- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 91, Issue 29
by Roedl, James M 27 Mar '14

27 Mar '14

As far as J&B goes it's regional and the contracted account rep is the key. I have worked with them previously at a LBS and found that the rep's attitude towards your shop and their job in general will dictate a lot of what happens good bad or otherwise. I haven't pushed our shop to use J&B because of my experience with our regions rep. We are currently using Lexco and have decided to apply with cyclone as Lexco not working out. We have been denied by other suppliers in the past for not having a store front or being too small. Does anyone have experience applying to accounts like QBP? Any hints for making a co-op sound more appealing to different suppliers. We would like to have more options and have grown to two locations and can sign for packages during business hours! James Roedl The Bike Project (manages the Campus Bike Shop TBP's second location) ________________________________________ From: thethinktank-bounces+jmroedl=illinois.edu(a)lists.bikecollectives.org [thethinktank-bounces+jmroedl=illinois.edu(a)lists.bikecollectives.org] on behalf of thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org [thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org] Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2014 7:52 PM To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org Subject: Thethinktank Digest, Vol 91, Issue 29 Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to thethinktank(a)lists.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)lists.bikecollectives.org You can reach the person managing the list at thethinktank-owner(a)lists.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: Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with co-ops (Doug Cutter) 2. Re: Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with co-ops (Doug Cutter) 3. Re: Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with co-ops (james bledsoe) 4. Re: Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with co-ops (Tom Bulten) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 17:19:26 -0600 From: Doug Cutter <cuttercrew(a)gmail.com> To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Cc: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with co-ops Message-ID: <8203F17A-B2D5-4CF1-9F58-62698339FFD8(a)gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii For similar reasons and unpredictable drivers from UPS, a few years ago we arranged for our QBP shipments to be sent to a nearby UPS store. We have to pay a small handling fee at the store, but it solved our delivery challenges from QBP. We worked with our regional sales rep at QBP to set it up. Regarding J&B, we also have to use the UPS store address as their delivery driver was not able to call in advance to allow a volunteer to meet them at the shop. Regards, Doug Cutter Fort Collins Bike Co-op Sent from my iPhone > On Mar 25, 2014, at 12:08 PM, Leslie Peteya <lesliepeteya(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Hi all, > Wanted to warn y'all of dealing with QBP. > > After 7 years of having a dealer agreement with QBP for your basic small potatoes shop stuff, > we decided to shut down our account with them over their new inability to ship to a new ship-to location. I succinctly explained the nature of our shop (volunteer, limited shop hours, etc.) and > necessity of shipping to a different location, but it fell on deaf ears. > > Damn shame, because they said we were an excellent account with good financial management. > > I also wasn't pleased that they said they denied other new co-ops an account based on similar issues. > > This comes after their corporate policy of tightening up on third party suppliers, designed to keep the local bike shop in business. Ironically, we're still around after multiple for-profit local bike shops in our area have failed, and as a local community bike shop, we're now being hurt by the very policy designed to protect LBSs. > > We still have an account with United Bicycle Supply, and I'm exploring new accounts with Cyclone and Seattle Bike Supply. > > Can anyone recommend other suppliers that support our shops with community missions? > > Thanks, > Leslie > Durham Bike Co-op > > > > ------------------------------ Message: 2 Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 17:19:26 -0600 From: Doug Cutter <cuttercrew(a)gmail.com> To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Cc: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with co-ops Message-ID: <8203F17A-B2D5-4CF1-9F58-62698339FFD8(a)gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii For similar reasons and unpredictable drivers from UPS, a few years ago we arranged for our QBP shipments to be sent to a nearby UPS store. We have to pay a small handling fee at the store, but it solved our delivery challenges from QBP. We worked with our regional sales rep at QBP to set it up. Regarding J&B, we also have to use the UPS store address as their delivery driver was not able to call in advance to allow a volunteer to meet them at the shop. Regards, Doug Cutter Fort Collins Bike Co-op Sent from my iPhone > On Mar 25, 2014, at 12:08 PM, Leslie Peteya <lesliepeteya(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Hi all, > Wanted to warn y'all of dealing with QBP. > > After 7 years of having a dealer agreement with QBP for your basic small potatoes shop stuff, > we decided to shut down our account with them over their new inability to ship to a new ship-to location. I succinctly explained the nature of our shop (volunteer, limited shop hours, etc.) and > necessity of shipping to a different location, but it fell on deaf ears. > > Damn shame, because they said we were an excellent account with good financial management. > > I also wasn't pleased that they said they denied other new co-ops an account based on similar issues. > > This comes after their corporate policy of tightening up on third party suppliers, designed to keep the local bike shop in business. Ironically, we're still around after multiple for-profit local bike shops in our area have failed, and as a local community bike shop, we're now being hurt by the very policy designed to protect LBSs. > > We still have an account with United Bicycle Supply, and I'm exploring new accounts with Cyclone and Seattle Bike Supply. > > Can anyone recommend other suppliers that support our shops with community missions? > > Thanks, > Leslie > Durham Bike Co-op > > > > ------------------------------ Message: 3 Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 17:19:41 -0700 (PDT) From: james bledsoe <jamesbleds0e(a)yahoo.com> To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with co-ops Message-ID: <1395793181.22488.YahooMailNeo(a)web141505.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" it would be good to forward this tread to QBP On Tuesday, March 25, 2014 11:25 AM, Wm Dakota Callaschai <mylifeinthenow(a)gmail.com> wrote: J&B Importers inc!! They have a warehouse like 30 miles from you!! 919-877-1002 give them a call. Troy Bike Rescue has been gettin our stuff from them for almost 10 years!! Its been great! On Mar 25, 2014 2:08 PM, "Leslie Peteya" <lesliepeteya(a)gmail.com> wrote: Hi all, > >Wanted to warn y'all of dealing with QBP. > >After 7 years of having a dealer agreement with QBP for your basic small potatoes shop stuff, >we decided to shut down our account with them over their new inability to ship to a new ship-to location.? I succinctly explained the nature of our shop (volunteer, limited shop hours, etc.) and >necessity of shipping to a different location, but it fell on deaf ears. > > >Damn shame, because they said we were an excellent account with good financial management. > > >I also wasn't pleased that they said they denied other new co-ops an account based on similar issues. > > >This comes after their corporate policy of tightening up on third party suppliers, designed to keep the local bike shop in business. Ironically, we're still around after multiple for-profit local bike shops in our area have failed, and as a local community bike shop, we're now being hurt by the very policy designed to protect LBSs. > > > >We still have an account with United Bicycle Supply, and I'm exploring new accounts with Cyclone and Seattle Bike Supply. > > >Can anyone recommend other suppliers that support our shops with community missions? > > >Thanks, > >Leslie > >Durham Bike Co-op > > > > > > > >____________________________________ > >The ThinkTank mailing List ><a href="http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o…">Unsubscribe from this list</a> > > > ____________________________________ The ThinkTank mailing List <a href="http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o…">Unsubscribe from this list</a>

