The Evergreen Bike Shop (TEBS)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-07T16:23:00.000-08:00

Its a new year and a new academic quarter.

New volunteers are always encouraged.

Our weekly meetings are still at the same time, same place.

Wednesdays @ 2pm.

Keep on pedaling!

2012-01-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

"Roadcycling for me is not about suffering. It is about this emotional connection. Somehow the feel of being on the bike, the sensation of speed, and even the pain in my legs become associated with the reward of seeing an affecting landscape. Once it forms, the association is difficult to break, and it makes cycling addictive - apparently not just for me. Some of my riding partners are experienced racers and randonneurs, and when I listen to them describe rides I notice that they rarely speak of difficulty or pain. Words such as "epic" and "sufferfest" are simply not in their vocabulary. It's not because they don't feel pain and exhaustion, but because they do not consider these sensations to be the point. It's about fulfillment through a visceral connection with one's surroundings. The rest is not important."

-Lovely Bicycle

Murals

2011-11-13T11:36:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Vlad and Leo who worked on these murals all summer! They look fantastic

Facebook

2011-11-13T11:33:00.001-08:00

We're on facebook

Work Party !

2011-11-13T11:02:00.000-08:00

A successful work party! Everything is clean and organized!

Brought some life into the shop with plants.

We silk screened the bike shop's logo on T's, hoodies, and even some boxer briefs, so volunteers can rep TEBS.

Muscles were used to bend back these giant cutters into working condition.

Co-coordinator, Nick, modeling a waterproof poncho that a fellow volunteer made.

Fenders

2011-10-20T00:11:00.000-07:00

We ordered some fenders to sell! For now, we will start out with only 8 in stock and see what the demand is like. Look for them soon!

How to Lock Up Your Bike

2011-10-20T00:09:00.001-07:00

I dont recommend that you epoxy a ball bearing into your stem bolt (because you wouldnt be able to adjust it if the need arises), but everything else is legit.

New Schedule Up!

2011-10-10T02:15:00.001-07:00

Finally, the schedule is posted. You can find it under "Current Schedule" or by clicking here. It also can be found on our shop doors.

But it's never too late to sign up to volunteer! Come to our weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 2 if you're interested.

Bike Maintenance Classes Fall 2011

2011-10-10T02:07:00.000-07:00

*The shop will be closed during class times to make room for attendees.*

Mayor of Vilnius has BALLS

2011-08-09T12:58:00.000-07:00

Mayor of of the City of Vilnius in Libya is sick of people parking their cars in the bike lane. To publicly display his sentiment he decided to run over an illegally parked Mercedes Benz in a TANK. Wowza

Second-Hand Rose and Back

2011-06-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

Good ride this weekend before the heavy cloud cover rolled in. Apparently this blog is just our ride report... Pictures!

Our destination! Lots of interesting old things to found and bought for the right price. Apparently Dwayne the satanic dentist shops here for all the black houses in Olympia.

Start of the ride with past and future coordinators!

Josh's bike gave him lots of trouble, but we don't leave no one behind. I'll be sure to be more equipped in future rides.

One last shot before heading home. Good lookin', boys.

Group Ride to Boston Harbor

2011-06-18T17:35:00.000-07:00

Boston Harbor!...

Ilsina rode fixed the whole way.

Josh sporting a helmet like a boss.

Max puked all over himself and had to get a ride home...

Successful Work Party

2011-05-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

The shop is in tip-top shape after some cleaning. Stop by and check it out:

26" to 65Ob Conversion

2011-05-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

I've read a fair amount about converting old road frames to 65Ob wheels with the aid of long reach caliper brakes, but I never heard of going from 26" to 65Ob. Take a look at the Velo Orange blog, where they have a post about the process. This creates a lot of potential for all those old chomoly mountain bike frames that you see all over bike co-ops...

Grand Bois Hetres for your LHT, wtf...

Sunday Group Ride

2011-05-05T17:11:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, a few members of the shop went on a group ride down the Western Chehalis Trail. The ride takes a little over an hour to complete the 14.2 miles from our starting destination. Our end point was the Monarch Sculpture Park just south of Olympia. The weather was beautiful leading to a great afternoon overall.

We will be meeting every Sunday, 1PM at the squirty fountain downtown (4th and Water St.) if the weather is decent. Please come and join!

New Coordinators

2011-04-27T22:30:00.000-07:00

Today, we discussed future coordinators for summer, fall, winter and spring. Tanner Hainsworth will be the summer coordinator, and Ilsina Nazarova and Nik Nerburn will be Fall-Spring. We also applied for a 3rd coordinator position in this year's budget, and if we are awarded it Finnegan Hopper will fulfill the 3rd slot. Pretty happy about the new coordinators; sounds like the shop will be in really good hands.

As I faze myself out as coordinator, I'll be moving to another blog as part of my frame building contract. Feel free to visit: http://cog-nitivedissonance.blogspot.com/

Christopher Grande
TEBS Co-Coordinator

Spring Hours Now Posted!

