- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Fwd: West Town Bikes September 2014 e-Newsletter
by Garth Katner 04 Sep '14

04 Sep '14

Hey Folks! I just wanted to share our new e-Newsletter with you. It's the product of much hard work by a number of our youth who are training in organizational development and office management right here at West Town Bikes. Enjoy! gk Garth Katner, Manager Resource Development *West Town Bikes NFP* 2459 W. Division Street Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 772-6523 Office (773) 485-4089 Cell *West Town Bikes* Welcome to our first e-Newsletter! If you're receiving this you must be interested and aware of the work of West Town Bikes. We are a multi-faceted organization that uses bicycles as a tool to help build community; not one that is simply about bicycles. I love bicycles, but I love people even more! I believe that this city can be a better place if everyone used a bike to get around. And I understand that most people have greater concerns than riding a bike. So I ask myself, "How can bikes address people's larger concerns?" How can they help communities with issues about safety, crime, employment, education, housing, and healthcare, just to name a few. Isn't bicycling in comparison a concern for those who can afford it? I believe that bicycles can be part of a simple solution for these complex issues. Using them as a tool to work with Chicago communities, we address many of these concerns. This has put more people on bikes to get around and make the city a better place to live. The work is far from done and we look forward to the continued use of bikes as our tool. We also look forward to keeping you updated, informed and engaged with this our newest tool, the West Town Bikes e-Newsletter! -Alex Wilson, Founder & Executive Director, West Town Bikes <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_40zdnJQiIWWctr4XTwm-ysw5kGQqGWxUvQ2qavICjPG…> Our first-ever Annual Report Card <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_40zdnJQiIWWctr4XTwm-ysw5kGQqGWxUvQ2qavICjPG…> for 2013! Youth Programs The Summer 2014 Bicycle Safety and Repair program yielded the greatest number of participants in West Town Bikes history. With 14 Apprentices and 15 Interns the program saw fresh faces and experienced ones. The youth hosted information tents at community farmers markets as well as managed our Bicycles Valet Parking Service at local events. They also hosted mechanic stations, helping other youth learn to fix there own bicycles. We had several participants that really stood out. Jose is an excellent example of the many leaders our organization produces. He has been participating in our programing for the last three years, taking everything that he learns and putting it into immediate use. As a leader among his peers, he guides them in their own bicycle build, showing them what they can do. He has also taken his bicycle mechanic skills to the next level as an Apprentice at Ciclo Urbano, the West Town Bikes retail shop. Jose has taken all of our programs and utilized them to the fullest, embodying what we want for all our youth. -Lebster Pabon Cyclocross Racing Program Our program kicks off on September 3rd with a meeting and open discussion <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_40zdnJQiIWWctr4XTwm-ysw5kGQqGWxUvQ2qavICjPG…> about who is interested in racing this year. Cyclcoross is a hybrid between mountain bike and road racing. Chicago has a great local series, the Chicago Cross Cup <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_40zdnJQiIWWctr4XTwm-ysw5kGQqGWxUvQ2qavICjPG…>, and our first race is in Caldwell Woods <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_40zdnJQiIWWctr4XTwm-ysw5kGQqGWxUvQ2qavICjPG…> on September 28th. This program will provide sponsorship, mentorship and coaching to juniors and young adults that would otherwise not have the opportunity to participate in cyclocross events. Racing cyclocross requires fitness and teaches commitment and perseverance. The skills, knowledge and friendships gained through participation can help form a socially intelligent and responsible, physically fit, person. The sport of cyclocross benefits from our attendance as it creates diversity and new interest that will help it grow. A few photos from our previous season can be found here <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_40zdnJQiIWWctr4XTwm-ysw5kGQqGWxUvQ2qavICjPG…> . I guarantee we will be having a lot of fun! If you have any questions about the program or sport, contact Michael Young at michael(a)westtownbikes.org or 312-656-1953. -Michael Young Bike Shop We celebrated our 5th year in business back in May! We're are proud to claim that over half our full-time staff are graduates of WTB youth programs. Here's what one of our customers, Jose N., said about us recently on Yelp: "Unfortunately, on my first ride this summer, I got stranded with a non-working bike in the middle of a forest with mosquitoes voraciously attacking me ... Luckily, I came across Ciclo Urbano. As soon as I explained my problem, Jean Carlos and Felix knew what was causing it. Jean Carlos replaced the part within 30 minutes ... He let me watch while he worked and answered all of my questions. You could tell he loves what he's doing. He also replaced my rear shifter cable, my chain and adjusted my brakes for much less than my previous estimates. You could sense the camaraderie amongst the young mechanics. I love the fact that West Town Bikes and its store Ciclo Urbano support the youth of the community by teaching them bicycle repairs. I will definitely return to Ciclo Urbano for any future repairs and purchases." Thanks to for the nice review! -Michael Bush Forward this email <http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?m=1114567510435&ea=globalguy%40gm…> STAY CONNECTED [image: Like us on Facebook] <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_40zdnJQiIWWctr4XTwm-ysw5kGQqGWxUvQ2qavICjPG…> [image: Follow us on Twitter] <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_40zdnJQiIWWctr4XTwm-ysw5kGQqGWxUvQ2qavICjPG…> Forward this email <http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=dncnwaoab&m=1114567510435&ea=…> <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001v5bhpGnuzUedgVnkQ7zM0w%3D%3…> This email was sent to globalguy(a)gmail.com by info(a)westtownbikes.org | Update Profile/Email Address <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=001v5bhpGnuzUedgVnkQ7zM0w%3D%3…> | Rapid removal with SafeUnsubscribe <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001v5bhpGnuzUedgVnkQ7zM0w%3D%3…>™ | Privacy Policy <http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp>. <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=PT_MN> West Town Bikes | 2459 W Division St | Chicago | IL | 60622

