to to find out more about our successful events and the Paint the Plan campaign. Everyday activism The Toronto Cyclists Union is currently implementing a Ward Advocacy Program whose mandate is to mobilize local cyclists in all wards of Toronto, from Etobicoke and Parkdale to Riverdale and Scarborough. Councillors need to hear from local cyclists about the issues in their neighbourhoods. The first campaign strives to hold the city accountable to the Bike Plan. There are several ways that you, as an individual, can get involved: o Do you think that the city of Toronto needs an major East-West bike route? Write a letter to your councillor. o When you're shopping on one of the major East-West streets, such as Bloor, you can also let the merchants know that you arrived by bike. o Not quite ready to write your councillor? Know who your councillor is and pick up the phone to let them know you are choosing a cleaner and healthier mode of transportation. Do you believe in strength in numbers? Join the bike union! Pee-wee takes Bloor St. What happens when you get a crowd of indie artists, one talented comedian, several Toronto Cyclists Union volunteers and an Iconic bicycle film? The Pee-wee Herman Picture Show, brain-child of Dave Meslin, the founder of the Toronto Cyclists Union, drew an enthusiastic crowd of 1500 people at the Bloor Cinema. You may have seen the cover of the Eye Magazine with Lex Vaughn, leading up to the show, gleefully sitting a top the red bike in a classic Pee-wee-Style Tux. We waited with anticipation, wondering if it would live up to the expectations of the crowds that snaked down the block outside. Cyclists rode up to the Bloor Cinema in droves and volunteers eagerly parked bikes to the happy tunes of Guh. As the theater seats filled with excited bike fans, it all came together. The film screened as some of our favorite local celebrities entertained on stage. Fans sat in awe, some wore costumes, some joined in shouting out favorite lines, some had the pleasure of seeing the film for the first time - in its new-found glory. Then somehow, the cast and crew, perhaps functioning solely on adrenaline, did it all over again for a second, equally popular screening. Best of all, the production of the Pee-wee Herman Picture Show highlights what can happen when people come together for the love of bicycles. We have many people to thank for this extremely successful fund raiser: Cast, crew, those who worked to get props and costumes together, valet bike parking attendants, staff at the Bloor Cinema, local businesses who helped to sell advanced tickets, and front of house volunteers. The uniquely Toronto Pee-wee Herman Picture Show could not have been staged without any one of these folks. Thank you! What a great way to launch. This amazing night left members of the Toronto Cyclists Union executive team saying, in the words of Kevin Morton (an actor in Pee-wee) "I am always ready! I have been ready since first call! I am ready! Roll!" Bells ring on a beautiful day on Bloor On Sunday, May 25th, the Toronto Cyclists Union co-sponsored Bells on Bloor. Fifteen hundred cyclists rode safely along Bloor Street, to highlight the need for a continuous bike lane on Bloor Street and Danforth. With children, parents, and seniors singing, ringing bells and laughing, it was a true pedal-powered celebration – and the largest gathering for safe cycling in Toronto's history. Although it was a joyful celebration - cycling on Bloor should not just be a Sunday activity done with a police escort – it should be an everyday event so that our city can start reducing the number of deaths from smog, climate change, and collisions. This east-west roadway is an ideal place for a bike lane, precisely the conclusion made in a report for the City of Toronto's Planning and Development Dept. in Feb. 1992! Bloor Street is long, flat, and free of streetcar tracks; therefore it's easy to redesign, given a little paint and political will. Indeed it's already a favored cycling route – 14% of the vehicles are the two-wheeled variety. (Unfortunately, Bloor is also one of Toronto's highest car-bike collision corridors.) Bloor Street hosts the subway, which makes Bloor a logical place for a bike lane since there is less need for car transport along this mass transit corridor. Bikes and bike lanes also have the potential to deliver far more shoppers to Bloor St. businesses. More bike lanes, which require a mere 150 centimetres on the side of a road, would produce more bike riders. A 1998 Environics poll found that 70 per cent of Canadians would bike to work for distances that took less than 30 minutes if they had a dedicated bike lane. And where bike lanes have been created in Toronto, the number of cyclists increased by up to 42 per cent, presumably because of the huge untapped potential of Toronto's 950,000 adults who ride a bike. Photos of the event can be viewed here. The ultimate urban cycling competition comes to Toronto Over 40 people attended a BBQ and social ride on June 15th to cheer on the "fastest, bestest messengers on the planet" at the Cycle Messenger World Championships. Despite intermittent rain showers, the event was a great success. Surrounded by trees, water and wildlife at Hanlan's point, the car- free community on Toronto Islands that hosted the competition, messengers from around the world challenged themselves via a variety of events designed to test both their physical and mental limits. The showcase event included hours of grueling navigation through multiple checkpoints, where racers had to determine the fastest and most efficient route to collect and drop packages. The championships are designed to replicate the real-life, high- intensity world of the urban messenger, with some spectator- friendly ramps, stairs and jumps added in. The Toronto Cyclists Union's very own Craig Barnes had his own personal success at this year's championships, placing an impressive 20th. The bike union would like to extend a big congratulations to the event organizers and TOBMA for staging this world-class event. For more information about the competition, visit the CMWC site. Vancouver cyclists trek to Toronto to share their documentary They've visited 22 countries and have traveled thousands of kilometres by bike - and they even have a documentary film to prove it. But Vancouverites Gwendal Castellan and Tania Lo had never been to Toronto... until last month. The pair made the trek to Toronto on behalf of Momentum Magazine for the Cycle Messenger World Championships. During their visit, Gwendal and Tania teamed up with the Bike Union to present a special screening of their documentary film, Long Road North, to an engaged crowd of Toronto cyclists. The film highlights their spectacular 19 month cycling journey from Patagonia to the Canadian Arctic. For more information about the film, visit: http://bikeunion.to/sites/tcu/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=184&q id=550 Having traveled to over 22 countries by bike, Gwendal and Tania are accustomed to finding the bike community in each city, town or village and exploring away. So during their visit to Toronto, they wrangled some bikes and went to town. "When people from around the world come and visit, it's a great opportunity to see your own town through a fresh set of eyes. These eyes noticed that Toronto has a flourishing urban cycling culture that has strong roots to grow from," she says. Tania identified some favourite features of Toronto: 401 Richmond, home of Martin Heath's Cine Cycle and Janet Bike Girl's studio, two of the city's gems; the Toronto Cyclists Union's current home, the dynamic Centre for Social Innovation (a concept she'd like to bring back to Vancouver); and the Toronto Islands, an oasis in the city where she witnessed the shining spirits of messengers from around the world. Gwendal and Tania thank Heather McDonald, Rick Conroy, Herb Van den dool, Martin Neale, Martin Heath and Janet Attard for being exceptional ambassadors of Toronto. Featured volunteer Lucy Perri is very proud to call Scarborough home. Despite living out of the downtown Toronto core, Lucy is one of the Toronto Cyclists Union's most dedicated and remarkable volunteers. Lucy is the secretary of the Toronto Cyclist Union Board of Directors. She also stepped up to emcee the Union launch in May, drove the "broom truck" (the support vehicle) for the recent Waterfront Trail Ride, helped out with tables at Pee-wee, and promoted the Toronto Cyclists Union at an event in Scarborough. What's more, Lucy regularly cycles downtown from Scarborough for meetings. Lucy is a great ambassador: she is a CanBIKE instructor and long- time cycling enthusiast. She is a member of the Touring Concept Cycling Group, based in Whitby. Lucy is also a member of the Outing Club of East York, for which she was a cycling coordinator for five years. Her favourite place to ride her bike is the trail in Thompson Park, located at Lawrence and Brimley. Lucy's energy and passion for cycling is contagious - thanks for all you do Lucy. If you're interested in helping the Toronto Cyclists Union grow and succeed, visit http://bikeunion.to/sites/tcu/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=188&q id=550 What's new in New York? Toronto gets a visit from Transportation Alternatives. On July 24th at the Centre for Social Innovation, the Toronto Cyclists Union and Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation will co-host an evening of film and discussion with Noah Budnick, the Deputy Director of Transportation Alternatives in New York. Noah is responsible for TA's campaigns to improve and increase walking, biking and transit in NYC. He's also engaged in efforts to win congestion pricing, complete streets and increase federal transportation funding. The evening promises to help illuminate solutions to some of the major challenges facing Toronto cyclists. Chris Carlsson, the man who helped launch Critical Mass, visits Toronto The legendary Chris Carlsson will be in town Sept 5 to 9, 2008. Stay tuned to bikeunion.to for further details about speaking engagements and the Toronto launch of his new book Nowtopia. Chris Carlsson, executive director of the multimedia history project Shaping San Francisco, is a writer, publisher, editor, and community organizer. For the last twenty-five years his activities have focused on the underlying themes of horizontal communications, organic communities and public space. He was one of the founders, editors and frequent contributors to the ground- breaking San Francisco magazine Processed World. He also helped launch the monthly bike-ins known as Critical Mass that have spread to five continents and over 300 cities. He has edited four books, "Bad Attitude: The Processed World Anthology" (Verso: 1990), "Reclaiming San Francisco: History, Politics, Culture" (City Lights: 1998, co-edited with James Brook and Nancy J. Peters), "Critical Mass: Bicycling's Defiant Celebration" (AK Press: 2002), "The Political Edge" (City Lights Foundation: 2004). He published his first novel, "After The Deluge," in 2004, a story of post- economic San Francisco in the year 2157 (Full Enjoyment Books: 2004). Carlsson makes his living as a book designer, editor, and typesetter. He is a member of Media Workers Union Local 100 in San Francisco. He is also recent past board president of CounterPULSE, a San Francisco- based arts organization, where he has been producing a series of public talks since January 2006. Check his website for updates on this and links to his blog and other activities: www.chriscarlsson.com Visit: http://bikeunion.to/sites/tcu/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=199&q id=550 To forward this mailing to friends or colleagues, click here: http://bikeunion.to/index.php?q=civicrm/mailing/forward&reset=1&jid= 38&qid=550&h=656203b52310aa78e880054b50e96f1effdce485 To unsubscribe from this newsletter, send email to the this address: unsubscribe.1.38.550.656203b52310aa78e880054b50e96f1effdce485(a)mail.b ikeunion.to or click here: http://bikeunion.to/index.php?q=civicrm/mailing/unsubscribe&reset=1& jid=38&qid=550&h=656203b52310aa78e880054b50e96f1effdce485 To never receive email from Toronto Cyclists Union, send email to this address: optOut.1.38.550.656203b52310aa78e880054b50e96f1effdce485(a)mail.bikeun ion.to or click here: http://bikeunion.to/index.php?q=civicrm/mailing/optout&reset=1&jid=3 8&qid=550&h=656203b52310aa78e880054b50e96f1effdce485. This mailing is from Toronto Cyclists Union. Mailing Address: @ Centre for Social Innovation 215 Spadina Ave, Suite 400 Toronto, M5T 2C7 To contact us call 416.273.7562 Or send a mail to info(a)bikeunion.to -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkiHacUACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRmpqQCfVW8F6haQRQ+Yl4IBM6wJJNkivFYA oJ8CNVX7WqwR1GvIpidusWzSb9WO =1GVe -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Recovered Bikes Find Rightful Owners
by tom emm 23 Jul '08

23 Jul '08

On Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 10:30 AM, <tom48236(a)gmail.com> wrote: > tom48236(a)gmail.com has sent you a link! > > Title: Recovered Bikes Find Rightful Owners > Link: > http://blogto.com/city/2008/07/recovered_bikes_find_rightful_owners/ > > ---------- > This link was sent to you by a friend, and we do not opt you or your friend into receiving any additional mailings from blogTO. We hate spam too. > > Thank you, > > blogTO - Toronto blog > http://www.blogto.com >

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Re: [TheThinkTank] repair basics illustrations for you!
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 22 Jul '08

22 Jul '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hello, Everyone. Thank you, Rachael. I have enjoyed reading everyone's posts over the past couple of months. My daughter, Anna, was born on May 29th. I had her at home at my mother's house in Toronto, helped by midwives, one of whom has known me since I was around seven years old. My mum cut the cord, so three generations of the women of our family were involved in that act. Since then, we've all been getting used to our new lives, so other things have fallen by the wayside. However, we did manage to put together a bike-shop-in-a-box for my friend's First Nation community-- it all fits onto a bike trailer we made for it! I'd like to thank everyone who posted suggestions and help about that project. Thank you. I reread everything you wrote to me, and also many of the other good posts about tools and equipment that people have shared on this list serve. You are all wonderful people and I love learning from you. I'm disorganized right now, so you'd have to be patient while I farted around getting it to you, but I would be happy to send info about our portable shop to those who'd like it. I have new questions for all of you now: I'm sure many of you are in families of commuter cyclists-- how young were your children when you started putting them in bike trailers or into one of those little seats? Did you ride with them during their first winter of life, or did you wait until they were a little bigger for all-season communter cycling? Do any of you get asked for help figuring out how to be bike dependant with little kids when you are at your shops? Thank you all again. I've included a couple pictures of my kid, just because I'm besotted with her. I hope you are all having a wonderful summer. Sasha On Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:16:59 -0400 rachael spiewak <rachael(a)sopobikes.org> wrote: >hi, everyone. > >just wanted to pass along a guide to basic repairs illustrated by >one of our >volunteers (it also includes a few pages about bike anatomy from >the BICAS >manual): >http://sopobikes.org/static/basicsmanual.pdf > >enjoy! > >rachael > >-- >Sopo Bicycle Cooperative >404-425-9989 >www.sopobikes.org >* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * >Hours of operation: >Tues, Wed, & Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm >Sat & Sun 2 pm - 6 pm -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkiE6xMACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRk4WACeOTlFyq9/uiBPhb5pTL/wM+5q/ywA niniyOMw0qGTYiKy6c0VOKOkBgtK =DiHr -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Re: [TheThinkTank] repair basics illustrations for you!
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 22 Jul '08

22 Jul '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi, Geoffrey B-- I came in to visit you all at Bike Pirates this winter when I was home for an appointment. Next time I'm home, I'll come and see you guys. It would be great if we could create more portable shops and improve our designs. Thanks for wanting to help get bikes and bike shops to First Nations communities. Are any Toronto people you know planning to go to bike!bike!? Sasha On Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:53:03 -0400 Geoffrey B <vous.je(a)gmail.com> wrote: >Please get in contact with us at Bike PIrates in Toronto ...we >having been >using the mobile shop concept for about a year now, its far from >perfect and >love some insight. I personally would love to send parts and tools >to native >communities. > > > >On Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 4:01 PM, <dragonfly(a)mac.hush.com> wrote: > >> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- >> Hash: SHA1 >> >> >> Hello, Everyone. >> >> Thank you, Rachael. >> >> I have enjoyed reading everyone's posts over the past couple >> of months. >> >> My daughter, Anna, was born on May 29th. I had her at home >at >> my mother's house in Toronto, helped by midwives, one of whom >has >> known me since I was around seven years old. >> >> My mum cut the cord, so three generations of the women of >our >> family were involved in that act. >> >> Since then, we've all been getting used to our new lives, so >> other things have fallen by the wayside. >> >> However, we did manage to put together a bike-shop-in-a-box >> for my friend's First Nation community-- it all fits onto a bike >> trailer we made for it! >> >> I'd like to thank everyone who posted suggestions and help >> about that project. Thank you. >> >> I reread everything you wrote to me, and also many of the >> other good posts about tools and equipment that people have >shared >> on this list serve. You are all wonderful people and I love >> learning from you. >> >> I'm disorganized right now, so you'd have to be patient >while >> I farted around getting it to you, but I would be happy to send >> info about our portable shop to those who'd like it. >> >> I have new questions for all of you now: >> >> I'm sure many of you are in families of commuter cyclists-- >> how young were your children when you started putting them in >bike >> trailers or into one of those little seats? >> >> Did you ride with them during their first winter of life, >or >> did you wait until they were a little bigger for all-season >> communter cycling? >> >> Do any of you get asked for help figuring out how to be >bike >> dependant with little kids when you are at your shops? >> >> Thank you all again. >> >> I've included a couple pictures of my kid, just because I'm >> besotted with her. >> >> I hope you are all having a wonderful summer. >> >> Sasha >> >> >> On Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:16:59 -0400 rachael spiewak >> <rachael(a)sopobikes.org> wrote: >> >hi, everyone. >> > >> >just wanted to pass along a guide to basic repairs illustrated >by >> >one of our >> >volunteers (it also includes a few pages about bike anatomy >from >> >the BICAS >> >manual): >> >http://sopobikes.org/static/basicsmanual.pdf >> > >> >enjoy! >> > >> >rachael >> > >> >-- >> >Sopo Bicycle Cooperative >> >404-425-9989 >> >www.sopobikes.org >> >* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * >> >Hours of operation: >> >Tues, Wed, & Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm >> >Sat & Sun 2 pm - 6 pm >> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- >> Note: This signature can be verified at >https://www.hushtools.com/verify >> Charset: UTF8 >> Version: Hush 3.0 >> >> >wkYEARECAAYFAkiE6xMACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRk4WACeOTlFyq9/uiBPhb5pTL/wM+5q/yw >A >> niniyOMw0qGTYiKy6c0VOKOkBgtK >> =DiHr >> -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> >> > > >-- >"Be the change you would like to see in the world." - Gandhi -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkiGKFAACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRlJLACeLyrfzS036Xi9iUhtJeGIb8JukOUA n0lxbSzbNRVAnw0gNa2eh1ev8vlW =ix0w -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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People interested in New Hampshire collective
by Colleen Mahoney 22 Jul '08

22 Jul '08

I'm looking for people interested in forming a New Hampshire bike collective, in the greater Manchester area. The idea is nascent but the need is there. To the best of my knowledge to closest bike collectives are in Boston but there is a lot of potential to start something both good and fun here. Drop a line to the ThinkTank if interested. There is currently no specific time frame and I'm more interested in substance than speed. Looking forward to hearing from ... well ... anyone. Eric Baxter Colleen & Eric Baxter mahoneco(a)earthlink.net

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repair basics illustrations for you!
by rachael spiewak 21 Jul '08

21 Jul '08

hi, everyone. just wanted to pass along a guide to basic repairs illustrated by one of our volunteers (it also includes a few pages about bike anatomy from the BICAS manual): http://sopobikes.org/static/basicsmanual.pdf enjoy! rachael -- Sopo Bicycle Cooperative 404-425-9989 www.sopobikes.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hours of operation: Tues, Wed, & Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm Sat & Sun 2 pm - 6 pm

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 23, Issue 13
by Tina Bechler 15 Jul '08

15 Jul '08

We would love to attend if we can find the time and the funds, please send registration to the contact information listed below....and thanks for organizing! Tina Bechler Program Director Bike Works 3709 S. Ferdinand St. Seattle, WA. 98118 206-725-9408 www.bikeworks.org "Building sustainable communities by educating youth and promoting bicycling." -----Original Message----- From: thethinktank-bounces(a)bikecollectives.org [mailto:thethinktank-bounces@bikecollectives.org] On Behalf Of thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 8:51 AM To: thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org Subject: Thethinktank Digest, Vol 23, Issue 13 Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o rg or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org You can reach the person managing the list at thethinktank-owner(a)bikecollectives.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Re: bike!bike! mailings (dave bauer) 2. Re: bike!bike! 08 - ride from SF to LA? (joshua muir) 3. Re: bike!bike! mailings (Community Bicycle Shop Omaha) 4. Re: bike!bike! mailings (Urban Bike Project Wilmington, DE) 5. Re: bike!bike! mailings - Is the wiki being updated with this info? (Rich Points) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:35:52 -0600 From: "dave bauer" <davebauer5(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] bike!bike! mailings To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Message-ID: <8abdd4af0807141335t62aa57c9j65c745830832340b(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Contact information for Recycle Bicycles is below. Thanks! -- dave bauer 7196 s. poplar st. centennial, co 80112 usa h/w: 303.788.0672 c: 303.748.3541 davebauer5(a)gmail.com recyclebicycles.net ------------------------------ Message: 2 Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:59:00 -0700 From: "joshua muir" <muirjoshua(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] bike!bike! 08 - ride from SF to LA? To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org>, bluefews(a)gmail.com Message-ID: <8ab5b3a80807141659j3a46b019gc45563cb92f8a083(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" There's been talk of at least a big group ride SF to Santa Cruz. and that is also around the time of the yet unscheduled bike church bike tour (traditionally through Big Sur, which is still on fire). But LA. . . ? probably not headed that way personally. josh On Sun, Jul 13, 2008 at 1:11 PM, allison karow <bike.saviours(a)gmail.com> wrote: > hi all- > is anyone interested in riding from SF to LA after bike!bike! ? or from LA > to phoenix? > respond or write to me at bluefews(a)gmail.com for details. > > -allison > bike saviours > tempe, az > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o rg > > -- Joshua Muir joshua(a)santacruzhub.org Frances Cycles -- francescycles.com Handbuilt cycling framesets Touring, Track, Road,Cross, and Cycletrucks for hauling any distance The Bicycle Church Collective Community Self-Service Cycle Repair 3pm to 7pm everyday except Sunday 703 Pacific Ave (enter on Spruce St) Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 425-2453

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bike!bike! 08 - ride from SF to LA?
by allison karow 14 Jul '08

14 Jul '08

hi all- is anyone interested in riding from SF to LA after bike!bike! ? or from LA to phoenix? respond or write to me at bluefews(a)gmail.com for details. -allison bike saviours tempe, az

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Re: [TheThinkTank] bike!bike! mailings
by dave bauer 14 Jul '08

14 Jul '08

Contact information for Recycle Bicycles is below. Thanks! -- dave bauer 7196 s. poplar st. centennial, co 80112 usa h/w: 303.788.0672 c: 303.748.3541 davebauer5(a)gmail.com recyclebicycles.net

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Recycle-a-bike ladies repair night video
by elizabeth press 12 Jul '08

12 Jul '08

I thought this video might interest some of you: Continuing with our NYC bike month <http://bikemonthnyc.org/index.php>coverage, last week I had the chance to shoot at Recycle-A-Bicycle<http://www.recycleabicycle.org/>in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Recycle-A-Bicycle takes donated bicycles, repairs them and reintroduces them to the community through earn-a-bike programs in schools and sales from their non-profit retail locations. Although their work mainly focuses on environmental education and job training programs for New York City youth, they also host repair classes for people of all ages. Every Tuesday evening after the shop closes, Susan Lindell teaches bike mechanics 101 to women. Check out this video on Ladies Repair Night. http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/rab-ladies-repair/ best, Elizabeth streetfilms.org

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Volunteer Coordination....is hard
by Rich Points 11 Jul '08

