- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Re: [TheThinkTank] Deal with the devil!
by Doug Franz 27 Jan '13

27 Jan '13

Ron, thanks for the apology, but you’re right. I shouldn’t be telling kids their bike is worth 10 cents a pound. After all, it’s their bike! In general, I’m more sensitive than that, but I can always be better. The goal is to help them see the difference between Wally’s bikes and “bike shop” bikes, but they won’t hear the message if I bully them into it. Thank you for keeping me straight. Doug Franz, President BikeWorks_3_wText <http://coatesvillebikeworks.org/> coatesvillebikeworks.org like us on facebook! <http://www.facebook.com/CoatesvilleBikeWorks> http://www.facebook.com/CoatesvilleBikeWorks <mailto:doug@coatesvillebikeworks.org> doug(a)coatesvillebikeworks.org 610-383-4349 From: Recycle [mailto:recyclebikesforkids@gmail.com] Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2013 10:02 PM To: doug(a)coatesvillebikeworks.org; The Think Tank Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Deal with the devil! Doug. Thank you for the response. I shouldn't have taken you to task publicly. For that I apologize I do think there is a place for WM bikes, mainly as a stage bike for kids who will outgrow them in a season, I too struggle with those who feel entitled but that is parents not kids. Ron Sent from my iPhone

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Deal with the devil!
by Doug Franz 26 Jan '13

26 Jan '13

The strangest thing happened last night. I was at an open house for another charity here in Coatesville, talking up our charity because it's my job, and I was introduced to the District Manager of Wal*Mart. I'm not a Wal*Mart fan. I understand they fill a need in society, and obviously lots of people don't subscribe to my point of view or else they wouldn't be as successful as they are. But for me, I would rather give up other luxuries to afford the more expensive products at my neighborhood store than buy them from the Wal*Mart in town. I actually feel some joy when one of our kids asks me what his Wal*Mart bike is worth, and I answer "10 cents a pound!" Anyhow, this woman explained to me that Wal*Mart doesn't have a system for handling the bicycles that get returned to them or that arrive with defects from the manufacturer. She asked me if they could be sent to us as a donation. I explained to her that we accept bicycle donations, but typically the Wal*Mart bikes get stripped for parts and recycled. She asked if they could send them to us anyhow. I pointed out that we incur some costs in the processing of this material, and if we decide to fix some of them up there is the costs of the parts. She asked if they could send a check along with the bikes. So, we made a deal. Wal*Mart stores in her district will send us bikes they can't use, along with $20 per bicycle. We have 35 bikes arriving next week. This will be interesting. . . . Doug Franz, President BikeWorks_3_wText coatesvillebikeworks.org <http://coatesvillebikeworks.org/> like us on facebook! http://www.facebook.com/CoatesvilleBikeWorks doug(a)coatesvillebikeworks.org 610-383-4349 I respect your right to manage the amount of email you receive. If you want to be removed from this email list, please reply to ONLY ME, with "unsubscribe" in the subject line.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 26 Jan '13

