- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

plan you route
by Tom Emm 19 Mar '08

19 Mar '08

Have fun with this google toy. www.bikely.org --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

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Surveys for volunteer retention
by Anibal Davila 19 Mar '08

19 Mar '08

hey all, to gain some insight into the universal problem of getting and keeping volunteers, im currently working on a survey. I suspect people hesitate to tell me in person that they think the place is dirty, the volunteers are rude and that i should shave more often, but people love giving that kind of input anonymously. I want to find out the differences between regular clients and casual volunteers. I also want to find out what keeps casual volunteers from becoming regular volunteers. I imagine disseminating it through all of our electronic outlets (list serve, facebook group, Flickr group) as well using printed out forms in the shop. Has anyone done this before? i would love to see other peoples surveys/polls. Did you get useful data from it? problems in collection? thanks! Anibal, Bikepirate

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unsubscribe me please
by sparkltingting＠aol.com 19 Mar '08

19 Mar '08

?hey guys, please unsubscribe me. thanks, hannae ( from bethlehem pa who moved to portland oregon.)

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Atlanta tornado
by tom m. 19 Mar '08

19 Mar '08

Are the folks in Atlanta, Georgia okay? A big tornado swept right through the downtown area.> From: thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org> Subject: Thethinktank Digest, Vol 19, Issue 21> To: thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:59:04 -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. Re: sexist bs - is finished. (Jonathan Morrison)> 2. Illustrated Fix a Flat Literature? (Rich Points)> 3. Re: Illustrated Fix a Flat Literature? (Macho Philipovich)> 4. Re: Illustrated Fix a Flat Literature? (Rich Points)> > > ----------------------------------------------------------------------> > Message: 1> Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 09:03:11 -0600> From: "Jonathan Morrison" <jonathan(a)slcbikecollective.org>> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] sexist bs - is finished.> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org>> Message-ID:> <4dd29fd10803170803u2d773638w83b7b11bf0d19f0f(a)mail.gmail.com>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"> > If you feel the compelling desire to further this thread, please reply to> the individuals instead of the whole list. Otherwise there will be no need> to unsubscribe, it will be done automatically.> > -- > 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/> > On Mon, Mar 17, 2008 at 7:43 AM, CLINTON BIGGS <letlovein2(a)msn.com> wrote:> > > Please, in all seriousness, do not throw the word "retard" around like> > its nothing. YOU do not get to decide whether its offensive or not. As the> > father of a child with autism (yes I have seen Rainman, thanks) I can say> > that it is a stigmatizing word. Sorry to go back on my promise never to post> > again, but I had not unsubscribed yet and now wish I had. But yes, please be> > careful with your choice of words, if for no other reason than the> > possibility it could save your nose from being flattened by some one who is> > at the end of their patience. And yes I remember fun, but its been a while> > mr. john rotten. Art> >> >> >> > ------------------------------> > Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2008 21:18:20 -0400> > From: davidhazardous(a)gmail.com> > To: thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org.> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] sexist bs [WAS: RE: Surveys for volunteer> > retention]> >> >> > #1 nobody was being sexist. reading all the thinktank posts tells us that> > the one who doesn't shave enough is in fact a man, and as a man, i also do> > not shave enough. i've considered waxing my face. thus, the response to> > shaving being the suggestion to waxing is just a thoughtful timesaving> > maneuver.> >> > #2 before bikes were used to spread the gospel of a political system that> > doesn't work except for idealist college kids, they were the toys of rich> > people. as in, the common man (proletariat, bolshevik, etc) couldn't have> > one! who knew?> >> > #3 before cars were stigmatized, bikes were. bikers were "hotdoggers"> > terrorizing horses and pedestrians.> >> > #4 ever hear of bikes? responsible for paved roads.> >> > #5 guess what? people drive more than ride. but more jackasses ride than> > drive. i just don't happen to be a hippie or vegan. but i suffer just as> > much for their political views.> >> > #6 this is hella fun for me, and i'm a good person to boot> >> > #7 looks like you contributed to this jackass thread.> >> > #8 undercovercop, hells yes to drinking whiskey but don't you think that> > "retarded bike games" is offensive to retards? (that's a joke, like the> > original "offensive" comment)> >> > <3 dhx> >> > i am offically gone from thinktank as fast as i came> >> > ...unless...people act like stupids again.> >> > p.s. have fun being white and having dreadlocks. maybe we can all drink> > some yerba mate at the sierra club meeting. oops, too conservative.> > monkeywrench gang reprazent!> >> > On Sun, Mar 16, 2008 at 7:34 PM, Geoffrey B <vous.je(a)gmail.com> wrote:> >> > What a jack ass. Threads like these make me not want to contribute.> >> > Thinking that the bike is not a political tool for change is deluding,> > selling your self short. British 19 century commies used the bike to get> > out to factors where the roads have not linked to spread the word of labour> > rights a liberties.> >> > Cars have been extremely stigmatized. They are a political force, they are> > killing everything. Dont kid your self about that. Ever heard of the AAA.> > Responsible for most of the expressways in America.> >> > Dont freak out over being called a hippe vegan. Guess what, vegans and> > hippies drive more then bike. Its not about sexist comments, its keeping a> > positive outlook on cycling. Dont degrade your fellow cyclists, use your> > energy to portray a respectful attitude that motorists lack.> >> > Its not political , its called being a good person. I have fun being a> > good person, dont you. Being a sexist tyrant creates fun on another's> > expense.> >> > Canada,> > Geoff> >> >> >> > On Fri, Mar 14, 2008 at 10:28 PM, David Hazardous <> > davidhazardous(a)gmail.com> wrote:> >> > hey jackasses...> >> > it's threads like these that make the public not take cycling seriously.> > bikes are not a bandwagon for political agendas. bikes are a mode of> > transportation. they help people get to work, the store, and yes, the bar.> > and people eat meat and make sexist remarks just as much on a bike. i am so> > sick of being labeled "vegan" or "hippie" or "liberal" because i ride a bike> > and don't own a car. hey fringe culture: stop co-opting a yet-unstigmatized> > vehicle to turn it into a political soapbox. NOT ALL BIKERS ARE IDEALIST> > TEETOTALERS. bikes aren't going to save the world, they're just going to> > give a few people reliable transportation. and fun. remember that? fun?> >> > flame me all you want,> > dhx> >> >> > On Fri, Mar 14, 2008 at 7:11 PM, <undercovercop(a)riseup.net> wrote:> >> > wow, michael, i'm sure you meant this in jest, but making cracks about a> > woman having to wax to impress is pretty horribly sexist and leaves a> > real bad taste in my mouth.> >> > and perhaps you have an understanding with anibal that this kind of> > joking around is okay. i have lots of friends i know i can safely tease> > in all sorts of offensive ways. however, this is a public list with> > lots of folks who don't know one another. especially since you say you> > don't know annibal, it's really tempting to read your joke as> > straight-up sexist bullshit.> >> > given how much really good thought and discussion i've seen this> > community put into identifying and rooting out sexist bullshit, i gotta> > say i think you're out of line.> >> > hope you don't take offense,> > benB> > chicago community bike project> >> > --> > 'every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist> > the black flag, and begin slitting throats.'> > -h.l. mencken> >> >> > _______________________________________________> > 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.…> >> >> >> >> > --> > "Cycle tracks will abound in Utopia" - H.G. Wells> > _______________________________________________> > 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.…> >> >> -------------- next part --------------> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...> URL: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/pipermail/thethinktank-bikecollectives.org… > > ------------------------------> > Message: 2> Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:17:50 -0600> From: Rich Points <rich(a)richpoints.com>> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Illustrated Fix a Flat Literature?> To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org>> Message-ID: <47DEB5CE.7050308(a)richpoints.com>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed> > Hey All,> I'd like to hand out a one page, illustrated instruction sheet on how to> fix a flat. I've searched around but haven't found anything.> > Does anyone know of such a resource?> > Thanks> > -- > Rich Points> Community Cycles Director> http://CommunityCycles.org> Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org> 720-565-6019> > > > > ------------------------------> > Message: 3> Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:27:26 -0500> From: Macho Philipovich <macho(a)resist.ca>> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Illustrated Fix a Flat Literature?> To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org>> Message-ID: <47DEB80E.7090007(a)resist.ca>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed> > There is probably better stuff out there, but here's the Bike Dump's one > page (if you'll allow two sided printing) workshop sheet on tires and > tubes, which is basically on flat fixing. Feel free to critique so it > can be improved.> > http://bike-dump.ca/workshops/01_tubes_tires.pdf> > macho> > Rich Points wrote:> > Hey All,> > I'd like to hand out a one page, illustrated instruction sheet on how to> > fix a flat. I've searched around but haven't found anything.> >> > Does anyone know of such a resource?> >> > Thanks> >> > > > > > ------------------------------> > Message: 4> Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:20:48 -0600> From: Rich Points <rich(a)richpoints.com>> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Illustrated Fix a Flat Literature?> To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org>> Message-ID: <47DEC490.2090909(a)richpoints.com>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"> > Not bad, it's the closest thing I've found so far.> > Let me say more about what I'm doing this for. We recently had a bunch > of heavy duty lunch box type things donated to Community Cycles. We're > going to give them to participants in the youth Earn-A-Bike program. > The boxes will then function as a tool box. Kids are welcome to take > the class as many times as they like, each time they will get more tools > for their box. > > The boxes are close to 8.5' X 11'. My idea was to have the illustrated > fix a flat info on the inside of the box. This would be more of a > reminder than a full blown description. Now that I think of it it would > probably look like a comic strip.> > I think the value of this goes beyond the toolbox idea, I think > something like this would be great on our shop wall somewhere.> > Anybody out there have the skills to draw up something like this?> > Peace> Rich> > Macho Philipovich wrote:> > There is probably better stuff out there, but here's the Bike Dump's one > > page (if you'll allow two sided printing) workshop sheet on tires and > > tubes, which is basically on flat fixing. Feel free to critique so it > > can be improved.> >> > http://bike-dump.ca/workshops/01_tubes_tires.pdf> >> > macho> >> > Rich Points wrote:> > > >> Hey All,> >> I'd like to hand out a one page, illustrated instruction sheet on how to> >> fix a flat. I've searched around but haven't found anything.> >>> >> Does anyone know of such a resource?> >>> >> Thanks> >>> >> > >> > >> > _______________________________________________> > 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> > -------------- next part --------------> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...> URL: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/pipermail/thethinktank-bikecollectives.org… > > ------------------------------> > _______________________________________________> Thethinktank mailing list> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…> > > End of Thethinktank Digest, Vol 19, Issue 21> ******************************************** _________________________________________________________________ Shed those extra pounds with MSN and The Biggest Loser! http://biggestloser.msn.com/