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 91, Issue 27
by Jason Tanzman 26 Mar '14

26 Mar '14

I just want to give props to QBP for being an incredible ally over the years, to the bike advocacy movement in general, and to community bike shops in particular. While I don't doubt the validity of other people's issues regarding ordering, in my experience QBP has been a truly incredible ally and partner in our work. They've provided tens of thousands of dollars of unrestricted, general operations donations to community bike shops (with primary focuses on investing where they have warehouses in MN, PA, and UT). And they've donated surplus product to us when they can't sell it. Anyways. Just wanted to give them props for being awesome (and they have always accommodated our eccentricities in ordering and such). We order stuff from J&B too - but QBP rocks. On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 4:25 PM, < thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote: > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)lists.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)lists.bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)lists.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: Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with > co-ops (Leslie Peteya) > 2. Re: Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their inflexibility with > co-ops (wormsign(a)gmail.com) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 17:14:03 -0400 > From: Leslie Peteya <lesliepeteya(a)gmail.com> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Beware of Quality Bike Parts and their > inflexibility with co-ops > Message-ID: > < > CAAAZz6NBbAe_mL-Ck6D+h_fOZFH5NQLxapRRgocsp5ZuMTP8PA(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > "They will take action to shut down accounts that are abused to protect > their products, even for seemingly minor PR offenses" > > Yeah, I know that's been happening lately in the third party supplier > industry, but unfortunately we're taking the hit for it. > > We're not open during normal business hours because we're volunteer run, so > our hours are precisely opposite of that > (most volunteers are 9-5 types, hospital workers or grad students). > > Best, > Leslie > > > On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 4:33 PM, Bobby Brown <bobby(a)sopobikes.org> wrote: > > > Sopo has been using Hawley forever but I've never been in charge of > > dealing with them directly. Being in Atlanta, we tend to receive > shipments > > next day from them to our PO box offsite with no problems. > > > > > > On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 2:33 PM, Luke Box <lukebox(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > >> One more for J&B. I'm not sure of their stance on supporting non-profits > >> but they've worked for us. We've ordered a couple of thousand dollars > worth > >> of parts from them over three years and as far as I know there haven't > been > >> hiccups. > >> > >> theBrokeSpoke > >> Lexington, KY > >> > >> > >> On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 2:24 PM, Wm Dakota Callaschai < > >> mylifeinthenow(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> > >>> J&B Importers inc!! They have a warehouse like 30 miles from you!! > >>> 919-877-1002 give them a call. > >>> Troy Bike Rescue has been gettin our stuff from them for almost 10 > >>> years!! Its been great! > >>> On Mar 25, 2014 2:08 PM, "Leslie Peteya" <lesliepeteya(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > >>> > >>>> Hi all, > >>>> Wanted to warn y'all of dealing with QBP. > >>>> > >>>> After 7 years of having a dealer agreement with QBP for your basic > >>>> small potatoes shop stuff, > >>>> we decided to shut down our account with them over their new inability > >>>> to ship to a new ship-to location. I succinctly explained the nature > of > >>>> our shop (volunteer, limited shop hours, etc.) and > >>>> necessity of shipping to a different location, but it fell on deaf > >>>> ears. > >>>> > >>>> Damn shame, because they said we were an excellent account with good > >>>> financial management. > >>>> > >>>> I also wasn't pleased that they said they denied other new co-ops an > >>>> account based on similar issues. > >>>> > >>>> This comes after their corporate policy of tightening up on third > party > >>>> suppliers, designed to keep the local bike shop in business. > Ironically, > >>>> we're still around after multiple for-profit local bike shops in our > area > >>>> have failed, and as a local community bike shop, we're now being hurt > by > >>>> the very policy designed to protect LBSs. > >>>> > >>>> We still have an account with United Bicycle Supply, and I'm exploring > >>>> new accounts with Cyclone and Seattle Bike Supply. > >>>> > >>>> Can anyone recommend other suppliers that support our shops with > >>>> community missions? > >>>> > >>>> Thanks, > >>>> Leslie > >>>> Durham Bike Co-op > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> ____________________________________ > >>>> > >>>> The ThinkTank mailing List > >>>> <a href=" > >>>> > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… > ">Unsubscribe > >>>> from this list</a> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>> ____________________________________ > >>> > >>> The ThinkTank mailing List > >>> <a href=" > >>> > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… > ">Unsubscribe > >>> from this list</a> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >> > >> ____________________________________ > >> > >> The ThinkTank mailing List > >> <a href=" > >> > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… > ">Unsubscribe > >> from this list</a> > >> > >> > >> > > > > > > -- > > Bobby Brown > > Sopo Bicycle Cooperative > > > > Cell: 770 851 0965 > > bobby(a)sopobikes.org > > http://www.sopobikes.org > > > > Hours: > > Tuesday 7pm - 10pm > > Wednesday 7pm - 10pm > > Thursday 7pm - 10pm > > Saturday 2pm - 6pm > > > > ____________________________________ > > > > The ThinkTank mailing List > > <a href=" > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… > ">Unsubscribe > > from this list</a> > > > > > > >