11 Jul '08

Wah That said we're trying to use our volunteers better at Community Cycles. Late last winter we put up a volunteer form on our website http://communitycycles.org/get-involved/volunteer.html Since then we've had 73 people fill it out, of those I'd say less than five of them have plugged in once or twice at the shop or anywhere else. I know things would go a lot smoother if we had a volunteer coordinator to help oversee this. We're still looking for this person so in the meantime the staff and a few volunteers do what they can to keep up. We've checked out this http://communitycycles.org/get-involved/volunteer.html which is great advice but making it happen is another thing. We're going to have a retreat soon to discuss volunteering at Community Cycles. I have some specific things I'd like to explore during this retreat but wanted to start here with the Think Tank first. * How do we improve the quality and experience of the EAB program? * How can we instill ownership/responsibility in our volunteers? * How do we engage new volunteers? * How do we plug people into specific time slots? * How can we use volunteers to relieve stress on staff? * How do we best develop and implement an effective volunteer handbook? I could go on but those are the kinds of things we're trying to figure out. So I ask the Think Tank what your experiences have been with volunteering and volunteers. Thanks Peace -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019

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New Space?
by Geoffrey B 11 Jul '08

11 Jul '08

Hello All Bike Pirates in Toronto has come across a problem. We are looking for a new space and was wondering if any organizations out there have any lists of things to look for in a new space for a volunteer cooperative DIY bike space. We have so many volunteers and no way to communicate out problem. We have always had storage issues. Our fine issue is with operating time, once we were restricted by our landlord to two days and now are free to open whenever. Every insight will help and thank you for all. Geoffrey Toronto, Canada www.bikepirates.com -- "Be the change you would like to see in the world." - Gandhi

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Come work with bikes in Kathmandu!
by Mario Bruzzone 10 Jul '08

10 Jul '08

Hello from Kathmandu! This email goes out to a wide variety of community bike programs and other community organizations working with marginalized and disempowered youth. Now firmly off the ground, Wrench Nepal is looking for new volunteers! Wrench Nepal <http://www.wrenchnepal.org> (www.wrenchnepal.org) teaches bike repair to some of the most disadvantaged kids in the Kathmandu Valley, by partnering with local, Nepali-run NGOs. Of our current partners, one NGO rehabilitates former child laborers, mostly from the carpet industry, and girls who are the victims of trafficking; the other provides schooling and opportunity for the children of the incarcerated, who (in true Dickensian fashion) would otherwise be in prison with their parents, despite committing no crime. For a variety of reasons, these kids are caught in a trap of poverty that we are trying to free them from. And you can be part, however large you choose to make it, of that change. You'll be arriving at a really exciting time for the program--a time when we embark on extending and expanding on the basic bike repair skills that the kids have learned in the trainings we've taught so far. This can be in the old, retail repair shop, might be making bike-machines a la Mayapedal, or something else--anything else--that you're excited about. Or even all three! We're hoping to get at least one person out here as soon as possible, and at least two within the next two months. In addition, anyone who comes before September can stay at my apartment until then for free--bed and all. Yeah, it's a bribe, but we're not above that. You should have: - Working knowledge of basic bike mechanics - Good communication and organizing skills - Willingness to live in a foreign environment and work with people from a very different culture Wrench Nepal continues as an all-volunteer program, but the cost of living is very low here, with rent in a comfortable place at times as little as $50 per month--my own rent is about $68, about $74 with utilities, and I didn't look very hard. Volunteers can also pursue part-time paid work to support themselves while here. We have an application available online at www.wrenchnepal.org/wrench_test2. If you prefer, you can also send a brief resume to me at mario(a)wrenchnepal.org. (No penalisation for either, of course!) Make sure to highlight your experience working with bicycles and working in community organizing positions. Thanks, and I hope to hear from you very soon! I encourage you to forward or re-post this message anywhere you feel is appropriate. Mario Bruzzone Wrench Nepal mario(a)wrenchnepal.org

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Cell phone use in the shop
by Urban Bike Project Wilmington, DE 09 Jul '08

09 Jul '08

Does anyone have a firm policy or best practice regarding cell phone use in your shop space? To be honest, most of the time it is not a big deal, but it kinda sucks when a volunteer's time is being wasted waiting for someone to finsish a conversation or there are people waiting to use a stand. That and it adds to general confusion in the shop when you have a "cell phone wanderer" just meandering about. Wondering how you all handle it/don't handle it, Thanks, Brian -- Urban Bike Project of Wilmington -a 501(c)3 non-profit bike shop- 1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind the building) Wilmington, DE 19801 Hours: Thursday 6:30-9:00 Saturday 1:00-4:00 Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Non-collective Members opening the shop.
by Andrew Bushaw 09 Jul '08

09 Jul '08

Thanks for all the input! I certainly didn't mean to sound derogatory towards hipsters nor fixed gear bikes as I probably could qualify as either depending on what bike I choose to ride on any given day! I should put this question into context a little more. We are not currently open on saturdays and these folks have mentioned that is generally when they have time to wrench on their bikes. They aren't really interested in having the shop open because generally when we are open to the public, we are so swamped with EAB and folks stopping by for one-off repairs we there just aren't enough shop resources for them to get into completely overhauling their bikes at a leisurely pace. Basically they want to "rent" the shop on saturday's for their own use. I suppose that rent could be paid with volunteer hours during other open shifts or cash donations to the shop. Ideally some of these folks would come in and help out on other days and become collective members, wanting more responsibility. The other option I'm hearing from folks off list would be to make it an official open shift minus EAB or earning volunteer credit (Since those require a bit of admin/assistance) and just open for folks who are confident enough to work on their own bikes. -Andrew FM Community Bicycle Workshop

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 23, Issue 5
by Wanda Pelegrina 09 Jul '08

09 Jul '08

As already mentioned, it's a perfect opportunity to make "them" part of "us". If they become members of your collective and at least one of them gets "training" needed, to open/run/close shop, then it's def a win/win. Your shop gains members, support, etc and your hipsters gets their fixies and a chance to be part of something great. Let them know what your requirements are and if they're really into it, there should be no problem. If it's not gonna cause huge uproar in the shop, create more work or costs for the collective/ members/organizers, then never turn down any "them" (aka, potential "us") that wanna play in the shop...esp. if you have the capacity. 1da Wanda Pelegrina Caldas Wanda(a)CommunityCycles.org CommunityCycles.org > From: thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org > Subject: Thethinktank Digest, Vol 23, Issue 5 > To: thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2008 09:34:15 -0700 > > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Non-collective Members opening the shop. (plan_9(a)riseup.net) > 2. Re: Non-collective Members opening the shop. (Rich Points) > 3. Re: Non-collective Members opening the shop. (Rich Points) > 4. Re: Non-collective Members opening the shop. (Wilbur Ince) > 5. Re: Non-collective Members opening the shop. (yellow bike) > 6. Re: Non-collective Members opening the shop. (Matt) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:51:27 -0700 > From: plan_9(a)riseup.net > Subject: [TheThinkTank] Non-collective Members opening the shop. > To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > Message-ID: <20080709085127.ota77a09440wg08c(a)swift.riseup.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; DelSp="Yes"; > format="flowed" > > We have recently been approached by, for no better descriptor, > hipsters, asking if they could have a "fixed gear/SS" day on a day > when we are not open. They are interested in doing tune-ups and > modifications on their own bikes and are somewhat competent and > autonomous mechanics. We don't really have any collective members that > are willing or able to staff another shift beyond what we are already > open. We know some of these folks pretty well on a personal, outside > of the shop level, but not too many have been active volunteers. > Basically we trust some of them and would like to make the shop > available to them but am not sure as to how to do it equitably. We > have opened the shop to special groups before (at-risk youth groups, > etc) but always staffed by a willing and able collective member. Do > any shops make exceptions for folks like this? How do you make sure > that things are getting paid for, tools being used properly, random > folks stopping by being respected, etc. without having a collective > member in the place? Any problems from shops that have done this? > Thanks, > Andrew > FM Community Bicycle Workshop > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:59:33 -0600 > From: Rich Points <rich(a)richpoints.com> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Non-collective Members opening the shop. > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > Cc: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > Message-ID: <4874E065.1080300(a)richpoints.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > > Make them members, expand your capacity. > > R > > plan_9(a)riseup.net wrote: > > We have recently been approached by, for no better descriptor, > > hipsters, asking if they could have a "fixed gear/SS" day on a day > > when we are not open. They are interested in doing tune-ups and > > modifications on their own bikes and are somewhat competent and > > autonomous mechanics. We don't really have any collective members that > > are willing or able to staff another shift beyond what we are already > > open. We know some of these folks pretty well on a personal, outside > > of the shop level, but not too many have been active volunteers. > > Basically we trust some of them and would like to make the shop > > available to them but am not sure as to how to do it equitably. We > > have opened the shop to special groups before (at-risk youth groups, > > etc) but always staffed by a willing and able collective member. Do > > any shops make exceptions for folks like this? How do you make sure > > that things are getting paid for, tools being used properly, random > > folks stopping by being respected, etc. without having a collective > > member in the place? Any problems from shops that have done this? > > Thanks, > > Andrew > > FM Community Bicycle Workshop > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > > > -- > Rich Points > Community Cycles Director > http://CommunityCycles.org > Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org > 720-565-6019 > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:59:33 -0600 > From: Rich Points <rich(a)richpoints.com> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Non-collective Members opening the shop. > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > Cc: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > Message-ID: <4874E065.1080300(a)richpoints.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > > Make them members, expand your capacity. > > R > > plan_9(a)riseup.net wrote: > > We have recently been approached by, for no better descriptor, > > hipsters, asking if they could have a "fixed gear/SS" day on a day > > when we are not open. They are interested in doing tune-ups and > > modifications on their own bikes and are somewhat competent and > > autonomous mechanics. We don't really have any collective members that > > are willing or able to staff another shift beyond what we are already > > open. We know some of these folks pretty well on a personal, outside > > of the shop level, but not too many have been active volunteers. > > Basically we trust some of them and would like to make the shop > > available to them but am not sure as to how to do it equitably. We > > have opened the shop to special groups before (at-risk youth groups, > > etc) but always staffed by a willing and able collective member. Do > > any shops make exceptions for folks like this? How do you make sure > > that things are getting paid for, tools being used properly, random > > folks stopping by being respected, etc. without having a collective > > member in the place? Any problems from shops that have done this? > > Thanks, > > Andrew > > FM Community Bicycle Workshop > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > > > -- > Rich Points > Community Cycles Director > http://CommunityCycles.org > Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org > 720-565-6019 > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:08:45 -0500 > From: Wilbur Ince <Wilbur(a)Wilbur.us> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Non-collective Members opening the shop. > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > Message-ID: <4874E28D.9060401(a)Wilbur.us> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; Format="flowed" > > There's something there for you and something there for them, so find > the middle ground. As Rich said, you have a chance at new collective > members. If you have nights available, by all means, give them a > night. They are interested in the shop time, so I bet you can get them > to meet your conditions - like keeping shop clean - greeting people who > stop by - opening their sessions to drop-ins, etc. Could be a great > win-win. > > Wilbur Ince > Sibley Bike Depot > Saint Paul, MN > > > > plan_9(a)riseup.net wrote: > > We have recently been approached by, for no better descriptor, > > hipsters, asking if they could have a "fixed gear/SS" day on a day > > when we are not open. They are interested in doing tune-ups and > > modifications on their own bikes and are somewhat competent and > > autonomous mechanics. We don't really have any collective members that > > are willing or able to staff another shift beyond what we are already > > open. We know some of these folks pretty well on a personal, outside > > of the shop level, but not too many have been active volunteers. > > Basically we trust some of them and would like to make the shop > > available to them but am not sure as to how to do it equitably. We > > have opened the shop to special groups before (at-risk youth groups, > > etc) but always staffed by a willing and able collective member. Do > > any shops make exceptions for folks like this? How do you make sure > > that things are getting paid for, tools being used properly, random > > folks stopping by being respected, etc. without having a collective > > member in the place? Any problems from shops that have done this? > > Thanks, > > Andrew > > FM Community Bicycle Workshop > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > >

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Non-collective Members opening the shop.
by plan_9＠riseup.net 09 Jul '08

09 Jul '08

We have recently been approached by, for no better descriptor, hipsters, asking if they could have a "fixed gear/SS" day on a day when we are not open. They are interested in doing tune-ups and modifications on their own bikes and are somewhat competent and autonomous mechanics. We don't really have any collective members that are willing or able to staff another shift beyond what we are already open. We know some of these folks pretty well on a personal, outside of the shop level, but not too many have been active volunteers. Basically we trust some of them and would like to make the shop available to them but am not sure as to how to do it equitably. We have opened the shop to special groups before (at-risk youth groups, etc) but always staffed by a willing and able collective member. Do any shops make exceptions for folks like this? How do you make sure that things are getting paid for, tools being used properly, random folks stopping by being respected, etc. without having a collective member in the place? Any problems from shops that have done this? Thanks, Andrew FM Community Bicycle Workshop

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bike thieves in the shop?
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 07 Jul '08

07 Jul '08

I'd like to throw something out to the group for your opinions. Do any of you have a specific policy about what to do when a known bike thief comes in the shop? Do you turn him/her away? Last year, we had an incident with a youth EAB'er, who was caught taking bikes. He's since been implicated but not charged or confirmed as being involved in another bike theft, altho that one is not related to our shop, other than we're friends with the victim, and used some of our resources with a local low-income neighborhood to track down the location of this latest theft, leading to the recovery of said stolen bikes. Since this last incident, the individual was spotted in our shop by a staff member who was around during last year's debacle. Someone swiftly took him aside, and told him that he needs to leave, that he's not welcome in our shop. I'm not sure how i personally feel about this. I mean, bike thieves are pretty low, and as such I don't want to encourage them...teaching them wrenching skills that they will potentially use on stolen bikes makes my stomach turn... Being the community shop that we are, i'm wondering if we can't use our position to turn some of these kids around. By bringing him in and welcoming him, do we not stand a chance of befriending him and breaking down the barrier between us, so that he comes to value our bikes (shop's and staff's, and by extension, the general public) by being exposed to what bikes mean to the people in our shop. in theory, come to see the shop as a resource for knowledge, skills, and cheap parts that takes some investment on his part, instead of just a pool of resources for him to pilfer on a whim. I'm interested in the groups thoughts, policies, experiences. I also know that bike theft is something that hits close to home for a lot (or all) of us on this list, and would ask that we keep this discussion on the topic of "to welcome or not in the shop", and not get too distracted with how painfully bike thieves should be tortured. Thanks.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Southeast Bike!Bike!
by dave bauer 07 Jul '08

07 Jul '08

Hi Jay, Do you know where I can get info on the SF Bike Bike in September? Thanks! On Sun, Jun 29, 2008 at 2:32 PM, Jay Varner <jay(a)sopobikes.org> wrote: > I hope this will be the last(ish) message to the Think Tank regarding > the organizing the Southeast Bike!Bike!. We are now all set up with > our very own email list - southeast(a)bikebike.org (thanks again to > Jonathan Morrison for setting that up) and the site - > http://southeast.bikebike.org - is up (though it still needs some > content and we're waiting for the graphics department to get back to > us). Regardless, you can sign up for the email list on the site > So from now on, please direct any Southeast Bike!Bike! > questions/announcements there, and not hear on the Think Tank. > > See ya'll in San Francisco come September, > Jay Varner > Sopo Bike Co-op > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > -- dave bauer 7196 s. poplar st. centennial, co 80112 usa h/w: 303.788.0672 c: 303.748.3541 davebauer5(a)gmail.com recyclebicycles.net

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What do you do when....oddball parts
by Urban Bike Project Wilmington, DE 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

Someone at UBP on Saturday was having big problems changing out some dry rotted tires on a Schwinn MTB/hybrid that had been donated. Come to find out (after repeatedly trying to fit any size decimal or fraction 26" on there) that corrosion on the rim was hiding a little stamped "650B" mark on it. The cheapest 650B tire on harris is $25 and i'm not sure the bike shop we get our parts from would be any less expensive. The bike is in great condition other than the tires but $50 is about what we would sell it for. Should we swap the 650B rims for 26's? I would hate for someone to ruin a tire and have to wait a week for something to get ordered online or at a bike shop. Here's my question to the group....What do you do with perfectly usable oddball bikes/parts that aren't particularly cool or collectable? Think the "fancy parts" thread of last year but with solid stuff that sits around gathering dust... Brian -- Urban Bike Project of Wilmington -a 501(c)3 non-profit bike shop- 1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind the building) Wilmington, DE 19801 Hours: Thursday 6:30-9:00 Saturday 1:00-4:00 Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org

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cheap tools?
by Cris Shirley 02 Jul '08

02 Jul '08

Hey, Our shop is buying tools for the first time (before people would bring their own and share with others). Any suggestions? We don't want to break the bank. There is some stuff on ebay for $60-120 that are nice sets: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=200234719525&ssPage… http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=380040067217&ssPage… a Parks Tools set for $200-270: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=200234011069&ssPage… I was thinking start with a set like this and then buy individually as we need more specific tools. But what about quality, it sounds like tools get stolen a lot, so it might be best not to squander our money on nice tools that will be stolen/lost after a short while (first time I went to a bike collective I accidentally walked off with their tire levers in my pocket and they couldn't work on tires for a week or so). Cris

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call for curriculum materials
by adam schwartz 30 Jun '08

30 Jun '08

Does anyone have, or have seen any curriculum materials that relate bicycles to science and math. Anything related to technology, engineering, and design as well would be greatly appreciated. Also if anyone is interested in collaborating on writing a curriculum together for a science, engineering and technology program around the idea of "Pedal Power" then please let me know. Here is the description for the program I am looking to develop. > Pedal Power is a program of the Renaissance Community Youth Bike Shop that > incorporates science, engineering and technology into a curriculum focused > on youth initiated environmental design and appropriate technology projects > involving bicycles. The program will engage students to research, design, > and construct their own DIY human-powered inventions. > > We will work with Engineers Without Borders (EWB), a student group that > works on environmental design and appropriate technology in international > development, to develop our curriculum and instruct the class. Middle school > students will spend the first part of the course learning about the basics > of engineering, construction, design, energy, and technology. Then students > will work in teams to design, and implement their own "Pedal Powered" > invention. After student teams have constructed their machines, they will > have the opportunity to display and show them off to the community at our > spring event. In the future this program has many options for growth and > development including participating in design contests, and entering > projects into local events. If successful, this program has the opportunity > to expand into new and exciting realms in design and engineering beyond > Pedal Powered projects within the scope of appropriate technology such as > home scale wind power, etc... > -- Adam Schwartz, Program Coordinator The Renaissance Youth Bike Shop 6200 Sheridan Street, Riverdale, MD Rideyourbicycle(a)gmail.com (301) 405-3213

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Southeast Bike!Bike!
by Jay Varner 29 Jun '08

29 Jun '08

I hope this will be the last(ish) message to the Think Tank regarding the organizing the Southeast Bike!Bike!. We are now all set up with our very own email list - southeast(a)bikebike.org (thanks again to Jonathan Morrison for setting that up) and the site - http://southeast.bikebike.org - is up (though it still needs some content and we're waiting for the graphics department to get back to us). Regardless, you can sign up for the email list on the site So from now on, please direct any Southeast Bike!Bike! questions/announcements there, and not hear on the Think Tank. See ya'll in San Francisco come September, Jay Varner Sopo Bike Co-op

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Archiving BikeBike
by Rich Points 26 Jun '08

26 Jun '08

Hey All, I was just poking around the wiki and found this from last years bike bike http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=BCN_BikeBike_Workshop Notice the last entry is "archiving Bike Bike". Last year was the first one I attended but it's my understanding that Bike Bike is in it's 6th or 7th year? I'd be interested to see the schedule from past gatherings. Do people still have materials from previous conferences? It would be cool to see them on the wiki. Peace -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019

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Stolen bikes form the shop: plans for recovery?
by The Recyclery 25 Jun '08

25 Jun '08

Hello bike friends, Last night during open shop two bikes were stolen from our volunteer bike parking. Both were road bikes, and one was a very expensive titanium frame. We have no idea who might be responsible. I'm asking if you have any ideas about how to get these bikes back. The thefts were reported to the police. We are going to take two other approaches: 1) talk to the youth in our Earn-a-Bike program and ask them to talk to everyone they know who may have taken them. We're not sure at all that it was a young person, but just in case, we want youth friendly to us to be in the know and on the look-out. We haven't decided if a reward should be involved. 2) make fliers alerting people to the theft and ask them to keep an eye out. What are some creative approaches other shops have taken? I'm less interested in security measures for the shop than for specifically trying to track down some bikes that have already been taken. Unfortunately, our shop will probably be locked to people until they are let in for at least a short while. Thanks for your help, Sharlyn

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Respect with a focus on Ethics.
by BovineOaks＠aol.com 25 Jun '08

25 Jun '08

In a message dated 6/25/2008 12:44:04 A.M. Central Daylight Time, colin.phoenixbikes(a)gmail.com writes: 1. respect other people. students, staff, visitors. 2. respect tools. Respect without ethics is destructive. The Mafia had great respect inside its ranks, but it lacked ethical bearings for the greater community, Gangsta's demand respect from everyone yet they do not give respect back to the community. Some communities will not talk to the police because there is a code of silence they respect. The code of silence protects the guilty and lacks ethical concerns for the rest of the community. Respect with out ETHICS is deadly. A student can respect other people. students, staff, visitors. When one steals from the shop, respect thief and do not tell on them. Respect without ethics is destructive to the community, the program and to all related people. A student can respect tools. If you need them, take them home, care for them and use them appropriately. It is theft but it is also respect. Respect without ethics is Loss I propose that focus on Ethical treatment of people, community, property, and so on; is important to changing the environment of RESPECT for bad behavior. The Dalai Lama puts the idea of ethics in a broader message. It is in everybody's interest to seek those [actions] that lead to happiness and avoid those which lead to suffering. And because our interests are inextricably linked, we are compelled to accept ethics as the indispensable interface between my desire to be happy and yours. -His Holiness the Dalai Lama Respect without a focus on Ethics, is just dust in the wind. **************Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007)

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Volunteers vs. Paid Staff
by Justin Morse 24 Jun '08

24 Jun '08

The paid vs. volunteer issue has become a little divisive here in Columbus, and I'm glad to see a thinktank thread concerning it. Reading the posts, and the description of the various workshops, has got me seeing, all over again, how may different people are trying to accomplish such similar things. We're all-volunteer here at Third Hand Bike Co-op, and as a core volunteer, I'm sort of trying to put some kind of paid clerkships on the table. At least the idea, so far. Frankly, our core volunteer base is fragile, and as someone who has seen the organization go from a pile of abandoned bikes to a thriving community center, I'm nervous at the sustainability. Our co-op is currently a reincarnation of the old Third Hand, whose previous founders/members disbanded. For us (in my opinion), at the center of this issue, is the concept of sustainability. How can we create a community bike workshop fixture in our community? It seems that if a group of talented leaders can coordinate volunteers in such a way that it creates a base of people to fulfill the mission of their organization- awesome! That would be my first choice. But from my perspective, here in Columbus, our volunteers too often silently groan under the weight of keeping open hours to meet the demands of the people of our city. It seems to take looking inwardly (at how the shop is running, functioning) as much as it takes looking outwardly (how to incorporate new potential supporters, volunteers, mechanics). And often we have to reassess what we're trying to do- Not be a used bike shop, but instead a community workshop/education facility. On a side note, our BikeBike contigency (made up mostly of our core volunteers) has decided that we can't ride from Columbus to San Francisco (like we originally planned) this year because we'd probably have to close the shop for the time while we'd be gone. That said (and to simplify), I've come to feel that the issue has two major factors: what is the mission of your organization, and how can you best fulfill it? And what does the body (members/participants/volunteers) of your organization decide? And currently we don't do 'outside' workshops, so paying people to do that "extra" work has only barely come up. Though, when it did, it was touchy, and as I said, divisive. Justin Morse, Third Hand Bike Co-op in Columbus, Ohio

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Let's Promote Each Other on the Web
by Jay Varner 24 Jun '08

24 Jun '08

Long story short, the BNC's directory of shops provides a XML feed...but it seems to only work in Safari (which is just useless and offensive). Anyway, I wrote a little script that addresses the error and returns valid XML. The valid XML feed can be found at: http://sopobikes.org/static/BNC.xml In theory, every night at midnight (Eastern Time), the feed will be updated to reflect any additions that occurred during the day. In the next few days, I'll try to get the BNC site to pump more info into the feed...but right now...I"m sleepy. Do with it what ya'll will and let me know what data you would like to have included in the feed. Enjoy and in solidarity, Jay Varner Sopo Bike Co-op Atlanta P.S. As of right now I've only tested the fixed feed on: Windows Vista -> IE7, FireFox 3 and Opera 9.5 Windows XP -> IE6, IE7 OS X Leopard -> Safari 3.1.1, FireFox 3, Camino 1.5.5, Opera 9.2.7 Ubuntu -> FireFox 3 So let me know if (and on what platform/in which browser) you get an error (though you shouldn't get an error).