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike rack art contest
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 19 Mar '08

19 Mar '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hello, Everyone. The Tecumseh BIA in Tecumseh, Ontario is having a Bike Rack Sculpture competition as part of their Gallery Without Walls. They would like submissions of functional sculptures, bike racks that are also art. The application deadline is April 30th, and they'd like drawings and a maquette; the other critera for submissions are on their website. The winners will be chosen by May 15th, and they'd like the racks completed by August 15th. There is $2000(Cdn)"and further details" for each of the winners. "Open to all artists", is what they say, but if you're not Canadian you'll have to figure out if you can do this. Their contest is modelled on the one from Louisville Kentucky, and the sculptures from that place look great. Even if this contest is not feasible for you, setting up something similar in your city might be. Sending them a note supporting the idea might also help Tecumseh's bike boosters. Check out: www.tecumsehbia.com Sasha On Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:29:15 -0400 tom emm <tom48236(a)gmail.com> wrote: >Also...www.bikely.org > >On 3/18/08, Ann Altstatt <annaltstatt(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> Hi All, >> This was forwarded to me. . . just passing it on to spread the >word about a >> petition to get Google Maps to add a "Bike There" button to the >top level of >> their mapping interface. It would provide bike specific routing, >not sure >> about travel time estimates though... >> >> http://googlemapsbikethere.org/about/ >> >> For those of you with the power to publish (web site, blog, >print) maybe you >> could put something out there? >> Apologies if this has been posted already and I missed it! >> >> Ann >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 wkYEARECAAYFAkfgAvAACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRkTMACgoeuxx3NlwbHyrB+/AOc0wUUs+psA oJ4GuvnDu0goZLEvx51BXmWdtj5e =Uwxt -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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bike directions on google maps
by Ann Altstatt 19 Mar '08