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Austin Yellow Bike's Volunteer/patron logging software
by Christopher Chan 26 Mar '14

26 Mar '14

Hello, We're trying to find software to manage sign-in for volunteers and patrons. I know that Austin Yellow Bike has something, and various other shops use modified versions. Is there some place where it can be downloaded? (Don't suppose there's an online version control repository of it, for us software developers?) I'm also starting work on a rental database if anyone is interested. In addition to other projects, we run a bike rental program, as well as loan out bikes for special needs kids. This software will be web-based, mobile-friendly (through a browser, not an app) barcode-scanner friendly, and will be integrated with Google Calendar and to allow online bookings and Paypal for deposits/payments, if anyone is interested. Thanks, Christopher Chan *Executive Director* Edmonton Bicycle Commuters' Society edmontonbikes.ca *BikeWorks North ** 9305 111 Ave * T5G 0A2 * 780-757-9100 *BikeWorks South ** 8001 102 St * T6E 4A2 * 780-433-2453 *Cell ** privatecellchan Edmonton, Alberta, Canada @edmontonbicycle <https://twitter.com/edmontonbicycle> facebook.com/EdmontonBicycleCommuters<https://www.facebook.com/EdmontonBicycleCommuters>

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Think Tank Google or Yahoo Group?
by Bayley Vanderpoel 24 Mar '14

24 Mar '14

Hi all, Is there a think tank google or yahoo group back end to this distribution list so I can search prior threads? I have a lot of questions, but I'll bet they've already been answered before I joined the list. If not, would there be any consideration to begin one? Who from the think tank would I have to ask? Bayley

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RBP is Hiring: Mechanic/Educator Wanted
by Reno Bike Project 21 Mar '14

21 Mar '14

Use this area to offer a short teaser of your email's content. Text here will show in the preview area of some email clients. ------------------------------------------------------------ http://us3.campaign-archive1.com/?u=896cc830d9fae0be048de1d03&id=a17865c53c… ** Mechanic/Educator Wanted ------------------------------------------------------------ Status: full time (30-40 h/wk) Application Deadline April 1, 2014 Submit Resume's to: noah(a)renobikeprojet.com or at 541 E. 4th Street. Reno, NV 89512 Reno Bike Project is seeking an experienced mechanic who can teach as well as repair bikes. RBP is a non-profit community bike shop dedicated to creating an affordable resource for the community to learn, buy and repair bicycles. Our team works one-on-one with the public to educate and assist them in bike repair, as well as offering a full repair shop. PROFILE This is not your typical Mechanic position in your typical shop. This job consists of two major roles; fixing bikes and teaching others to fix bikes, but you may be asked to assist with a wide scope of activities and you will be required to wear many different hats. We serve a wide range of people from bicycle hobbyist to college students to Reno's homeless population in repairing their bicycles, answering questions and other general customer service duties. You will be required to conduct repairs to the highest quality on a wide range of bicycles since we work on bikes of all varieties and ages. We feel that the repairs we carry out on our customers' bikes represent us as a shop; therefore any repair should be completed to the best of your ability. Besides operating a full service repair shop our organization is committed to helping people learn about bicycle repair/maintenance and offers 6 public workstations that are available during open hours for the public to utilize our tools and the knowledge of our staff to repair their own bike. People from all walks of life and skill levels use our shop to fix their bikes and sometimes that can be a challenge so patience and a good attitude are mandatory attributes for this job. If you enjoy helping people one to one and wish to help provide our community with a valuable resource then this might be the job for you. Job Description: Mechanic/Educator The Mechanic/Educator’s primary duty is to work with the Shop Manager to handle service and builds but may be asked to assist customers in all aspects of customer service. The Mechanic/Educator is the main resource for customers checked into the public workstations. The following reflects management's definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. 1. Perform bicycle repair, maintenance, and walk-in services on customers' bicycles as needed. 2. Deliver professional, accessible, and helpful customer service to a diverse customer base. 3. Support daily bike shop operations. 4. Responsible for properly taking in service work including correctly filling out service work orders, scheduling an appropriate amount of repairs and completing those repairs in a timely manner. 5. Advises and assists customers with their product selection without bias. 6. Develops and maintains knowledge expertise of all merchandise in department to effectively assist customers with accurate information. 7. Assists with bike sales and any other bike floor duties as needed. 8. Maintains a clean and safe workstation. 9. Performs other duties as assigned by the bike shop manager. 10. Help with shop maintenance and construction projects. 11. Work with the Volunteer Coordinator on a weekly basis to manage shop volunteers. ** COMPENSATION: Negotiable depending on skill level and experience. ------------------------------------------------------------ ** Heading 4 ------------------------------------------------------------ Variable content blocks: Variable content sections (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=896cc830d9fae0be04…) are noted with plus and minus signs so that you can add and subtract content blocks and also a drop-down selector that allows you to choose which type of content block to display. ============================================================ About Us Reno Bike Project (RBP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community bicycle shop and advocacy group committed to creating a nationally recognized, cycling-friendly community through advocacy, education, and cooperation in the Truckee Meadows. Reno Bike Project achieves its mission by: * Making cycling more accessible through recycling and recirculation of used bikes into the community at affordable prices. * Holding bike mechanics workshops and encouraging self-sufficiency by providing a space for community members to repair their own bicycles rather than incur maintenance costs. * Promoting and holding events to encourage bicycle activism. * Working with public officials and other organizations to advocate for cycling rights and growth in the Truckee Meadows. * Complementing other local groups to encourage youth safety and cycling-related arts and culture, and contributing to Reno's continual growth as a diverse and vibrant community. * Keeping an open mind to all cycling needs and ideas and helping to facilitate positive growth. 541 E. 4th St, Reno, NV 89512 | Wed. - Fri. 10am - 6pm, Sat. 10am-5pm | 775-323-4488 ** Like us on Facebook (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=896cc830d9fae0be0…) ** Follow us on Twitter (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=896cc830d9fae0be0…) ** View our photos on flickr (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=896cc830d9fae0be04…) ** unsubscribe from this list (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage2.com/unsubscribe?u=896cc830d9fae0be0…) | ** update subscription preferences (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage.com/profile?u=896cc830d9fae0be048de1…) This email was sent to thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org why did I get this? (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage.com/about?u=896cc830d9fae0be048de1d0…) unsubscribe from this list (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage2.com/unsubscribe?u=896cc830d9fae0be0…) update subscription preferences (http://renobikeproject.us3.list-manage.com/profile?u=896cc830d9fae0be048de1…) Reno Bike Project · 541 E 4th St, Reno, NV, United States · Reno, NV 89512 · USA Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…