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bike!bike! group photo?
by breathingplanet . 02 Sep '14

02 Sep '14

is it online anywhere!? want to include it in a newsletter. thanks... and thanks everyone on this list who was there, for a great time and great people. Third Hand rules! andrew troy bike rescue -- ------__o ----_`\<,_ ---(_)/ (_) andrew lynn 518-573-7947

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Insurance/liability info (BikeBike followup)
by Falls City Community BikeWorks Community BikeWorks 31 Aug '14

31 Aug '14

*Hi all,* *Thanks for the BikeBike session on liability, that was helpful. * *Here is the info that I promised to share: * *Good provider contacts: * Susan Smith, Beehive Insurance ssmith(a)beehiveinsurance.com http://beehiveinsurance.com/non-profit/ Kyle Hatchett, Cambridge Insurance khatchett(a)cambridgeinsurance.net Alliance of Nonprofits for Insurance <http://www.ani-rrg.org/>, Risk Retention Group (ANI-RRG). https://www.ani-rrg.org/index.cfm https://www.ani-rrg.org/Nonprofit-Insurance-States-ANI-Writes-Coverage.cfm *Some terms to know (with explanations from Susan): * Coverage: Products/Completed Operations Aggregate Limit – This is a standard part of the general liability policy, and does not always apply to every customer. It is in reference to product defect, or completed operations. Produce defect is pretty straightforward. An example of completed operations would be something that has been built, such as a house. The liability extends to the completed home, and the contractor’s liability for something that happens after the home is completed. Classifications: 41610 (Civic Association)- This is the main rating classification, and is used for community service types of organizations. The exposure number is based on your number of volunteers 10150 – Bicycle Stores – Sales and Service – This classification will pick up the exposure for sale of donated bicycles. This class code is a “payroll” based class code...if no payroll, they can use your annual budget 47474 – Schools – Trade or Vocational – This classification is for the bike repair. 43424 – Exhibitions – (For bicycle valet?) *Happy BikeBike & safe travels home! * *Bella & co.* Isabella Christensen & John Krueger (FCCBikeWorks) 502-558-3157 / 859-221-5329 www.facebook.com/FCCBikeworks bicyclingforlouisville.org/#fccb fccbikeworks.org