19 Mar '08

Hi All, This was forwarded to me. . . just passing it on to spread the word about a petition to get Google Maps to add a "Bike There" button to the top level of their mapping interface. It would provide bike specific routing, not sure about travel time estimates though... http://googlemapsbikethere.org/about/ For those of you with the power to publish (web site, blog, print) maybe you could put something out there? Apologies if this has been posted already and I missed it! Ann

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Illustrated Fix a Flat Literature?
by Rich Points 18 Mar '08

18 Mar '08

Hey All, I'd like to hand out a one page, illustrated instruction sheet on how to fix a flat. I've searched around but haven't found anything. Does anyone know of such a resource? Thanks -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019

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Re: [TheThinkTank] sexist bs - is finished.
by Jonathan Morrison 18 Mar '08

18 Mar '08

If you feel the compelling desire to further this thread, please reply to the individuals instead of the whole list. Otherwise there will be no need to unsubscribe, it will be done automatically. -- 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/ On Mon, Mar 17, 2008 at 7:43 AM, CLINTON BIGGS <letlovein2(a)msn.com> wrote: > Please, in all seriousness, do not throw the word "retard" around like > its nothing. YOU do not get to decide whether its offensive or not. As the > father of a child with autism (yes I have seen Rainman, thanks) I can say > that it is a stigmatizing word. Sorry to go back on my promise never to post > again, but I had not unsubscribed yet and now wish I had. But yes, please be > careful with your choice of words, if for no other reason than the > possibility it could save your nose from being flattened by some one who is > at the end of their patience. And yes I remember fun, but its been a while > mr. john rotten. Art > > > > ------------------------------ > Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2008 21:18:20 -0400 > From: davidhazardous(a)gmail.com > To: thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org. > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] sexist bs [WAS: RE: Surveys for volunteer > retention] > > > #1 nobody was being sexist. reading all the thinktank posts tells us that > the one who doesn't shave enough is in fact a man, and as a man, i also do > not shave enough. i've considered waxing my face. thus, the response to > shaving being the suggestion to waxing is just a thoughtful timesaving > maneuver. > > #2 before bikes were used to spread the gospel of a political system that > doesn't work except for idealist college kids, they were the toys of rich > people. as in, the common man (proletariat, bolshevik, etc) couldn't have > one! who knew? > > #3 before cars were stigmatized, bikes were. bikers were "hotdoggers" > terrorizing horses and pedestrians. > > #4 ever hear of bikes? responsible for paved roads. > > #5 guess what? people drive more than ride. but more jackasses ride than > drive. i just don't happen to be a hippie or vegan. but i suffer just as > much for their political views. > > #6 this is hella fun for me, and i'm a good person to boot > > #7 looks like you contributed to this jackass thread. > > #8 undercovercop, hells yes to drinking whiskey but don't you think that > "retarded bike games" is offensive to retards? (that's a joke, like the > original "offensive" comment) > > <3 dhx > > i am offically gone from thinktank as fast as i came > > ...unless...people act like stupids again. > > p.s. have fun being white and having dreadlocks. maybe we can all drink > some yerba mate at the sierra club meeting. oops, too conservative. > monkeywrench gang reprazent! > > On Sun, Mar 16, 2008 at 7:34 PM, Geoffrey B <vous.je(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > What a jack ass. Threads like these make me not want to contribute. > > Thinking that the bike is not a political tool for change is deluding, > selling your self short. British 19 century commies used the bike to get > out to factors where the roads have not linked to spread the word of labour > rights a liberties. > > Cars have been extremely stigmatized. They are a political force, they are > killing everything. Dont kid your self about that. Ever heard of the AAA. > Responsible for most of the expressways in America. > > Dont freak out over being called a hippe vegan. Guess what, vegans and > hippies drive more then bike. Its not about sexist comments, its keeping a > positive outlook on cycling. Dont degrade your fellow cyclists, use your > energy to portray a respectful attitude that motorists lack. > > Its not political , its called being a good person. I have fun being a > good person, dont you. Being a sexist tyrant creates fun on another's > expense. > > Canada, > Geoff > > > > On Fri, Mar 14, 2008 at 10:28 PM, David Hazardous < > davidhazardous(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > hey jackasses... > > it's threads like these that make the public not take cycling seriously. > bikes are not a bandwagon for political agendas. bikes are a mode of > transportation. they help people get to work, the store, and yes, the bar. > and people eat meat and make sexist remarks just as much on a bike. i am so > sick of being labeled "vegan" or "hippie" or "liberal" because i ride a bike > and don't own a car. hey fringe culture: stop co-opting a yet-unstigmatized > vehicle to turn it into a political soapbox. NOT ALL BIKERS ARE IDEALIST > TEETOTALERS. bikes aren't going to save the world, they're just going to > give a few people reliable transportation. and fun. remember that? fun? > > flame me all you want, > dhx > > > On Fri, Mar 14, 2008 at 7:11 PM, <undercovercop(a)riseup.net> wrote: > > wow, michael, i'm sure you meant this in jest, but making cracks about a > woman having to wax to impress is pretty horribly sexist and leaves a > real bad taste in my mouth. > > and perhaps you have an understanding with anibal that this kind of > joking around is okay. i have lots of friends i know i can safely tease > in all sorts of offensive ways. however, this is a public list with > lots of folks who don't know one another. especially since you say you > don't know annibal, it's really tempting to read your joke as > straight-up sexist bullshit. > > given how much really good thought and discussion i've seen this > community put into identifying and rooting out sexist bullshit, i gotta > say i think you're out of line. > > hope you don't take offense, > benB > chicago community bike project > > -- > 'every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist > the black flag, and begin slitting throats.' > -h.l. mencken > > > _______________________________________________ > 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.… > > > > > -- > "Cycle tracks will abound in Utopia" - H.G. Wells > _______________________________________________ > 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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sexist bs [WAS: RE: Surveys for volunteer retention]
by undercovercop＠riseup.net 18 Mar '08