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Job Posting - Mecahnic / Collective Member at OCB VANCOUVER
by allison karow 19 Mar '14

19 Mar '14

Hi old friends!! Here is a job posting for a mechanic / collective member position at Our Community Bikes in Vancouver, BC. Please consider applying if you are Canadian or can obtain a Canadian work visa! Our shop is really fun and great, we get super busy in the summer, so we are hiring for May 1st. Feel free to send me a private message if you have questions about work visas.

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Shop Proceedures
by Tegan Moss [B!KE] 19 Mar '14

19 Mar '14

Hi All, There has been a call from our board of directors to produce a shop proceedures manual. This would include everything from opening and closing to running payroll. I am curious if anyone has an example of a shop proceedure manual they would be up for sharing? Thanks, Tegan -- B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop 336 Rubidge St, Peterborough ON (705) 775-7227 communitybikeshop.org

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Building Bikes as Corporate Team Activity?
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 18 Mar '14

18 Mar '14

I was contacted some time ago by a company several years ago that did workshops that used assembling bicycles as an exercise in building corporate teamwork. I was called in to inspect the assembled bikes for safety and fine tune them. This was done at local hotel. I was well paid. The assembled bikes were donated to the local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club. After 3 days, the training company moved to their next client. From my viewpoint, It was a nice windfall, but nothing was done to foster a cycling lifestyle. Some children got bikes. Some employees got some teamwork skills. I paid some bills. I leave it to you to decide how it sits with your philosophy. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Adonia Lugo" <adonia.lugo(a)gmail.com> To: "The Think Tank" <Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Building Bikes as Corporate Team Activity? Date: Fri, Mar 14, 2014 11:21 am Dear collectivistas, I'm looking for advice from folks who use bike repair as a community building tool. What do you think about building bikes as a corporate team building exercise? I work for the League of American Bicyclists, and someone pitched a project to us called Bikes for Goodness Sake that does this; they have teams build kids' bikes and then give them away at the end of the day. The dude doing this, Mark Smith, wants to partner with the League in some capacity to help hire a staff person who could coordinate these activities around the country, including hiring local mechanics to do quality control and connecting with local kids' groups. Does this seem weird to you? I told my boss I'd ask around about this model because something about it raises my hackles a little. I like the idea of paying local mechanics to participate, and it seems like there could be a more formal relationship with co-ops or community bike shops as partners. Then maybe participating in an activity like this could be an avenue for the corporate types to get involved with the bike community. At the same time, I'm wary of a model that frames needy kids as some tool for corporate team building. Let me know if you have any questions or thoughts. Thanks! -- Adonia E. Lugo, Ph.D. Bicycle Anthropologist www.urbanadonia.com

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Baltimore youth bicycle program
by bykecollective 17 Mar '14

17 Mar '14

Hi, I am starting a non-profit youth bicycle program in Baltimore, and would like to send word out for support from then bike collective community. The Baltimore Youth Kinetic Energy (BYKE) Collective is a youth empowerment organization designed to develop personal and professional skills through learning bicycle mechanics, safe ridership, community values and respect. For our video and more information, check us out at http://fusionpartnerships.wordpress.com/sponsored-projects/baltimore-youth-… Like us on Facebook for updates! Thanks, Chavi Rhodes, MPH Baltimore Youth Kinetic Energy Collective bykecollective(a)gmail.com (410) 989-3806 https://www.facebook.com/BYKECollective https://twitter.com/BYKECollective