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Re: [TheThinkTank] contracts for Earn-a-Bike youth?
by BovineOaks＠aol.com 24 Jun '08

24 Jun '08

We had one rule in our bike shop, and the kids enforced it in a democratic method. The rule is : Act Professionally Professional language Professional tool usage Professional Trip planning Professional fun Professional acts Professional goals Professional education Professional EVERYTHING There are thousands of positive professional things you, volunteers, and kids can do every day. Grow Christopher Wallace Holistic Cycles **************Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007)

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Volunteers vs. Paid Staff, Bike Shop Empowerment
by Macho Philipovich 24 Jun '08

24 Jun '08

Hey everyone. We're trying to sort through a couple of issues at the shop right now, and I'd like to see if any others have experiences with similar situations that they could share. 1. We like to keep as many open shop hours as our volunteer capacity will allow, which doesn't leave much left for running other programs. Our shop is located in a poor part of town, and we're finding a lot of schools, community centres, and immigrant organizations are asking us to run workshops for kids. The said community organizations, though, are often willing to provide honoraria for this work. In the past we've just had the money donated back to the bike project, but now people who run the programs are starting to keep it for themselves, and we're kind of feeling torn. On the one hand, partnering with community organizations so that kids can have access to bikes and bike repair tools & skills is amazing, and is basically why we exist, and giving our volunteers, most of whom are low-income, some monetary compensation is great, especially since we are a very financially stable shop. On the other hand, there is also the concern that if volunteers start to be paid, it will take them away from our open shop hours, and leave other volunteers to do essentially the same work, only without getting paid. This could seemingly cause resentment, hard feelings, and the general deterioration of our shop. We're not, at this time, able to or interested in paying all volunteer mechanics all of the time. So this is something we have to find a way to reasonably resolve. 2. This question is especially directed at shops that view themselves as committed to radical social change, but answers from anyone are welcome. We've just switched over from a "free-for-all" kind of setup where people can waltz in to the shop, start wrenching away, and ask for help if anyone is around to offer it, to our new setup where people need to sign in with a greeter and if there are no available mechanics, they have to wait outside. This has almost eliminated the chaos and frustration that was until recently a staple at the shop, but also has people worried. We are starting to feel like we are "policing" people and treating those who use the shop with suspicion, and that the shop is starting to feel much more like a regular liberal social work program or soup kitchen where there is a clear divide between staff ("you've already had your one bowl of soup!") and people fixing their bikes, rather than a space where different people are welcome to make a meaningful contribution, and become empowered to be invested in the space and take a leadership role. Has anyone experienced either of these things in their shop? Any thoughts? Solutions? Thanks, Macho of the Bike Dump http://bike-dump.ca

5 4

Do you have something for me to do?.........
by Rich Points 24 Jun '08

24 Jun '08

How many times do we hear this question every day? Our Earn-A-Bike program consists of 10 hours of community service doing chores around the shop. We've had record numbers of EABers this spring and our list of chores is burned through in the first couple hours of any given day. So for the rest of the time the shop facilitators make up chores on the fly. This is particularly hard when the 20 people in the shop are asking two or three facilitators a constant stream of questions. Maybe we have too many people in the shop but I think if we had a better way to keep people working on projects. How are you keeping people busy in your shop? Peace -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019

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southeast regional bikebike, atlanta, ga, january 09
by rachael spiewak 23 Jun '08

23 Jun '08

Hiya, friends. We're kicking around the idea of hosting a Southeast Regional BikeBike here in Atlanta in January. Being centrally located in the region and having a little bit of shop success, we've been hosting visitors and fielding questions from people in the very beginning stages of community bike shoppery (ranging from Columbia, SC to Savannah, GA, as well as neighborhoods around the Metro Atlanta region). We thought it would be nice to get everyone in this part of the woods together to have conversation-style workshops designed to help folks tackle the practical issues of getting started, especially within the socio-economic and political context of the South. We've got an amazing community arts center at our disposal, and it's down the street from our shop, making things awfully convenient and affordable. Food not Bombs has even agreed to help keep us fed. This is not meant to detract from BikeBike. We could call it the Dirty South Community Bike Shop Jamboree if it needs to have a different name. We just thought it would be nice to have something designed to help folks who are just starting out and who might not be able to make it to Cali in September. Plus, we like to party. So...if you're interested in participating, please let us know! Of course, everyone is invited. -rachael -- Sopo Bicycle Cooperative 404-425-9989 www.sopobikes.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hours of operation: Tues/Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm Sat/Sun 2 pm - 6 pm

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Volunteers vs. Paid Staff
by Jonathan Morrison 23 Jun '08

23 Jun '08

We are trying to figure this out too, that being said... http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paid_vs._Volunteer -- Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Executive Director 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 Get Addicted to Crank! http://www.slcbikecollective.org/crank/ The mission of the Salt Lake City 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 Bicycle Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households. On Mon, Jun 23, 2008 at 9:22 AM, Macho Philipovich <macho(a)resist.ca> wrote: > > Hey everyone. We're trying to sort through a couple of issues at the shop > right now, and I'd like to see if any others have experiences with similar > situations that they could share. > > 1. We like to keep as many open shop hours as our volunteer capacity will > allow, which doesn't leave much left for running other programs. Our shop > is located in a poor part of town, and we're finding a lot of schools, > community centres, and immigrant organizations are asking us to run > workshops for kids. The said community organizations, though, are often > willing to provide honoraria for this work. In the past we've just had the > money donated back to the bike project, but now people who run the programs > are starting to keep it for themselves, and we're kind of feeling torn. On > the one hand, partnering with community organizations so that kids can have > access to bikes and bike repair tools & skills is amazing, and is basically > why we exist, and giving our volunteers, most of whom are low-income, some > monetary compensation is great, especially since we are a very financially > stable shop. On the other hand, there is also the concern that if > volunteers start to be paid, it will take them away from our open shop > hours, and leave other volunteers to do essentially the same work, only > without getting paid. This could seemingly cause resentment, hard feelings, > and the general deterioration of our shop. We're not, at this time, able to > or interested in paying all volunteer mechanics all of the time. So this is > something we have to find a way to reasonably resolve. > > > > Has anyone experienced either of these things in their shop? Any thoughts? > Solutions? > > Thanks, > Macho of the Bike Dump > http://bike-dump.ca > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >

1 0

contracts for Earn-a-Bike youth?
by The Recyclery 19 Jun '08

19 Jun '08

Hi all, I was wondering if shops with E-a-B or after-school programs had their participants sign contracts at the beginning, either with rules of the shop, expectations, qualifications for getting the bike, etc. If you're willing to share your contracts with the list, that would be much appreciated! Also, a general discussion on the successes and failures of these contracts would be good. The Recyclery is starting our second E-a-B summer tomorrow! Thanks, Sharlyn

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Special Reminder: NBW Bike Part Art Raid TONIGHT
by Neighborhood Bike Works 17 Jun '08

17 Jun '08

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Grants
by ReCycles Bike CoOp 16 Jun '08

16 Jun '08

Hey y'all. We are a small, new-ish shop. Currently we operate as a program of a larger nonprofit, the Arkansas Sustainability Network. We are looking to move out and up and become our own non-profit. I am interested to know what grants help fund community bike shops. Are their any grants out there that would help pay for employees, specifically mechanics? Thanks for any info. Danielle -- ReCycles Bicycle CoOp www.arnetwork.org/bikes.html 501.372.6996 lrbikecoop(a)gmail.com OPEN: Tuesday (4pm-7pm) Ladies Night Thursday (3pm-7pm) Sunday (3pm-7pm)

2 1

Fwd: Call to Artists - Jersey Design Contest
by Ann Altstatt 13 Jun '08

13 Jun '08

if anyone is interested. . . ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Ann Ostermann <events(a)ccscc.org> Date: Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 2:35 PM Subject: Call to Artists - Jersey Design Contest To: annaltstatt(a)gmail.com Call to Artists Jersey Design Contest Cyclists for Cultural Exchange Cyclists for Cultural Exchange, a 501(c)3 organization promoting a vision of world peace and understanding through bicycling exchange programs, is conducting a design contest for the graphics for a bicycle jersey. Strawberry Fields Forever, an annual recreational bike ride, has been the primary fundraiser for their organization since the group's inception. Next year, 2009, will be their 20th annual event. To commemorate it they plan to produce and sell a cycling jersey, and they are conducting a contest for the graphic design of the jersey. The design should reflect the rich history and tradition of Strawberry Fields Forever and bicycling in the Santa Cruz area. There will be a $1,000 award for the winning design. For more information about Strawberry Fields Forever and Cyclists for Cultural Exchange, and for contest guidelines and design templates, please visit their website www.strawberryfields.org Award: $1,000 Submission Deadline: September 1, 2008 Submit online: info(a)strawberryfields.org Subject line: Strawberry Fields Jersey Design The winning designer will be notified no later than October 21st, 2008. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, please send an e-mail to Matt Werner mrwerner(a)mcn.org Good luck!!! This message was sent from Ann Ostermann to annaltstatt(a)gmail.com. It was sent from: Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, 2400 Chanticleer Av. Ste. G, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below. Manage your subscription Share this message with others: del.icio.us Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon

4 3

one million bicycles?
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 12 Jun '08

12 Jun '08

have any of you heard of www.onemillionbicycles.org? seems like something people on this list could maybe get behind/help out in a big way with... i just came across the website, and the mission sounds solid. i dunno about the delivery/project specifics.

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onemillionbicycles.org is real, not a scam, based in portland, oregon and ready to answer ?s
by Joe Kurmaskie 11 Jun '08

11 Jun '08

Hi Everyone - Joe Metal Cowboy Kurmaskie, founder and brain trust behind onemillionbicycles.org. I'm a lifelong pedal pusher, journalist, activist, "bestselling" author of the bicycling travel memoirs Metal Cowboy, Riding Outside The Lines and Momentum Is Your Friend (Mud, Sweat and Gears will be released in October) The best description of my writing came from USA Today - "David Sedaris trapped in the body of Lance Armstrong" Ha. I responded with "Either David got himself a trainer or Lance has let himself go to hell." But I drew the line when called "A modern day Mark Twain on two wheels" Cleveland Plain Deal. Come on now, if that's the case them somewhere a riverboat captain weeps. Enough about me, to the issue at hand, onemillionbicycles.org Yes, we are throwing the woodstock of bicycles, a one day 300 coast to coast of rallies at which 1,000,000 riders create 1,000,000 new ones. We are trying to create a national movement, help get more bicycles out of those garages, especially from folks that wouldn't normally know about or connect with bike collectives etc otherwise. Glad to find and connect with this list serv. We are going to kick some two wheeled butt with this project. I'm happy to answer specific questions and logistics especially how it covers tune ups of these bikes, safety checks and education, but in a nutshell, on August 9th 2009 one million of us who currently ride bicycles will ask for a massive increase in state and federal funding for bicycle education infrastructure, and enforcement. that's the rally goal. The bike giveaway goal is very one to one - each person pledges either to get a bike from their garage, collection, etc and pledge it to a specific person in their community That, or get a friend, family member, coworker, who doesn't currently ride or has not pedaled in many moons to come join the rally and bring a bike for themselves. The idea is to keep all the bikes local - philly riders give bikes to philly pledgers etc. the $5 registration fee and 75 percent of all funds we raise from other sources go to safety check and rehab bikes in their communities at collectives, bike shops etc. We are hiring national rally and bike giveaway coordinators to help coordinate. And an army of intern, volunteers awesome folks like yourselves That's where many of you guys come in - please email us, join the revolution by registering, let us answer any questions and then get involved as a participating collective and let us send you pledgers and pledges to check bikes in your zip-code. We also need groups to join up and sponsor local rallies. The rallies are a new model compared to things like the million man march and washington rallies to stop vietnam and Iraq war etc. That model puts all these resources into play to bring one million people to DC - we wanted a low carbon footprint but big media exposure and we wanted to put riders in the backyards of every congressmen in america - this way they can't pretend that those people at a DC rally aren't their constituents. It also allows for total media market saturation on one weekend, local, regional and national. These rallies will have music, speakers, booths, the big pledge moment, performances, rides, photo contests, etc. more info at these links: http://bikeportland.org/2008/04/17/a-national-movement-for-a-million- new-riders-begins-in-portland/#more-7044 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wCz68vaNJw Thanks Joe Kurmaskie onemillionbicycles.org metalcowboy.com

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One Million Bicycles
by mike eng 10 Jun '08

10 Jun '08

Interesting - this is the first I've heard of it. Agreed, Josh - it seems questionable to dump out a million bicycles on new riders without setting up any infrastructure or teaching any maintenance skills, but maybe that's where bike collective folks could help out the most. -- Mike Eng Providence, RI cell: 805-234-1032 www.recycleabike.org

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Bike Collectives, an International Effort Deserves Press
by Rich Points 10 Jun '08

10 Jun '08

Collectives, As you know there are over 110 collectives in North America. As I learned at Bike Bike last year no two bike collectives are the same. Despite our differences we have a common goal, we're all working in our own way to get more people riding bikes more often. That being the case I think our work merits national and international media attention. I've been thinking for a while about how we might get our work into the media. Bike Bike offers us a great opportunity to do this. Before Community Cycles heads out for this years conference we'll distribute a press release discussing the conference, why we're going with an emphasis on the international movement. I think if all the collectives attending this years conference should do something similar. Maybe we can create some buzz and get picked up by the AP or something. I personally would like to see the bike collectives to be as well known other re-use places like Salvation Army, Value Village and others. When it comes time to get rid of a bike or pick one up on the cheap the local bike collective should be first on the list. I think using the national media is a great way to show the world that bike collectives are more than your local co-op. What do you guys think? -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019

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oin Us for the 9th Annual Grassroots Use of Technology Conference - It's Not Too Late
by ronald ferrucci 10 Jun '08

10 Jun '08

I cannot make this, but I figure some bike collective folk may be interested. -------------- I just wanted to remind you about the 9th Annual Grassroots Use of Technology Conference. The venue is set. The workshops are scheduled. Registrations are pouring in. It is not to late to join us, you can register at: http://organizerscollaborative.org/conference When: Saturday, June 28th - All Day (8:30am to 6pm) Where: University of Massachusetts Lowell - Wannalancit Building 600 Suffolk Street, Lowell, MA http://organizerscollaborative.org/conference08/directions What: Highlights of the day: Keynote Speaker, Nick Jehlen of Action Mil draw lessons from his recent work on the Winter Soldier campaign organized by Iraq Veterans Against the War. Non-profit Internet Starter Kit: Take Your Website to the Next Level with These Free Online Tools Online Mentoring: Innovative Uses of Technology in Creating and Managing Mentor-Mentee Relationships You Can't Get What You Want Until You Know What You Need: Choosing the Right Software Making the Most Out of the Organizers' Database The Untapped Power of Social Networks for Grassroots Action Getting the Clicks: e-Campaigning in Communities with Few Computers Managing Your Website with Today's Tools Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Roadmap HAVA Great Idea? (HAVA stands for Help America Vote Act) Facebook to Phone Trees: Multi-Generational Outreach Strategies Organizing the Organic Internet Helping Your Computer System Grow Up Keeping it Simple: technology tools that won't make you want to rip your hair out. Collaborative eLearning The Point: A Web-Tool for Collective Action Managing & Recruiting Tech volunteers Strategies for shaping the media/tech future: Policy, funding & organizing Open Media Boston: Building a News Portal with Drupal Lowell is a beautiful, historic city that still remembers its working-class roots The intersection of rivers and canals make it a wonderful place to be on an early summer day. So join us for some engaging connections and some rock-solid knowledge sharing. Become an OC member at our special conference rate and you'll even receive a FREE book from O'Reilly & Assocaites. Looking forward to seeing you there, Felicia | Technology and training to advance and sustain social change | Felicia M. Sullivan Organizers' Collaborative felicia(a)oc-tech.org http://organizerscollaborative.org 617.848.9513 [ voice / fax ] ________________________________ Instantly invite friends from Facebook and other social networks to join you on Windows Live™ Messenger. Invite friends now!

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Bike Thief lessons?
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 04 Jun '08

04 Jun '08

Have any of you heard of this? Do any of you do anything similar? Makes sense that it works... http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSL0489099820080604?feedTy… I wonder if any shops out there have some kind of policy about what kind of locks will get reused, and which ones just discarded/recycled. I know we see a ton of crappy, cheap, breakable-with-a-wet-noodle wire/cable locks. What do you do with them? Is there a "minimum level of security" on locks that go out from your shops? Do you do any kind of theft awareness/ lock education?

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Ladies Night at CBSO - June 3, 6pm
by Community Bicycle Shop Omaha 04 Jun '08

04 Jun '08

We're glad to offer our first Ladies Night at Community Bicycle Shop Omaha! The date is Tuesday, June 3 at 6pm. Bring your bicycle project or come to refurbish donated bicycles and learn about bike mechanics. RSVP to this email address.

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Non-Profit Insurance
by Wilbur Ince 04 Jun '08

04 Jun '08

Not sure if this is the place for this question, but let's try it: I am part of a non-profit bicycle club in the Twin Cities. We own a bus and use it for rides during the Summer. We insure the bus, but pay very high premiums ($300 per month). Does anyone know of sources for insurance like this? Reply on or off list! Thanks! Wilbur

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Bike Short Films
by Rich Points 03 Jun '08

03 Jun '08

Collectives, Community Cycles will be hosting the second annual Bike Shorts Film Festival here in Boulder on bike to work day June 25th. We're looking for a few last entries to fill out schedule. We try to highlight the potential of the bicycle as transportation, fun and recreation. I'm personally interested in seeing films that highlight utilitarian uses of the bike like hauling large objects, trips to the grocery and that kind of thing. And of course we'd love to highlight other bike collectives from around the world. The films can range 30 seconds to 10 minutes. If you have a film you'd like to submit please send it in DVD format by June 15th to: Gary Gingras - Film Fest Community Cycles 2805 Wilderness Pl Ste 1000 Boulder,CO 80301 Peace -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019

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Soliciting donations
by adam schwartz 31 May '08

31 May '08

I am getting ready to send out mass mailings to solicit donations from bike shops, bike companies, tool and parts companies, and local cycling advocacy groups. Has anyone had much luck with this approach? and if so I am curious which companies are likely to send donations or have a history of supporting community or youth bike programs. peace, -- Adam Schwartz Program Coordinator, Renaissance Community Youth Bike Shop 6200 Sheridan Street, Riverdale, MD rideyourbicycle(a)gmail.com (301)275-2362

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low end bikes, Invisible riders
by Michael Wolfe 30 May '08

30 May '08

I like where the discussion is going on Low End Walmart bikes. To provide an interesting prospective, check out this article in Bicycling Magazine. It highlights a part of the cycling population that we not only fail to recognize, but often are oblivious to. It's kind of long but a worthy read. http://www.bicycling.com/article/1,6610,s1-3-12-13639-1-P,00.html

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Re: [TheThinkTank] bicycle shaped objects
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 28 May '08