18 Mar '08

wow, michael, i'm sure you meant this in jest, but making cracks about a woman having to wax to impress is pretty horribly sexist and leaves a real bad taste in my mouth. and perhaps you have an understanding with anibal that this kind of joking around is okay. i have lots of friends i know i can safely tease in all sorts of offensive ways. however, this is a public list with lots of folks who don't know one another. especially since you say you don't know annibal, it's really tempting to read your joke as straight-up sexist bullshit. given how much really good thought and discussion i've seen this community put into identifying and rooting out sexist bullshit, i gotta say i think you're out of line. hope you don't take offense, benB chicago community bike project -- 'every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.' -h.l. mencken

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Re: [TheThinkTank] sexist bs [WAS: RE: Surveys for volunteer retention]
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 17 Mar '08

17 Mar '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi, All. I can't believe this thread is still ongoing. My first thought when I read the initial comment was: "I think Anibal is a man. I wonder if the other guy knows that." My second thought was that if the guy thought Anibal was a girl, the post was a bit cheeky. Definitely sexist, but compared to the daily grind of BS you get as a woman, it was pretty mild. As the replies to the post came in, I thought "Whoa." I was suprised that there was such immediate condemnation, such a strong, clear line taken against anything that might be percieved as sexist. I liked that people were anxious to ensure that this community remained a space where sexist or racist attitudes were not tolerated. We all strive to make our shops friendly; sometimes this is tricky, as we serve diverse communities with different expectations and standards. It was nice to see the attempt to create a safe space made here, too. I noted with interest that the people involved in both sides of this seemed to be male. Women have been working out all this feminist shit for decades; as a woman, I'd have rolled my eyes at a shaving comment and let it be, saving my worry and attention for something that seemed worth the effort. For example, a "bitch"/"cunt"/"whore" type of thing, or for the kind of shop politics where women end up doing all the cleaning, or the situation where an older male who other guys defer to is rude or mean to female collective members, driving them first to tears and then out. I also care about adequate lighting, and safe buddied up rides home when need be, and child-friendly shops, and women and trans night, and taking the need for more female mechanics seriously. So, in my opinion, the shaving comment, was, as I said, cheeky, and if the write thought Anibal was annibelle, maybe sort of rude, but not worth writing home about. The fact that men were trying to figure out how to create a safe space for women, that was awesome. Thanks. Thanks to all of you, no matter what you wrote, for fretting and stressing and starting to snipe at each other about that issue. It was sort of oddly healing to watch a group of guys working to figure out what is cool and what is not cool. Being called out for sexism or racism or classism or whatever can be embarassing and hurtful and it can seem unfair. The natural tendency is to get defensive, and that happened here. Thanks for writing back anyway. All sorts of things started to get tied into this-- things about hairstyles and politics and beverage choices, considerations of whether what we are doing is social or political, and if either, how... it was a little irritating to read, but also interesting, as people were obviously trying to figure out how all these things fit together. One of the things I love about my community bike shop is the crazy diversity of people who come there. I love our homeless men. I love our two Mormons and our Buhddist monk. I love our fixed gear obsessives, our bike couriers, our single mothers, our homosexual chefs, our senior citizens, and everyone else. I love that while certain similarities exist, we all have really different perspectives, and the weird random conversations about politics or art or whatever that we get into while waiting our turn could go anywhere. (I do think we have a totally disproportionate number of people who believe space aliens intervene in Earth's politics, but maybe that's just me.) That diversity no doubt leads some people to freak out a little. We are always sharing cramped spaces with people who make us a little uncomfortable. Out of that non-politics, comes a politics-- one of diversity, multiplicity, small scales, local things, building and fixing instead of throwing away to buy new, being out in the elements, using our bodies, trusting that our own bodies can do the work, waving to fellow cyclists, assuming that everyone (including the old or children, uneducated people, and people of all genders, etc.) can learn and can teach, sharing tools instead of everyone having to buy their own-- we're plenty political, and even pretty radical, but for my money ***better when we are not assuming a shared ideological outlook or proposing a narrow dogma as our ideal***. Many of the people who come to our shop would hate to have their bike riding connected to Godless Communism; others describe themselves as Maoists, for heaven's sake. I think both those groups are slightly nuts, but whatever. One of the primary reasons I ride my bike is because it gives me pleasure. I feel sexy and strong and good about life when I ride my bike; I'm guessing you all do, too. Knowing about the complicity of the early twentienth century cycling manufacturers in the rubber wars in Congo and Latin America doesn't change my sense that this mode of transportation is the cheapest, most elegant, most liberating, most fun, and just best way of getting around going. Sometimes, that pleasure feels political-- I feel so good, it makes me feel like an outlaw. Thanks for all the earnest angst, folks. It was neat to see you trying to figure some stuff out. If you ended up stressed by each other, I hope you got a chance to ride your bikes to get the kinks out. Sasha P.S. About volunteer surveys-- surveys can be useful, but they are also annoying, and people are complicated. Polls and surveys often get the response that their writers sort of