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Bike!Bike! 2014 Registration Now Open!
by Reda Ashour 23 Aug '14

23 Aug '14

Bike!Bike! 2014 You are invited to Columbus, Ohio to participate in Bike!Bike! <http://bikebike.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2e6eb7bc8fad466ecdbdbe7ed…> 2014: an annual international conference of non-profit bike collectives, DIY repair shops, and other bike advocacy projects networking and workshopping ways to make our communities better and make transportation by bicycles easier, safer, and more fun!. Third Hand Bicycle Co-op <http://bikebike.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2e6eb7bc8fad466ecdbdbe7ed…>will host the event over four days, *Thursday, August 28th through Sunday, August 31st.* What can you expect when attending the annual Bike!Bike! conference? Community bike projects from all over the continent (and some from beyond) convening to share how they’ve grown, gain new skills, and learn from each other’s experiences. All weekend Third Hand will host workshops, bike rides, social events, meals and more! This year's Bike!Bike! will be the most fun one yet. Experience true midwestern heart and explore Columbus by bicycle with us! Post Bike!BIke! we will be hosting a bicycle tour on September 1st (Labor Day, you have the day off, right?). We'll ride the leisurely, mostly bike path, 55 miles to Yellow Springs, OH, camp out, and return Wednesday, September 3rd. Find out more about Bike!Bike! and register at BIKEBIKE.ORG <http://bikebike.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2e6eb7bc8fad466ecdbdbe7ed…> Want to host a workshop at Bike!Bike!? Workshops vary each year but tend to sit within the framework of structural organization, mechanics, social change, and anti oppression strategies on the scale of the bike shop, the neighborhood, the city and other related networks. You don’t need to be an expert on the topic of a workshop, but must be willing and prepared to facilitate a discussion among participants. Please sign up to host a workshop on the bikebike.org website. Like Bike!Bike! on Facebook <http://bikebike.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2e6eb7bc8fad466ecdbdbe7ed…> to find out about the latest happenings and join the events! P.S. Can't wait to see y'all!

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike mechanics workbook
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 21 Aug '14

21 Aug '14

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike mechanics workbook
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 21 Aug '14

21 Aug '14

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike mechanics workbook
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 21 Aug '14

21 Aug '14

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike mechanics workbook
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 20 Aug '14

20 Aug '14

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike mechanics workbook
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 20 Aug '14

