- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

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

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