wrote them to get. Just talking to people does actually work, too. I know that I'm underutilized at my shop; everyone knows what I do for a living, and people have a sense of my skill set, and they even talk about needing that kind of help, and I've flat out offered a bunch of times. There are lots of people who come to our shop who have the special skills needed to make it better-- small business people, artists, teachers, computer wizards, etc. But people get their little fiefdoms-- the person who did the fundraiser last year may not want anyone to "take away" her role, or the guy who's been doing the books for two years feels somehow slighted by the thought that buddy-the-accountant (who offers every time he hears whinging about money troubles) might take a look at them. People want help, but sometimes the whole organization seems to live inside the head of a couple of people, and broadening that network seems to be a larger task than just continuing to do things yourselves. There are also touchy issues of people's feelings. This kind of thing goes on in all organizations, and I'm not sure how helpful surveys are when it comes to addressing these things. On Sun, 16 Mar 2008 21:18:20 -0400 David Hazardous <davidhazardous(a)gmail.com> wrote: >#1 nobody was being sexist. reading all the thinktank posts tells >us that >the one who doesn't shave enough is in fact a man, and as a man, i >also do >not shave enough. i've considered waxing my face. thus, the >response to >shaving being the suggestion to waxing is just a thoughtful >timesaving >maneuver. > >#2 before bikes were used to spread the gospel of a political >system that >doesn't work except for idealist college kids, they were the toys >of rich >people. as in, the common man (proletariat, bolshevik, etc) >couldn't have >one! who knew? > >#3 before cars were stigmatized, bikes were. bikers were >"hotdoggers" >terrorizing horses and pedestrians. > >#4 ever hear of bikes? responsible for paved roads. > >#5 guess what? people drive more than ride. but more jackasses >ride than >drive. i just don't happen to be a hippie or vegan. but i suffer >just as >much for their political views. > >#6 this is hella fun for me, and i'm a good person to boot > >#7 looks like you contributed to this jackass thread. > >#8 undercovercop, hells yes to drinking whiskey but don't you >think that >"retarded bike games" is offensive to retards? (that's a joke, >like the >original "offensive" comment) > ><3 dhx > >i am offically gone from thinktank as fast as i came > >...unless...people act like stupids again. > >p.s. have fun being white and having dreadlocks. maybe we can all >drink some >yerba mate at the sierra club meeting. oops, too conservative. >monkeywrench >gang reprazent! > >On Sun, Mar 16, 2008 at 7:34 PM, Geoffrey B <vous.je(a)gmail.com> >wrote: > >> What a jack ass. Threads like these make me not want to >contribute. >> >> Thinking that the bike is not a political tool for change is >deluding, >> selling your self short. British 19 century commies used the >bike to get >> out to factors where the roads have not linked to spread the >word of labour >> rights a liberties. >> >> Cars have been extremely stigmatized. They are a political >force, they are >> killing everything. Dont kid your self about that. Ever heard of >the AAA. >> Responsible for most of the expressways in America. >> >> Dont freak out over being called a hippe vegan. Guess what, >vegans and >> hippies drive more then bike. Its not about sexist comments, >its keeping a >> positive outlook on cycling. Dont degrade your fellow cyclists, >use your >> energy to portray a respectful attitude that motorists lack. >> >> Its not political , its called being a good person. I have fun >being a >> good person, dont you. Being a sexist tyrant creates fun on >another's >> expense. >> >> Canada, >> Geoff >> >> >> >> On Fri, Mar 14, 2008 at 10:28 PM, David Hazardous < >> davidhazardous(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >> > hey jackasses... >> > >> > it's threads like these that make the public not take cycling >seriously. >> > bikes are not a bandwagon for political agendas. bikes are a >mode of >> > transportation. they help people get to work, the store, and >yes, the bar. >> > and people eat meat and make sexist remarks just as much on a >bike. i am so >> > sick of being labeled "vegan" or "hippie" or "liberal" because >i ride a bike >> > and don't own a car. hey fringe culture: stop co-opting a yet- >unstigmatized >> > vehicle to turn it into a political soapbox. NOT ALL BIKERS >ARE IDEALIST >> > TEETOTALERS. bikes aren't going to save the world, they're >just going to >> > give a few people reliable transportation. and fun. remember >that? fun? >> > >> > flame me all you want, >> > dhx >> > >> > >> > On Fri, Mar 14, 2008 at 7:11 PM, <undercovercop(a)riseup.net> >wrote: >> > >> > > wow, michael, i'm sure you meant this in jest, but making >cracks about >> > > a >> > > woman having to wax to impress is pretty horribly sexist and >leaves a >> > > real bad taste in my mouth. >> > > >> > > and perhaps you have an understanding with anibal that this >kind of >> > > joking around is okay. i have lots of friends i know i can >safely >> > > tease >> > > in all sorts of offensive ways. however, this is a public >list with >> > > lots of folks who don't know one another. especially since >you say you >> > > don't know annibal, it's really tempting to read your joke >as >> > > straight-up sexist bullshit. >> > > >> > > given how much really good thought and discussion i've seen >this >> > > community put into identifying and rooting out sexist >bullshit, i >> > > gotta >> > > say i think you're out of line. >> > > >> > > hope you don't take offense, >> > > benB >> > > chicago community bike project >> > > >> > > -- >> > > 'every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his >hands, >> > > hoist >> > > the black flag, and begin slitting throats.' >> > > -h.l. mencken >> > > >> > > >> > > _______________________________________________ >> > > 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 >> > >> > >> >> >> -- >> "Cycle tracks will abound in Utopia" - H.G. Wells >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 wkYEARECAAYFAkfd3ZMACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRlPZwCgnzf8gkFYUbyeXCJEJm1MC3RnSjEA n0UoJbvnHIbsYRTaqgke9EVNpSPh =LauN -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Buying Bulk
by Bob Giordano 15 Mar '08