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Building Bikes as Corporate Team Activity?
by Henry Dunbar 16 Mar '14

16 Mar '14

Regarding having to rescue corporate bike builds when they get cheap bikes, I think this is where the League can be of great service. When we were approached last year about participating in the exercise, i asked where they were getting the bikes, the corporate HR person said, "I don't know. Amazon." After picking up the phone from the floor, I begged her to let me buy them through our supplier. She agreed, and though they got fewer bikes, we were all better served by the experience. The League can help educate potential partners that they do us no favors by buying the cheapest bikes available and then dumping them on a local coop. -- Henry T. Dunbar Executive Director Phoenix Bikes 703.575.7762 Shop 703.517.5017 Cell phoenixbikes.org We are One of the Best, as featured in the 2012-13 Catalogue for Philanthrop<http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy-dc.org/cfpdc/index.php> y.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Building Bikes as Corporate Team Activity?
by Henry Dunbar 15 Mar '14

15 Mar '14

I think each local group will need to tailor these to get what they can. I could see the League as being a broker to match up Corporations with local youth programs. Then the onus is on them to cultivate the relationship. We did this last year with a major construction company. We actually asked them to do the exercise with adult bikes that were donated to us to put in our sale stock. They still had to be gone over by youth and staff mechanics as a quality control check, so the kids learned from the experience, and got the rare (at least in our shop) chance to work on new bikes. Plus we benefited from the revenue boost of getting 12 very gently used bikes to sell, and started a great relationship with a company that we hope will pay dividends later. I agree with Karen that we're not about just giving bikes to kids. -- Henry T. Dunbar Executive Director Phoenix Bikes 703.575.7762 Shop 703.517.5017 Cell phoenixbikes.org We are One of the Best, as featured in the 2012-13 Catalogue for Philanthrop<http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy-dc.org/cfpdc/index.php> y.

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Brief, clear traffic safety sheet?
by Paul Nagel 15 Mar '14

15 Mar '14

Hello, We're about to donate our first small batch of refurbished bikes to a women's shelter along with locks, lights, and helmets. We would also like to include a simple paper that communicates some bike safety essentials, as we might not have the opportunity to do an in-person discussion. This sheet should mention riding with traffic, being visible, staying aware. Clear visuals should be clear as literacy or attentiveness may be an issue in some cases. Guides such as "Bicycling Street Smarts", we feel, would not be read by most recipients in this situation, and the important points would be lost among the detail. Does anyone know of a simple, clear sheet already available? We don't believe everything can be boiled down to a single sheet, but hope that we can communicate some important basics in this way. Thank you, Paul Nagel The Bicycle Tree shop: (714) 760-4681 811 N. Main St. Santa Ana, CA 92701 http://www.thebicycletree.org info(a)thebicycletree.org

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Brief, clear traffic safety sheet?
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 15 Mar '14

15 Mar '14

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Building Bikes as Corporate Team Activity?
by Adonia Lugo 15 Mar '14

15 Mar '14

Dear collectivistas, I'm looking for advice from folks who use bike repair as a community building tool. What do you think about building bikes as a corporate team building exercise? I work for the League of American Bicyclists, and someone pitched a project to us called Bikes for Goodness Sake<http://bikesforgoodnesssake.org/> that does this; they have teams build kids' bikes and then give them away at the end of the day. The dude doing this, Mark Smith, wants to partner with the League in some capacity to help hire a staff person who could coordinate these activities around the country, including hiring local mechanics to do quality control and connecting with local kids' groups. Does this seem weird to you? I told my boss I'd ask around about this model because something about it raises my hackles a little. I like the idea of paying local mechanics to participate, and it seems like there could be a more formal relationship with co-ops or community bike shops as partners. Then maybe participating in an activity like this could be an avenue for the corporate types to get involved with the bike community. At the same time, I'm wary of a model that frames needy kids as some tool for corporate team building. Let me know if you have any questions or thoughts. Thanks! -- Adonia E. Lugo, Ph.D. Bicycle Anthropologist www.urbanadonia.com

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Fwd: FW: [bike-equity] Scholarship opportunity for female mechanics
by Sarah McCullough 15 Mar '14

15 Mar '14

Apologies if this was already posted and I missed it in the archives. Great opportunity! From: Carolyn Szczepanski <carolyn(a)bikeleague.org> Date: Friday, March 14, 2014 at 5:20 AM To: "bike-equity-network(a)googlegroups.com" < bike-equity-network(a)googlegroups.com> Subject: [bike-equity] Scholarship opportunity for female mechanics Up to $4,000 in Scholarships Available SRAM, QBP and UBI are jointly offering two scholarships for female mechanics to attend United Bicycle Institute (UBI). This opportunity is open to aspiring or experienced bike mechanics and women that would like to increase their technical knowledge to further their career in the bike industry. This scholarship will cover either the 1 week Advanced Certification Seminars (ideal for more experienced mechanics) or the more intensive 2-week Professional Shop Repair and Operations class for those with little or no mechanical experience. This open call for applications opens February 21st and will close March 22nd. Scholarship winners will be notified via email by April 4th. More here.<http://www.qbp.com/femalemechanic/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&u…> * CAROLYN SZCZEPANSKI*, *Director of Communications, Women Bike* CAROLYN(a)BIKELEAGUE.ORG | 202-621-5452 *THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS* WWW.BIKELEAGUE.ORG/WOMENBIKE <http://www.bikeleague.org/womenbike> TWITTER <https://twitter.com/BikeLeague> | FACEBOOK<http://www.facebook.com/leagueamericanbicyclists> | YOUTUBE <http://www.youtube.com/user/bikeleaguevideo> *Make every ride count in the National Bike Challenge <https://nationalbikechallenge.org/> -- it's fun, free and ALL NEW in 2014! Register today! <https://nationalbikechallenge.org/> * -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Bike Equity Network" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to bike-equity-network+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to bike-equity-network(a)googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. -- Sarah Rebolloso McCullough, PhD Associate Director for the Center for the Humanities UC San Diego 530-601-1149 smcc(a)ucdavis.edu