28 May '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi, All. I'm sitting here in Toronto awaiting this baby's arrival. She's now well overdue. It's bike month here, and we've had the launch of the Toronto Cyclists Union, some cool fundraisers, several great charity and political rides, and a host of other things. My friend who is visiting me from my other home, Detroit, is in total culture shock. This is a good thread. Department store bikes do suck, but I like Noah's post and this one from Chris. Part of my feeling of mild distain for my fellow cyclists in Windsor Ontario is about such silliness as riding on the sidewalk and CLEARLY not making ongoing reparis to their bikes, but part of it is also that most people are riding ugly and poor quality department store or hardware store bikes. Some of the reasons to dislike department store bikes and their riders are not merely about the functionality of the bikes, about which many true things have already been said, but about their aesthetic qualities, or lack thereof. They are just ugly and they have no style. If they have to be dealt with at all, the recommendations that they be given complete overhauls and cared for as best as possible make sense to me-- better any bike than no bike, and the people who ride them probably end up actually loving them, and who am I to disrespect that? The ugliness also needs to be addresssed, though. Because they are cheap and ugly and not worth much, etc., they are actually great for making into art bikes. Sand and prime and repaint the bikes, spray paint them gold and cover them in bits of crome from old cars, cover them in broken mirrors, decoupage pictures of naked ladies all over them and seal in the naked goodness with some sort of top coat-- I have seen all these things and many more odd and marvelous things (including a bike completely covered in those little rubber snakes you can get in toy stores) done to department store bikes, and when I looked at THOSE (admittedly still barely functional) cheap-ass rides, I got over my aversion and scorn, and I thought they were cool. I hope everyone is in a good mood and that the weather is nice where you are. Sasha On Wed, 28 May 2008 14:23:54 -0400 "info(a)re-cycles.ca" <info@re- cycles.ca> wrote: >Recently I have seen many examples of new department store bikes >with >cones TOO tight and some with NO grease in the bearings or >anywhere >else. > >Most of the higher end Costco and department store bikes will last >for >years but they need to be totally overhauled upon purchase >otherwise >they will grind/seize themselves to death within a couple of >seasons. >Kind of puts the low end prices of a good bike shop, that checks, >greases and adjusts their bikes before sale, into perspective. > >Or volunteer at your local community bike shop for a couple of >months, >then buy a new high end Costco bike, spend 2 evenings overhauling >it >yourself and laugh all the way to the bank. > >Chris >--- reno bikes <renobikeproject(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> arguably dept. store bikes suck. >> but just change your thinking a little. >> they are not a performance machine. >> >> as long as the cones are tight enough, and the wheel straight >enough >> to >> avoid >> touching pads, then whomever rides it will appreciate it. >> >> its a step up from a bus pass. >> >> and some people ride roadmasters for years. they are around. you >have >> seen >> them. >> >> i just keep them rolling and spend more time with better >equipment. >> >> noah > >Chris Wells >(Head Mechanic & Email Handler) > >re-Cycles Bicycle Co-op >477 Bronson Ave. Ottawa > >re-Cycles is open 6pm-10pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays >(for volunteering, DIY, bike & parts sales & donation drop off) >AND SUNDAYS 3pm-6pm for Volunteering and Donations! :-) > >Bike sales and donation drop off also available during Cycle >Salvation hours: 9am-5:30pm Tuesday to Friday, and 9am-1pm on >Saturday > >(IMPORTANT: Please remember that while Cycle Salvation will be >using our shop during the day, any public bike repair, whether >volunteer or do-it-yourself, is still only during regular re- >Cycles hours in the evenings.) > >info(a)re-cycles.ca >http://www.re-cycles.ca/ >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkg9qe4ACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRmh3QCfcrC2swY3dSQIrqbPG3R625/714oA nRS0w/ofPmx/a8rXy+b5Vj6Uurvs =lTwG -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Shareef don't like it.
by Michael Wolfe 28 May '08

28 May '08

Well said. I've been looking at the new city bikes the Sky Yeager has designed for Swobo and they are around $700. It would be good to see high quality commuter bikes for less. On 5/28/08, Sherief <sgaber(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > I think the whole department store bike issue is a real obstacle to > cycling. On the one hand, prices of decent entry level bikes have gone up > up up in recent years, making the 149.95 price point on a lot of those > wal-mart beasts seem reasonable. However, as has been our experience at the > Austin Yellow Bike, and one that I'm sure others have noticed, those bikes > are effectively disposable. All of the parts within them are near > irreparable. Hubs that you can never quite adjust because the cones start > pitting from the box, bad springs, rust, etc. You pay less but if you > actually intend to ride then you end up paying more for a replacement or > futile service. This more often than not puts a sour taste in people's > mouths for cycling and the gateway never happens. > > I've thought about some way we can get the knowledge out about the virtues > of used/older bikes, etc. and the pitfalls of those tantalizingly cheap > department store bikes, combined with the refurbishing and sale of (better) > used bikes. A lot of people don't realize that a bike *should* last you 20, > 30, even 100 years. I've almost wanted to stand around in the department > store bicycle section and hand people leaflets, perhaps shouting "It's a > trap!". When people come into our shop to work on those bikes the > difference is made clear enough to them, but something broader could be > interesting... > > Snobbery towards department store bikes, and more importantly those who > ride them, is counter-productive and doesn't help anyone, but department > store bikes must nonetheless be stopped. Their disposability and hassle is > arguable anti-bicycle. > > -sherief > > On Tue, May 27, 2008 at 9:17 PM, Gern Blanston <getgern(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> When people ask me what the best bike to get is...I answer, "The best bike >> is which ever one you will get on AND RIDE!, not just have it sit in >> storage." >> >> >> On 5/19/08, Cuper <cuper(a)neighborhoodbikeworks.org> wrote: >>> >>> And what about for the people are won't to come into your coop for all of >>> the perceived social, racial, economic, and other barriers we all know way >>> too well? By telling folks *who are already intimidated by you* that those >>> bikes are garbage, and implying that anyone who buys one is stupid, you are >>> alienating potential shop users and customers. >>> >>> Those department store monsters aren't great, but can be "gateway >>> bikes." If you find a more positive way to pitch your product (instead >>> slamming what many people feel is the best they can do), the folks who are >>> riding department store bikes now are light years more likely to come to you >>> in a year or two or five. >>> >>> jimmie >>> >>> -- >>> Neighborhood Bike Works tel: 215.386.0316 >>> 3916 Locust Walk fax: 215.386.7288 >>> Philadelphia, PA 19104 www.neighborhoodbikeworks.org >>> >>> Providing opportunities to youth through bicycling. >>> >>> NBw has a listserv! To stay in touch, subscribe to BikeStreetJounral(a)NeighborhoodBikeWorks.org at www.neighborhoodbikeworks.org/mailman/listinfo/bikestreetjournal. >>> >>> >>> >>> veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com wrote: >>> >>> >>> >>> On Sun, May 11, 2008 at 8:17 AM, Bruce Lien <bikedadlien(a)yahoo.com> >>> wrote: >>> >>>> how do low income families who can only stretch their budgets far enough >>>> to buy their kid a bike for under $100, $70, or $40 do so? While some might >>>> advocate they buy used bikes, check out the junk sitting at the Goodwill >>>> with exorbitant prices on them, sold as is and you can see why that is not a >>>> viable option. Garage sales are great alternatives, but again the bikes are >>>> sold "as is" which often leaves a bike in need of some TLC from a good >>>> mechanic. Bruce >>> >>> >>> several things the people on this list have or have access to: >>> >>> volunteer power/time/energy. >>> bike knowledge. >>> decent--better than dept store bikes. >>> >>> this is just a brainstorm that just came to me after reading gary, >>> rafael, and bruce's emails....but what if we could somehow get the word out >>> to these low income families with no LBS that the coops are the place to go. >>> some kind of mailorder thing...i'm not sure how it would work, but if we're >>> operating on a national level, then shouldn't we be able to address at least >>> some of the basic needs of everyone in the country? >>> just an idea, i've been thinking about for all of 30 seconds. unlike >>> gary's and rafaels, which both sound awesome and doable... >>> >>> >>> ------------------------------ >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Thethinktank mailing listThethinktank@bikecollectives.orghttp://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.org >>> >>> ------------------------------ >>> >>> No virus found in this incoming message. >>> Checked by AVG. >>> Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.16/1428 - Release Date: 5/12/2008 7:44 AM >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Thethinktank mailing list >>> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >>> >>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >>> >>> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >

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setting a 3-speed in #2 without cables
by Bob Giordano 27 May '08

27 May '08

quick comment- if you are stuck without a cable/shifter set for the shimano style 3-speeds, you can slip a thick washer under the spring-activated gear shifter located on the hub (a small rock works too). This will keep the hub in second speed (or 1st if you'd like), instead of the harder gear 3. -Bob, Free cycles missoula reno bikes wrote: > actually the sturmey archer ones are a bit more common. they are usually > steel so they last longer. > i was thinking shimano.

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REI- know them.
by Tom Emm 23 May '08

23 May '08

www.rei.com/reigives

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organizational meetings: structure, facilitation, etc?
by rachael spiewak 17 May '08

17 May '08

Hiya, Bike Collectives. I'm wondering.. what kinds of meetings do you have? How are they structured and facilitated? Thanks! rachael -- Sopo Bicycle Cooperative 404-425-9989 www.sopobikes.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hours of operation: Tues/Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm Sat/Sun 2 pm - 6 pm

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Bike Collective Link Pages on our sites - Revisited
by Rich Points 14 May '08

14 May '08

Hey All, About six months ago I wrote to this list about having a links page to all the collectives in the U.S. and Canada. Since then a bunch of collectives have posted this link list on their sites. I wanted to revisit this and encourage more collectives to post this link list to their sites. It shows that we are part of an international effort to get people on bikes. And it's a great resource for people traveling or moving. http://www.communitycycles.org/links.html Please contact me if you have updates or revisions. Peace -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019

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Re: [TheThinkTank] A wikiHow article on How to Start a Not For Profit Organization in Ontario, Canada
by Tom Emm 14 May '08

14 May '08

tom48236(a)yahoo.com wrote: ---------------- Your friend just sent you the following article from wikiHow.com: How to Start a Not For Profit Organization in Ontario, Canada Incorporating a not-for-profit in the province of Ontario, Canada? Heres how... You can view the rest of this page at: http://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Not-For-Profit-Organization-in-Ontario%2C-Ca… wikiHow is a collaborative writing project aiming to build the world's largest how-to manual. Our mission is to provide free and useful instructions to help people solve the problems of everyday life. wikiHow is a wiki, which is a website that anyone can write or edit. You can help us, by editing any page on wikiHow which needs improvement. http://www.wikiHow.com - The How-to manual that anyone can write or edit

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honoring earn-a-bike hours from other co-ops / collectives?
by Durham Bike Co-op 13 May '08

13 May '08

Hey all, Maybe there's been another thread on this in the past, but I'll go ahead anyways. Fairly regularly we get e-mails from people who are moving to / staying in town for a while about getting a bike, and I had the thought that sometimes a nice way to deal with this would be to honor earn-a-bike volunteer hours worked at the other programs out there, particularly as transporation is definately a first priority when moving some place new, and in our program (being volunteer run and only open 1-2 days a week) it can take a couple weeks to complete the earn-a-bike. What do other peeps think about this? A good idea, or too much work dropping other programs a line to say what's what? peace, Colin - shop coordinator, DBC. -- Durham Bike Co-op 723 N. Mangum St. Durham, NC 27701 www.durhambikecoop.org

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how do you know when too many is too many?
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 13 May '08

13 May '08

i know community cycles is not the only shop on this list that has space issues, nor shortness of volunteer hours.... i'm wondering if any shops out there have some kind of "we're all filled up, we can't take any more bikes" policy. we've got connections with our local police department, so when they sweep through the public bike racks and clean up abandoned bikes, we get them. this brings us several loads of 100-300 bikes per year. we've also got a similar hookup with the university of colorado at boulder, which is 30,000 students strong. this yeilds about the same number of bikes, but in fewer loads. these are in addition to all our other donated bikes from individuals, smaller groups, etc. we're already using cheaper, department store bikes, or those who are beyond repair specifically as stripper bikes, for parts, or for lessons. we don't have a problem getting bikes to use/turnaround, as i'm guessing most of you also don't have this problem. my question is, when do we say "sorry, we're all filled up, we can't take your bike right now"? do any of you have some creative ways that you've solved the "we've got too many bikes and not enough space to keep them while they're waiting for a home"? we have done some work with a couple of different groups that have sent bikes abroad, but we don't want to make this a regular part of our program, for various reasons. to date, we don't have a set policy, but we tend to only participate in those kinds of programs when we're busting at the seams, and getting rid of 300-500 bikes would help tremendously. we've gotten in touch with our local recycling yard, who pretty much takes everything that can be recycled. i personally know that they see several bikes per week in their dumpsters, but they don't have any way to pull those out once they're in, once people dump washing machines, fridges, etc, on top of them. i'd like to see a seperate "bike dumpster" for people to drop them off, and we go and reuse them. the problem is we're gonna need some better way to sort them and keep them until someone can get to them... thanks for reading this far. josh.

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Community Cycles Web Forms - Joomla and RSForm
by Rich Points 13 May '08

13 May '08

Hey All, I've been wanting to write this email for some time now and I'm finally getting around to it on this rainy day. Over the winter we moved CommunityCycles.org over to a Joomla <http://www.joomla.org/>set up. Joomla is cool for many reasons but one of the most useful for us is an inexpensive component called RSForm <http://www.rsjoomla.com/index.php/Buy-RSform-Form-Management-Component.html>. RSForm allows you to create custom web forms with minimal html/php/mysql knowledge although it's good to have a strong background in these technologies. I do have this background and have knocked out large complex forms in record time. I'm using these forms to collect all kinds of data. The result has streamlined a lot of administrative tasks. RSForm functionality is easily explained. When a form is submitted an email is sent to email addresses of your choosing. This email can be in a custom html format. The data is also stored in an online database, this database can be downloaded as a csv file. And one of the coolest things is I can share the forms with others. So if your collective wanted to use our volunteer form, or a part of it, you would need to have RSForm installed on your Joomla site. I can pass you the form files for you to upload and that's it. I've read in the support forums that there are some bugs with this but it seems to work for the most part. If you'd like to give this a try let me know. Anyway have a look at the following, any feedback you may have is appreciated. *Public Forms* * Contact <http://communitycycles.org/contact.html> - The results of this are sent to the core group * Volunteer <http://communitycycles.org/get-involved/volunteer.html> - I set this up about 2 months ago and it has been very effective in finding and plugging in new volunteers. * Bike Month Volunteer <http://www.communitycycles.org/index.php?option=com_forme&fid=23> - This will be used to help plug in people to our bike month activities. * Thursday Youth EAB Sign Up <http://www.communitycycles.org/index.php?option=com_forme&fid=4> - Sign up form for Thursday Youth EAB * Lennard Zinn Workshop Sign Up <http://www.communitycycles.org/index.php?option=com_forme&fid=7> - Sign up for Lennard Zinn Workshop * Bikers Ed Workshop Sign Up <http://www.communitycycles.org/index.php?option=com_forme&fid=9> - Sign up for bikers ed workshops * Membership <http://communitycycles.org/donate.php>- This is an old hand coded form from our old site. I haven't figured out how to integrate PayPal yet. *Data Entry* * EAB Tracking <http://www.communitycycles.org/index.php?option=com_forme&fid=1> - We use this to enter completed EABers. The EABer will get an email with their photo and info. * Bike/Parts Donor <http://www.communitycycles.org/index.php?option=com_forme&fid=5> - This is how we input donations and the people who donated them. *Program Tracking* * EAB Follow up Questionnaire <http://www.communitycycles.org/index.php?option=com_forme&fid=21> - We'll start using this in June and will track how EABers use their bikes after the program. *Bike Fleet Maintenance* * City Bike Feet Maintenance <http://www.communitycycles.org/index.php?option=com_forme&fid=10> - The results of this form go directly to our fleet maintenance guy * UCAR Blue Bike Maintenance <http://www.communitycycles.org/index.php?option=com_forme&fid=13> - The results of this form go directly to our fleet maintenance guy *Online Sales* * Craigs html generator <http://www.communitycycles.org/index.php?option=com_forme&fid=14> - I created this form because we had various people posting to Craigslist. The result was all kinds of various formatting and information. When you fill out this form you get an email with the html code to paste into a new Craigs posting. The form helps streamline the posting process while maintaining a clean format. I plan on creating two versions of this, one for detailed posts and another for more general listings. -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019

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bicycle valet
by james thompson 12 May '08

12 May '08

Riders, New to the list and wanted to share a super fun event we did at a local music venue here in Denton, TX: bicycle valet. Our community bike shop volunteers exchanged tickets for bicycles and placed everyone's ride in a safe place to be retrieved by us at their liesure. No locks or dark alleyway telephone poles required for safety, no fumbling for the right angle on that off-brand U-lock. The parking lot was pleasantly unfull until a late hour. We canvassed at our valet table. Event promoters supported the fewer-cars evening by offering free cover and beverages. The college-age crowd was quite fond of the idea, and I can fairly say we had a blast. Show up earlier than you would for a normal music venue (bar staff graciously helped our solo volunteer through the first rough half hour). Folks, this is fun, but it was work. We valeted seventy bicycles, dozens more locked up themselves, and this at a venue of probably no more than two hundred people. You need at least four people to do this: one ticketeer, one valet, and one security gaurd for the bikes, and one to keep the security gaurd company. Make sure the venue (bar or not) restricts access to the parking area. Make a "map" with ticket numbers and bike locations, no bike without a ticket or license, and ask each picker-uper to describe their bike in detail. And your valet needs to be comfortable on kamikazes (fixies w/no brakes). Remember to turn people's lights off, and take tips for your organization. Bring a good bicycle pump with presta/schraeder capabilities and a gauge. Something we didn't anticipate, the two a. m. crowd produces wobbly folk. It was frankly discussed that some of the less experienced riders might have fared better driving home. Rather than have this devil's argument, make sure you're at a venue of a size you can manage (we were) and that you can get everyone home safely (we did, but I fretted a bit near the end). I'll leave it to my colleagues to add anything else, or make corrections. In Solidarity, James Thompson Shop Manager Querencia Community Bicycle Shop Denton, TX

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Re: [TheThinkTank] KRGV News Story
by tom emm 12 May '08

12 May '08

> > <div> > > > $4-a-gallon gas boosting bicycle sales, repairs > > > <a href="http://www.krgv.com/Video/News/991153.wvx">Watch Video</a> > > BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Across the country, high gas prices are > > kicking bicycle sales into high gear. > > Bike dealers say they're seeing customers dusting off their old > > two-wheelers -- or buying new ones -- to cope with rising fuel > > prices. > > A spokesman for the Washington. D.C.-based League of American > > Bicyclists says there's a definite increase in people riding bikes. > > He says, "it's due to a mixture of things but escalating gas > > prices is one of them." > > About 18 million bicycles have been sold annually in the U.S. > > over the past few years. The National Bicycle Dealers Association > > says that adds up to about six billion dollars in annual sales. A > > spokesman says bike shops across the country are reporting strong > > sales so far this year. And more people are bringing in bikes that > > have been idling at home. > > A Bismarck, North Dakota, man who opened a shop in April says he > > sold more than 50 bikes in the first month -- double his > > projections. He says everyone who walks in the store is talking > > about gas prices. > > (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) > > Comments: > ------------------------------------------ > > </div> >

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Yahoo! News Story - Gas prices knock bicycle sales, repairs into higher gear - Yahoo! News
by biker 11 May '08

11 May '08

biker (biker(a)nomail.com) has sent you a news article. (Email address has not been verified.) ------------------------------------------------------------ Personal message: Gas prices knock bicycle sales, repairs into higher gear - Yahoo! News http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080511/ap_on_bi_ge/work_bikes_3 ============================================================ Yahoo! News http://news.yahoo.com/

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Soliciting donations
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 11 May '08

11 May '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi, Rafael. These are awesome ideas. Sasha On Sun, 11 May 2008 08:01:51 -0400 bike against <bikeagainst(a)gmail.com> wrote: >Words of wisdom from Gary; we should listen and figure something >out. > >In similar matters, lately i've been thinking quite a bit about >brainstorming / negotiating / launching a Bike Collectives / Tool >manufacturers sponsorship / marketing campaign to get some really >good >deals on tools and other shop supplies by running ads on all >possible >bicycle publications and related websites with " if we don't >break it, no >one will... " type captions; WE as in Us, Community Bike Projects >of the >U.S. > >WHY ? > >NO local bike shop uses their freewheel removing tools 10,15,20 >times in a >day; we do. > >No LBS cuts as many cables or as many yards of housing in a >regular shop day >like we do. > >No LBS uses their chaintools 25+ times in a day... etc,etc. > >In general, not a single tool is used at any LBS as many times per >day as >tools are used and abused at community bike projects. > >Where floor pumps are used, nowhere they get used 50+ times in a >day... > >( i know i can't speak from all the Bike Projects out there,but to > get the >point across i must generalize, you get the idea ) > > > - WE ARE THE ULTIMATE TESTERS - > >Sure, companies have their testing departments / procedures / >staff... but >when Bike Collectives,etc look into any of these companies >products to try' >em out, that's it, that's the real deal. > >We know more than the average wrench which products work AND are >durable and >which aren't... > >I believe this ads could be very appealing to home mechanics >trying to get >the most for their money, hell, maybe even pro/race/team mechanics >looking >for the most bombproof /race-tour worthy equipment could be >interested in >hearing what we have to say about such and such products... > >The ads could feature some of the largest, busiest Co-ops and such >out >there; a different one every month or so, while at the same time >these ads >will help promote our organizations and perhaps also help younger >community >shops to get more recognition and respect from their communities >for their >efforts. > >Mix in a few good facts about the featured organization complete >with >numbers and all and you have a state of the art marketing tool: > >Number of bikes recycled in 2007: 483 > >Number of bikes sent as aid to countries with limited or no access >to bikes: >1500 > >Number of bikes donated to charity: 300 > >Number of bikes relocated into the community through Earn-A-Bike >program: >224 > >Total number of bikes diverted from the Landfill in 2007... > >ETC, ETC... (maybe also things like: years in operation: # number >of >volunteers: # etc. or even some fun facts like what's the weirdest >thing >you've found inside a bike you worked on or something... ( in my >case, i >once found a mummified mouse in the BB and someone else found a >love letter >in a seat post ) > >This will show the general public and the companies WHAT we do >with THESE >tools... > >I realize there's a lot more to it, but this is the main concept. >Thoughts >? > >On the topic of department store bikes, i wanna make stickers that >say " >Friends don't let friends ride Walt-Mart bicycles"... >perhaps we could come up with a shared design that we can all use >and just >add your Project's Name / Logo on it, that way is the same >sticker nation wide and BAM !! we start the Dept, store bike >awareness >campaign... who knows, if done neatly, it could catch some major >mainstream >media attention ( not only indymedia ! ) who wants to join ? > >Sorry this mail was sooo long. > >Wear the grease under your nails with pride. > >Cheers to all, see you in Sunny Cali. > >-R > > >-- >Rafael Cletero >Project Coordinator >Fort Collins Bicycle Co-op >ph (970) 484 38 04 >www.fcbikecoop.org -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkgm/tsACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRn/tACeKss57AHvVJRCzAtH6A6raSMmtG4A oK+yLeF5mFRBFeT+jGgXt6z81YfA =lpch -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Insurance/Liability
by Jason Tanzman 09 May '08

09 May '08

I'm new to this list but it seems like an awesome community of shared knowledge! Here is another question that our shop is dealing with - insurance and liability questions. We have recently expanded to a substantially larger space; in the past we operated out of a large garage/warehouse area, with very low rent, one paid staff member (hired as independent contractor), and no insurance. We are growing substantially and we want to make sure we protect all of our customers/volunteers/clients from issues if someone was hurt on one of our bikes or at our shop. But - it seems really expensive, how do community bike shops pay for it? How much do you pay per month for liability insurance? Do you have volunteer lawyers giving legal advice? Do you pay workman's comp for your staff, or do you hire staff as independent contractors? We want to make sure we do this right and protect our people, but it's expensive and hard. Any information is helpful!! -Jason

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Re: [TheThinkTank] pay rates, minimum hours
by Jason Tanzman 09 May '08

09 May '08

At Sibley Bike Depot in St. Paul, MN, we pay our folks $10-12/hr, for both mechanics and our volunteer coordinator. A follow-up question - do most shops hire people as independent contractors or as staff?