15 Mar '08

The easiest for Free Cycles is to place an order about once every 2 months with one of our local retail shops. One shop gives us their bulk rate, the other bulk plus 10%. They call us when the order comes in and we write them a check. I like it because we do not have to worry about being at the shop when the order comes in and we support the local shops (or rather they get to support us). We usually order some tools, patches, lube and grease. The only 'part' we order new is cables and housing. The one other part we are usually short on is 27" tires. Lots of people go and buy new ones. I'm interested in the ideas floating on this list though... -Bob g. free cycles missoula.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] patch kits
by Bob Giordano 15 Mar '08

15 Mar '08

Free cycles keeps one 8oz can of rema glue at the flat tire repair station, and one tucked away in a cabinet. We keep the public can about 1/5 full- never much more. This way people use less glue, and if the top is left off we do not lose much glue. troy neiman wrote: > Large 8 oz can of Rema glue with built in brush on applicator, retail > about $10-$12 (this is by far the best value if you remember to screw the > cap on every night. can do thousands of patches.) -- Bob Giordano Free Cycles Missoula

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good comments on bad idea to create a distribution center for co-op new goods
by Andrew Stepnick 14 Mar '08

14 Mar '08

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. using the bicycle kitchen's POS system? was :Electronic Tracking (andrewsawtelle(a)riseup.net) 2. Re: Random Thought: Creating a bicycle parts/tools distributor for Community Bike Shops. (veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com) 3. Re: Random Thought: Creating a bicycle parts/tools distributor for Community Bike Shops. (Urban Bike Project of Wilmington, Inc.) 4. Re: Random Thought: Creating a bicycle parts/tools distributor for Community Bike Shops. (Stuart O Anderson) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 01:03:53 -0400 (EDT) From: andrewsawtelle(a)riseup.net Subject: [TheThinkTank] using the bicycle kitchen's POS system? was :Electronic Tracking To: "The Think Tank" Cc: kitchen(a)bicyclekitchen.com Message-ID: <1386.127.0.0.1.1205384633.squirrel(a)tern.riseup.net> Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1 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.… > ------------------------------ Message: 2 Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 07:53:10 -0600 From: veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Random Thought: Creating a bicycle parts/tools distributor for Community Bike Shops. To: "The Think Tank" Message-ID: <53e5a1720803130653r7a38184awd6e60449603919df(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" i love the idea. what about creating some sort of blanket national/international organization/club/something that community bike shops could belong to, and then creating accounts for that group, the members of which would then reap the benefits? i dunno how chain stores--rei, performance, etc--get their accounts set up, but surely every brick and mortar store that is a part of a chain doesn't have to go thru the hassle of getting an account set up? i also love that jonathan called grease "wearable." it certainly is at community cycles... there was some talk of this at bikebike! in 07, perhaps we should get a discussion group going, and have a workshop about it in 08? On Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 9:41 PM, Vyki Englert wrote: > Love the idea, if there is a shop willing to set themselves up as a > distributor, I'm sure the kickstand would be interested in being on the > distribution list. > We are still so very new, I doubt we could set ourselves up for that > position. Though down the road, I'm sure we would be able to help alot > more. > -vyki > > > On Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 9:59 PM, 1304bikes <1304bikes(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > I really like this idea as well, mainly because we here at 1304bikes > > fall into the not established enough to get a distributor account. This > > means we usually have to pay retail prices for anything we happen to need. > > A lot of the local bike shops to give us a nice discount, but we still pay > > some markup on wholesale. > > > > I agree with option 2, that it is worth doing. I'm just not sure how > > one would go about doing so; but i certainly love the idea. > > > > -Doug > > 1304bikes > > Raleigh, NC > > > > On 3/12/08, Jonathan Morrison wrote: > > > > > Distributors ( > > > http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Distributors) are > > > just the middle men separating manufacturers from retailers. Just like food > > > cooperatives that buy in bulk and disseminate food at bulk rates, we could > > > do that with bike parts. For those of us that buy using distributors it > > > would save an roughly 25% off of wholesale, and for those community bike > > > shops that aren't established enough to get a distributor account -- we > > > would be providing an option that is 75% off of MSRP. > > > > > > Ideally we would get accounts with tool manufacturers like park tool, > > > pedros, hozan, etc.,... as well as wearable items like grease, bearing, > > > chain lube, patch manufacturers, and then lower-end (but quality) parts > > > manufacturers for things that we don't get enough of donated, or that aren't > > > worth re-using. This will be different for each shop, but as an example in > > > SLC we don't re-use bearings, spokes, cables or housing -- they get recycled > > > and we put new ones on bikes. We also buy new road tires (27" & 700c) > > > because we don't have enough decent ones donated, either they are too worn > > > or dried out. > > > > > > I can think of 2 conclusions: > > > > > > 1) It isn't worth doing. The 25% cut a distributor gets is worth > > > paying given the hassle and it is just another random thought that might > > > result in spending $5 to save $3. > > > 2) It is worth doing. > > > > > > -- > > > 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/ > > > _______________________________________________ > > > Thethinktank mailing list > > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > > > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > 1304bikes > > 2419 Mayview Rd. > > Raleigh, NC > > 1304bikes.org > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > > > > -- > Vyki Englert > "sprocket" acting Director of operations > Member Board of Directors > Gainesville Community Bicycle Project, Inc "the Kickstand" > 722 South Main Street Gainesville Fl 32601 > www.thekickstand.org > vyki.englert(a)thekickstand.org > 850.819.8808 > > 'every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist > the black flag, and begin slitting throats.' --h.l. mencken > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >

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Reminder! Open House Saturday
by Community Bicycle Shop Omaha 14 Mar '08

14 Mar '08

Please come out to see us this Saturday during our open house from 5 - 7 pm at 525 N 33rd! We look forward to sharing with you all of our accomplishments and what's in store for the shop in 2008. We also welcome you to bring your ideas for what you would like to see happen at the shop – just as we welcome your friends who would like to learn more. See you soon! Your friends at the Community Bike Shop

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bike storage ideas
by Mark Rehder 13 Mar '08

13 Mar '08

Hi all, I'm sure talk about storing excess bikes has come up, but I haven't been able find any messages of such using the search function, and there strangely doesn't seem to be anything on the wiki. We're about to move our shop into a new space, and with its high ceiling there's room to build a perimeter mezzanine level for storing extra bikes and other stuff. Some of us are a bit nervous about having one built of wood (resuming building code allows), and are instead thinking of buying a custom steel set-up(expensive!), or keeping the bikes on the floor (taking away room for other things) or outside in a container (not doable at the new location). I'm still into the mezzanine idea, as is one of the other members. I'm wondering what other shops have done for their storage needs. Cheers, Mark Rehder - Director http://re-cycles.ca

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Re: [TheThinkTank] patch kits
by troy neiman 13 Mar '08