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Photos of your workshop for Bike!Bike! Southeast
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 12 Mar '14

12 Mar '14

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Loomio is crowdfunding!
by Jesse Doud 11 Mar '14

11 Mar '14

A handful of bicycle collectives have been using Loomio for a while now. We use it at Mechanical Tempest, and the last co-op I was a part of, Adelaide Bike Kitchen, uses it extensively. It's free and open source, and built by a small worker-owned co-op in new zealand, of which I'm proud to be a member of. We have an amazing global community of contributors who have translated loomio into 17 languages, most recently ukrainian and russian. We're aiming achieve the big vision of creating a world were everyone is a part of decisions that affect them, while staying free and independent from corporate and political interest. If you have a moment, check out the video at love.loomio.org. If the project fits your values, or think it could work for your shop, join us to be a part of this thing by sharing it around / contributing any way that feels right. Bike Love from Aotearoa New Zealand, Jesse

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Photos of your workshop for Bike!Bike! Southeast
by Justin Pogge 11 Mar '14

11 Mar '14

We are doing a workshop on setting up your work space. If anyone has nice photos of their organization solutions please send them along to me at oldfieldcycles(a)gmail.com . There wasa great slide show in new Orleans. Cannot remember what shop it was from.

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Pricing Question!
by La Bikery 11 Mar '14

11 Mar '14

Hi! I'm emailing from La Bikery Co-operative in Moncton, NB. We're in the middle of some discussions about pricing out our used/pre-loved parts, and are looking for some feedback from other co-ops and community shops! What have you done? What works? What doesn't? What has community reaction been to pricing vs. by-donation vs. free used parts? Any feedback helps! Thanks a lot. -- *Coopérative La Bikery Co-operative * *Centre de vélo communautaire /Community Bicycle Centre* *120 boul. Assomption blvd, Moncton NB* *Jeudis: 17 h à 20 h/Thursdays pm-8pm* *Samedis 11 h à 14 h/Saturdays 11am-2pm* www.labikery.ca

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Fwd: Pricing Question!
by momoko saunders 11 Mar '14

11 Mar '14

The think tank does not allow attachments, :( here's a link to the wiki http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/images/b/b1/Bike_Farm_Pricing_Guide.jpeg You can also see on our page our previous pricing guide, maybe download both and see if one works better for you. On Mon, Mar 10, 2014 at 8:47 AM, <wormsign(a)gmail.com> wrote: > At brw we have suggested prices for most items i.e. less than or equal to > $4 for rear derailleurs in the bin. For fancier parts we look up market > value (as judged by completed sales on eBay) and generally cut that price > in half. We have a policy that used parts aren't sold unless being put on a > bike. He enforcement of this policy is at the discretion of those on hand > at the shop at the time. We prefer to have parts available for folks we > know need them to get their bikes working and hoarders/pickers tend to take > the most needed parts if they can. We have a full sliding scale on used > parts as well. > > Enzo Loconte > Board Secretary > Bikerowave > > On Mar 10, 2014, at 5:14 AM, La Bikery <labikery(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Hi! > > I'm emailing from La Bikery Co-operative in Moncton, NB. > > We're in the middle of some discussions about pricing out our > used/pre-loved parts, and are looking for some feedback from other co-ops > and community shops! What have you done? What works? What doesn't? What > has community reaction been to pricing vs. by-donation vs. free used parts? > > Any feedback helps! Thanks a lot. > > -- > *Coopérative La Bikery Co-operative * > *Centre de vélo communautaire /Community Bicycle Centre* > *120 boul. Assomption blvd, Moncton NB* > > *Jeudis: 17 h à 20 h/Thursdays pm-8pm* > *Samedis 11 h à 14 h/Saturdays 11am-2pm* > > www.labikery.ca > > ____________________________________ > > The ThinkTank mailing List > <a href=" > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o…">Unsubscribe > from this list</a> > > > ____________________________________ > > The ThinkTank mailing List > <a href=" > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o…">Unsubscribe > from this list</a> > > >

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The Bike Depot in Denver is hiring a Service Department Lead
by Ryan Schutz 06 Mar '14