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Fancy Parts
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 08 May '08

08 May '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi, Everyone. This thread is great. Your are all so knowledgable it makes me happy. Does anyone know what the tax rules are for Canadian shops who want to raise money selling "fancy parts"? Sasha On Thu, 08 May 2008 10:28:16 -0400 Stuart O Anderson <soa(a)ri.cmu.edu> wrote: >Colin's experience is similar to ours. Because our nonprofit >status >comes from another organization that we're part of, our income is >combined with theirs in deciding whether we cross that limit. We >do >cross it and pay sales tax on all our sales. Being a non-profit >means >that the organization isn't owned privately or publicly by folks >who >make a share of the organization's profit - a non profit is still >free >to pay its employees and charge as much as the market will bear >for >its goods/services. > >>From the IRS website, the requirements for tax exemption are at: >http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=96099,00.html > > >The bit that says what a 501(c)(3) may actually _do_ is below: > >The exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3) are charitable, >religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public >safety, fostering national or international amateur sports >competition, and preventing cruelty to children or animals. The >term >charitable is used in its generally accepted legal sense and >includes >relief of the poor, the distressed, or the underprivileged; >advancement of religion; advancement of education or science; >erecting >or maintaining public buildings, monuments, or works; lessening >the >burdens of government; lessening neighborhood tensions; >eliminating >prejudice and discrimination; defending human and civil rights >secured >by law; and combating community deterioration and juvenile >delinquency. > > >There's also a section that says you're not allowed to 'inure' >(pay) >people associated with the organization to excess. So, if you're >selling dura-ace brakes on ebay for as much as you can, but using >the >money to pay your volunteers for their time at a reasonable rate >and >improve you're shop (both activities being part of your >'charitable >purpose') then you're all set. > >Stuart > >On Thu, May 8, 2008 at 9:40 AM, Colin Dixon, Phoenix Bikes ><colin.phoenixbikes(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> Income from sales is usually not tax exempt income - unlike >donations - so >> that may complicate things. and it is a bit dicey to give >something to >> someone and then have them give a 'donation' in return. >> That said, usually states have a level below which you don't >have to file >> sales tax. In VA, I believe its $10,000 a year. >> therefore, If you don't sell over $10,000, you don't need a >license to sell >> stuff and don't need to file. If you do sell over, you need to >both register >> to sell stuff (can still be a non-rpofit), and to file monthly >to pay sales >> tax. >> Could be a little off on this, but I think this is the gist. >> - colin >> >> On Thu, May 8, 2008 at 9:08 AM, Justin Pogge <xecax(a)hotmail.com> >wrote: >>> >>> we have a special display for nicer parts that we want a larger >donation >>> for. we have a number of parts hounds that come to our shop to >see what new >>> goodies we have. selling parts like this really helps us out >financially and >>> lets us have more wiggle room when it comes to people not >having very much >>> money to donate for the bicycle that they fix up in our shop. >plus, our >>> mechanics can benefit from these parts by donating to their own >coop and >>> getting parts for much less than they would at a LBS. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> ________________________________ >>> > From: bbohs(a)purdue.edu >>> > To: thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >>> > Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 23:05:10 -0400 >>> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Fancy Parts >>> > >>> > If you want to indulge in profit, I hear you too. Make your >classifieds >>> > intellectual to me, and I'll try to make them open for fair >trade. Let me >>> > know. Thank you for helping out the community, even for >individuals who are >>> > as accomplished as some. Thank you >>> > >>> > >>> > Brent Bohs >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > On May 7, 2008, at 10:58 PM, Brent Bohs wrote: >>> > >>> > Thank yo man, you seem to understand how this works. I you >have >>> > profitable items, sell them at what you want. Otherwise, >name a price and >>> > let the masses indulge in your success. Let them know. We >can all benefit >>> > from riding and people that help the whole ordeal are saints >to me, man. >>> > You know you are doing so much for others. Give me a shout! >765-418-1272, >>> > if you want to help the biking community more, I'm sure I can >help you out. >>> > We, at this co-op, don't enrich ourselves, but we sure >enrich any biker we >>> > find in free or cheap parts, labor, and well-being, as we are >trying to >>> > promote biking as a safe and justifiable alternative to car >traffic. >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > Brent >>> > >>> > >>> > On May 7, 2008, at 5:10 PM, james blesdoe wrote: >>> > >>> > HECK NO!!! >>> > >>> > You sell them as you see fit. Nonprofit means you can't >enrich your >>> > self, but your organization is supposed to make a profit In >this economy >>> > that is becoming easier all the time -at least at the Bicycle >Kitchen that >>> > is the case. >>> > >>> > roll on >>> > >>> > Jim >>> > >>> > Erik Stockmeier> wrote: >>> > Question! >>> > >>> > What the heck does everybody's shop do with fancy items of >special worth >>> > to collectors? For example... perhaps you come upon a >donation of half a >>> > dozen 70s unused campi sidepull break sets. Your stock of >breaks is full, >>> > so throwing them in the bin or selling them for 5$ or >shlepping them on a >>> > Roadmaster seems like a waste. Is it ethically ok for a non- >profit to >>> > occasionally indulge collectors as a source of surplus >income? What about >>> > legally for a 501c3? Is it necessary to launder them through >a "buyer" who >>> > sells them at profit and donates the difference? >>> > >>> > Erik >>> > _______________________________________________ >>> > Thethinktank mailing list >>> > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >>> > >>> > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >>> > >>> > >>> > ________________________________ >>> > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! >Mobile. Try >>> > it now._______________________________________________ >>> > Thethinktank mailing list >>> > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >>> > >>> > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >>> > >>> > _______________________________________________ >>> > Thethinktank mailing list >>> > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >>> > >>> > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >>> >_________________________________________________________________ >>> With Windows Live for mobile, your contacts travel with you. >>> >>> >http://www.windowslive.com/mobile/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_R >efresh_mobile_052008 >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Thethinktank mailing list >>> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >>> >>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> >> >> >> -- >> Colin Dixon >> Phoenix Bikes >> Barcroft Park >> 4200 S. Four Mile Run Drive >> Arlington, VA >> www.phoenixbikes.org >> (703) 575-7762 >> c: (202) 494-9553 >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> >> >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkgjEXoACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRncbACfVeAHwblq48+ECCZlAeELN2VnB6IA njU+NlS2EAEQ/vclPqFglwxW/7qy =7xLb -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Re: [TheThinkTank] using the bicycle kitchen's POS system? was :Electronic Tracking
by Jessica McPherson 08 May '08

08 May '08

Did you ever get in touch with that guy Josh Moody from the L.A. bicycle kitchen who presented at bike bike? It sounded like he had written a POS system, don't remember if it was open-source or web-based. Jessica (Free Ride, Pittsburgh) ----- Original Message ---- From: Stuart O Anderson <soa(a)ri.cmu.edu> To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Sent: Thursday, May 8, 2008 1:04:14 PM Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] using the bicycle kitchen's POS system? was :Electronic Tracking I've been thinking a lot about building a secure web based open source POS system. If anyone else is interested in this sort of project, or is already working on something like it, please get in touch with me. Stuart On Thu, May 8, 2008 at 1:13 AM, Brent Bohs <bbohs(a)purdue.edu> wrote: > Thank you very much man, we're setting up a co-op around here and are > working on a good inventory system for all our parts and frames and such, > thanks for your input in all this!! It helps us all! Keep in touch. > Brent Bohs > > > On May 8, 2008, at 1:10 AM, Gern Blanston wrote: > > Hi, > Yes, Jim Bledsoe is from the Los Angeles' "Bicycle Kitchen". > Here in LA we have three individual community bike shops: > the Bicycle Kitchen near Hollywood, the Bike Oven in Highland Park, and I'm > with the BikeRoWave in Santa Monica. > The BikeRoWave choose to get a POS software called Retail ICE that is going > to be installed this week. We pieced together the rest from ebay, and some > donations. We bought a touch screen and a bar code scanner, to make things > easy for the staff. We looked at Intuits 'QuickBook POS' that retails for > over $1500, but the Inventory Committee decided to go with the Retail ICE > system that comes with tutorials and learning dvd's which was $75. It is > cheaper if you don't buy the added dvd's. Total for the whole package was > under $700. > That includes: The POS software(looks very powerful, with bookkeeping and > tax functions), a touch screen moniter, a hand wand scanner, a full sized > Scanner/printer. We had a cash drawer and a receipt printer donated to > use. We are not accepting credit card payments so no need for the card > scanner. I'm really excited for the system to get going, as I envision it > helping in soo many ways. Sales, inventory, taxes, contacts, all will be > streamlined. As the Inventory Manager/C.F.O. I am looking forward to > getting my work load down. > I'll provide a more detailed description of Items in the system and a report > on its operation soon. I am extreamly busy but will try to answer any > questions as soon as I can. I can be reached at getgern(at)gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

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using the bicycle kitchen's POS system? was :Electronic Tracking
by andrewsawtelle＠riseup.net 08 May '08

08 May '08

Yeah, at bikebike in Pittsburgh back in August Josh Moody from the LA Bike Kitchen was talking about their whole POS system and how they could probably make it available to people who want to use it. I've CCed their main contact email so maybe they'll let us know. Andrew Recycle-A-Bike, Providence RI http://www.recycleabike.org Velocipede Bike Project wrote: > This is convenient because we at velocipede are at the same point. I know > that the bike kitchen said they would send out they're software at bike > bike, but I haven't heard back from them....is anyone from the bike > kitchen(in LA) on this list? > > -beth > velocipede bike project > Baltimore, MD > >> I know that this has been discussed before but I didn't see what I was >> specifically looking for in the archives. We are growing faster than >> our paperwork can keep up and are in need of a better system for >> tracking both inventory/bikes-in/bikes-out/donations type stuff as >> well as Work-Trade volunteer hours. I know that there is mention of >> developing a "community bike software suite", does anyone know where >> at in development that is? From what I saw in the archives, some >> places do have databases set up for tracking this stuff, is there any >> chance that could be shared as a template with the wider community? >> Thanks, Andrew >> FM Community Bicycle Workshop >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >> > > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >

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Pay Rates, minimum hours
by Stuart O Anderson 08 May '08

08 May '08

As a follow up to my last post, among those shops that pay people for their services, how much do you pay? At Free Ride we pay: $15/hr for teaching classes $10-13/hr for fixing up bikes (we pay more to fix bikes that start off being worth less) also, how much time do you expect volunteers to put in in order to be members of your group, if that's how you organize? At Free Ride we require: at least 24 hours every 3 months to be on the collective council Stuart

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Fwd: nowtopia: writings in the anarcho-marxist hinterland....
by Chris Carlsson 07 May '08

07 May '08

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: francesca the coat <the.coat.and.general(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, May 7, 2008 at 8:25 PM Subject: nowtopia: writings in the anarcho-marxist hinterland.... To: the.coat.and.general(a)gmail.com Dear friends, acquaintances, esteemed professors, good people, The author of "Nowtopia", an interesting book that taps into some of the important questions du jour about revalorization and anticapitalist practice, that also happens to be written by my dear old dad, is in town and having three book talks scattered around new york. I do think it is an interesting interrogation, 'important' even, and I encourage a sojourn out to see what it's all about. I hear the discussions so far during his tour in baltimore, philly, etc, have been pretty interesting and i'm sure the trend will continue in ny. FRIDAY, May 9, 7:30pm: Brecht Forum, manhattan MONDAY, May 12, 7pm: Vox Pop, brooklyn -- Also performing with Carlsson at vox pop: music and sound performance by the indubitable Nader Hasan and the inscrutable Seth Porcello; short films by the incorrigible Brett Story; lecture #2 on the possibility of life without the sun "by" alexis bhagat. WEDNESDAY May 14, 7pm: Bluestockings Books, manhattan I encourage those who enjoy the odd aural experience or visceral film experience to come to vox pop, where Seth Nader and Brett will bring the best of Montreal to our borough. but i'll, sigh, probably be at them all, yelling at my dad like "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU SAID THAT". no just kidding. more info on the book, etc, below in love f. *Nowtopia* is a book about a new politics of work. It profiles tinkerers, inventors, and improvisational spirits who bring an artistic approach to important tasks that are ignored or undervalued by market society. Rooted in practices that have been emerging over the past few decades, *Nowtopia*'s exploration of work locates an important thread of self-emancipatory class politics beyond the traditional arena of wage-labor. http://www.processedworld.com/carlsson/nowtopia_web/ Outlaw bicycling, urban permaculture, biofuels, free software, and even the Burning Man festival are windows into a scarcely visible social transformation that is redefining politics as we know it. As capitalism continues to corral every square inch of the globe into its logic of money and markets, new practices are emerging through which people are taking back their time and technological know-how. In small, under-the-radar ways, they are making life better right now, simultaneously building the foundation—technically and socially—for a genuine movement of liberation from market life. *Nowtopia* uncovers the resistance of a slowly recomposing working class in America. Rarely defining themselves by what they do for a living, people from all walks of life are doing incredible amounts of labor in their "non-work" time, creating immediate practical improvements in daily life. The social networks they create, and the practical experience of cooperating outside of economic regulation, become a breeding ground for new strategies to confront the commodification to which capitalism reduces us all. The practices outlined in *Nowtopia* embody a deep challenge to the basic underpinnings of modern life, as a new ecologically-driven politics emerges from below, reshaping our assumptions about science, technology, and human potential. With historical grounding, a toolbox drawing from multiple schools of anti-capitalist thought and theory, and a refreshingly pragmatic approach, Carlsson opens our eyes to the revolutions of everyday life. *Chris Carlsson*, executive director of the multimedia history project "Shaping San Francisco," is a writer, publisher, editor, and community organizer. He has edited four collections of political and historical essays. He helped launch the monthly bike-ins known as Critical Mass, and was long-time editor of *Processed World* magazine. -- I am on the road (see schedule at the nowtopia link below) and may be slower than usual to respond... back to normal in July, until then, be patient and thanks! www.nowtopia.org The Nowtopian (my blog): http://www.lipmagazine.org/ccarlsson/

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what do you call people in charge of your shop- shift supervisors and film fest
by Gary Gingras 07 May '08

07 May '08

hey All can't wait to get together in Sept in Cali with you super people. so i am writing a facilitators handbook- Some do not love the "title facilitator" bicycle kitchen calls them cooks and such - looking for a fun title or like to present to the group here at Community cycles. wrenches? cooks? we wil also be having a 2nd annual bike film festval here in Boulder and are taking any submissions - this will be June 25th at the boulder theater on Bike to work day. We will be accepting films until the 15th of June. any 40minute or less films whet ya got i would love to hear!! -- Community Cycles Shop Director 2805 Wilderness place Suite 1000 Boulder CO 80301 gary(a)communitycycles.org

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Fancy Parts
by Erik Stockmeier 07 May '08

07 May '08

Question! What the heck does everybody's shop do with fancy items of special worth to collectors? For example... perhaps you come upon a donation of half a dozen 70s unused campi sidepull break sets. Your stock of breaks is full, so throwing them in the bin or selling them for 5$ or shlepping them on a Roadmaster seems like a waste. Is it ethically ok for a non-profit to occasionally indulge collectors as a source of surplus income? What about legally for a 501c3? Is it necessary to launder them through a "buyer" who sells them at profit and donates the difference? Erik

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Fwd: Re: Bike Shop in a Box
by info＠re-cycles.ca 01 May '08

01 May '08

My response below got blocked (because I responded from the wrong email address): Chris --- Chris Wells <re-cycles(a)rogers.com> wrote: > Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:57:50 -0400 (EDT) > From: Chris Wells <re-cycles(a)rogers.com> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Shop in a Box > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > > From our director's web page: http://www.drumbent.com/trailer.html > The kit I based my hockey bag hauling cargo trailer on: > http://www.drumbent.com/trailer.html > > Chris > --- Vyki Englert <vyki.englert(a)thekickstand.org> wrote: > > > The Kickstand sets up a repair stand at our local farmers market > and > > any > > events we get involved in. This is currently what most of our > > outreach > > program consists of. We carry a portable stand, a 4x2 folding > table, > > an > > Ez-up, a tool set, and consumables. We've been doing this for a > very > > short > > while, but the idea is that we have a "market box", a tool box that > > is set > > aside, always ready to go with a good set of tools (we're still > > working on > > exactly what a good set of tools is), that is not used during > regular > > shop > > hours. We just started bringing consumables, patches, cables... > and > > are > > still hammering out exactly what to bring. And of course we always > > have > > some literature on hand, and usually bring some of the bright > orange > > safety > > vest the county bicycle/pedestrian advisory board gave us to pass > > out. > > > > Our only issue currently is that we toss of of this in the back of > a > > pickup > > truck! We are hopefully soon going to have the resources to build > a > > trailer > > (a member is purchasing welding equipment), but don;t as of yet > have > > any > > plans. > > > > Anyone have plans for a good (verylarge) bike trailer? > > > > vyki > > > > www.thekickstand.org > > > > On Tue, Apr 29, 2008 at 3:38 PM, Durham Bike Co-op > > <durhambikecoop(a)gmail.com> > > wrote: > > > > > United Bicycle Parts has a pretty nice looking "mix and match" > tool > > set > > > with items from a variety of different tool makers = around $200, > > if I > > > remember right, and maybe around 50 pieces with the most critical > > stuff > > > (spline tools, chainbreaker, lockring wrench etc.) being shop > > quality stuff. > > > Might be a good place to start. > > > > > > best, > > > Colin - Durham Bike Co-op > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > > Chris Wells > (Head Mechanic & Email Handler) > > re-Cycles Bicycle Co-op > 477 Bronson Ave. Ottawa > > re-Cycles is open 6pm-10pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays > (for volunteering, DIY, bike & parts sales & donation drop off) > > Bike sales and donation drop off also available during Cyclists' > Kitchen hours: 9am-5:30pm Tuesday to Friday, and 9am-1pm on Saturday > > (IMPORTANT: Please remember that while Cyclists' Kitchen will be > using our shop during the day, any public bike repair, whether > volunteer or do-it-yourself, is still only during regular re-Cycles > hours in the evenings.) > > info(a)re-cycles.ca > http://www.re-cycles.ca/ >

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Fwd: Re: Bike Shop in a Box
by info＠re-cycles.ca 01 May '08

01 May '08

Trying this from my other account to see if it gets through? Chris --- Chris Wells <re-cycles(a)rogers.com> wrote: > Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:11:22 -0400 (EDT) > From: Chris Wells <re-cycles(a)rogers.com> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Shop in a Box > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > > Hi Sasha, > > We worked with Bicycles For Humanity to help send a bike shop in a > box > to Africa. Here is a link to a page on our website (which includes a > link to their's): > > http://www.re-cycles.ca/bfh2007.html > > Perhaps they would be interested in doing something similar more > locally. > > Chris > > --- dragonfly(a)mac.hush.com wrote: > > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > > Hash: SHA1 > > > > > > Hi, Everyone. > > > > I love reading everyone's posts. > > > > Thanks to the people who have written to me about creating a > > good bike plan for the Detroit-Windsor region. > > > > This past weekend, I was talking with some people. People we > > know were attending the UN Indigenous People's climate change > > meeting in New York, and we were talking about some things. > > > > My friends and I were talking about climate change, this time > > in the context of the aboriginal communities that these friends of > > mine come from. It was a long and interesting conversation. > > > > For a little part of it, I talked about bikes, and about how > > important my bike was to me in Detroit and about how my bike shapes > > my world view and my thoughts about community planning, etc. > > > > They all drive trucks, these friends of mine, even the ones > > from the city, and they think I'm a little nuts for riding my bike > > everywhere, but they could also see an increased potential for > > bikes in some of their communities. > > > > In some of their communities, bikes are not so practical. In > > others, they could be made into a more functional option for > day-to- > > day practical use, if there was an infrastructure to support them- > > a place to get bikes, a place to go to repair them, etc. > > > > We wondered about a "Bike Shop in a Box"-- could you get a > > big rubbermaid tub and put a whole bike shop into it? (Maybe two > > tubs plus a stand?) Could you make such a thing that would be easy > > to ship North or into the B.C. interior, by train or plane etc.? > > > > Do the people from "Bikes Not Bombs" know how to do this-- > > have some of you done this before? Is there a good way of doing > > this already known? > > > > What should go into the box, and how could we make this > > economical-- is there an economy of scale-- how many Boxed Shops > > would you need to create to get a good deal on the tools, do you > > think? Would suppliers be interested in creating a 'Shop in Box' as > > a product to offer through their catalogue, even? > > > > We're just thinking about the feasibility of this right > > now. For lots of reasons, it might be a dumb or unworkable idea, > > but one worth checking out. If any of you have done this, or if you > > know what the best things to put into the box are, please e-mail > > me. > > > > Sasha > > > > On Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:56:20 -0400 "Urban Bike Project Wilmington, > > DE" <urbanbikeproject(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > >"we still have the Bike Against! stencil and about ten different > > >colors of spray paint..." > > > > > >Rafael, is that why you changed your name? I can only imagine the > > >positive message this has spread in Fort Collins... > > > > > >Jennifer, > > > > > >I think you want a name that instantly gives people a snapshot of > > >what > > >you do. Mike's comment rings pretty true. Often people will call > > > > >or > > >email about donating bikes and then ask what it is exactly that we > > > > >do. > > > If you do bikes and art call it something with bikes and art and > > >you'll be set. The Bike Gallery or something innocent. BICAS' > > >name > > >is pretty cool and explanatory. > > > > > >Once you pick it, stick with it. Like Rafael said, your shops > > >actions/quality are more important than the name. > > > > > >Brian > > > > > >On 4/28/08, bike against <bikeagainst(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > >> Hey Jennifer and all, Rafael from Fort Collins,CO here... > > >> > > >> I agree with Rachel, keep it simple... > > >> > > >> I believe the name does not make the project, the PROJECT makes > > >the name, > > >> just like band names, as long as the music is good people will > > >dig the > > >> name... > > >> > > >> In our case, for the first four years our project was known as > > >the Bike > > >> Against ! collective or Co-op and due to our current situation > > >we are now > > >> just called The Fort Collins Bike Co-op... yeah,is not radical > > >but it > > >> doesn't have to be. We still have the same ideals and philosophy > > > > >that gave > > >> birth to the organization and again, the quality of your work is > > > > >ALL that > > >> matters in the end. > > >> > > >> By changing our name we were able to have access to a lot more > > >resources > > >> and therefore help a lot more people. > > >> > > >> As for the militant riders out there,who believe that riding a > > >bicycle as > > >> main or ONLY means of transportation is also an act of political > > > > >expression > > >> and resistance,we still have the Bike Against! stencil and about > > > > >ten > > >> different colors of spray paint... > > >> > > >> Also there's less risk that the name will be already taken. > > >> > > >> > > >> -- > > >> Rafael Cletero > > >> Project Coordinator > > >> Fort Collins Bicycle Co-op > > >> ph (970) 484 38 04 > > >> www.fcbikecoop.org > > >> _______________________________________________ > > >> Thethinktank mailing list > > >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- > > >bikecollectives.org > > >> > > >> > > > > > > > > >-- > > >Urban Bike Project of Wilmington > > >1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind the > > >building) > > >Wilmington, DE 19801 > > > > > >Hours: > > >Thursday 6:30-9:00 > > >Saturday 1:00-4:00 > > > > > >Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org > > >_______________________________________________ > > >Thethinktank mailing list > > >Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- > > >bikecollectives.org > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- > > Note: This signature can be verified at > > https://www.hushtools.com/verify > > Charset: UTF8 > > Version: Hush 3.0 > > > > > wkYEARECAAYFAkgXN2wACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRkYFgCgqeGADGv4XT1x3eg9Bn49IPiPHqUA > > ninVivrE08nsJH1DEYWah7e0d/Q1 > > =zIuK > > -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > >

