- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Tool Theft
by MoBo Bicycle Co-op 09 Apr '12

09 Apr '12

Hi Collective Brilliance! At MoBo, we were wondering how other bike co-ops cut down on tool theft. We check out a collection of tools to members which they sign in and out. These tools are reviewed at check in and out but that hasn't seemed to prevent tool theft. We aren't talking tire levers here; we are talking wheel dishing tools, truing stand and cone wrenches. We have turned the place upside down thinking they were misplaced but in most cases, they are gone. (Yes, even the truing stand). What have other bike co-ops done when they've encountered potential tool theft? What measures have you taken to stop it? Thanks in advance! Ellie Nava-Jones -- MoBo Bicycle Cooperative a project of The Village Green Foundation 1415 Knowlton St. Cincinnati, OH www.mobobicyclecoop.org

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Lots and lots of cheap helmets, please!
by Jody Orlovick 09 Apr '12

09 Apr '12

All, We have historically ordered helmets in bulk for bikeathons, bike camp, etc from Helmets R Us, but we’re looking to drive the price even lower this year, as we’re sharing our budget with other outlets. Does anyone know of a helmet donor, or another outlet that provide? Our quantity is roughly 200, so we get dinged pretty largely on shipping costs as well. Suggestions appreciated!! Thanks!

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Bike Storage
by Tim Buckingham 06 Apr '12

06 Apr '12

We are expanding the Broke Spoke Community Bike Shop from 500 sqft to a 2,500sqft space with 15 ft ceilings. It our current space we have rows of hooks on the wall and just hang the bikes from the wheel. What are other ways folks are storing bikes? Send photos if you can. Tim thebrokespoke.org

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Community Cycles in Action - March 31, 2012
by Rich Points 04 Apr '12

04 Apr '12

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtK1fF_l4_c&feature=channel -- Rich Points Community Cycles Executive Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019 (W) 303-589-0597 (C) CC is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on FaceBook http://facebook.com/home.php#!/CommunityCycles Volunteer orientations are held 6p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of each month.

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Any one in Ohio need a software grant?
by momoko saunders 04 Apr '12

04 Apr '12

I have a dream of attaining a software that is specifically designed for bike collectives. A software building company in Ohio has a grant for 100,000 of software design to a non-profit. http://edgecase.com/nonprofit If any Ohio bike collective wants to work on this, I'd be very interested in helping. -Momoko

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Chicago cycling exhibit including bike coops
by Paul Nagel 02 Apr '12

02 Apr '12

Hello, Last week, an exhibit entitled "Bikes! The Green Revolution" opened at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago, a fairly large museum that attracted around 300,000 visitors last year. From what I've seen and heard, it's well done (I'm in California and haven't seen it in person). I've read that Alex Wilson of Chicago's West Town Bikes (http://westtownbikes.org/) provided a great deal of input for the exhibit's development. In addition to touching on the history and culture of cycling, bike commuting, and other aspects, the exhibit includes hands-on learning bike mechanic stuff. To quote from a blogger (John Greenfield) who visited the exhibit: "The model bike shop highlights the work of local nonprofits like World Bicycle Relief, Working Bikes Cooperative and Project Mobility, which provides adaptive bikes to people with disabilities, and has how-to videos featuring mechanics from West Town, Blue City Cycles and more" I co-curated a companion art exhibit entitled "Monsters on Bikes!" with Monster Kat of Los Angeles. Although only about a third of the art is on display at the museum at this time, all of the art can be seen on Kat's website here: http://monstersonbikes.weebly.com . Thought this might be of interest to many of you on this list. The exhibit is scheduled to run through September 9th. Some links below. Museum website: http://naturemuseum.org Local FOX TV station spot: http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/metro/bicycle-bike-exhibit-peggy-noteb… Blogs/etc.: http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/are-you-featured-in-the-nature-mus… http://gridchicago.com/2012/a-sneak-preview-of-the-bikes-the-green-revoluti… http://chicargobike.blogspot.com/2012/03/bikes-green-revolution-at-notebaer… -Paul Nagel The Bicycle Tree P.O. Box 11293 Santa Ana, CA 92711 http://www.thebicycletree.org info(a)thebicycletree.org