2011-04-04T18:13:00.001-07:00

Open hours for the bike shop are now posted on the right column of this blog as well as the front doors of the shop. Feel free to call ahead at 360-867-6399 to check in advance. Meetings are still 2PM every Wednesday during the academic calendar, so please stop by if you are interested in getting involved.

Spring Quarter Hours

2011-03-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

The shop is getting ready for the Spring, and will be updating hours throughout week 1. As always, the best way to check shop schedule is to call in advance at 360-867-6399. Volunteers, there is a blank schedule just inside the doors, so please pen in when you want to do your shift and I'll have it updated by week 2.

Christopher Grande
TEBS Co-Coordinator

Shop Open for Week 10

2011-03-07T13:59:00.001-08:00

Hey all,

The door is all patched up, which means volunteers now have access to the shop. Sorry for that hiccup!

Christopher G.
TEBS Co-Coordinator

SHOP CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!

2011-03-04T12:29:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

Like the title says, TEBS will be closed until further notice. The reason is that the front door to the shop, which has always been a bit of a problem was adjusted recently due to some issues with how easy it was to subvert the locking mechanism. Apparently the adjustment went too far and now the key does not open the door. I apologize for any inconveniences this may cause and will update everyone as soon as our situation changes.

Sincerely,

Christopher Grande
TEBS Co-Coordinator

Bicycle Power for Generation of Electricity

2011-02-04T12:46:00.001-08:00

Some interesting ideas about generating electricity with pedal power. Click the picture for more information!

Bicycle Maintenance Classes

2011-01-06T22:08:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

Every Wednesday at 4PM, the bike shop will be hosting bicycle maintenance classes for the community. Chris is going to be the person bottom lining this project, but anyone who shows up can contribute whatever they can to putting on the class. Otherwise, if you been meaning to get up to date on particular parts of you're bike, or just want to be a stronger volunteer, come down sometime. The schedule is as follows:

Week 2: Bicycle fit, what to look for when shopping around for a bike
Week 3: Roadside Repair and Basic Maintenance
Week 4: Brakes
Week 5: Gears, Shifting, Derailers, and Fixed/SS
Week 6: Headsets, Stems, and Forks
Week 7: Cranks, Bottom Brackets, Chainrings, Pedals
Week 8: Hubs, Cassettes, Freewheels
Week 9: Wheel Building - Lacing
Week 10: Wheel Building - Tensioning, Truing and Detensioning

The schedule is more like guide lines for what we could do, it largely depends on who shows up with what problems. If anyone has any questions or wants to take on a particular day to teach, comment on this post and we'll get back to you.

Winter Quarter

2010-12-15T14:57:00.000-08:00

We're open! Hope you all had a great break and enjoyed the holidays, hope to see you soon!

Oh, and by the way...the schedule is up, but remember that our volunteers are busy students and may not be able to make it to their shift every week, so be sure to give us a call before coming down - 360 - 867- 6399 - that way there is no disappointment. If no one answers, there's nobody home.

Inspiration for cargo bikes

2010-12-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's not the bike, but the way you stack the load. Check out these amazing photos of ginormous loads in China, taken by french photographer, Alain Delorme. Discovered on Lloyd Kahn's Blog.

Who needs a truck? These people can fit more on a bike than any pick-up I have ever seen.

What do you get when you cross a shopping cart and a bicycle?

2010-11-29T17:55:00.001-08:00

That's a cargo bike.

Notice the firewood and chainsaw. The Camioncyclette by Swiss designer Christophe Machet was designed to carry loads up to 150 kilograms (330 pounds) in the big yellow integrated front and rear wire baskets.

Closed for Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T19:02:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

The bike shop will be closed for the holiday weekend. So Thursday-Sunday, the doors are locked for all. We'll be back open on Monday, though the snow might slow us down a bit. Hopefully not for you, too.

-Chris G.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

2010-11-10T16:16:00.000-08:00

Hey bicycle goers,

The shop is now open complete with a schedule! The link to the left should show you when to come in, but you can also check our front doors for the same info. Leave a comment if the link doesn't work for you. We still need another week to get after hours running again, as well as sales. So we can't sell you tubes and cables, etc... but the tools and volunteers are now available, so stop by why don't chya?

Christopher Grande

Please Don't Die LIGHTS SAVE LIVES!!

2010-10-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

Please don't die out there. I constantly see cyclists in Olympia at night without lights. Cars are really dangerous and a light can SAVE YOUR LIFE. Get lit. There are all kinds of lights out there, check them out. Above is a picture of pac man spoke lights. Stole the article below from Ecovelo. Check out the link for comments on the article.

"Last night we drove our car across town between 7:30-8:30pm. In that time, we counted 8 bicyclists without lights or reflective gear of any kind – this was among a total count of 12 bicyclists. It was plainly obvious how easily I could have lost sight of any of the non-lighted bicyclists among the chaos of automobile lights, traffic signals, and advertising that was assaulting my visual field."