06 Mar '14

We need a new Service Department Lead at The Bike Depot, know anyone that wants to move to Denver? ----------------------------------------------------------------- Are you an experienced bike mechanic who wants to change the world? The Bike Depot is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community bike shop<http://www.excelsports.com/main.asp?sitecomingfrom=303cycling>that supports Denver communities with a range of bicycling programs, services and products. We have a full service Bike Shop offering used bikes, parts and accessories, an affordable Service menu, and a Fix-your-Bike program where anyone can work on their bike with our tools and assistance from our expert corps of volunteers. The Bike Depot is seeking an experienced and motivated professional bike mechanic to serve as our service department lead. Applicants must be able to perform quality, high volume service work and refurbish used/donated bikes for resale while providing support and oversight to our team of paid and volunteer mechanics. Essential Functions General * Along with other staff, ensure the Bike Depot is maintained in a clean and safe manner at all times. * Willingness and ability to explain concepts related to bike repair and maintenance to program participants and volunteers. * Assist with the sale of bicycles, components and accessories, including use of point our of sale system. Service * Execute high quality repairs and tune-ups on commercial service. * Execute efficient and high quality restoration, overhaul and tuning of a range of used bicycles. * Provide department oversight and ensure quality of repair and restoration work. * Manage service schedule including: service check-ins, service writing, scheduling work orders, on time completion of work orders, documentation of repairs and communication with customers. * Maintain an up-to-date Service Menu. * With Retail Supervisor ensure that the sales floor is stocked with a variety of used bikes. * Ensure that all service related phone calls, requests, and questions are addressed properly and in a timely manner. * Manage system to ensure all service customers are contacted regularly for payment and pickup. * With Retail Supervisor manage service area inventory. * Oversight of pricing and management of used parts. * Train new staff on Service Department procedures and expectations. * Other special projects as needed. Experience/Education * Working knowledge of non-profits. * Minimum of 2 years working in commercial bike shop<http://www.excelsports.com/main.asp?sitecomingfrom=303cycling> . * Minimum of one year working as or with volunteers. * Experience with employee and/or team management. Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications * Extensive technical and mechanical knowledge of bicycles and bicycle products. * Knowledge of and interest in refurbishing older bicycles. * Experience with wheel building, bleeding and maintaining hydraulic brake systems and overhaul and maintenance of suspension systems. * Passion for bicycles and bicycling communities. * Ability to instruct others in bicycle repair procedures. * Demonstrated understanding of volunteer systems and management. * Advanced team building skills. * Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail. * Solid knowledge of basic office operating systems, and ability to learn new systems. * Solid oral and written communication skills. * Demonstrated accounting/inventory control experience helpful. Equipment * Access to a personal computer Physical Effort Required * Regular lifting of 50+ pounds Please provide a Cover Letter and Resume and respond with "Service Lead" in the Subject line to jobs(a)thebikedepot.org Applications accepted through 3/7/2014 -- Ryan Schutz Executive Director, The Bike Depot 720-278-8183 ryan(a)thebikedepot.org

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NYS on bikecollectives.org map (plus BBNE headsup)
by breathingplanet . 06 Mar '14

06 Mar '14

in preparing this i realized that bikecollectives.org has been redone (which looks great!) and we are no longer on the map, and many of the shops below neither. how do we get on there? i registered for an account, but cant seem to find out how to get a node on the map. also, importantly, i would like to get all these nodes on the map. does that basically mean someone from each site must register? if so, it should be a little easier, imo. if anyone knows how to get on the map let me know know. for the purposes of this talk I am giving, I guess I will have to make our own NYS map, though i hate to reinvent the wheel, when it looks so good. Matt in Utica: maybe you and I can work together to get NYS more represented, or perhaps that is a way NYBC could help? http://bikeatoga.org/ Saratoga Springs, NY http://troybikerescue.org http://albanybikerescue.org/ http://uticabikerescue.org/ http://www.rcommunitybikes.net/ (rochester) Electric City Bike Rescue (schenectady; no website yet) http://times-up.org/bike-co-op http://gobikebuffalo.org/programs/community-workshop/<http://www.recycleabicycle.org/> http://www.communitybikes.org/ Hamilton, NY Also BikeBike Northeast is being planned for August of 2014 in Boston. IS ANYONE IN THAT WORKING GROUP ON THIS LIST? or did I just become the de facto liason ;) Andrew in Troy, NY ---- On Sat, Mar 1, 2014 at 9:40 PM, breathingplanet . <breathingplanet(a)gmail.com > wrote: > Greetings, > My colleague and I are charged with giving a brief presentation to a big > cycling club about community bike projects in NYS this coming week. I am > looking to make contact with as many representatives as possible, and > mainly am looking for projects in addition to the ones listed below. > > Whats the context here? Well, the New York Bicycling Coalition has met > with a few of us and is exploring how they can get involved in supporting > the community bike project movement. For starters, they want to network us > in some way and profile our work on a part of their website. but for > starters... *who are we?* (and do we check email:)) The little talk we > are giving will kind of kick off this endeavour in a way because the club > demographically represents their 'base' to some extent. > > here is a list of active projects i know of: > http://bikeatoga.org/ > http://troybikerescue.org > http://albanybikerescue.org/ > http://uticabikerescue.org/ > http://www.rcommunitybikes.net/ (rochester) > Electric City Bike Rescue (schenectady; no website yet) > http://times-up.org/bike-co-op > http://www.recycleabicycle.org/ > > -i have heard that there is a project at Vassar college. truth? > -there used to be Biketopia in plattsburgh. still happenin? > -there was once something at SUNY Cortland > -anyone know whats happening in Ithaca these days? > -Binghamton? Buffalo? > > if you are a representative of an active NYS community bike project, > please be in touch and send me a brief statement on your current 'status' > and a link to a picture you think is a good representative for a > powerpoint. otherwise i will do my best internet harvest. > > Thanks all! > > Andrew Lynn > Troy Bike Rescue > troy, ny > > -- > ------__o > ----_`\<,_ > ---(_)/ (_) > andrew lynn 518-573-7947 > > > > > -- ------__o ----_`\<,_ ---(_)/ (_) andrew lynn 518-573-7947