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Re: [TheThinkTank] [cooks] Fwd: Bicycling magazine: 50 Rides story
by james bledsoe 28 Mar '12

28 Mar '12

Hi Evelyn, You have reached the Bicycle Kitchen We are community service promoting bicycles as a better way to get around the recreation and sport is secondary. If bicycling magazine did a profile of our type of organization that would be supper. There is a "clearing house" of sorts www.bikecollectives.org/ where one can find links in the directory to hundreds of organizations like the Bicycle Kitchen. Now on to your question, Again there is something going on in Los Angeles know as http://midnightridazz.com/ . On this web site you will find social rides listed for every night of the year some times as many as three or four. The type of rides are diverse ranging from strictly slow paced social events to the wolfpac hustle, a weekly fast ride. Check out these two aspects contemporary cycling. While they may not fit completely with your current project they are truly powerful aspects of modern bicycling. thanks jim --- On Mon, 3/26/12, Hazel Hartman <hazel.hair(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: Hazel Hartman <hazel.hair(a)gmail.com> Subject: [cooks] Fwd: Bicycling magazine: 50 Rides story To: "cooks" <kitchen-cooks(a)bicyclekitchen.com> Date: Monday, March 26, 2012, 3:18 PM Hello, I will forward your request to our volunteers! Thanks and good luck Hazel Begin forwarded message: From: Evelyn Spence <evspence(a)gmail.com> Date: March 26, 2012 9:26:54 AM PDT To: undisclosed-recipients:; Subject: Bicycling magazine: 50 Rides story Hello there! My name is Evelyn Spence, and I'm a freelance writer for Bicycling magazine. We're working on a big story for an upcoming issue: We'd like to choose the best bike ride in each of the 50 states. Yes, it's impossible to pick just one, but we're trying to figure out classic rides all across the country....and we thought that local bike shops would be a great way to start. And, of course, your shop might get a shout-out in the magazine. Basically, if you could recommend ONE ride in your state, what would it be? We are open to all suggestions, but the majority of the routes will be road rides for an aspiring/enthusiastic, not insanely hardcore, cyclist. We're open to some mountain biking if that's the ultimate experience in your state--and, similarly, we're open to a beach cruise or urban ride if that captures your state the best. Also, we'd like unorganized routes rather than timed/official "events" if possible. If you could include a short description of what the route is like or why it deserves to be The One, that will really help us make our final decision. Please forward to anyone who might be interested in helping! And thanks for your suggestions. Best, Evelyn -- Evelyn Spence • evspence(a)gmail.com -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Kitchen-cooks mailing list Kitchen-cooks(a)bicyclekitchen.com http://four.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/kitchen-cooks

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Film
by Karen Overton 25 Mar '12

25 Mar '12

Beijing bicycle is a great film. It has sub titles. It does a great job of portraying what a bicycle means to young people from different walks of life in China and how a conflict was solved creatively. On Mar 22, 2012 12:39 PM, "Amanda Chilson" <achilson(a)nbccoalition.org> wrote: > As we continue to plan out our bike week we are in search of good bike > documentaries, films or shorts, any suggestions? We are really trying to > emphasize bike commuting., but open for any and all suggestions. Thank you! > > -- > *Amanda Chilson* > *Project Coordinator Mass in Motion* > *Northern Berkshire Community Coalition* > * > * > *61 Main St. Suite 218* > *North Adams, MA 01247* > *413-663-7588 Ext. 16* > *nbccoalition.org* > > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > To manage your subscription, plase visit: > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >

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Community-Research Projects
by Katherine McIlveen-Brown 24 Mar '12

24 Mar '12

Hi All, New to the list serve, just wanted to introduce myself! I work for an organization called Charlie's FreeWheels (charliesfreewheels.ca). We're a youth-group based in Toronto. We're hoping do do a community-participatory research project this summer to try to identify barriers that limit youth from cycling in Toronto. We're thinking of having a video documentary component to the project, as well as a participatory mapping exercise. Has anyone had any experience with this type of thing before? Thanks! Katherine