"Studies have shown that a majority of fatal collisions involving bicyclists occur between the hours of 6pm-9pm. After my experience last night, I’m not surprised. Unfortunately, most of the bicyclists without lights appeared to be “non-enthusiast” (for lack of a better term), so it’s unlikely they have access to the information or resources necessary to ride safely."

"Over the past few years, a number of bicycle advocacy groups and city governments have initiated free bike light programs; examples include Portland’s Shift and Police Bureau programs, New York DOT’s bike light giveaway, the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates’ “Light On” program, and more recently, Chicago’s “Share the Road” giveaway."

"I believe this is an important issue that warrants the attention of any organization interested in promoting bicycle safety."

Even a bathroom sink

2010-09-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

I'm one cyclist for utility. Sparta (Dutch bicycle manufacturer) sells bikes for transportation and not for testosterone influenced Lance Armstrongers (Squids) or Portland Hipsters (fixed gear enthusiasts). This ad tells it all. There is a retractable lock built into the rack, how practical? Just imagine if Americans had solid bikes that were practical and didn't lead to erectile dysfunction.

The Bike Shop is back!!!

2010-08-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
After working hard building a proposal to submit to Student Activities, in regard to new shop operations and an apology for our budget deficit, we have been approved to reopen!!! All those who came by to volunteer for the summer are on the access list at both student activities and police services. The shop schedule that had been posted is now out of date, but the current volunteers have access to the shop and can open it up when they want. Sundays are still closed to the public, but open for volunteers to come relax and hang out. The shop will no longer be open to the public past 10:00pm Mon-Sat and the key at police services will not be handed out to anyone past 10:00pm. I know that it has been frustrating coming down to the shop and it not being open and since we are currently reworking the schedule I suggest you call (360-867-6399) first to make sure someone is here before heading down. This is a habit everyone should get into, even when there is a set schedule because there are lots of times where our volunteers can't make it to their shift (with valid reasons), so don't get mad if someone isn't here when the schedule says they should be. If you call and no one answers, you're best bet is that nobody is home.
We are moving into the new shop location the week of September 5th. If anyone wants to come help out that week please let me know, we are really excited about the new space and hope you are too.
In order to recoup some of the money lost we are holding a grand reopening/fundraiser/back-to-school party on September 25th. There will be beer, food, workshops, games and music. If anyone wants to donate food, help cook, teach a workshop, help organize a race around town, or knows of cyclists in bands (or have friends with bands looking to play) contact me at bikeshopjoshua@gmail.com. We are really looking forward to having a great time and getting the shop back on track.
Sorry for all the summer hassle. We've been jumping through hoops and the light at the end of the tunnel is brighter than ever. The shop is back and this time it isn't going to fall.

Thank you for all your patience and I hope to see you all soon,
Joshua Plaster

Barclays Cycle Super Highways

2010-07-21T13:23:00.000-07:00

"The first two of twelve total “Barclays Cycle Superhighways” were launched in London this week. The so-called cycle superhighways are continuous 5′ wide bike lanes painted bright blue. The first starts in a London suburb and runs 8.5 miles to the city center, while the second runs 7.5 miles from Barking to Tower Gateway. The bike lanes are part of the City’s “Cycling Revolution” plan that also includes a bike-sharing program and 66,000 new bike parking spaces."

Pterosailing

2010-07-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

"Pterosail (pronounced terra-sail) is a company out of North Liberty, Iowa making these recumbant/sail cycles. The company's mission is "...to give everyone the opportunity to experience the pleasure of using the wind to rediscover the Great Outdoors". The front wheels provide stability for the sail...capable of speeds up to 35mph depending on wind speed. "
-Stolen from Bikehacks

Portland Bicycle Movers!

2010-07-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

Stole this from Bikeportland.org, but it was too good to not share. The Bike Shop is scheduled to move at the beginning of September, so hopefully we can manifest something of these sorts here on the Evergreen Campus.

"Bike moves are old hat in Portland. A quick check of the BikePortland archives shows that I first wrote about them way back in April of 2005. Since then there have been hundreds of bike moves in this town, so many that they've actually become quite common. And these days, thanks to the rise of cargo bikes, they've nearly gone mainstream (at least in Portland)."

"But a foot move? I had never even considered such a thing until I checked my inbox today and saw an email to the Shift list from the leader of the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition (WPC), Steph Routh."

"They're moving their office 10 blocks and they've decided to do it by foot. Here's a snip from Routh's email:"

"Because we are an organization that promotes active transportation, the idea of moving with cars or trucks was definitely Plan Z. I suggested a bike move because, well, they're incredibly fun, easy, and a known quantity. After a little discussion with Board members and a few volunteers, though, we decided that a pedestrian advocacy organization should move on foot. This might be a first for a Portland-based organization, so come and help us make active transportation history..."

"Routh says "it will be a stuff parade". If you'd like to join them, bring your wagons, hand-trucks and big backpacks to be a part of the fun. (Bikes and trailers are also welcome of course.)"