20 Aug '14

Brakes before gears is also good because while they're both cable systems operating under mostly the same simplified concept (pull the cable, something happens), the brakes are much more simple of a concept and easy to grasp for someone who's not familiar with either. On Wed, Aug 20, 2014 at 8:11 PM, Eric Brozell <brozells(a)verizon.net> wrote: > Christopher, > > I really like this simple idea! > > Eric > > > On 8/20/14 7:28 PM, christopher(a)holisticcycles.com wrote: > > Years ago I had a kid on a bicycle under the front end of my car lifting > my front wheels off the ground as I slid down a steep hill bouncing off the > curb. When the kid was asked why he did not stop at the intersection, he > replied that he had only had time to fix the gears before a test ride. For > years I would kidnap a youths bike if it did not have brakes, I would > install the brake for free, and tell him about the kid that was under my > car and I would not not let another kid end up under there as long as I had > the skills to do something about it. > > My advice is teach them brake systems first. In a safe parking lot have > two kids at the same speed see who can stop more effectively, one who only > uses a front brake or only a rear brake. Physics says a object moving > forward and being pulled down by gravity will have the best braking force > from the wheel that is forward and down. Test and find out for your self > > Christopher Wallace > Holistic Cycles/ Bicycle Guild > 140 Harrison St > Oak Park, IL. 60304 > > > -------- Original Message -------- > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike mechanics workbook > From: Ron Kellis <ron.kellis(a)velocitycoop.org> > Date: Tue, August 19, 2014 6:36 pm > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > > Be sure you have thought out what your goal is. The ability to take care > of most of the basics, Air (tire, tube, wheel truing), Brakes, > Chain/cable/crank arm, derailleurs adjustment including hanger alignment in > a month class, or longer course to cover things they may not see at their > stage of learning/experience. > > A-B-C-D covers 80% of what comes through our co-op doors and I think of > it as Mech 102, 101 being righty-tighty, tool use & care, etc Take a look > at Primitive Pete for that. > > The remaining 20% is bearings/advanced and if you can do a hub, then > head sets and bottom brackets are just a variation. That can be an "add-on" > or a shadow type deal for the first couple. Then let them practice on a > shop bike. Wheel building is a separate deal, some may not be interested > plus it's a parts cost for a co-op even if it is just spokes. > > By teaching the A-B-C-D everyone learns the basics and can lean on each > other as trouble shooting becomes necessary. > > A speciality per person seems to me to be a lot to coordinate to be sure > a full team is present. > > Use the Park Book for the basics and the many videos on-line as > necessary. If possible, let the kids research some of them as a recurring > project. > > I'm former military, and for many of the skills, the idea of get the > basics taught and then let them do OJT for the more advanced tasks has > worked pretty well. Not too different from a riding class then off to do it. > > Nothing's perfect, but I do the A-B-C-D in three hours twice a month. A > & B hands on their own bike, remove/replace both wheels and break > down/reasemble the front, then patch a shop tube, C & D as mostly show and > tell, if their derailleur needs adjustment it backs up what the limiting > screws don't do. > > They leave the class able to fix a flat and if their brakes aren't > working correctly, they now have an idea why and if they don't have the > tools or find they can't quite do it on their own, they know what they want > to do when they come back. It would be easy to do A-B-C-D in 4 90 min. > classes. Spice it up with horizontal vs. vertical dropouts, mounting a rear > wheel with the vertical derailleur mount so they learn to get the wheel > straight in the stays. Coaster wheel to learn about the brake. Add in the > advanced once a quarter. Any more I tell students to set aside 6 hrs on a > Sat with nothing else on their schedule and just come back to the co-op to > be walked through it. > > Take what you can use, just my thoughts. > > I posted some stuff to the wiki, including some open source anatomy > pictures. I'll send you my syllabus/class hand-out tomorrow. > > R > > > > > On Fri, Aug 15, 2014 at 6:57 AM, Dominik Zylka <domzylka(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> Hello People, >> >> Our developing high school bike program in Melbourne is in need of a >> fantastic workbook for our students to utilise. Our resources are >> completely outdated and participant numbers are increasing so we need a >> resource that will keep our students developing and learning. >> >> Contents we'd love: >> - Workshop rules and procedures >> - Worksheets on all the specific processes and anatomy's >> - Activities >> - Diagrams and explanations >> - you get the idea. >> >> We understand that these resources take a heap of time and effort to >> compile and we'd be so very grateful if someone was willing to help out by >> sharing theirs. >> >> Best Regards >> >> Dominik >> >> ____________________________________ >> >> The ThinkTank mailing List >> <a href=" >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o…">Unsubscribe >> from this list</a> >> >> >> > ------------------------------ > ____________________________________ > > The ThinkTank mailing List > Unsubscribe from this list > <http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o…> > > > > ____________________________________ > > The ThinkTank mailing List > <a href="http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o…" <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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Anybody ordered from PropatchInc for customized patch kits?
by Bobby Brown 19 Aug '14

19 Aug '14

At our monthly meeting last night we discussed stocking some customized patch kits branded for our co-op to sell during open shop hours or give away as needed. Propatchinc and Bicycle Promotions seem like the two best retailers online for customized patch kits but Propatch's prices are half of the other stores. Which should be awesome for those of us closely monitoring costs. Here's a link to their page with the different options available: http://propatchinc.com/category.php?id_category=15 Is it too good to be true? When ordered in bulk, the Propatch kits cost the same as Park Tool patch kits but give us the opportunity to get our brand out. Thanks, Bobby -- 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

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