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Community-Research Projects
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 23 Mar '12

23 Mar '12

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Bike Film
by Amanda Chilson 23 Mar '12

23 Mar '12

As we continue to plan out our bike week we are in search of good bike documentaries, films or shorts, any suggestions? We are really trying to emphasize bike commuting., but open for any and all suggestions. Thank you! -- *Amanda Chilson* *Project Coordinator Mass in Motion* *Northern Berkshire Community Coalition* * * *61 Main St. Suite 218* *North Adams, MA 01247* *413-663-7588 Ext. 16* *nbccoalition.org*

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Partnering with public housing
by Micah Thompson 22 Mar '12

22 Mar '12

Does anyone have any experience working with public housing? We were approached to coordinate programming around increasing ridership among public housing patrons. I appreciate any advice that you may be able to offer. Sincerely, Micah Thompson -- Micah Thompson LCI #3275 Youth Programs Coordinator Cycles for Change neé (Sibley Bike Depot) 712 University Ave W, St. Paul, Mn 55104 651-222-2080 419-601-3189 (cell phone) Cycles for Change's mission is to be an open, accessible space to educate and empower people to use bicycles as transportation, helping to build a sustainable environment and community. Volunteer with us to help build a bicycling movement in the Twin Cities!

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new spring video trailer from TBR
by Andrew L 21 Mar '12

21 Mar '12

happy spring everyone! hope to see you soon. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V44jpfHlK54 ------ STAY IN TOUCH! TBR on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/troybikerescue want to follow TBR on twitter? https://twitter.com/#!/TroyBikeRescue new hours on website: http://troybikerescue.org/spaces

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Community Cycles is Hiring a Shop Manager - Boulder Colorado
by Rich 17 Mar '12

17 Mar '12

http://communitycycles.org/component/content/article/49-events/507-shop-man… *Position Title: Community Bike Shop Manager * *Responsibility Statement * The Community Cycles Shop Manager oversees the day-to-day logistics and quality control of the community bike shop. The position is responsible for volunteer, customer and client management, retail sales and inventory. *Reports To*: Executive Director *Essential Functions* *Shop Operations* * Manage, train and develop team of facilitators (high level volunteers). * Support the EAB program with bikes and other shop resources * Along with volunteers, ensure the shop is maintained in a clean, safe manner at all times. * Ensure adequate coverage of all shop positions and shifts to ensure consistent service throughout stated shop hours. * Recruit and help train dedicated volunteers as shop leads and front desk volunteers. * Oversee initial store construction and ongoing maintenance of retail space * Ensure completion and quality of work done; ensure that all phone calls, requests, and questions are addressed properly and in a timely manner. *Administration* * Maintain, organize, and update office files and records. * File invoices, statements, timesheets, and fiscal reports in an organized fashion. * Maintain Operations Metrics Report. * Prepare and submit monthly reports and problems/suggestions to the Executive Director. * Implements procedures to protect the shop's assets. * Ensure retail space is stocked and in an organized, clean state at all times. * Ensure shop van is in running order at all times. *Retail* * Responsible for achieving Retail Sales and Gross Margin targets. * Conduct price surveys to keep price book and service menu up-to-date and maintain pricing inventory knowledge. * Responsible for Retail merchandising and marketing. * Ensure parts and materials are stocked at all times. * Work with Head Mechanic to place orders with vendors for both stock and special orders. * Develop and maintain strict inventory control; inventory to be taken once per quarter. * Ensure retail space is stocked and in an organized, clean state at all times. *Experience/Education* * Non-profit experience preferred * Minimum two years retail experience required * Minimum one year management experience preferred * Minimum one year formal supervision of staff and/or volunteers * Bike shop experience preferred * Experience with marketing and retail merchandising preferred * Current knowledge of a wide variety of bike types, accessories, tools, etc. *Supervision *Daily supervision of paid mechanics and other employees Daily supervision of clients, volunteers and interns *Knowledge, Skills, Abilities* * Advanced supervisory and management skills * Basic understanding of volunteer coordination * Proficiency in windows-based computer software programs * Solid oral and written communication skills. * Experience with budget tracking, cash handling and inventory control * Ability to plan, coordinate, and implement classes and workshops * English/Spanish bilingual preferred *Equipment* * Personal Computer * Cell Phone *Physical Effort Required* * Regular lifting of 50+ pounds * Ability to climb ladders and stairs. *Compensation *The Community Cycles bike shop manager is a full time position, compensation is $13-$15 per hour based on experience. Benefits - Eco Pass, no other benefits, at this time. *TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION* If you would like to apply for this position please copy and paste your resume into the body of an email /and/ attach it as a pdf to an email to resume "at" communitycycles.org *Resumes will be accepted through March 23* -- Rich Points Community Cycles Executive Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019 (W) 303-589-0597 (C) CC is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on FaceBook http://facebook.com/home.php#!/CommunityCycles Volunteer orientations are held 6p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of each month.