Summer Transition

2010-07-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

Hello Bikeshop Community,

Chris Grande and myself (Travis Skinner) are no longer the coordinators. If you need to get in contact with the summer coordinator please contact Josh Plaster (general.eclectic@hotmail.com). We have run into some problems at the end of the year because we are short a good deal of money in our budget. There is going to be a full audit completed on the bikeshop and new protocol for the new space. For the time being, only Josh can open the shop. Sorry for the inconvenience and hopefully with the new protocol we will put the theft issue to rest.

Cycle The Wave

2010-05-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

Cycle the WAVE is a women's cycling event hosted by Lakemont Ladies Cycling Club and Rising Star Guild for Eastside Domestic Violence Program (EDVP) . The ride is not a race, so take your time and enjoy the scenery with your favorite female riding buddies. We love our riders and will pamper you with an experience you won't forget; surprises along the way, sassy tees, girly gift bags and fun finish line festivities. Just $55 to ride, register today!

Website: www.cyclethewave.com

Contact: info@cyclethewave.com

Alternative Transportation Day (Featuring Willie Weir)

2010-05-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

This Friday on Red Square we will host the first Alternative Transportation Day for the Synergy Conference.

It's also National Bike to School Day!

In the morning we will have an information booth featuring the City of Olympia and Intercity Transit. We will also be giving out free coffee and tea at the library bus loop for people using the bus, biking, etc... Then at 11 AM we will have a day of celebration for wheels. The Motorpool Crew will show off their bicycle sculptures, we will have a few of the bikes we will be renting for the bikeshare program ready, I will bring out the pedal powered nut grinding machine, the Circus Resurgance Unicyclists will hopefully make it out, and we encourage every person with a skateboard, rollerblades, pogo stick, scooter, or whatever type of human powered machine to participate.

At 12:30 we will host our keynote speaker, Willie Weir. Willie will be promoting his new book:

A Frugal Cyclist's Guide to the Universe

"Call him cheap, frugal, a tightwad or an initiator of kindness, but Willie Weir knows how to get the most bang for his buck when it comes to traveling the world--whether he's giving the world's cheapest engagement ring--climbing the world's steepest street--knocking on doors for free lodging or eating his way to free ice cream."

"Willie will bring to life tales from his latest book, Travels with Willie - tales that will have you chuckling and leave you wanting to chuck your day job and hit the road!"

Finally at 3pm will will be taking a group ride to downtown Olympia where we will disperse seed bombs made on Thursday at the Guerrilla Seed Ball Making Workshop on Thursday May 20th from 4 to 6 pm at – SEM 2 E2107. Hope to see you there.

Ciclovia Olympia!

2010-05-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

David Griffith, a dedicated cyclist in Olympia sent me this video about the Ciclovia in Bogotá, Columbia. David was in Portland this weekend where they had their Sunday Parkways Ride. Last week at the People's Movement Assembly, David and I had a workshop about working to create an event like this in Olympia. David wrote me an email this morning about the event. He wrote that it is "pretty amazing being out in the street with a few thousand other people, not having to worry about cars. The diversity of the people and the variety of methods of transportation that I saw today were just incredible. You may have missed the first one, but there are four more this year: June 27, July 18, August 15, and September 26. Check out the website at PortlandSundayParkways.org for more info on these upcoming events. Maybe, if there's enough interest, a whole group of us and our friends could come down for one of these, and we could arrange to meet with some of the organizers while we're here. "

I think this is a terrific idea and I am happy to organize an event to go to Portland on June 27th to participate in this event. If anyone is interested, please contact me @ bikeshoptravis@gmail.com

Separated Lane

2010-05-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

Last weekend at the People's Movement Assembly we discussed separated lanes on main thoroughfares in Olympia. This movie about a new bike lane on a bridge in Vancouver, BC really gets at the heart of what were discussing at our meeting. We need to provide a safe place to ride and the simple fact that right on the road with cars does not cut it for a lot of people. Providing safe places for people to become comfortable riding is absolutely essential.

Zeit-bike Tacoma Art Museum Thursday May 20th from 5 to 8 pm

2010-05-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Bike Shop Community,

I have been working with the Capital Bike Club and Intercity Transit doing bike rodeos at local elementary schools. Basically we just ride around with kids and enjoy ourselves and help them fix and adjust their bikes. 2 weeks ago a parent by the name of Bil Fleming came out and it turns out he is a bicycle sculptor! He has show coming up with an installation project, at the Tacoma Art Museum by the name of Zeit-bike. Click on the image above to check out his website.

Come out for the fourth annual Zeit-Bike exhibition where three artists will display kinetic bike sculptures. On Free Third Thursday, May 20th, there will be a special outdoor demonstration of the kinetic bike sculptures on the plaza (featuring Bil!) along with a screening of Necessary Folly, a film made by Olympia local Dr. Oliver Newsome about a human-powered sculpture race in Arcata, California. There is a kinetic sculpture in Port Townsend , Washington every year as well. For more information contact Diane Wiatr at 253-591-5380 or dwiatr@cityoftacoma.org

America's Best Bike Cities

2010-05-11T14:42:00.001-07:00

Minneapolis? how did they get on this list. P- town will take those lake lovin' midwesterners any day, dontchya know. Check out the article from cnn. Who trusts the media anyway?