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Shop in a Box
by plan_9＠riseup.net 30 Apr '08

30 Apr '08

We recently were awarded a $2500 grant to do community outreach in at-risk neighborhoods and community events. We have purchased a bikes-at-work trailer, (6'x3' with removable sections if you don't need as much length). We are patiently waiting its arrival and we'll let you know how it works out. The rest of the funds will go towards two park folding stands, two basic tool sets with the idea of sewing some roll up tool bags, basic supplies like lube, cables, brake pads, etc. We also have budgeted for educational material to pass out as well as advertising so folks will know when we are going to be in their neighborhood. We already did one event at a local universities "Earth Day" celebration and it was a hit. A latent function of this was PR. More than a few people told us that they had heard about the shop and were interested in being involved but they were nervous/intimidated/unsure as to how to actually be involved or even come in and work on their bike. Hopefully their speaking with us at the outreach event alleviated some of those concerns. As for the grant, it was from an area foundation that typically doesn't fund overhead and is very into highly visible community oriented projects in the 1000-4000 range. If anyone has a similar situation and would like a copy of our grant application, contact me and I'll be happy to share. -Andy FM Community Bicycle Workshop

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Bike Shop in a Box
by Bob Giordano 30 Apr '08

30 Apr '08

We have a nice 4-wheel bike we use for lots of things. The link below: http://strans.org/pedaled_sweeper.htm explains how we attached a sweeper and swept the bike lanes by bike power. Last week we welded a hitch to it and towed several types of trailers (boat, heavy machinery, etc.) to move 400 bikes to a festival. Missoula is surrounded by mountains, but the valley is _flat_. Lots of trailer designs are flying out of the shop- a no-weld version with forks, stems, tubes, and a piece of tire for a hitch. a kayak carrier made from aluminum crutches (a wheel fits exactly where the handles on the crutches are). shopping carts with the bottom wheel assembly taken off and 2 rear triangles (a use for those walmart rear triangles) bolted on. eventually we'll get pictures onto the web. we have instructions for the 'crutches trailer' typed up- email me if you want them. my favorite load carrier is the 'long john.' so smooth and versatile. see 1st 2 pics at: http://strans.org/bikestyle.html -Bob G., Free Cycles Missoula

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Shop in a Box
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 30 Apr '08

30 Apr '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi, Vyki and Everyone Else. What a good idea! It would be a great thing to have at charity bike races, too. A bike based mobile shop has all sorts of potential. It might be a good model for African, Asian, Latin American and South Asian endeavours, too. The Grameen bank might be interested in the idea, for someone's not already doing it; it might make a good micro credit business. I know someone who is involved with them-- may I forward the idea to them? One of the ideas floated in Detroit was to use the existing infrastructure of Detroit's quite active inner city churches to broaden the reach of the bike community shop; remeber, we were also talking about going to the homeless shelters? A bike shop van that would make the rounds was the thought. A bike trailer is an interesting alternative, though. We have a great guy here who runs a summer time organic catering company; he does all his deliveries by bike. It is cool to see him. People on this list are so interesting and creative. I love getting Think Tank mail! Sasha On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:06:29 -0400 Vyki Englert <vyki.englert(a)thekickstand.org> wrote: >The Kickstand sets up a repair stand at our local farmers market >and any >events we get involved in. This is currently what most of our >outreach >program consists of. We carry a portable stand, a 4x2 folding >table, an >Ez-up, a tool set, and consumables. We've been doing this for a >very short >while, but the idea is that we have a "market box", a tool box >that is set >aside, always ready to go with a good set of tools (we're still >working on >exactly what a good set of tools is), that is not used during >regular shop >hours. We just started bringing consumables, patches, cables... >and are >still hammering out exactly what to bring. And of course we >always have >some literature on hand, and usually bring some of the bright >orange safety >vest the county bicycle/pedestrian advisory board gave us to pass >out. > >Our only issue currently is that we toss of of this in the back of >a pickup >truck! We are hopefully soon going to have the resources to build >a trailer >(a member is purchasing welding equipment), but don;t as of yet >have any >plans. > >Anyone have plans for a good (verylarge) bike trailer? > >vyki > >www.thekickstand.org > >On Tue, Apr 29, 2008 at 3:38 PM, Durham Bike Co-op ><durhambikecoop(a)gmail.com> >wrote: > >> United Bicycle Parts has a pretty nice looking "mix and match" >tool set >> with items from a variety of different tool makers = around >$200, if I >> remember right, and maybe around 50 pieces with the most >critical stuff >> (spline tools, chainbreaker, lockring wrench etc.) being shop >quality stuff. >> Might be a good place to start. >> >> best, >> Colin - Durham Bike Co-op >> >> On Tue, Apr 29, 2008 at 10:57 AM, <dragonfly(a)mac.hush.com> >wrote: >> >> > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- >> > Hash: SHA1 >> > >> > >> > Hi, Everyone. >> > >> > I love reading everyone's posts. >> > >> > Thanks to the people who have written to me about creating >a >> > good bike plan for the Detroit-Windsor region. >> > >> > This past weekend, I was talking with some people. People >we >> > know were attending the UN Indigenous People's climate change >> > meeting in New York, and we were talking about some things. >> > >> > My friends and I were talking about climate change, this >time >> > in the context of the aboriginal communities that these >friends of >> > mine come from. It was a long and interesting conversation. >> > >> > For a little part of it, I talked about bikes, and about >how >> > important my bike was to me in Detroit and about how my bike >shapes >> > my world view and my thoughts about community planning, etc. >> > >> > They all drive trucks, these friends of mine, even the >ones >> > from the city, and they think I'm a little nuts for riding my >bike >> > everywhere, but they could also see an increased potential for >> > bikes in some of their communities. >> > >> > In some of their communities, bikes are not so >practical. In >> > others, they could be made into a more functional option for >day-to- >> > day practical use, if there was an infrastructure to support >them- >> > a place to get bikes, a place to go to repair them, etc. >> > >> > We wondered about a "Bike Shop in a Box"-- could you get >a >> > big rubbermaid tub and put a whole bike shop into it? (Maybe >two >> > tubs plus a stand?) Could you make such a thing that would be >easy >> > to ship North or into the B.C. interior, by train or plane >etc.? >> > >> > Do the people from "Bikes Not Bombs" know how to do >this-- >> > have some of you done this before? Is there a good way of >doing >> > this already known? >> > >> > What should go into the box, and how could we make this >> > economical-- is there an economy of scale-- how many Boxed >Shops >> > would you need to create to get a good deal on the tools, do >you >> > think? Would suppliers be interested in creating a 'Shop in >Box' as >> > a product to offer through their catalogue, even? >> > >> > We're just thinking about the feasibility of this >right >> > now. For lots of reasons, it might be a dumb or unworkable >idea, >> > but one worth checking out. If any of you have done this, or >if you >> > know what the best things to put into the box are, please e- >mail >> > me. >> > >> > Sasha >> > >> > On Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:56:20 -0400 "Urban Bike Project >Wilmington, >> > DE" <urbanbikeproject(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> > >"we still have the Bike Against! stencil and about ten >different >> > >colors of spray paint..." >> > > >> > >Rafael, is that why you changed your name? I can only >imagine the >> > >positive message this has spread in Fort Collins... >> > > >> > >Jennifer, >> > > >> > >I think you want a name that instantly gives people a >snapshot of >> > >what >> > >you do. Mike's comment rings pretty true. Often people will >call >> > >> > >or >> > >email about donating bikes and then ask what it is exactly >that we >> > >> > >do. >> > > If you do bikes and art call it something with bikes and art >and >> > >you'll be set. The Bike Gallery or something innocent. >BICAS' >> > >name >> > >is pretty cool and explanatory. >> > > >> > >Once you pick it, stick with it. Like Rafael said, your >shops >> > >actions/quality are more important than the name. >> > > >> > >Brian >> > > >> > >On 4/28/08, bike against <bikeagainst(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> > >> Hey Jennifer and all, Rafael from Fort Collins,CO here... >> > >> >> > >> I agree with Rachel, keep it simple... >> > >> >> > >> I believe the name does not make the project, the PROJECT >makes >> > >the name, >> > >> just like band names, as long as the music is good people >will >> > >dig the >> > >> name... >> > >> >> > >> In our case, for the first four years our project was known >as >> > >the Bike >> > >> Against ! collective or Co-op and due to our current >situation >> > >we are now >> > >> just called The Fort Collins Bike Co-op... yeah,is not >radical >> > >but it >> > >> doesn't have to be. We still have the same ideals and >philosophy >> > >> > >that gave >> > >> birth to the organization and again, the quality of your >work is >> > >> > >ALL that >> > >> matters in the end. >> > >> >> > >> By changing our name we were able to have access to a lot >more >> > >resources >> > >> and therefore help a lot more people. >> > >> >> > >> As for the militant riders out there,who believe that >riding a >> > >bicycle as >> > >> main or ONLY means of transportation is also an act of >political >> > >> > >expression >> > >> and resistance,we still have the Bike Against! stencil and >about >> > >> > >ten >> > >> different colors of spray paint... >> > >> >> > >> Also there's less risk that the name will be already taken. >> > >> >> > >> >> > >> -- >> > >> Rafael Cletero >> > >> Project Coordinator >> > >> Fort Collins Bicycle Co-op >> > >> ph (970) 484 38 04 >> > >> www.fcbikecoop.org >> > >> _______________________________________________ >> > >> Thethinktank mailing list >> > >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >> > >bikecollectives.org >> > >> >> > >> >> > > >> > > >> > >-- >> > >Urban Bike Project of Wilmington >> > >1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind >the >> > >building) >> > >Wilmington, DE 19801 >> > > >> > >Hours: >> > >Thursday 6:30-9:00 >> > >Saturday 1:00-4:00 >> > > >> > >Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org >> > >_______________________________________________ >> > >Thethinktank mailing list >> > >Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >> > >bikecollectives.org >> > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- >> > Note: This signature can be verified at >https://www.hushtools.com/verify >> > Charset: UTF8 >> > Version: Hush 3.0 >> > >> > >wkYEARECAAYFAkgXN2wACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRkYFgCgqeGADGv4XT1x3eg9Bn49IPiPHqU >A >> > ninVivrE08nsJH1DEYWah7e0d/Q1 >> > =zIuK >> > -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Thethinktank mailing list >> > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > >> > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> > >> >> >> >> -- >> Durham Bike Co-op >> 723 N. Mangum St. >> Durham, NC 27701 >> www.durhambikecoop.org >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> >> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkgYzCgACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRkjnACfb17NjhdTunysuEquTr60oPqf/PYA nifEyhmLaQ3jKdIdkgTq88TlLPAr =Zvv7 -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Shop in a Box
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 30 Apr '08

30 Apr '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi, Everyone. I love reading everyone's posts. Thanks to the people who have written to me about creating a good bike plan for the Detroit-Windsor region. This past weekend, I was talking with some people. People we know were attending the UN Indigenous People's climate change meeting in New York, and we were talking about some things. My friends and I were talking about climate change, this time in the context of the aboriginal communities that these friends of mine come from. It was a long and interesting conversation. For a little part of it, I talked about bikes, and about how important my bike was to me in Detroit and about how my bike shapes my world view and my thoughts about community planning, etc. They all drive trucks, these friends of mine, even the ones from the city, and they think I'm a little nuts for riding my bike everywhere, but they could also see an increased potential for bikes in some of their communities. In some of their communities, bikes are not so practical. In others, they could be made into a more functional option for day-to- day practical use, if there was an infrastructure to support them- a place to get bikes, a place to go to repair them, etc. We wondered about a "Bike Shop in a Box"-- could you get a big rubbermaid tub and put a whole bike shop into it? (Maybe two tubs plus a stand?) Could you make such a thing that would be easy to ship North or into the B.C. interior, by train or plane etc.? Do the people from "Bikes Not Bombs" know how to do this-- have some of you done this before? Is there a good way of doing this already known? What should go into the box, and how could we make this economical-- is there an economy of scale-- how many Boxed Shops would you need to create to get a good deal on the tools, do you think? Would suppliers be interested in creating a 'Shop in Box' as a product to offer through their catalogue, even? We're just thinking about the feasibility of this right now. For lots of reasons, it might be a dumb or unworkable idea, but one worth checking out. If any of you have done this, or if you know what the best things to put into the box are, please e-mail me. Sasha On Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:56:20 -0400 "Urban Bike Project Wilmington, DE" <urbanbikeproject(a)gmail.com> wrote: >"we still have the Bike Against! stencil and about ten different >colors of spray paint..." > >Rafael, is that why you changed your name? I can only imagine the >positive message this has spread in Fort Collins... > >Jennifer, > >I think you want a name that instantly gives people a snapshot of >what >you do. Mike's comment rings pretty true. Often people will call >or >email about donating bikes and then ask what it is exactly that we >do. > If you do bikes and art call it something with bikes and art and >you'll be set. The Bike Gallery or something innocent. BICAS' >name >is pretty cool and explanatory. > >Once you pick it, stick with it. Like Rafael said, your shops >actions/quality are more important than the name. > >Brian > >On 4/28/08, bike against <bikeagainst(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> Hey Jennifer and all, Rafael from Fort Collins,CO here... >> >> I agree with Rachel, keep it simple... >> >> I believe the name does not make the project, the PROJECT makes >the name, >> just like band names, as long as the music is good people will >dig the >> name... >> >> In our case, for the first four years our project was known as >the Bike >> Against ! collective or Co-op and due to our current situation >we are now >> just called The Fort Collins Bike Co-op... yeah,is not radical >but it >> doesn't have to be. We still have the same ideals and philosophy >that gave >> birth to the organization and again, the quality of your work is >ALL that >> matters in the end. >> >> By changing our name we were able to have access to a lot more >resources >> and therefore help a lot more people. >> >> As for the militant riders out there,who believe that riding a >bicycle as >> main or ONLY means of transportation is also an act of political >expression >> and resistance,we still have the Bike Against! stencil and about >ten >> different colors of spray paint... >> >> Also there's less risk that the name will be already taken. >> >> >> -- >> Rafael Cletero >> Project Coordinator >> Fort Collins Bicycle Co-op >> ph (970) 484 38 04 >> www.fcbikecoop.org >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> >> > > >-- >Urban Bike Project of Wilmington >1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind the >building) >Wilmington, DE 19801 > >Hours: >Thursday 6:30-9:00 >Saturday 1:00-4:00 > >Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkgXN2wACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRkYFgCgqeGADGv4XT1x3eg9Bn49IPiPHqUA ninVivrE08nsJH1DEYWah7e0d/Q1 =zIuK -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 20, Issue 21
by Mario Bruzzone 29 Apr '08

29 Apr '08

Track down the Davis, CA Bike Church for a portable shop--their whole shop is housed in a "church" that you can drive (bike) around. It's really quite fun! ~Mario Bruzzone Bike Kitchen, San Francisco Wrench Nepal, Kathmandu On Wed, Apr 30, 2008 at 1:23 AM, <thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org> wrote: > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Bike Shop in a Box (rachael spiewak) > 2. Re: Bike Shop in a Box (Durham Bike Co-op) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:54:16 -0400 > From: "rachael spiewak" <rachael(a)sopobikes.org> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Shop in a Box > To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > Message-ID: > <d74806f70804290854qe7ff55cs70d46b2250a739d1(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > It might be most affordable and easiest to get a complete toolset from one > of the big bike tool companies (via a distributor or a sympathetic local > bike shop). Here's what Park > Tool<http://www.parktool.com/products/category.asp?cat=6>has, for > example. The backpack is a nice idea, but, in my experience, > structurally hard to deal with. I would add to your set a bunch of hard > line tools, which are easy to get donated. Tons of people have metric box > wrenches lying around in their garages. > > Our wiki <http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Tools> has > some excellent ideas about stocking tools. > > Good luck! > > rachael > > On Tue, Apr 29, 2008 at 10:57 AM, <dragonfly(a)mac.hush.com> wrote: > > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > > Hash: SHA1 > > > > > > Hi, Everyone. > > > > I love reading everyone's posts. > > > > Thanks to the people who have written to me about creating a > > good bike plan for the Detroit-Windsor region. > > > > This past weekend, I was talking with some people. People we > > know were attending the UN Indigenous People's climate change > > meeting in New York, and we were talking about some things. > > > > My friends and I were talking about climate change, this time > > in the context of the aboriginal communities that these friends of > > mine come from. It was a long and interesting conversation. > > > > For a little part of it, I talked about bikes, and about how > > important my bike was to me in Detroit and about how my bike shapes > > my world view and my thoughts about community planning, etc. > > > > They all drive trucks, these friends of mine, even the ones > > from the city, and they think I'm a little nuts for riding my bike > > everywhere, but they could also see an increased potential for > > bikes in some of their communities. > > > > In some of their communities, bikes are not so practical. In > > others, they could be made into a more functional option for day-to- > > day practical use, if there was an infrastructure to support them- > > a place to get bikes, a place to go to repair them, etc. > > > > We wondered about a "Bike Shop in a Box"-- could you get a > > big rubbermaid tub and put a whole bike shop into it? (Maybe two > > tubs plus a stand?) Could you make such a thing that would be easy > > to ship North or into the B.C. interior, by train or plane etc.? > > > > Do the people from "Bikes Not Bombs" know how to do this-- > > have some of you done this before? Is there a good way of doing > > this already known? > > > > What should go into the box, and how could we make this > > economical-- is there an economy of scale-- how many Boxed Shops > > would you need to create to get a good deal on the tools, do you > > think? Would suppliers be interested in creating a 'Shop in Box' as > > a product to offer through their catalogue, even? > > > > We're just thinking about the feasibility of this right > > now. For lots of reasons, it might be a dumb or unworkable idea, > > but one worth checking out. If any of you have done this, or if you > > know what the best things to put into the box are, please e-mail > > me. > > > > Sasha > > > > On Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:56:20 -0400 "Urban Bike Project Wilmington, > > DE" <urbanbikeproject(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > >"we still have the Bike Against! stencil and about ten different > > >colors of spray paint..." > > > > > >Rafael, is that why you changed your name? I can only imagine the > > >positive message this has spread in Fort Collins... > > > > > >Jennifer, > > > > > >I think you want a name that instantly gives people a snapshot of > > >what > > >you do. Mike's comment rings pretty true. Often people will call > > > > >or > > >email about donating bikes and then ask what it is exactly that we > > > > >do. > > > If you do bikes and art call it something with bikes and art and > > >you'll be set. The Bike Gallery or something innocent. BICAS' > > >name > > >is pretty cool and explanatory. > > > > > >Once you pick it, stick with it. Like Rafael said, your shops > > >actions/quality are more important than the name. > > > > > >Brian > > > > > >On 4/28/08, bike against <bikeagainst(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > >> Hey Jennifer and all, Rafael from Fort Collins,CO here... > > >> > > >> I agree with Rachel, keep it simple... > > >> > > >> I believe the name does not make the project, the PROJECT makes > > >the name, > > >> just like band names, as long as the music is good people will > > >dig the > > >> name... > > >> > > >> In our case, for the first four years our project was known as > > >the Bike > > >> Against ! collective or Co-op and due to our current situation > > >we are now > > >> just called The Fort Collins Bike Co-op... yeah,is not radical > > >but it > > >> doesn't have to be. We still have the same ideals and philosophy > > > > >that gave > > >> birth to the organization and again, the quality of your work is > > > > >ALL that > > >> matters in the end. > > >> > > >> By changing our name we were able to have access to a lot more > > >resources > > >> and therefore help a lot more people. > > >> > > >> As for the militant riders out there,who believe that riding a > > >bicycle as > > >> main or ONLY means of transportation is also an act of political > > > > >expression > > >> and resistance,we still have the Bike Against! stencil and about > > > > >ten > > >> different colors of spray paint... > > >> > > >> Also there's less risk that the name will be already taken. > > >> > > >> > > >> -- > > >> Rafael Cletero > > >> Project Coordinator > > >> Fort Collins Bicycle Co-op > > >> ph (970) 484 38 04 > > >> www.fcbikecoop.org > > >> _______________________________________________ > > >> Thethinktank mailing list > > >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- > > >bikecollectives.org > > >> > > >> > > > > > > > > >-- > > >Urban Bike Project of Wilmington > > >1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind the > > >building) > > >Wilmington, DE 19801 > > > > > >Hours: > > >Thursday 6:30-9:00 > > >Saturday 1:00-4:00 > > > > > >Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org > > >_______________________________________________ > > >Thethinktank mailing list > > >Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- > > >bikecollectives.org > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- > > Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify > > Charset: UTF8 > > Version: Hush 3.0 > > > > wkYEARECAAYFAkgXN2wACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRkYFgCgqeGADGv4XT1x3eg9Bn49IPiPHqUA > > ninVivrE08nsJH1DEYWah7e0d/Q1 > > =zIuK > > -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > > > -- > Sopo Bicycle Cooperative > 404-425-9989 > www.sopobikes.org > * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * > Hours of operation: > Tues/Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm > Sat/Sun 2 pm - 6 pm >

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Re: [TheThinkTank] New shop name ideas, anyone?
by mike eng 29 Apr '08

29 Apr '08

I'd just echo Rachel's point about not trying too hard to come up with some funky word for the name. Having a self-explanatory name makes it easy for people who know nothing about your program recognize what you do. In our case, at an outreach event, a bunch of people just saw the name and walked up and said, "Oh, I'd never heard of your organization before, but can I donate my old bike to you so it doesn't have to go in the garbage?" And we said, "Absolutely". -- Mike Eng Recycle-a-Bike, Providence, RI www.recycleabike.org

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Article from Common Dreams NewsCenter
by Tom Emm 28 Apr '08

28 Apr '08

A friend <refsvr(a)referralblast.com> wrote: Hello, A friend wanted to share this article with you: http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/04/27/8558/ Thanks! ______________________________________ Common Dreams Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community www.commondreams.org ________________________________________________________ Referral service by ReferralBlast.com --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

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Liability insurance/ Children's legal issues?
by Sandy Robson 28 Apr '08

28 Apr '08

Howdy from St. Paul, Minnesota! We've been having a pretty successful starting season at Sibley Bike Depot--maintenance classes, a women's/trans open shop night, an after school program, art bike projects...it's all going swell. Right now we have a number of children that come to our open-shop hours and earn bikes. We don't have any liability insurance whatsoever, so we've temporarily limited the number of kids allowed in the shop at one time. How do you all handle this? Do you have any advice as to what kind of insurance/ forms we need? Thanks! Sandy Robson (410)206-7826

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Mayor's Ride May 12!
by Community Bicycle Shop Omaha 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

2008 Mayor's Ride to Start at the Community Bicycle Shop! Start your day off right on *Monday, May 12 at 8:00* am and bring your bicycle down to 33rd and California! Community Bicycle Shop Omaha (CBSO) is pleased to partner with Mayor Mike Fahey, Activate Omaha, and Bikeable Communities to bring the Mayor's Ride to Gifford Park. This event kicks off National Bike to Work Week and will include the presentation of Omaha's first commuter bicycle map. The mayor will make a proclamation at 8:30 am and the group will ride to the Pedestrian Bridge downtown and back through Creighton's campus. Bicycling to work is good exercise and saves money on gas. Cycling instead of driving is also good for air quality and mitigates global warming. Most important to CBSO is the immediate benefit of your presence on the street! Our streets are safer and more enjoyable when we employ human power to get us where we're going. If you are new to bicycle commuting this is a great way to get started! All you need is a bicycle and helmet. The ride will be guided by the police so that traffic at intersections will be monitored. If you'd like to know more about the event call Stuart at 216-1235 or visit * www.activateomaha.org*.