13 Mar '08

I agree that if you can you should definitely get your own account with a distributor if you can but if you are at all running your shop "underground" you may just talk to your local bike shop which hopefully can give you a good price but even at retail the price is worth buying in bulk I highly recommend getting the Rema patches rather that the cheaper generic products as they are cheaper for a reason and usually don't work well at all. here are some prices and products through QBP which is a very common distributor for shops to have. 25mm Rema patches, Box of 100. retail for approx. $14-$18. (the smaller 16mm patches are less useful and for some reason more expensive by $5) 5 gram tube of Rema glue, retail for about $2.50-$3each Large 8 oz can of Rema glue with built in brush on applicator, retail about $10-$12 (this is by far the best value if you remember to screw the cap on every night. can do thousands of patches.) hope that helps Troy Bicas, Tucson, AZ > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "yellow bike" <austinyellowbike(a)gmail.com> > To: info(a)re-cycles.ca, "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] patch kits > Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:55:06 -0500 > > > I recommend that everyone running a community bike shop should set up a > wholesale account with one of the suppliers around the country and do their > ordering that way. You can buy bulk patches and glue, plus all your other > supplies (tools, grease, tubers, parts, etc.) for much cheaper this way. > > We have an account with Seattle Bike Supply. I didn't set it up, but I > don't think it's that big a deal to do. Other suppliers like Quality and > J&B have higher end stuff which most community bike shops don't necessarily > need, but may be worth checking into as well. > > Good luck - > > Jennifer Schaffer > Austin Yellow Bike Project > > On Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 3:26 PM, info(a)re-cycles.ca <info(a)re-cycles.ca> > wrote: > > > I have ordered bulk patches from various (Canadian) distributors before > > (be careful though as they are often the large round ones, i.e. about > > 1.5" in diameter). The glue I buy in jars from hardware stores. > > > > Chris > > > > --- "Urban Bike Project of Wilmington, Inc." > > <urbanbikeproject(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > > > Where do you guys/gals purchase patches and tube glue? The only > > > thing > > > readily available to us is individual patch kits. There is always > > > more glue > > > left over than there are patches (waste) and there are always patches > > > that > > > are unnecessarily huge. Are there bulk kits available and what do > > > you all > > > use? > > > > > > Thanks for your help, > > > Brian > > > > > > -- > > > Urban Bike Project of Wilmington > > > 1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind the > > > building) > > > Wilmington, DE 19801 > > > > > > Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org > > > > > > > > Chris Wells > > (Head Mechanic & Email Handler) > > > > re-Cycles Bicycle Co-op > > 112 Nelson St. Ottawa > > > > Open 6pm-9pm Tuesdays & Thursdays > > > > 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.… > > > > > > -- > Web Servant > Austin's Yellow Bike | www.austinyellowbike.org > > "Be the change you would like to see in the world." - Gandhi > "Keep Cycling: it is Undoubtedly the Best form of Activism there is." > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > -- Want an e-mail address like mine? Get a free e-mail account today at www.mail.com!

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patch kits
by Urban Bike Project of Wilmington, Inc. 13 Mar '08

13 Mar '08

Where do you guys/gals purchase patches and tube glue? The only thing readily available to us is individual patch kits. There is always more glue left over than there are patches (waste) and there are always patches that are unnecessarily huge. Are there bulk kits available and what do you all use? Thanks for your help, Brian -- Urban Bike Project of Wilmington 1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind the building) Wilmington, DE 19801 Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org

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Electronic Tracking.
by plan_9＠riseup.net 13 Mar '08

13 Mar '08

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

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 19, Issue 7
by mike eng 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

Derek, I may be stating the obvious, but a good organization to start with would be Plan B: http://www.bikeproject.org/ On Sun, Mar 9, 2008 at 9:50 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. NOLA and back (Derek Dunham) > 2. suicide brake levers into diy tire levers...need pics and/or > plans... (veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com) > 3. Re: suicide brake levers into diy tire levers...need pics > and/or plans... (Julian Beldotti) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 02:08:42 -0500 > From: "Derek Dunham" <dsdunham82(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [TheThinkTank] NOLA and back > To: "Derek Dunham" <dsdunham82(a)gmail.com> > Message-ID: > <92c1e0310803032308o1c0f155dp7e10fe467cd69b53(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Hello All > > My name is Derek Dunham and I am both an activist and a cyclist. My > birthday > falls on August 29th, the day hurricane katrina touched down in New > Orleans. > Ever since then I have felt a drive to get down there and help, but I had > not been able to yet. > > Skybus has tickets from Greensboro, NC to New Orleans, LA for only 40 > dollars. I want to fly, and then either ship a bike to myself, or acquire > one while I am there, possibly through a collective. There are a couple in > the city. Ideal situation would be to have one waiting for me so I could > have transportation while I am there, but I am seeking a touring bike, > because when I leave, I want to pedal back. > > I don't yet know exactly how I am going to help, or what organization, if > any, I will work through. I would love to get involved with Brad Pitt's > project, but I don't even know if that would be possible. I also really > want > to look into getting my ride back sponsored somehow. I would like to be > able > to make money for the causes I work with as well as help them while I'm > there. If anyone has any suggestions or advice as to how I might be able > to > pull this off, I'd really appreciate it. > > -- > Derek Dunham >

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suicide brake levers into diy tire levers...need pics and/or plans...
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 09 Mar '08

09 Mar '08

i don't remember where i heard about this idea, but someone told me about them, and i'd love to make some. basically, one removes "suicide" or flat brake levers from a (lower end) road bike/ten speed, and somehow grinds/cuts/bends them into the correct shape/etc to be used as tire levers. anyone know where there are pics of these, or directions or plans for these? thanks! josh.

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[Fwd: Looking for volunteer bike mechanics to work with kids in Nepal]
by Macho Philipovich 06 Mar '08

06 Mar '08

Maybe someone is interested? And thanks everyone for your replies to my question about formalizing shop use, they are appreciated. macho

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Fwd: [yben] FW: Looking for volunteer bike mechanics to work with kids in Nepal
by Jonathan Morrison 06 Mar '08