1. Minneapolis
2. Portland, OR
3. Boulder, CO
4. Seattle
5. Eugene, OR
6. San Francisco
7. Madison, WI
8. New York City
9. Tucson, AZ
10. Chicago
11. Austin, TX
12. Denver, CO
13. Washington, DC
14. Ann Arbor, MI
15. Phoenix/Tempe, AZ
16. Gainesville, FL
17. Albuquerque, NM
18. Colorado Springs, CO
19. Salem, OR
20. Scottsdale, AZ
21. Louisville, KY
22. Chattanooga, TN
23. Long Beach, CA
24. Cary, NC
25. Milwaukee
26. Boston
27. Philadelphia
28. Pittsburgh
29. Charleston, SC
30. Arlington, VA
31. Sioux Falls, SD
32. Boise, ID
33. Kansas City, MO
34. Columbus, OH
35. Tulsa, OK
36. Grand Rapids, MI
37. Billings, MT
38. St. Louis
39. Cleveland
40. Greensboro, NC
41. Lexington-Fayette, KY
42. Omaha, NE
43. Salt Lake City
44. Miami
45. Indianapolis
46. Fargo, ND
47. Anchorage, AK
48. Baltimore
49. Little Rock, AR
50. Rochester, NY

"To prepare this list, we referenced the Bicycling and Walking in the United States 2010 Benchmarking Report, prepared by the Alliance for Biking and Walking; the League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly America project; data from Mediamark Research, Inc., Dun & Bradstreet and The Nielsen Company; and advice from national and local bike advocates. "

So many designs, so little space

2010-05-09T20:14:00.000-07:00

Whymcycle flickr stream is awe inspiring.

A bounce scooter

"German Wheel made from old TV satellite dish hoops. Good for stunts, Bad for transportaiton."

Riding Lawn Mower

COOL BEACH CRUISER

2010-05-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

Bikes with big wheels have really big fenders.

This website has some great cruisers.

The Deraileur

2010-05-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

Giant Vulva Bicycle Taxi

2010-05-04T13:02:00.001-07:00

Finnish artist Mimosa Pale believes that the world is too focussed on phallic symbols and the male anatomy. You can fight the Washington Monument esque design inside of this gigantic simulated vagina bike taxi. Read an article about it here.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention publishes transportation policy recommendations

2010-04-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

I read about this on bikeportland.org. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention released these recommendations for cleaning up external costs of auto intensive infrastructure with transportation policy. The recommendations are listed below, but click the link to read a pdf of the report in it's entirety. Key high level areas include:

Reduce injuries associated with motor vehicle crashes
Improve air quality
Expand public transportation
Promote active transportation
Encourage healthy community design
Design to minimize adverse health and safety consequences
Require research and surveillance
Support professional development and job creation

Oregon State Bike Map

2010-04-27T09:10:00.001-07:00

article from bikeportland.org
The Oregon Department of Transportation has taken a bold step into the 21st century and has published their Oregon State Bike Map online for the first time ever. The map has been available for nearly 15 years, but prior to this week it wasn't even available as a PDF, much less publicly available on the Internet.

The map is also now GIS based and has up to date data on road conditions. The map is broken up into nine printable sections that can be downloaded from the ODOT website.

ODOT bike and ped program manager Sheila Lyons says the map is a "road map with information for bicyclists." Instead of recommending particular roads as designated bike routes and labeling them different colors, Lyons says they decided to just provide information someone might use to decide for themselves which roads to ride on. The map labels highways with shoulder width greater than 4-feet and information on traffic volume, terrain, and elevation is also available.

At this time, the state's official Scenic Bikeways are not on this map, but Lyons says they hope to include them on future versions once that program is more established.

The legend for the map is currently only on Tile #2 and ODOT bike and ped program manager Sheila Lyons says she's aware of that issue and plans to put the legend up as a separate PDF soon (I also didn't see the separate download for traffic volume information, so hopefully that gets added soon as well).

This is a great way to assess relative bike-ability of roads when planning your spring and summer adventures. For more detailed roadway information, you're advised to complement this with city-specific maps.

As always, ODOT would love your comments and review of the map to improve future versions. If you'd rather have a hard copy of the map, you can request one for free by calling (503) 986-3556.

Streets For All Seattle

2010-04-19T23:28:00.000-07:00

I read about this on bikehugger and thought it was important for the Evergreen community to see. Taking action to improve public transit, pedestrian safety and bicycle integration is an integral step to building a safer, healthier community. Someday 4th Ave could be for pedestrians only. We could walk from the bar and get falafel without risk of death.