26 Jan '13

I've built a couple of simple bike trailers. Thanks for the photos. I really like your design. I would like to see your hitch and tow bar design. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: christopher(a)holisticcycles.com To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes Date: Fri, Jan 25, 2013 12:16 I build trailers without welding at all, some handle up to 1200 pound. I weld other trailers because I can. My thoughts are this, if I am teaching kids to think about designing, engineering, constructing things; I want them to be able to do it in the future with the tools they or their parents may all ready have at home or tool they can buy inexpensively. Some kids may have a welder at home, More kids will have a drill. I built my trailers with a drill and a conduit bender. I normally haul 350 to 400 pounds of gear with it. It can be made small to haul groceries or large to carry a sofa. We are currently making one to carry 12 bikes and the gear to teach a mobile bicycle safety course at schools. Christopher WallaceHolistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: Nozomi Ikuta <nozomi(a)affordablebikesrecyclery.com> Date: Wed, January 23, 2013 8:28 pm To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> That was my thought exactly -- this is where our thoughts headed when we thought about welding. Cargo trailers, that is! On Wed, Jan 23, 2013 at 5:20 PM, <christopher(a)holisticcycles.com> wrote: what about building trailers Christopher Wallace Holistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: "Bronwyn Potthoff" <bpotthoff(a)gwi.net> Date: Fri, January 18, 2013 8:55 am To: <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Hello, We’ve been unsuccessfully trying to secure insurance to initiate a welding/fabrication program through the Community Bicycle Center. Ideally, we’re helping youth develop technical job skills through creating low-rider and chopper bicycles --- but the point of the program is not about bikes, it’s about learning the welding and fabrication skills necessary to create a tricked-out ride. The major obstacle we hear from insurance companies is that we’re creating a high-risk “Frankenstein” product (or “functional art”) that is extremely hard to insure. As soon as we chop a bike, the manufacturer’s warranty is null and void (for good reason!) The actual welding with kids is not a huge issue – it’s what happens if a weld breaks or a kid injures him/herself going off jump with a bike that is not build to handle such stressors. Waivers and disclaimers will only go so far and are not bullet-proof. Because we’re a commercial entity, it’s obviously not covered under any homeowner’s insurance policy (which would be what covers you if you’re helping your nine year-old neighbor weld a sick mutant bike). Also, vocational school insurance functions differently – I checked that too. I may end up having to change the program so that our “product” is not a bike, but something less risky such as a static sculpture. Regardless, does anybody have any experience with securing insurance for commercial (aka nonprofit) welding work with kids during which a “product” gets fabricated? [Keep in mind, all programs are free AND the product created is also free --- no bill of sale is involved] I’ve touched base with other programs around the country that do similar work, but have not heard back. Thanks!! If it makes more sense to talk through this via phone, my number is 207 282 9700. Bronwyn Potthoff, Resource Development/Community Relations Director Community Bicycle Center(mailing) P.O. Box 783(shop) 284 Hill Street Biddeford, Maine 04005t: 207.282.9700 www.communitybike.net Providing Opportunities for Youth to Grow _______________________________________________ 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.… _______________________________________________ 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.… _______________________________________________ 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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Bicycle Registry
by Cycle Re Cycle Cycle-Re-Cycle swm 26 Jan '13

26 Jan '13

Hello All, Our community, non-profit bike shop, Cycle-Re-Cycle, is looking into the logistics of starting a community bicycle registry. The local police department doesn't have anything like it and bicycle theft is pretty rampant in our community. We keep serial numbers and descriptions on all bikes we sell, so it seems that the next step is just to print stickers with a sequential number on it to adhere to all the bikes leaving the shop. Has anyone ever started a bicycle registry like this? Thoughts or tips? Thanks Cycle-Re-Cycle Benton Harbor, MI

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 26 Jan '13

26 Jan '13

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

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Bikes Not Bombs has some temporary jobs available
by Sarah Braker 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

Hi Everyone, Bikes Not Bombs in Boston is gearing up for our annual Bike-A-Thon, our biggest fundraising event of the year, and we're hiring two temporary/part-time jobs. One is a Phone Outreach Coordinator, the other is Route Coordinator. Specific job descriptions are here: https://bikesnotbombs.org/hiring-route-coordinator and https://bikesnotbombs.org/hiring-phone-outreach-coordinator Please apply if interested or pass along to folks you may know. Thanks! -- Sarah Braker Communications Manager Bikes Not Bombs 284 Amory St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 617-522-0222 ext. 104 www.bikesnotbombs.org <http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/youth> Donate online <http://bikesnotbombs.org/support> to support our work! Follow us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/bikesnotbombs> and Twitter<http://twitter.com/bikesnotbombs> !

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Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes
by Bronwyn Potthoff 21 Jan '13