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Community Cycles is Hiring a Shop Manager - Boulder Colorado
by Rich 17 Mar '12

17 Mar '12

http://communitycycles.org/component/content/article/49-events/507-shop-man… *Position Title: Community Bike Shop Manager * *Responsibility Statement * The Community Cycles Shop Manager oversees the day-to-day logistics and quality control of the community bike shop. The position is responsible for volunteer, customer and client management, retail sales and inventory. *Reports To*: Executive Director *Essential Functions* *Shop Operations* * Manage, train and develop team of facilitators (high level volunteers). * Support the EAB program with bikes and other shop resources * Along with volunteers, ensure the shop is maintained in a clean, safe manner at all times. * Ensure adequate coverage of all shop positions and shifts to ensure consistent service throughout stated shop hours. * Recruit and help train dedicated volunteers as shop leads and front desk volunteers. * Oversee initial store construction and ongoing maintenance of retail space * Ensure completion and quality of work done; ensure that all phone calls, requests, and questions are addressed properly and in a timely manner. *Administration* * Maintain, organize, and update office files and records. * File invoices, statements, timesheets, and fiscal reports in an organized fashion. * Maintain Operations Metrics Report. * Prepare and submit monthly reports and problems/suggestions to the Executive Director. * Implements procedures to protect the shop's assets. * Ensure retail space is stocked and in an organized, clean state at all times. * Ensure shop van is in running order at all times. *Retail* * Responsible for achieving Retail Sales and Gross Margin targets. * Conduct price surveys to keep price book and service menu up-to-date and maintain pricing inventory knowledge. * Responsible for Retail merchandising and marketing. * Ensure parts and materials are stocked at all times. * Work with Head Mechanic to place orders with vendors for both stock and special orders. * Develop and maintain strict inventory control; inventory to be taken once per quarter. * Ensure retail space is stocked and in an organized, clean state at all times. *Experience/Education* * Non-profit experience preferred * Minimum two years retail experience required * Minimum one year management experience preferred * Minimum one year formal supervision of staff and/or volunteers * Bike shop experience preferred * Experience with marketing and retail merchandising preferred * Current knowledge of a wide variety of bike types, accessories, tools, etc. *Supervision *Daily supervision of paid mechanics and other employees Daily supervision of clients, volunteers and interns *Knowledge, Skills, Abilities* * Advanced supervisory and management skills * Basic understanding of volunteer coordination * Proficiency in windows-based computer software programs * Solid oral and written communication skills. * Experience with budget tracking, cash handling and inventory control * Ability to plan, coordinate, and implement classes and workshops * English/Spanish bilingual preferred *Equipment* * Personal Computer * Cell Phone *Physical Effort Required* * Regular lifting of 50+ pounds * Ability to climb ladders and stairs. *Compensation *The Community Cycles bike shop manager is a full time position, compensation is $13-$15 per hour based on experience. Benefits - Eco Pass, no other benefits, at this time. *TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION* If you would like to apply for this position please copy and paste your resume into the body of an email /and/ attach it as a pdf to an email to resume "at" communitycycles.org *Resumes will be accepted through March 23* -- Rich Points Community Cycles Executive Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019 (W) 303-589-0597 (C) CC is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on FaceBook http://facebook.com/home.php#!/CommunityCycles Volunteer orientations are held 6p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of each month.