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Cheap locks/stolen bikes
by plan_9＠riseup.net 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

We at the FM Community Bicycle Workshop have had a good,(read: busy, chaotic, overwhelming) first spring openand have run into a few unexpected situations regarding stolen bikes. We have a one bike a year limit policy and have had individuals get bikes from us, then come back the next week saying theirs was stolen and they want to get another one. Some of these were pretty decent, modern bikes (trek 4300, Giant Cyprus, Diamondback BMX) and we don't want to suspect the worst, that these bikes were pawned or sold for profit rather than ridden, but we also don't want to open ourselves up to exploitation either. We have put in place a policy that if you bring us a copy of your police report you are eligible for earning another bike, assuming that folks wouldn't file a false police report. We don't live in an area that has high bike theft rates, except for "bike hopping" where people just grab a bike that isn't being used and leave it wherever they end up. Basically, crime of opportunity rather than intent. The bigger issue here is that we are getting folks bikes who can't normally afford one, but not giving them the means to secure it. We are interested in getting locks to give out to people who get bikes from us through our referral system but are debating which is the best solution. One idea would be to buy cheap cable locks in bulk. Another idea we have had is a much more DIY approach: Get a roll of beefy hardware store chain and a padlock and call it good. Has anyone run into this? Thoughts? -Andy FMCBW

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New shop name ideas, anyone?
by Jennifer Nordhem 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

We've decided against using the name Battlesteed for multiple reasons. Does anyone have a good name the didn't get picked for their shop that they still like or came up with after it was set in stone. This is really the only thing that's holding us back right now since we can't file as a non-profit organization until we have one. This is our brief mission: We are a small group of avid cyclists who, through our love for the bike, decided to found Battlesteed Custom Bike Works. Battlesteed's mission is to create a larger, more knowledgeable and self-reliant community in Denver through teaching affordable bicycle mechanics classes in a comfortable, unpretentious learning environment. These are other intentions of the shop: -To hold monthly art shows to support the growing art community of Denver and advertise our services to new potential students. -To sublet space/benches to people (mainly people who are teaching classes and are involved with the shop) for their personal tools... we even have a friend interested in using his space for a screen printing press which he will teach classes in as well. Any ideas?! Thanks, Jen Nordhem Denver

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Following up with Bike Donors
by Rich Points 24 Apr '08

24 Apr '08

Collectives, At Community Cycles when someone donates a bike we have them fill out a tax deductible donation receipt. This is a carbon copy form where the donor gets one copy and we get the other. We then take that info an input into our database. We've done this for about 9 months now and have quite a few Bike_Donor contacts. So far we haven't contacted these donors but I've been thinking of doing a direct mail campaign to these people. My question is, have other collectives done this kind of direct mail? Or more broadly how are you following up with people who donate bikes and parts to you? Peace -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019

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Re: [TheThinkTank] illustrated instruction booklet
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 17 Apr '08

17 Apr '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hello, Everyone Back in the 1980's when I was a little kid, my big sister was part of a group called Cycle Watch, which was one of the early local cyclists groups in Toronto. Cycle Watch made a beautiful little booklet for cyclists. It had a yellow cover of a light card stock and accordion folded paper inside. It was small enough to fit inside a wallet, but it was a little fat. Sort of the thickness of a package of rolling papers (I'm getting all Canadian on you now.) Instead of information about flats, it had a picture of a bike with all the parts labelled with their names, and spaces for you to write in information about your bike, such as the make, the size, the serial number, the City bike licence if you had one, etc. The next little pages were a description of what information you needed to gather if you were in an accident-- the name and details of the driver who hit you (Kate had to explain the concept of insurance to me), and space for contact info. for witnesses, plus the name and badge number of the police officers, etc.. (They used small type.) It was a little booklet of information about how to record all the things that would help you win a traffic case if you were hit (the picture ofthe bike with the names of the parts was to help you describe your bike or the damage to it), plus all the info you'd need to have if your bike was stolen. It was great. Part of what made it compelling to me was that it was kid- sized. My sister gave me a whole bunch of these booklets to hand out at school (As my mother had encouraged me to afix a "Midwives do it Better" button to my knapsack, you can imagine how cool the cool kids found me, right?); to my amazement, everyone wanted them. I've often thought of recreating them, and I've wondered if they would still be popluar-- if you are working on a little booklet, something like that might go over well. A bi-lingual version would be a good design problem-- how to include all the info while preserving readability and a small size. For me, those little yellow booklets were my introduction to cycling as something that created a community, and also an early, simple way of participating in do-it-yourself politics. Thanks for reminding me of something happy, and good luck with your project. Sasha On Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:09:23 -0400 "Urban Bike Project Wilmington, DE" <urbanbikeproject(a)gmail.com> wrote: >http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Spanish_Resourc >e_Materials > >The first link is a good place to start, maybe you could print it >front/back >and fold it. > >Brian > >On Thu, Apr 17, 2008 at 2:02 PM, Sharlyn Grace ><sharlyngrace(a)gmail.com> >wrote: > >> Hello all, >> >> We're thinking of putting together an illustrated little booklet >> (bi-lingual) that people could carry around as a resource-- >mostly right now >> we're thinking how to fix flats, tips like putting a dollar >inside a tire >> with a hole, etc. Does anyone know if something like this >exists? Or do >> you have good ideas about what would be useful information to >include? We >> want it to be really small, but also helpful. We have so many >people come >> in and fix a flat and never think about it again, so they're >helpless when >> the next one comes around, so this is an attempt to make the >info >> non-technical and available all the time. >> >> Thanks!, >> Sharlyn >> >> The Recyclery >> Evanston, IL >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> >> > > >-- >Urban Bike Project of Wilmington >1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind the >building) >Wilmington, DE 19801 > >Hours: >Thursday 6:30-9:00 >Saturday 1:00-4:00 > >Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkgHo/EACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRlBcwCgspKA561xLxabj6eHRCyfKkM+CbsA oIBvdZ3xIIfVsQAw0uijdsSRII/R =EeZ3 -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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illustrated instruction booklet
by Sharlyn Grace 17 Apr '08

17 Apr '08

Hello all, We're thinking of putting together an illustrated little booklet (bi-lingual) that people could carry around as a resource--mostly right now we're thinking how to fix flats, tips like putting a dollar inside a tire with a hole, etc. Does anyone know if something like this exists? Or do you have good ideas about what would be useful information to include? We want it to be really small, but also helpful. We have so many people come in and fix a flat and never think about it again, so they're helpless when the next one comes around, so this is an attempt to make the info non-technical and available all the time. Thanks!, Sharlyn The Recyclery Evanston, IL

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Being seen at night: Lighting and reflective materials
by BovineOaks＠aol.com 16 Apr '08

16 Apr '08

I wrote this for another bike group, I thought you might find some of the information useful. I have been a light tester for year. 25 years as a photographer with a tra ined eye to respond to changes in light and study lighting contrast. Constantly studying ever changing lighting conditions has helped me see bike lighting effectiveness in relationship to other traffic. I do not believe anything workes to make me seen by cars, I test it to prove it works all of the time, some of the time or is just Psychological protection. I have also studied how the eye reacts to different levels of light. I have carefully evaluated the eyes reaction time to change when eyes are blinded by bright car head lamps, to how long it takes to see much lower intensity LED blinky lights. I have studied how the spacing of lights creates the illusion of space or can hide the true shape and size of an object. Trying to keep things short I have found the following the be most effective. 6 and 12 volt bright helmet lamps 6 volt generator, 6 and 12 volt rechargeable battery lamps mounted to the bars or above the front wheel. Blinky's out on the ends of the bars and lower on the fork. Multiple red led strobes spread out across the rider and the rear of a bike or trailer. Reflective side walls on tires. Rear facing reflective material on bike, rider, bag, trailer, Reflective material on Left wrist for arm signals. Front facing reflective material If you want to read the reasoning continue on, if not, stop here. I have been trained to act like traffic. I do not know any electric or petroleum powered traffic that uses low watt LED blinky lights as the primary source of light to be noticed by other traffic. If low watt LED's were a sufficient light source, all car manufactures would use them to cut costs. I am traffic, I need to have similarly powerfully lights to be seen effectively by other traffic on the road. Cars do hit other cars with bright lights, having bright lights on a bike will not stop impacts, It will increase visibility of cyclist and reduce incidents. I wish it could end incidents between vehicles, that is a human behavior issue. Reflective material In your lane of traffic you should see red 10 watt light ahead of you and white 50 watt lights behind you. Reflective material works best when there is very little light behind it. Reflective material reflects less light than it receives. As a rider you are for the most part directly in front of the motor vehicles 50 watt head lamps. Your material will reflect 30% to 70% of this light, which is much more light than the 10 watt red lamps ahead of the rider. This makes rear facing reflective material greatly effective at all times. Front facing reflective materials are very effective when you are alone on the road ways. You are not positioned directly ahead of oncoming car headlamps, you are off to their side and out of the strongest part of their headlight beam. On coming traffic can easily distinguish you from the darker background. When you ride on the right side of the road you are not straight in front of oncoming head lamps where the light is focused and the brightest, you are on the far side or the edge of their lamps beam. You may only receive 10 watt of the 50 watts of light coming from their lamps and you are reflecting even less of that light. To reduce the effectiveness of reflective material even more the traffic behind you is backlighting you with 50 watt lamps this makes the few watts of light coming from the vest almost invisible. All of this is bull unless you can test it. I have tested it and you can too. Have a friend put all your reflective stuff on. Get a bright hand held spot light or a car, aiming the light down the side of the road the cyclist is not on. Have the cyclist stand still at 100 yards away 50 yards away and 25 yards away. Look at how bright the reflective material is when the cyclist has a car behind and beside them, and when there is no car around them. Have the friend switch to the same side of the road you are on with their back facing you. Look at how much more light comes off the reflective material from your hand held spot light or from your car. Watch how the reflective light changes as a car in your same lane approaches the cyclist and after they pass the cyclist and the tail lights are on the other side of them. You can also evaluate how much the reflective light changes as oncoming cars in the opposite lane pass by the cyclist. I have done this test and I was surprised and horrified by the results. I thought reflective materials worked all the time and were great. Now I know they are a part of a complete package to be seen by other traffic. I agree with Jim and others "It's always a good idea to have lots of reflectors. You can never have too many." I have reflectors or reflective tape on my trailers, bike, clothing, helmet, tires, if I could get reflective teeth I would. I love having a reflective strip, cuff, glove on my left arm for night time turn signals. I sometimes put a reflective ankle strap around my wrist for signaling. Rear lights I had a few experiences that taught me about how we perceive the size of an object by the spacing of lights. Cars with one head lamp look like a motorcycle. Trucks on dark roads out in the country appear to be farther away if the tail lights are inside the rear step instead of on the outside corners of the trailer. I was in a blinding snow storm at night looking ahead for tail lights. When I saw the lights I thought I was 150 feet away from the truck. I switched lanes only to fine I was right next to the truck instead of 150 feet away. The two tail lights were between the stair instead of on the out side corners of the trailer that threw my perception of distance off. Same thing with bike lights. A single light from a bike has to go through a windshield of a car before it reaches the driver. If you look at a red blinky that is far away you will find that the normal road dust and fine scratches on the windshield change the appearance of the lights. Red lamps farther away will look larger, and light closer will look smaller. This is the reverse of what it should be. Two blinky light separated give traffic more consistent way to judge the distance they are from you. I like a blinky on the cyclist back and one on the bike. Examples: One on the helmet or back pack or courier bag or collar of clothing. The other mounted on the seat post, rack, handlebar ends, high on a trailer. The idea is to have one light low and one high to give you shape. The more lights the easier it is to show your shape to other traffic and help other traffic judge distance and closing speed. Blinky and reflective material work great on the back of your bike. Reflective tires Something I was surprised by: Reflective sidewalls on tires. My thoughts were what help are reflective sidewalls? If the side of a bike is in front of a car it is a little late. All I can say is that I was wrong. I found that the sidewalls did reflect from the front and rear. As we keep balance we turn the tire a little to the left and right all the time. This turning back and forth allows the reflective surfaces to gather and shoot back light like a blinky. The tires strobe and catch attention in a large way. I recommend Reflective Tires whole heartily now. Up to now I have not talked about expensive lights. Blinkys, reflectors, reflective tires are not super expensive to do well. I am traffic and need to act like the rest of traffic to be seen in ALL conditions. Bright Head Lamps I am surrounded by traffic with 50 Watt head beams. I am surrounded by people whose iris closes down when they are facing bright head lamps. This smaller hole in the eye lets less light in and makes it harder to see dimmer low wattage lights. In simple language if you have a car behind you or one has just passed you, it is likely that any oncoming traffic will not be able to see a low watt blinky or flashlight because there iris takes a while to recover and become large enough to see dimmer lights. This is why it is important to have a similar amount of light coming off your bike as is coming of the rest of traffic. Some newer LED lights put out the same amount of light as a 30 watt incandescent bulb. I have seen them priced at $50 to $70. If you know your history then you know that lights this bright were triple that amount of money three years ago. I have one light system that cost $360 and a helmet light that was $180. Modern lights are much more affordable. I like a 30 watt light on the bike and one on the head. One to light the ground effectively and one to look over at traffic coming in from the side. I like to make sure I am seen, get the attention of a driver and see their face. I like a mindful driver and I make sure I am not invisible to them.When I can see their face I know they can see my light. On the road at night I am SOL the sun god, not black invisible Ninja. I act like traffic because I am traffic. Christopher Wallace **************Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp00300000002851)

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Cheap locks/stolen bikes
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 16 Apr '08

16 Apr '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hello, Everyone Sometimes people in Detroit try to earn one or more bikes to help get bikes for other family members or friends without the time to do EAB themselves. (Not all older siblings are evil bike thieves.) Single mums sometimes need help earning bikes for themselves and a couple of kids, some of whom are too small to be responsible for EAB hours. Kids sometimes earn bikes for their mums as a present after earning their own. People who live far away or who do shift work or who work a million little jobs to keep afloat sometimes have a friend who will earn a bike for them. The locks made of chain from the hardware store (often covered with bits old fire hose to make it harder to cut) and a padlock are popular and apparently effective here. Coming from Toronto, where bike theft is a real problem, I was amazed to see Detroiters leaving their bikes on the ground outside-- unlocked!-- to go into stores. Many of the thefts we have involve people trustingly leaving their bikes completely unlocked. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would never have believed the tales of the naive, trusting denizens of Detroit's Cass Corridor... Sasha On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:56:14 -0400 veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com wrote: >We got the city of Boulder to subsidize locks, lights, racks, and >a small >tool/set for each of our Youth EAB students. The locks are the 4 >tumbler >number kind that you can "program" with your own combination, so >the kids >won't forget. One issue we had early on was someone opened her >lock to lock >up her bike, and bumped one of the tumblers, and couldn't get it >to lock. >she didn't know what to do, so she left it unlocked. Then it got >taken. (We >now walk the kids through the process of locking and unlocking and >locking >again their locks. It's almost as important to me to explain that >the locks >won'tclose if the combination is wrong, just as it won't open... > >Anyway, we've also encountered the older sibling/evil evil bike >thief >takes/breaks an EAB'ers bike...we're still working on a solution. > >My thought is that anyone should be able to earn as many bikes as >they want, >with one caveat. With each bike that they earn, the hours they >need to put >in go up. For example, in the normal program, students go through >12-16 >hours of work before they earn a (first) bike of their own. With >my >proposal, if someone wants to come in and earn a second bike, it >would take >20-24 hours, or some appropriate amount. The goal would be for >them to have >the option to do it, but make it silly enough (wanna earn 5 bikes? >work 200 >hours...etc) that it's not worth it. I realize there are some >other >issues--what if someone comes in and wants to earn 5 bikes, no >matter how >many hours it takes?--but i don't like the idea of limiting people >to one >bike... >This way, while students have more invested in the second, third, >etc, bikes >they've earned, which hopefully encourages them to take better >care of their >bike/security, it also offers them the opportunity to get another >bike >should the first one get stolen, run over by mom/dad, etc. > > > > >On Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 1:37 PM, rachael spiewak ><rachael(a)sopobikes.org> >wrote: > >> We've been running into this with the younger folks at the bike >shop, and >> we have to be firm about our earn one bike and one bike only >policy. >> They're allowed to trade in their bike for a different one only >if the one >> they're turning in is in good condition, and we regularly have >chats about >> why our policy is what it is. We also chat about how not to get >your bike >> stolen. It's hard when older siblings are the ones taking the >bikes away >> from the kids who come up to the shop and otherwise abide by >what we have to >> offer, so we do our best to be understanding. The most we can >do is create >> a system of accountability that makes sense for us, stick to our >rules for >> the good of the entire shop community, and be understanding >about >> extenuating circumstances. >> >> When we can find deals on locks, we buy a few and distribute >them to folks >> who express the need for one. That seems to work for some >people. The >> younger folks tend to lose keys, so combo locks work best for >them. I try >> to keep a list of their lock combinations and spare keys to help >them out >> when things get lost or forgotten. >> >> If folks don't trade cash for bikes, are they doing anything to >create a >> sense of investment or ownership in the bikes? >> >> -r >> >> >> >> On Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 3:24 PM, <plan_9(a)riseup.net> wrote: >> >> > We at the FM Community Bicycle Workshop have had a good,(read: >busy, >> > chaotic, overwhelming) first spring openand have run into a >few >> > unexpected situations regarding stolen bikes. We have a one >bike a >> > year limit policy and have had individuals get bikes from us, >then >> > come back the next week saying theirs was stolen and they want >to get >> > another one. Some of these were pretty decent, modern bikes >(trek >> > 4300, Giant Cyprus, Diamondback BMX) and we don't want to >suspect the >> > worst, that these bikes were pawned or sold for profit rather >than >> > ridden, but we also don't want to open ourselves up to >exploitation >> > either. We have put in place a policy that if you bring us a >copy of >> > your police report you are eligible for earning another bike, >assuming >> > that folks wouldn't file a false police report. We don't live >in an >> > area that has high bike theft rates, except for "bike hopping" >where >> > people just grab a bike that isn't being used and leave it >wherever >> > they end up. Basically, crime of opportunity rather than >intent. The >> > bigger issue here is that we are getting folks bikes who can't >> > normally afford one, but not giving them the means to secure >it. We >> > are interested in getting locks to give out to people who get >bikes >> > from us through our referral system but are debating which is >the best >> > solution. One idea would be to buy cheap cable locks in bulk. >Another >> > idea we have had is a much more DIY approach: Get a roll of >beefy >> > hardware store chain and a padlock and call it good. Has >anyone run >> > into this? Thoughts? >> > -Andy FMCBW >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Thethinktank mailing list >> > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > >> > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> > >> >> >> >> -- >> Sopo Bicycle Cooperative >> 404-425-9989 >> www.sopobikes.org >> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * >> Hours of operation: >> Tues/Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm >> Sat/Sun 2 pm - 5 pm >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> >> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkgGYUwACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRldeACggmrH2IqkO6dLjTP3KUKKrPuA8TsA n0//+iabyCayeMXgvbfshjkFI6jw =PMkr -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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moving bikes by bike
by Bob Giordano 15 Apr '08

15 Apr '08

freewheelin' friends, We are having our annual Festival of Cycles this weekend and we are reviving an old tradition: moving all the bikes to the festival by bike/people power. At the peak, we moved 600 bikes on 3 giant haywagons across town to the festival site, with people pushing and pulling- quite fun. We no longer have access to the hay wagons and we are thinking of using lots of boat trailers hooked to bikes, with people walking and biking along side. We have about 400 bikes to move this way- any ideas or thoughts before we began the search for 10 trailers? thanks, -Bob G., Free Cycles Missoula

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who's got resources en español?
by rachael spiewak 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

We just got the news that a community bike shop is in the works in a suburb of Atlanta that's largely populated by Spanish speaking recent arrivals. Thought I'd ask the kind folks on this list for a round up of resources en español to send over to the shop organizers. We've already got the BICAS manual (has some Spanish translations), which is my favorite repair manual in general. Is there a way to filter the Wiki to search only for things in a particular language? Or can there be a section for multilingual resources? Thanks! -rachael -- Sopo Bicycle Cooperative 404-425-9989 www.sopobikes.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hours of operation: Tues/Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm Sat/Sun 2 pm - 5 pm

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BICAS is hiring
by kyle mckinley 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

All- Anyone wanna join us for the warmest weather this side of the Sahara? Please tell your friends and coworkers, especially if they are/ might soon be in Tucson. BICAS, a collectively run non-profit BICYCLE recycling and education center is seeking a part time Staff Collective Member, $8.50/hr. Job Description: assist customers, help with classes, build bikes, coordinate volunteers, etc. Personable and comfortable greeting customers, strong mechanical skills encouraged, bilingual a plus, interest or experience in teaching classes or grant writing/organizational work a plus. Diversity of age, gender, and ethnicity encouraged. Accepting resume˙s until April 25th. Contact bicasunderground(a)yahoo.com or 44 W. 6th St (drop in or mail) for resumes, #628-7950 or e-mail for questions. www.bicas.org. thanks,kyle -- If an Easyrider rides easy, then a bicirider rides bicis

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Re: [TheThinkTank] hijacked espanol "thread". or "junk bikes for the world"
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 09 Apr '08