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NON-Profit SHOP MANAGER Wanted
by Chauncey Tudhope-Locklear 06 Mar '14

06 Mar '14

*ReCyclery Bike Shop Manager and Lead MechanicPort Townsend, WAThe ReCyclery is a non-profit community cycling center in Port Townsend, WA. We are seeking a part time shop manager to join our amazing team in April of this year. Check out our website at ptrecyclery.org <http://ptrecyclery.org/>. We are looking for a dynamic leader with a passion for cycling, community, kids, the environment, and leadership. Applicant should have at least one year of shop experience or equivalent, have a work ethic that values showing up on time and working hard, and should be able to work efficiently in a multifaceted and complex environment. Port Townsend is a beautiful seaport with a colorful history and an amazing community. Check out ptguide.com <http://ptguide.com/>. View the job description below and send a cover letter and resume with "Shop Manager application" in the subject line to Chauncey Tudhope-Locklear (CBO), to chauncey(a)ptrecyclery.org <chauncey(a)ptrecyclery.org>. Thanks for taking the time to apply and good luck!Position Summary: The Bike Shop Manager assumes primary responsibility for leading The ReCyclery Bike Shop in fulfillment of its mission and vision, which includes managing daily operations, ensuring outstanding customer service, overseeing shop finances, managing and developing staff, and leading shop development and growth. The Manager Reports to the Executive Director (E.D.) and we ask for a minimum commitment of at least 1 year.Employee Classification: Salaried, average 34 hours per week, $1,667 per monthBenefits: 10 days paid vacation, 7 Paid Holidays, 7 days sick leave, 4 weeks leave without pay with E.D. approval of timing, wholesale price + sales tax for bike parts, 1 whole free bike per year using used parts with E. D. approval, up to $800 for education, 2 days paid training, 2 hours per week of paid cycle coaching/riding with our middle school mountain bike team "The Killer Whales".Primary Responsibilities:1. Manage daily Bike Shop operations (20%) - Oversee the scheduling of work (repair, maintenance, walk-in, and bike building); supervise a part-time Mechanic Oversee the ordering of supplies, parts and equipment; Oversee the procurement and processing of bicycle donations- Help develop and supervise an inventory system for the shop, including warehouse inventory, back stock, and donations processing;- Oversee the pricing of bikes, parts and accessories- Ensure a clean and organized work environment in the shop, attic and shipping container- Ensure an organized and attractive shop front, including new and used merchandise displays and educational information 2. Perform bicycle repair, maintenance, and walk-in services on customer bicycles of all types and conditions (20%) - Communicate with customers about their bikes, diagnosis, estimate of repair costs, and what can fit their budget- Ensure a clear understanding by reviewing repair tags with customers and/or shop staff 3. Recondition/overhaul used bicycles of all types and conditions for resale (20%) - Assess bike for damage and/or wear; determine a course of action according to parts availability and cost- Repair bike to yield a safe, fully functional, and clean product 4. Help oversee the fiscal operations and monitor the financial health of the Shop (10%) - Work with the E.D. to develop annual shop budget, sales goals, and resource allocations- Monitor revenue and expenses according to budget, reporting monthly to E.D.- Train and supervise shop staff in maintaining accurate records in our Point of Sale database and Close of Day transactions 5. Help oversee shop staff management and development (10%) - Recruit, hire, and schedule shop staff as needed, in collaboration with the E.D.- Train, motivate, supervise, and evaluate shop staff- Maintain the Bike Shop as a safe place for local youth by setting a high standard of behavior for employees- Supervise, motivate and develop the capabilities of youth apprentices working in the shop 6. Help guide Bike Shop business strategy, growth & development (10%) - Oversee the development of the Shop business plan and annual work plan- Oversee Shop capacity building projects and supervise staff and volunteer work on these projects7. Support youth programs and volunteer activities (5%) - Supervise of Bicycle Leadership program apprentices- Collaborate with Program Director and Lead Mechanic to develop curriculum and evaluations for Bicycle Leadership program- Supervise Recycling & Reuse Coordinator to keep programs supplied with bikes and parts from donations 8. Participate in strategic thinking process, to develop a long-term mission driven strategic plan, and to create annual operational plans. (5%) - Participate in staff, leadership team, shop and board meetings* -- Sincerely, Chauncey Tudhope-Locklear (Executive Director) The ReCyclery 1925 Blaine St. STE #500 Port Townsend, WA 98368 360-643-0734 (personal cell) 360-643-1755 (shop) www.ptrecyclery.org "Health and Sustainability through Bicycles"

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shout out for Bike!Bike! southeast
by Justin Pogge 04 Mar '14

04 Mar '14

this is just another plug for the Southeastern conference, if you know of fledgling organizations or interested people who may be off our radar, please help us get them plugged into this event. also, the invite is definitely extended to anyone interested outside of our region. its going to be a great time with great people. we just got confirmation from one of the people at the local maker space and he is going to bring a makerbot and have a little demo of how the machines work and then make some cool open source bike stuff for people at the workshop. its a little outside the realm of our normal workshops, but its going to be a great fun addition. there will also be some bike rides, bike polo playing, karaoke and a dance party Saturday night! http://www.bikebike.org/conferences/Tallahassee2014 https://www.facebook.com/events/713479262019472/713479268686138/?notif_t=li… -- www.oldfieldcycles.blogspot.com

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National bike summit -who's here?
by momoko saunders 02 Mar '14

02 Mar '14

Who all is going to the national bike summit. Want to meet up at some point and talk bike collectives! -momoko

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