06 Mar '08

-----Original Message----- From: Tom Martin [mailto:tom@wrenchnepal.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 9:26 AM To: Tom Martin Subject: Looking for volunteer bike mechanics to work with kids in Nepal Hello, from Kathmandu! This email is going out to many of the bicycle programs and community contacts I've come across in the last few years. You may have heard from me when we were initially organizing this project, looking for advice. Now that we're off the ground, Wrench Nepal is looking for volunteers. Wrench Nepal (www.WrenchNepal.org) runs a small bike shop here in Kathmandu, Nepal, that is operated by bike mechanic 'interns'-- Nepali teenagers who, for any reason, are in danger of entering adulthood without marketable job skills, or are otherwise at a disadvantage. There are over 400 homes in Kathmandu alone for children who have been orphaned or abandoned by their families. At the moment, we work with kids from a drop-in shelter and a group that supports the families of those in prison, with a seemingly endless supply of possible new interns: teenagers eager to learn a useful skill, to practice their English, and to become self-sufficient. With only one person training them, however, the shop cannot work with more than 2-3 people at a time. That's where you come in. We're looking for two people at a time to act as bike mechanic instructors and program organizers. Two positions are available to be filled immediately; the second shift will be open in May, when the current instructor's visa expires. The requirements are: - 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 Bike shop or co-op experience is a major advantage, as is experience in business administration or community activism. Grant writing skills will be helpful. Each position is for approximately 4 months and requires that you live in Kathmandu. As this is an all-volunteer program, there will be no pay, and any profit that the shop raises will be distributed among the Nepali interns for things that they need as future bike mechanics. Cost of living is very low, rent in a comfortable place can be as little as $50 per month. Volunteers can also pursue part-time paid work to support themselves while in Nepal. We encourage those of you who are presently enrolled in universities to consider this as a possible independent study abroad opportunity. We will work with the administration at your school to determine if this can be a for-credit internship for you. If you do not have mechanic skills, we may still be interested in your participation as an organizer. If interested, please send a brief resume of your relevant experience and a short cover letter to tom(a)wrenchnepal.org. Make sure to highlight your experience working with bicycles and working in community organizing positions. Thanks, and hope to hear from you soon. I encourage you to forward or re-post this message anywhere you feel is appropriate. Tom Martin Wrench Nepal tom(a)wrenchnepal.org _______________________________________________ YBEN mailing list Post: YBEN(a)lists.mayfirst.org List info: https://lists.mayfirst.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/yben To Unsubscribe Send email to: YBEN-unsubscribe(a)lists.mayfirst.org Or visit: https://lists.mayfirst.org/cgi-bin/mailman/options/yben/info%40slcbikecolle… You are subscribed as: info(a)slcbikecollective.org

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formalizing shop use
by Macho Philipovich 05 Mar '08

05 Mar '08

hey folks. for our first 2.5 years, we've set up our open hours very informally. you show up, you can rip through used parts on your own, pick out a bike to fix up on your own, fix it up on your own, or ask for help fixing your bike if you like, too. this has been great, because it's offered a lot of people access to the shop without feeling overly regimented, but toward the end of each summer (peak season), the shop has gotten really chaotic, and some volunteers have started feeling pretty anxious, with all repair stands in use, more people all over the floor with their bikes turned upside down, kids running around all over the place, people asking for help every 30 seconds when you're already helping someone else, and it just being tricky to keep an eye on everything that's going on in the shop. so, we're looking to move toward a setup where people all have to sign in with a greeter and get assigned to a volunteer to work with, and if there are no free volunteers/stands, you have to wait. i'm sure most other shops are already doing this, so i thought i'd ask for your experiences/strategies/advice. some specific questions: - do you have separate sign-up sheets for quick repairs vs. say building a bike up from scratch? - do you offer a comfy area to wait for those who need to? - do you let people work on bikes without a volunteer? - if so, do you make them "prove" that they know how to use the tools properly or respect the shop? - do you have one volunteer set up at a "flat fixing" station? - how well does all of this stuff work? but feel free to discuss things that those questions don't touch on. thanks everybody, this list is such an amazing resource, macho of the bike dump

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who's got membership?
by Jessica McPherson 05 Mar '08

05 Mar '08

Hello everyone, I am wondering who out there has tried having membership requirements, and how that has worked. Has it resulted in greater volunteer committment? How has it affected the demographics of the people that use the shop? Has anyone tried a set-up kind of like a food cooperative, where you have to volunteer hours at the shop in order to be able to use it? thanks, Jessica (Free Ride, Pittsburgh) -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

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Re: [TheThinkTank] formalizing shop use
by Bob Giordano 05 Mar '08

05 Mar '08

it comes in cycles... simple clean shop with 5-12 happy people working at stands with 2-3 vols helping as needed... then boom, shop is over full, 3 hands reach for one chain tool, small kids want help now! so... a year ago we formalized a 'bikewell' program. if you want to build a bike from the 'well' (our sideyard stocked with everything) we ask that you take a class and volunteer 2 hours. 5 different vols teach the classes that are offered 3 times a week. 3 vols run the vol. night. the class covers basic bike laws, basic maintenance, and a _shop orientation_. this one change in our program has brought just enough 'order.' we do have a nice sitting/conversing area too. like austin, we have about 12 stands, and some share tool boards. a solution we would like to see someday: open many more hours, like 10am-7pm daily. but we are all-volunteer like many others. i'm off at city meetings all the time advocating for a connected bicycle infrastruture. but it does work- we trust about 20 people with keys to the shop, and they get it done. sure we lose a tool now and then, and maybe someone that did not take the class gets a sweet bike. we bend 'rules' a lot, and try to stay fair to all. each person that comes thru the door is a relationship not a customer. our donation jar brings in about $600 a month- just enough to cover $500 rent and $100 utilities. tools are always being donated, or bought with extra shop funds and small neighborhood grants. other: -average 30 visitors per 4 hours open shop session -average 3-5 vols running each 4 hour shift (4 shifts per week) -inside space 2,000 sq ft., outside 1,000 -given away 4,000 bikes since '96 -50 green loaner bikes in circulation ($10 deposit, comes with lock, light, basket, fenders) (in process of getting them all sponsored by local businesses- for $100 a year business gets a small logo on basket, or they can decorate the bike) -one section of the shop is 'Pedal Technology' for trailer building, etc. -'people's projects' get tagged (name, date, phone) and can stay at shop for 2 weeks, then it can go back into the 'well'. -we have an annual 'festival of cycles' that is like one huge open shop session- we bring all stuff to a park, invite mechanics and musicians, and we all help each other build bikes that people ride away. (4/19/08) -we have 4 'log books' at the front of the shop: guest book, checkout log, bikewell log, financial log -i can send more info or e-docs of anything in this email... -bob giordano free cycles missoula

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