21 Jan '13

Hello, We've been unsuccessfully trying to secure insurance to initiate a welding/fabrication program through the Community Bicycle Center. Ideally, we're helping youth develop technical job skills through creating low-rider and chopper bicycles --- but the point of the program is not about bikes, it's about learning the welding and fabrication skills necessary to create a tricked-out ride. The major obstacle we hear from insurance companies is that we're creating a high-risk "Frankenstein" product (or "functional art") that is extremely hard to insure. As soon as we chop a bike, the manufacturer's warranty is null and void (for good reason!) The actual welding with kids is not a huge issue - it's what happens if a weld breaks or a kid injures him/herself going off jump with a bike that is not build to handle such stressors. Waivers and disclaimers will only go so far and are not bullet-proof. Because we're a commercial entity, it's obviously not covered under any homeowner's insurance policy (which would be what covers you if you're helping your nine year-old neighbor weld a sick mutant bike). Also, vocational school insurance functions differently - I checked that too. I may end up having to change the program so that our "product" is not a bike, but something less risky such as a static sculpture. Regardless, does anybody have any experience with securing insurance for commercial (aka nonprofit) welding work with kids during which a "product" gets fabricated? [Keep in mind, all programs are free AND the product created is also free --- no bill of sale is involved] I've touched base with other programs around the country that do similar work, but have not heard back. Thanks!! If it makes more sense to talk through this via phone, my number is 207 282 9700. Bronwyn Potthoff, Resource Development/Community Relations Director Community Bicycle Center (mailing) P.O. Box 783 (shop) 284 Hill Street Biddeford, Maine 04005 t: 207.282.9700 www.communitybike.net <http://www.facebook.com/CommunityBicycleCenter> Facebook Round Providing Opportunities for Youth to Grow

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Laminate flooring in your showroom?
by Rich Points 21 Jan '13

21 Jan '13

Hey All, We're going to be receiving a nice chunk of change for shop renovations this year. This will allow us to build a loft, upgrade the HVAC, install some windows and other cool projects. I'm considering using laminate flooring in the showroom. I've lived in houses with laminate flooring for many years and have found it to be quite durable. However I'm not sure how it would hold up in high traffic situations like the showroom. Do any of you have experience with this? How about alternative floor coverings? Thx -- -- Rich Points http://communitycycles.org Executive Director (c)303-589-0597 (w)720-565-6019 Community Cycles is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/CommunityCycles

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Opportunity for the mechanically inclined & community interested
by kelsey snelgrove 20 Jan '13

20 Jan '13

Interesting & enriching opportunity - bikes, community, farming! We are looking for a motivated, resourceful bicycle mechanic to run our shop this summer. We are offering a unique opportunity; live with us on our 30+ acre farm comprised of 5 adults + one child, a fluctuating number of farm interns and visitors, cows, goats, pigs, ducks & chickens. With the right person, we are happy to share our space, resources and home grown food. The bike shop is located right on the farm, in the Shushwap area of BC, near a small town (pop. 2000). There are no other bike repair services for 60 km in any direction. An influx of tourists in the summer as well as a diverse local population means all kinds of repairs, refurbishing projects, and sales. Our shop is fully tooled (including welder) and we have an extensive stock of bikes and parts. We are also interested in creating bicycle powered machines to make our farm more efficient. Our dream mechanic can: - work independently and creatively - determine a bike’s worth, has a good understanding of manufactures and eras - keep good records, run a til and deal with customers. - organize and run workshops for the general public - able to fix and build up bikes resourcefully - live and work with a varied group of people We are open to discussing the arrangement, possibly offering a small stipend or different possibilities for earning money while here. We’re very flexible, if intrigued please contact us to learn more about our farm and this opportunity. goldenearsfarm(a)gmail.com http://www.facebook.com/groups/38812009317/?fref=ts www.goldenearsfarm.com (in progress!) > From: thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > Subject: Thethinktank Digest, Vol 77, Issue 30 > To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > Date: Sat, 19 Jan 2013 13:12:50 -0800 > > 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. jobs & more jobs (Geoff Heath) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:30:01 -0600 > From: Geoff Heath <mech(a)thewrench.ca> > To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > Subject: [TheThinkTank] jobs & more jobs > Message-ID: > <CANeqvpCNJKXKrXEsK4U0AWOo2X33jak4cMQ3VF+8sa2uR97W6w(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > hey folks > The WRENCH community bike shop here in Winnipeg, MB is hiring for a > volunteer coordinator. Position is 28 hr/week @ $17/hr with benefits. > There's much more to the position than just coordinating (teaching in the > shop, admin, etc) so please check out the posting on our website here; > http://thewrench.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/WRENCH-Volunteer-C… > Closes Feb .11. > We'll gladly do interviews by skype if you're from outta town and can > likely help you find housing if you get the job. > yup. > > Also, Hub City Cycles Community Co-op in Nanaimo, BC is hiring for the > spring. > Contact them for details. > -- > Geoff Heath, Mechanical Director > The Winnipeg Repair Education N' Cycling Hub > 1057 Logan Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3E 3N8 > www.TheWrench.ca >

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