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BFF News and Film Project
by brean＠bicyclefilmfestival.com 15 Mar '12

15 Mar '12

Dear BFF Friends We are making a movie about Paris-Roubaix 2012. You can contribute by going to our Kickstarter page, and get yourself a dvd or a book. We ask BFF fans to pass along the information (like on FaceBook) or to contribute themselves. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2105237365/the-commentator Time is short, but we are making a big push to try to get this funding --it is going to be a rad movie. We are also busy finalizing the BFF cities and dates. Please stay tuned. BFF Call For Entries deadline is coming soon. April 1 Check out the site for more info: http://www.bicyclefilmfestival.com/ Thank you, Brean PS --BIKES ROCK PPS --Let us know what you think about the Kickstarter, the Call for Entries, or whatever --we love feedback.

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Lube/Degreaser Storage System?
by Tegan Moss 14 Mar '12

14 Mar '12

Hi All, We seem to have an ongoing storage issue with various lubricants and oils/greases. Right now we have it all on one shelf and dispite many attempts at organization its just not working! Does anyone have a shelving/storage solution that they really love? Thanks! Tegan -- -- B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop 336 Rubidge St, Peterborough ON (705) 775-7227 communitybikeshop.org

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Quick Tool Cut-outs AKA "French Fitting"
by Ron Kellis 07 Mar '12

07 Mar '12

I don't think this will stand up to much abuse, but for some it might be handy for taking tools to an event: http://madmodder.net/index.php?topic=4770.0 Use washer stacks next to the handles to create grasp cut-outs. Recommended product is "Great Stuff" by Dow Chemical Otherwise it is layout and Forstner bits in hardboard (Masonite®), a jigsaw, filing, and a protective coating. Or Photocopies lacquered to pegboard :-) Ron

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Community Bike Shops Untie!
by Jonathan Morrison 06 Mar '12

06 Mar '12

Or was it dyslexics unite? Anyway... Community Bicycle Organizations literally get more people riding more often, which is the heart, soul and goal of Bicycle Advocacy. Making what we do the most immediate and tangible return on time and funding in the Bicycle Advocacy world. So whether we realize it or acknowledge it we are all Bicycle Advocates. The grass roots work that we have been doing has caught the attention of other Bicycle Advocates, who normally focus on infrastructure and policy. There are even Community Bike Organizations that do both. The great question is, how can traditional Bicycle Advocates better help grass roots Bicycle Advocates, and visa versa? The Alliance for Walking and Biking will be hosting a meeting at the National Bike Summit to address this question, and you are invited. We hope you attend, register here: http://communitybikeshops.eventbrite.com This is a very exciting time, ripe with potential, especially given the combined efforts of the Alliance, Bikes Belong and the League of American Bicyclists. http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/index.php/site/blog/4002/ See you in D.C.! 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 The mission of the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective is to promote cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and as a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Bicycle Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households.

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60 degrees and sunny today!
by Jonathan Morrison 05 Mar '12

05 Mar '12

Come down to the Community Bike Shop anytime today and help us dig! We are replacing the broken up black top with recycled bricks, which means we need your help removing dirt and replacing it with bedding sand. 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 The mission of the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective is to promote cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and as a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Bicycle Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households.