Organizations like Streets for Seattle take action for multi-modal transportation development and they believe that walking, bicycling and transit should be the easiest means of transportation in Seattle. They have taken the initiative to find funding for planning that needs to happen. Though Olympia is much smaller city, we could take some serious steps, using Seattle and Portland as models, toward making streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Pedal The Ocean

2010-04-14T21:13:00.000-07:00

In 2010, Greg Kolodziejzyk is planning on pedaling a boat from Vancouver Island, BC to Hawaii. You can read about it here.

Check out this link to see more pictures.

Inside the boat.

Bike Shop Ad

2010-04-14T14:48:00.001-07:00

Thanks Luke for all your work!

Bikeshare Presentation

2010-04-08T11:23:00.001-07:00

A 15 minute presentation of the program details will be given during the Sustainability Council meeting scheduled on Monday April 12th from 1 to 3pm in SEM II A3107.

Metal Shop Schedule!

2010-04-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody - The TESC Metal shop just came out with its spring quarter schedule. You should go down there and get yer hands dirty - I know I'll b there. Wednesdays from 1-5 the metal shop will have proficiency trainings, so if you've always wanted to get involved but never quite thought you had the time, now's yer chance.

The rest of the schedule can be found down here. Heads up!

TIME	M	T	W	TH	F	SAT	SU
9-12 am	X	Conditional open studio	By special appointment	Conditional open studio	Special appt.	X	X
1-5 pm	X	Conditional open studio	Proficiency	Conditional open studio	Open Studio!	Open Studio!	X
5-9 pm	X	X	Open Studio!	X	Open Studio!	X	X

Bike Shop Budget Hearing Wednesday April 7th at 3:30

2010-04-05T11:58:00.001-07:00

Come support your local bike shop. The more people we have at our budget hearing the more likely we will receive the funding we ask for. Please come to the S and A conference room on Wednesday at 3:30. THANKS

Neal Fegan is great

2010-03-31T12:24:00.000-07:00

Saw this article on bikeportland.org and learned about the amazingly creative frames that a fella from Montana by the name of Neal Fegan is building. Here are a couple of pics.

The automechanics will be very jealous.

If you are an evergreen student or potential student you could build frames like this at our metal shop! Jack McGee has a contract constructing a frame this quarter, I will be sure to update the site with pics of the process.

Grandpa and Bicycle

2010-03-09T11:05:00.001-08:00

This animation has everything you need for a critically acclaimed masterpiece. Granpas, small children, and bicycles!

There is no accident in animation

2010-03-06T21:18:00.000-08:00

Appropriate Technology

2010-03-05T16:42:00.000-08:00

Shawn Frayne, a 28 year old inventor has a great point. We need to think on a more basic level. I agree that the developing world has rapidly advanced appropriate technology, but problems in America can also be addressed using a "softer" technology emphasis. There are smart people all around the world, and there are smart people here! While our systems are more complex and embedded in knots, we have a great deal of work to do in America. Labor is love; the time saving capacity of modern technology must be balanced with physical labor for our own health. All of the greatest inventions started on a very basic level, with an idea or a dream. Creativity is the most important aspect of education and inter-disciplinary studies increases the ability for people to utilize creativity and think more multi-dimensional. Some argue this style of education fosters superficial analysis of issues, however, it is equally apparent that intensive focus blocks the ability to see a larger picture, holistic analysis. I find myself thinking how lucky I am to be studying at Evergreen, because of the open atmosphere for ideas and work. Though we may not have money or accreditation, we are the "developing world" of education in the United States. We have access to all the equipment necessary to develop less resource intensive technology. The budget is the least of our problems, we have intellectual wealth and no state institution or figure can rescind our ability to dream.

Here is a very short list of some inventors who were bicycle enthusiasts and mechanics: Leondardo Da Vinci's notebooks from 1490 has writings about a student's drawing of a bicycle-esque machine, Wilbur and Orville Wright owned and operated a bicycle shop, Henry Ford was a bike mechanic, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and Gentullio (Tullio) Campagnolo were all bicycle fanatics. It's interesting that the father of the theory of relativity, the inventor of the light bulb, the inventors of human flight and the father of the automobile responsible for revolutionizing the advancement of the corporate fabric of America all have a connection to bicycles. All of these people thought a lot about energy! While not all of the results of these inventors have been positive, they were all inspired by the simplicity of human power.

I commonly hear the opinion that bicycle mechanics is something one learns when they are 9 years old. My first reaction was that of disgust, but my repulsion was pacified when I realized the immense wisdom of children. I often chuckle because the same people who profess this attitude usually have a hard time changing a flat. Bicycles are very complicated and it takes a great stockpile of knowledge to learn about the evolution of parts and technology on bicycles and how to use the tools specific for different generations of parts. I am a novice in understanding all of the different parts that have existed, however the concepts underlying the function fill my dreams. Utilizing simplicity through the inspiration of bicycles has helped me evolve my understanding of the connection of land use and energy.