09 Apr '08

continuing on the theme of not hijacking the thread; my girlfriend just got back from new orleans, where she went to the book collective and got me the new chainbreaker<http://www.microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/2077/>book. it's along these lines, and many people on the list are already familiar with chainbreaker zine. the book is awesome. lots of goodies, and she even put the 4 issues of chainbreaker zine in the back of the book, as the originals were destroyed in hurricane katrina. if you don't have the book, personally, it's an awesome read. good sense of humor, and she's got a list of community bike shops in the back, which is surprisingly up to date, what with it having a 2008 copyright date. well worth the 12 bucks, and an awesome present for someone you like/love. On Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 9:14 PM, Urban Bike Project Wilmington, DE < urbanbikeproject(a)gmail.com> wrote: > <snip> is there an opportunity to publish a repair manual available to the > general > public? something like "fix any bike or die trying". included would > be such topics as "home-made drop bolts" , "build your dream bike out > of trash on the street" and "my cat could fix this with a hammer, > screwdriver and adjustable wrench (though he should probably use the > proper tools)".</snip>

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Re: [TheThinkTank] parts wanted/available on the wiki?
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 09 Apr '08

09 Apr '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi, Everyone. A mini-Craig's List for bike shops sounds like a genius idea. Sasha On Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:33:20 -0400 Jonathan Morrison <jonathan(a)slcbikecollective.org> wrote: >The current job posting on bikecollectives.org is actually an >under utilized >classifieds component, we would just need to add some more >categories. > >On Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 7:58 PM, <veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> I know a lot of the traffic we see in Community Cycles is pretty >specific >> to Boulder. We can't keep cruiser type bikes in stock, while >other shops >> can't give them away. >> >> Would it be possible for there to be a place on the wiki or some >other >> spot on the bcn.org site where shops could list things they're >looking >> for, that other shops might be looking to get rid of? Granted, >we're all in >> need of floor pumps and chain tools, but perhaps there's some >class of >> parts of bike types that one shop gets that another shop needs. >It would be >> nice to see that in one place. >> >> I've got a road trip to IKEA in SLC soon, and I'd love to check >out the >> bike shop while I'm there. It occurred to me that the van will >be empty on >> the way there, so I could potentially load it up with stuff they >might need >> that we have excess of...since we're driving anyway. >> >> I don't know that a website feature like this would take much >> maintenance...I'm thinking it could serve three functions; >1>Those >> parts/bikes that your shop is always needing, but cannot keep in >> stock--cruiser bikes for us--, 2>parts and bikes that you have >an excess of, >> and/or wish to pass on...3>specific things you need that another >shop might >> have, instead of going through QPB or the like. We had a bike >come in that >> had a smashed derailleur, and needed a specific hanger, which >QPB didn't >> even sell...granted, this type of thing would be a long shot, >but how many >> of you would rather order a part like that from one another than >from the >> big bike distros a lot of us use? >> >> I guess I'm imagining a sort of mini-craigslist, for bike co-ops >to post >> on. >> >> Thoughts? Feedback? >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> >> > > >-- >Sincerely, > >Jonathan Morrison >Executive Director >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 > >Get Addicted to Crank! >http://www.slcbikecollective.org/crank/ > >The mission of the Salt Lake City 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 Bicycle Collective >provides >refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, >focusing on >children and lower income households. -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkf83uMACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRmvSACfSW/wJUyFkU2irOaT/bulrSwddPIA n1xC4/1QUAvZUQGHnGSkU++rl19X =71xf -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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parts wanted/available on the wiki?
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 09 Apr '08

09 Apr '08

I know a lot of the traffic we see in Community Cycles is pretty specific to Boulder. We can't keep cruiser type bikes in stock, while other shops can't give them away. Would it be possible for there to be a place on the wiki or some other spot on the bcn.org site where shops could list things they're looking for, that other shops might be looking to get rid of? Granted, we're all in need of floor pumps and chain tools, but perhaps there's some class of parts of bike types that one shop gets that another shop needs. It would be nice to see that in one place. I've got a road trip to IKEA in SLC soon, and I'd love to check out the bike shop while I'm there. It occurred to me that the van will be empty on the way there, so I could potentially load it up with stuff they might need that we have excess of...since we're driving anyway. I don't know that a website feature like this would take much maintenance...I'm thinking it could serve three functions; 1>Those parts/bikes that your shop is always needing, but cannot keep in stock--cruiser bikes for us--, 2>parts and bikes that you have an excess of, and/or wish to pass on...3>specific things you need that another shop might have, instead of going through QPB or the like. We had a bike come in that had a smashed derailleur, and needed a specific hanger, which QPB didn't even sell...granted, this type of thing would be a long shot, but how many of you would rather order a part like that from one another than from the big bike distros a lot of us use? I guess I'm imagining a sort of mini-craigslist, for bike co-ops to post on. Thoughts? Feedback?

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Is your bike coop located in a low income neighborhood?
by Cris Shirley 08 Apr '08

08 Apr '08

Hello, I'm currently writing a research paper on the relationship between bicycle collectives and their low income neighborhood communities. Right now, I am looking for members of collectives which are located in low income neighborhoods, poor parts of towns/cities, or ones that specifically finds themselves working with and handling many low income individuals. I will be conducting interviews with these individuals over the phone and will then incorporate into the paper in the form of case study analysis. I'd like to find several people form each of the bike collectives that fit the stated precondition, so please pass this on to other's in your collective that may be interested. Please respond promptly with: Your Name: Collective's name: The location of collective: Phone number: Best Times to Talk: Thanks! Christopher Shirley Undergrad at Yale University

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On Shop tools
by Sherief 08 Apr '08

08 Apr '08

Hello all, This is Sherief from the Austin Yellowbike, and I was hoping to pool the thinktank's experience with shop tools prone to breakage and the like. We're currently having huge issues keeping up with Chain Tools and Presta Valve pumps especially... it feels like not a week goes by without at least one of each of these tools breaking. W/r/t the chain tools, we recently switched from the nicer Park tools to the cheapest we could get out of the catalog, but with the way those break there's effectively no net savings and even when they are functioning the new cheap ones are no good. We try to make sure people know how to use the tools before they do, etc. But my question(s) today is: Do people have any similar experience out there with broken/breakable tools-- specifically good ways to prevent these breakages? Does anyone have any recommendations for good chain tools /PV pumps that can withstand a bit of overeager volunteering? Best, Sherief

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Re: [TheThinkTank] (no subject)
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 06 Apr '08

06 Apr '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hello, Everyone. Detroit's own Bec Young, the wonder woman of Back Alley Bikes, has a new print ready and up for viewing on the JUSTSEEDS website. It's called "Deeper Than Mechanics Dare". All this stuff about shop tools and budgeting is pretty great. Thank you for all the helpful information. As soon as this kid is born and I've figured out the immediate lay of the land for the next bit of my life, I'd like to see about starting a community bike shop here in Windsor, Ontario, just across the river from Detroit. Windsor has a city bike plan that seems to consist of printing car bumper stickers that say "Share the Road", and Detroit does not have a city bike plan. I've submitted a session proposal to this year's Allied Media Conference in Detroit for a session that would allow anyone who was interested to help work to create a Detroit-Windsor/ Windsor-Detroit regional bike plan. I don't know if they will accept that proposal yet, especially as I'll have to help organize it and then let it go-- I'll be home in Toronto with my absolutely brand new little kid when the conference takes place, and someone else would have to run the session. This whole attempt to create a grassroots (and actually designed by people who use their bikes as their primary means of transportation)regional bike plan here, right at Ground Zero of the car culture, should be interesting. Not many places have the opportunity to figure out how to make an international border crossing point bike friendly-- never mind city counsel-- try figuring out how to approach Homeland Security! We're dealing with sprawl, the auto industry, crazy economic and racial divides, and a whole host of other issues, including the gender problems, which I've written about before. I'm writing about this here, because at some point we're going to have a wiki up, and helpful suggestions and insights from accross the continent would be welcomed. Anyone who wants to write to me off list about creating bike plans, please, please do so. We need allies from everywhere to help heal Detroit and Windsor. It may seem dumb, but I think if we can get something good happening here, we could change the whole culture. (Incidentally, having bikebike! in Detroit and Windsor would be an awesome thing to consider for some futire year.) The first modern oil wells in the world were set up in this region-- in Petrolia and Oil Springs, Ontario. The modern industrial world was born on assembly lines right here. This region's industrial might was key to the Allied victory in WWII. The culture created here and rolling off the assembly lines daily is helping to kill the planet, which is a sad, sad thing, because back in the day, the decent wages and union organizing of this region was a serious force for progressive social change. We have all benefited from Detroit and Windsor. Crossing the river here was once the way from slavery into freedom. This is also the part of the world that hides Tecumseh's bones. People pass buildings named "Renaud" without knowing that that is the French word for Fox, and an allusion to the rich and complex Native American history of the region. These cities are broken, and often ugly, and unpleasant things happen here; they are also full of half-forgotten signs of the complex dynamics of the competing empires that have been fighting over the riches of the Great Lakes region for centuries. And of course, there's Motown, and Aretha Franklin and all those other people you've probably bopped around to. Every year, the Monarch butterflies come up from Mexico, and the cities are full of them. We're on a major bird migration route, too. The ecological importance of the Great Lakes cannot be overstated. If you'd be interested in learning more about this area and helping us create a bike plan that addresses the needs of people in cities in two countries, a plan that includes a strategy for trying to make a border point bike friendly, please get in touch. I'm sorry my posts are always so long, and I'm sorry to the people who have written to me off list to whom I haven't yet responded-- I'm busy and pregnant and my life's a little out of control. I'm still thinking of you-- I hope someone will reply to the post about transgendered space, too. I haven't yet, and I'm sorry to leave something as important as that just hanging out there. Thank you for writing that. Happy spring, everyone. Sasha On Thu, 03 Apr 2008 23:05:10 -0400 rachael spiewak <rachael(a)sopobikes.org> wrote: >I've read that minimum membership for any nonprofit should be $30 >(too bad I >can't substantiate that right now.. I think maybe I picked that up >from the >Thunderhead Alliance). Check on the free info on >http://foundationcenter.org. > >Here's the art show <http://www.sopobikes.org/events/artshow> >we've got >going on right now. We started organizing it in October and we've >put a >couple hundred bucks into it. I'll let you know if we make money >on it. >Other events we've got in the works are a bicycle flea market >(sellers pay >for a space in our parking lot, buyers shop for free, and we'll >encourage >the sellers to donate their leftovers to us) and a photography >print show >(lots of artists take pics in the shop.. we're very attractive >bike >mechanics) coupled with food demos in the artspace you can see in >the pics >on the art show website. > >-rachael > >On Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 7:11 PM, Jennifer Nordhem ><jen(a)milehighmess.com> >wrote: > >> Yeah, we won't be selling a whole lot of bicycles. >> Our mission is primarily to teach and assist people >> with their current bikes. We will have a wholesale >> account with which we can sell them parts. I'm sure >> we will end up with a bike or two here and there, some >> used parts, etc. that we will sell, but that's not our >> goal. >> >> We are going to have a membership program which we're >> playing with right now, figuring out how to price >> things, etc. Does anyone have suggestions on that? >> Mark from Re-cycles pointed out the fault in their >> system, any other advise? >> >> In addition to profits from classes and membership we >> will be holding a monthly art show to advertise our >> services to new potential students and have a little >> fun. >> >> Jen >> Battlesteed >> --- rachael spiewak <rachael(a)sopobikes.org> wrote: >> >> > We don't sell refurbished bikes, but a good chunk of >> > our shop generated >> > funds comes from people donating $25 per frame/bike >> > they pick up from us, >> > and they tend to give more for parts even though we >> > consider parts as being >> > included with the bike. We /could/ sell whole bikes >> > for more, but that >> > seems to run up against our general shop philosophy >> > of most things being >> > mostly equal. We don't have membership fees either, >> > which is another great >> > income generator if it works for your >> > shop/organization. >> > >> > -rachael >> > >> > >> > >> > On Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 12:22 PM, Mark Rehder >> > <mark(a)re-cycles.ca> wrote: >> > >> > > Same for us. Bike sales dominate our income >> > stream, with parts sales >> > > in 2nd place, and income from do-it-yourselfers >> > behind that. >> > > >> > > Mark Rehder - Director >> > > http://re-cycles.ca >> > > >> > > >> > > On 3-Apr-08, at 11:32 AM, Rich Points wrote: >> > > >> > > > I think it's safe to say that most of the >> > collectives out there >> > > > make most of their money from refurbished bike >> > sales. Last year >> > > > bike sales accounted for about 65% of our total >> > income at Community >> > > > Cycles. Refurbished bike sales are our >> > strongest fund raising tool. >> > > > >> > > > Rich >> > > > http://CommunityCycles.org >> > > > >> > > > Jennifer Nordhem wrote: >> > > >> >> > > >> Jay, We are already in the process of becoming >> > a 501(c)3. We're at >> > > >> the Articles of Incorporation and By Laws >> > writing stage. I know >> > > >> the questions I asked were lengthy, I'm just a >> > little overwhelmed, >> > > >> which I'm sure you can understand. Jen --- Jay >> > Varner >> > > >> <jay(a)sopobikes.org> wrote: >> > > >>> >> > > >>> Hi Jennifer, I'm glad you've found the wiki >> > and website useful. >> > > >>> To answer some of your questions - most (if >> > not all) the shops in >> > > >>> the community that operate on grants and >> > donations are non-profit >> > > >>> (501(c)3) organizations. I'm not sure what >> > model you are going >> > > >>> for. The answers to your questions can be a >> > bit complex. To help >> > > >>> us help you, I'd suggest giving this a read >> > and figuring out >> > > >>> where your project fits: >> > > >> http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php? >> > > >> title=Bike_Collective_Starter_Kit >> > > >>> >> > > >>> On Tue, Apr 1, 2008 at 9:00 PM, Jennifer >> > Nordhem >> > > >>> <jen(a)milehighmess.com> wrote: >> > > >>>> >> > > >>>> Hello everyone, my name is Jennifer Nordhem >> > of the soon to be >> > > >>>> Battlesteed Custom Bike Works in >> > > >>> Denver. >> > > >>>> >> > > >>>> We're currently looking for places to rent >> > for >> > > >>> our new >> > > >>>> >> > > >>>> shop. I noticed some people say they don't, >> > > >>> which >> > > >>>> >> > > >>>> would just be a miracle that I don't foresee >> > > >>> coming >> > > >>>> >> > > >>>> true. Here are the questions I have: How much >> > do you pay for >> > > >>>> rent? About how much money do you receive >> > monthly from grants, >> > > >>>> donations, membership fees, sales, etc? How >> > much do you spend >> > > >>>> monthly on tools, etc? I want to get a grasp >> > on what kind of >> > > >>> income/outflow >> > > >>>> >> > > >>>> to expect so I can budget how much we can >> > afford spending on >> > > >>>> rent. Thanks everyone! The website and wiki >> > have been extremely >> > > >>>> helpful so far, I'm really happy to see >> > > >>> such >> > > >>>> >> > > >>>> a supportive community. Jen >> > > >>>> >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Thethinktank >> > > >>>> mailing list Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > > >> >> > >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >> > > >> bikecollectives.org >> > > >>> >> > > >>> >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Thethinktank >> > > >>> mailing list Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > > >> >> > >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >> > > >> bikecollectives.org >> > > >> _______________________________________________ >> > Thethinktank >> > > >> mailing list Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > http:// >> > > >> >> > lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >> > > >> bikecollectives.org >> > > > >> > > > -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director >> > http://CommunityCycles.org >> > > > Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019 >> > > > _______________________________________________ >> > > > Thethinktank mailing list >> > > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > > > >> > >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >> > > > bikecollectives.org >> > > >> > > _______________________________________________ >> > > Thethinktank mailing list >> > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > > >> > > >> > >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> > > >> > >> > >> > >> > -- >> > Sopo Bicycle Cooperative >> > 404-425-9989 >> > www.sopobikes.org >> > * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * >> > Hours of operation: >> > Tues/Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm >> > Sat/Sun 2 pm - 5 pm >> > > _______________________________________________ >> > Thethinktank mailing list >> > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> > >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> > > > >-- >Sopo Bicycle Cooperative >404-425-9989 >www.sopobikes.org >* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * >Hours of operation: >Tues/Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm >Sat/Sun 2 pm - 5 pm -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkf5VSAACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRnaMgCfeGfCmxUFoL29fFvMdZ0JUxQV2T8A oI+BUXvwWsTySW2MS/5iZ8hDHKxz =iPZg -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Support Community Bike Shop at Whole Foods 4/8
by Community Bicycle Shop Omaha 04 Apr '08

04 Apr '08

Hello, friends – Whole Foods is generously donating 5% of their sales on Tuesday, April 8, to the Community Bicycle Shop of Omaha. Please stop by any time on Tuesday from 8 am to 8 pm for some grocery shopping, and a portion of your purchase will go toward our operating costs. Omaha's Whole Foods is located at 10020 Regency Circle, just south of Dodge. Thank you so much for your support! The Community Bicycle Shop of Omaha

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New shop: Help me budget!
by Jennifer Nordhem 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

Hello everyone, my name is Jennifer Nordhem of the soon to be Battlesteed Custom Bike Works in Denver. We're currently looking for places to rent for our new shop. I noticed some people say they don't, which would just be a miracle that I don't foresee coming true. Here are the questions I have: How much do you pay for rent? About how much money do you receive monthly from grants, donations, membership fees, sales, etc? How much do you spend monthly on tools, etc? I want to get a grasp on what kind of income/outflow to expect so I can budget how much we can afford spending on rent. Thanks everyone! The website and wiki have been extremely helpful so far, I'm really happy to see such a supportive community. Jen

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info about Freehub from SF Bike Kitchen
by andrewsawtelle＠riseup.net 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

hey hey bike bike people people: A couple weeks back, people were asking about PoS (point of sale/service) systems for tracking parts, members, visits, all sorts of things. Here's what I got from Mario at the SF Bike Kitchen about Freehub, an online system they use for tracking members and visits. They plan to make it available soon after some other shops test it out. Email Mario at mario.bruzzone(a)gmail.com if you want to be part of the test. They want to have a big presentation of the results at the next Bike!Bike! which is September 25-28. andrew recycle-a-bike, providence ri http://www.recycleabike.org ----------------------- Hello from San Francisco! As I mentioned once or twice on the Think Tank list, the Bike Kitchen in San Francisco has been working on an open-source database program named Freehub to track our members and their visits to the shop. We've been using Freehub for about a year now, and are ready to have other shops start testing it to figure out how well it meets their needs (as opposed to just our own). We expect to have a beta version ready for widespread use in 4 to 6 weeks. We're looking for 3-4 shops to commit to using Freehub for 3 months. You're receiving this email because you've either expressed interest in Freehub directly at some point or because you recently sent an email saying that you were looking for such a program, or something similar. Here's the abstract: Freehub is a web-based system used by the San Francisco Bike Kitchen to track membership and visits to our community bike shop. We are working on a new version that will be available for free to other community bike shops through simple online registration. Freehub is: * A database of your members and the services they have access to * A patron sign in system for use at the front desk of the shop * A reporting tool for looking at shop use, membership status, earn-a-bike... Freehub is not: * A broadcast emailer - Freehub will not send emails to your members or patrons * An accounting tool - we do not track money in Freehub * An inventory tool - we do not track tools or parts in Freehub * An point of sale system - we do not track shop sales in Freehub In Freehub, your data belongs to you. Other shops can not see it, we will not use it for any purposes and you can export it in entirety at any time. * To use Freehub, you will need a computer and web access in your shop. We will provide hosting, donated to us by a fairly high-end provider called EngineYard, which specializes in Ruby on Rails (what Freehub is built upon). We'll create a url for you at the freehub.bikekitchen.org, probably something like freehub.bikekitchen.org/sfbk (to use our shop as an example). If you have questions or would like to be part of our testing, let me know. Our goal is to have a significant presentation at Bike!Bike! this year, which is a scant 6 months away! (Sept. 25-28th!) Cheers, Mario Bruzzone Bike Kitchen San Francisco

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solvents in the shop
by Michael Wolfe 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

Speaking of liver damage, etc.. Wondering if any shops out there have had issues solvent tanks in their shop? The fumes give me a headache but others don't seem to mind it. Mostly I worry about the health effects on the full time people in the shop. Short of installing a hood or ventalation system, what options are there to locate that stuff outside? On 4/2/08, Tom Emm <tom48236(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > Acetone, also known as propanone, dimethyl ketone, 2-propanone, > propanone2-one,and ketro-propane is a colorless mobile flammable liquid.itis the simplest example of the ketones. > acetone can dissolve many plastics including those used in Nalgene bottles > made of polystyrene, poly carbonate,and some types of polypropolene. > Toxicology:acetone is an irritant and inhalation may cause hepatoxic > effects(causing liver damage). the vapors should be avoided. always use > goggles when handling acetone. > from Wikipedia. > > ------------------------------ > You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster > Total Access<http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=47523/*http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/…>, > No Cost. > > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >

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permission slips for kids to participate in your shop
by rachael spiewak 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

Do you have one? Can you share it on the wiki? Thanks! Rachael -- Sopo Bicycle Cooperative 404-425-9989 www.sopobikes.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hours of operation: Tues/Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm Sat/Sun 2 pm - 5 pm

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Re: [TheThinkTank] solvents in the shop
by Bob Giordano 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

Indoor air quality is tops on our list for a healthy shop atmosphere. We do not store anything that gives off harmful fumes. Tooth brushes and simple green (highly diluted) in a small wooden bowl is our parts cleaning station. We are even moving away from simple green (i've learned it is harmful to some)- to a citrus based cleaner. I guess tri flow is the only thing with fumes in the shop. Often we ask people to use it outside. I'd like to find a non-petroleum lube. -Bob Giordano, Free Cycles Missoula Michael Wolfe wrote: > Speaking of liver damage, etc.. Wondering if any shops out there have had > issues solvent tanks in their shop? The fumes give me a headache but others > don't seem to mind it. Mostly I worry about the health effects on the full > time people in the shop. Short of installing a hood or ventalation system, > what options are there to locate that stuff outside?

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no blood for oil
by Tom Emm 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

Acetone, also known as propanone, dimethyl ketone, 2-propanone, propanone2-one,and ketro-propane is a colorless mobile flammable liquid.it is the simplest example of the ketones. acetone can dissolve many plastics including those used in Nalgene bottles made of polystyrene, poly carbonate,and some types of polypropolene. Toxicology:acetone is an irritant and inhalation may cause hepatoxic effects(causing liver damage). the vapors should be avoided. always use goggles when handling acetone. from Wikipedia. --------------------------------- You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost.

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i'd like to join the list!
by Sandy Robson 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

sandyrobson(a)gmail.com -- Macalester College 1600 Grand Ave St Paul, MN 55105 US Cell 410 206 7826 MSN jindabad(a)hotmail.com

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