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Bike Events for National Bike Month
by Amanda Chilson 01 Mar '12

01 Mar '12

Here in North Adams, MA we have created the Berkshire Bike Committee and we are in the process of organizing bike week from May 13-19, coinciding with the Commonwealth bike week. We are looking to promote bike safety and education in the school and are looking to team up with Safe Routes to School through Mass DOT for this, to bring this into classroom, there are many people that have said we need more time in order to plan a bike to school day than we have now, and that many schools will not be on board for this. Has anyone had to work with schools that were against biking to school, if so what are some tips to break this barrier? Also ideas to include bike safety and education and activities around bikes in schools? To conclude the week we are going to have a bikefest, including bike rodeo, are there any other ideas out there that we could include on this day for kids, adults and/or families? We have a central location where we will be gathering for this and would like to keep activities in this area. We have talked to local businesses for incentives for biking. Any ideas for donations/grants for bikes, helmets, or bike related items? Also open to ideas others have done around bike week, bike to school/work day, and bike month? Thank you for the help! -- *Amanda Chilson* *Project Coordinator Mass in Motion* *Northern Berkshire Community Coalition** *61 Main St. Suite 218* *North Adams, MA 01247* *413-663-7588 Ext. 14* *nbccoalition.org*

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Bike Culture & Conferences
by Ryan Kragerud 29 Feb '12

29 Feb '12

Thanks all for the info on the Volunteer scheduling software/websites. Super helpful. Bicycle Longmont (www.bicyclelongmont.org or www.longmontbikenight.blogspot.com ) has an annual fundraiser cruiser ride called "The G'Knight Ride", (www.gknightride.org) the G'Knight Ride is a family friendly cruiser ride that drew 1200 people in our first year. We've claimed Father's Day weekend for the ride, and it's a good sell - Bikes, Bands & Beer. It goes over well. We are launching our Longmont Bike Garage this year and so much of our proceeds will go toward that endeavor as well as our Kid's Holiday Bike Program where we donate refurbished/donated bikes to low income families. Anyway, this year we want to add an educational component to it and so we're planning a bike focused "conference". I don't like the word "conference" but, that's what it is. We're looking for a keynote speaker and ideas for workshops. Who are some of the really cool speakers you've heard and what are some of the best workshops/sessions you've attended. We're taking referrals for indie bands too. We're up to our eyeballs in blue grass. Not that there's anything wrong with blue grass, mind you. Thanks! Ryan

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Space Rental Advice
by michael kestner 28 Feb '12

28 Feb '12

Hello all, I am new to the list. My name is Mike. I'm looking to get a bike kitchen up and running in my community. For now I am going to fly under the radar as far as taxes and such although that could change once we are a little more organized. My question is this: in searching for a space, does anyone have any advice or maybe some tips to get rent reduced or maybe comped? This sort of thing is new to me so I'm not real sure where to start. I've been working out of my garage but the location is less than ideal to serve those that really could benefit from it. Thank You, Mike

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Online Volunteer Scheduling?
by Ryan Kragerud 28 Feb '12

28 Feb '12

Is anyone using an online scheduling service for volunteer sign ups? Bicycle Longmont (Colorado) has a very successful Bike Valet service. We have a growing number of volunteers willing to help us with our 24 week season and our current meet-up page isn't cutting it any longer. The preferred online website/etc. would allow us to have a volunteer sign up plus allow us to organize rides & events plus message all members, too. Anyone have any options locations or modules we could plug in to our website? Thanks, Ryan Kragerud, President Bicycle Longmont

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advice for space if you are just starting out
by ghetti crowe 28 Feb '12

28 Feb '12

Bicycling in Greensboro (NC) has no paid staff but we run a program where we give socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals rehabbed bicycles. We get them from the Police and college campuses (via our 5013c status). We have a cadre of volunteers that fix up the bicycles and then, those folks getting the bicycles have to take two classes before getting their bicycles. The first is in the classroom and we use LAB certified folks to talk about safe cycling. The second session individuals learn how to change a tire, adjust things on the bicycles and then we take them on a ride around town on the road to practice safe cycling. We take them by the bus depot so that they can see how easy it is to put the bicycle on/off the bicycle. We do not have funds for our own space BUT GSO is home to the Interactive Resource Center, a "one stop shop" for individuals who need help finding housing, jobs etc. They had unused warehouse space that we use. We store tools etc in locked desks and pull everything out when we work on bicycles 1x a month. There is enough space there to spread bicycles out so that we do not have to stack them up on top of each other. Prior to having this great space we had a storage facility donate a 8*10 foot storage shed to us.

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