Bikeshare Frames In The Shop

2010-03-03T10:42:00.000-08:00

Here it is, the coveted bombus bikes frame completed with decals!

Here is the shop space where we will rent the bikes located in the C Dorm. Thanks Dan for the tangerine paint.

Our shelves

That's a lot of bikes.

Peas in a pod.

HANDMADE IN OLYMPIA

Head badge

the Bombus decal designed by a tattoo artist in Olympia.

Just imagine.

Capital Bike Club Bikeswap

2010-03-01T19:22:00.000-08:00

Olympia Bike Swap on Wednesday March 3d at 7:30pm at the Capital Museum Coach House

Directions: Go up Capitol from downtown and make a right on 21st. Go to the coach house behind the Capital Museum. Hope to see you there!

New Parts Washer Finally Works

2010-02-26T14:31:00.000-08:00

Here it is!

After months of doing nothing with our Graymills parts washer we finally got a Biodiesel solvent from the Biodiesel lab on the farm at Evergreen! Thanks so much. Now you can come wash the gunk of your parts, put a coat of oil on them and make them smell like french fries. Ahh the wonders of vegetable oil.

Chris and max discovering a new definition of clean.

Bikeshare Frames Powder Coated

2010-02-25T10:59:00.000-08:00

We picked up the frames the YELLOW frames from CT Specialites powder coating in Lacey.

Check out these awesome drops on the bikes. That's a long drop!

Here is Chris with the rear wheel in the frame.

Those are some smooth welds.

The frames in transit.

We anxiously await news from the Attorney General's Office regarding liability issues. Keep your fingers crossed!!

Bike Art

2010-02-25T10:51:00.000-08:00

Last year Velocity sent us a whole bunch of rim cut outs from defective rims and we used them for art! Spencer a brilliant volunteer laced together this sculpture with duct tape and spokes.

I made this mobile out of the rim cut outs and spokes.

Kinetic Sculpture race in PORT TOWNSEND

2010-02-24T19:12:00.000-08:00

This breaking news just hit my radar. There is a kinetic sculpture race in port townsend! I heard about and saw machines from the kinetic energy race in Arcata, but I was unaware there was an event right here in western Warshington. Apparently the race has been happening since 1983 on the first weekend in October. I'm going and I think we should build a machine to race in it. If anyone out there would like to talk about making it happen, come to the bike shop meetings at 2pm on wed. or email!! Here is a link to their website and two videos of the race

The video above is from 1996,and you should watch it all the way through to see the pencil bike at the end. I'm going to make one of these very soon too. In fact I think the bike shop should make free giant pencils to apply to every bike.

This video shows the sculptures entering the water. In order to race your machine has to be amphibious! It must ride on streets, sand, the waters of the Puget Sound and in the BOGGGGG.

E.F. Schumacher - Appropriate Technology

2010-02-19T09:21:00.000-08:00

E. F. Schumacher, author of the influential book "Small Is Beautiful: Economics As If People Mattered," gives a speech on Appropriate Technology some time long ago.

The bicycle is a beautiful metaphor for the principles that Schumacher is conceptualizing. In fact, it was riding my bicycle that helped me begin to understand that humans are societies greatest resource of "alternative energy." With the use of "appropriate technology" we can harness energy for locomotion more efficiently than any species on the planet. Check out what Steve Jobs says about it below.

I have been focusing my education at Evergreen on bicycle education, advocacy, and transportation because I want to spread the very seed that helped sprout my recognition of energy availability. The Bikeshare program has given me the opportunity to make quality, efficient tools (constructed with community resources) available to students at Evergreen. I plan on spending the Spring quarter getting people on bicycles and helping them find confidence and comfort in the power of their own two legs. A special thanks to Daniel Williams for building so many wheels, Steven Michener and Luke Noble for all the advice on parts, all the Evergreen Bike Shop volunteers who contributed at our weekly meetings (Wednesday at 2pm), Daniel Harvey for donating tangerine paint, everyone who helped paint the bikeshare shop in the C Dorm, RAD (Residential and Dining Services) for working to institutionalize the program, Parking Services for employing me, Bombus Bikes for BUILDING BIKES, the Master's of Environmental Studies Graduate Program for supporting the work, and Max Shalitmontagne and Chris Grande for having hearts of gold.

Centro Autonomo para Creacion Intercultural de Tecnologias Apropriadas (CACITA)

2010-02-19T08:39:00.001-08:00

CACITA is a part of La Universidad De La Tierra in Oaxaca, Mexico. The website has been under construction for quite a while and I have been anxiously awaiting it's completion. I couldn't wait any longer and decided to just put a post about it, with the video link and a link to a great article about Oaxaca HERE.

Yale engineering.. teaching the how, but forgetting the why.

2010-02-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

Some engineering students at Yale made this spokeless bicycle wheel design. Aside from looking cool (matter of opinion) they've basically machined an expensive slab of premium aluminum into a fragile, un-tunable, and heavy wheel. Call me a retro-grouch, but steel spokes are hard to beat in weight and performance. But hey, they do look more interesting the any design work I've done.
Gizmodo via Reddit via Crunchgear

Tree Planting Workshop on the Woodland Trail Greenway This Saturday February 20th 9 am

2010-02-16T08:09:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, February 20th, help us plant or pot 5oo bare tree roots!

Bring gloves and long bladed shovels and DRESS FOR RAIN. Gloves and tools will be provided if you do not have them.

Meet at the Dayton Street Trail Head @ 9 am

Dayton St SE & 10th Way SE, Olympia, WA

Getting there by car:

From I-5 take the Pacific Avenue exit in Olympia. Proceed West 0.8 miles on Pacific Avenue. Take Boulevard Rd South 0.6 miles. Turn Left (East) onto 15th st (Same as Dayton). Go around the bend to the end. The Doors Unlimited people have been nice enough to let us use their parking lot. The project site is just down the trail to the West. Look for the white tent.

Getting there by bicycle:

From Pacific Avenue, take Boulevard Rd South appx 0.4 miles. Immediately after crossing I-5, turn Left (East) onto the I-5 bike path. Take an immediate right onto the short connector trail. Turn left (East) onto the Woodland Trail, and go ¼ mile West toward Dayton Street. Look for the white tent.

Visit: www.wtga.org

Contact Jack Horton, President of the Woodland Trail Greenway Association with any questions
cell: 360 789 0944
home: 360 956 1743

Portland Bicycle Plan Passed!

2010-02-13T21:38:00.000-08:00

Thursday marked a milestone in the history of transportation planning in the Pacific Northwest. Portland's City Council unanimously passed a stimulus plan of 600 million dollars to advance walkability and bikability in the city.

Check out an article on oregonlive.com

"Portland's entire 300 mile network of bikeways cost about the same as 1 mile of urban freeway" from Portlandize.com

For more information regarding the plan check it out here

Ant Bikes

2010-02-12T09:01:00.001-08:00

Here is a company out of Holliston, Massachusetts that is on to something. Their "tag line is not sport, transport"
Check out their website

Fully functional lego fixie

2010-02-10T15:46:00.000-08:00

The picture says it all. Pulled from Prolly is not Probably. Click pic for link.

Mini Bike Winter

2010-02-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

If you feel like heading down to Portland this weekend you can check out the Mini Bike Winter, a series of Zoo Bomb centered mayhem happening Feb, 11th-14th. Events include movies, lots of themed rides, and bike f-ing chariots!! Click images for more info.

The Bikeshare Frames are COMPLETE

2010-02-09T17:35:00.000-08:00

Max and I rode out to the Bombus Bikes Workshop again last Thursday and we were very excited to see the finished frames. They are going to be powder coated Safety Yellow in the next week and will be ready for building in the very near future.

Thomas and Glenn (Builders) holding up the finished product. They let us know that any students that ride the bikes and like them can have bikes built for themselves. They will offer an Evergreen Student Discount and you can customize what you want.

The Workshop

Portland Bike Plan!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-08T13:53:00.000-08:00

Check out Portland's Bike Plan for 2030. This thing is absolutely amazing!! It has the energy to stimulate the entire northwest and create an example of how we can use urban design to address environmental problems. Click here for a general overview of the plan. It received some negative feedback last week when the City Council met to discuss the plan.

"Mayor Sam Adams is scrambling to explain how the city will fund an ambitious Portland Bicycle Plan for 2030 that the City Council is poised to approve on Thursday."

"The plan calls for spending approximately $600 million to more than quadruple the percentage of daily bike trips in the city during the next 20 years. Every member of the council voiced support for the plan during last week's first public hearing on the issue." Quote from the Portland Tribune.

Adams may be "scrambling" to find money to fund this project, but it gives me hope that a politician is working to support something other than corporate interests. You got my vote Adams.

The New Times Square

2010-02-06T20:24:00.000-08:00

Walkable Urbanism.

Info to help you stay safe

2010-02-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

I have been riding for a while and I have come into some sticky situations on the road. I saw these pictures on another blog and thought they were worth sharing with cyclists in the Evergreen/Olympia community. One of the worst accidents that I almost got into was this situation.

When you are riding along side, or right behind a car at an intersection a lot of times there is a car in the oncoming traffic lane that is making a left turn (the orange hummer in the above diagram). Many times they do not stop, and continue to coast until the (red hummer) passes. If the red hummer is blocking you from the field of vision for the orange hummer it can be a very close call. What I recommend doing is slowing down at the intersection if you see a car making a left turn in on coming traffic and make sure they see you. Eye contact is very useful. Or, you can slow down if you think you are being blocked by a car (orange hummer) and you don't know if someone is making a left turn. It is difficult to be cautious at every intersection, but fortunately there are only a handful of intersections in Olympia and being aware of this situation can help save you from collision. The diagram below shows that at night, a front light can also help the orange hummer be aware that you are there.

A powerful front light helps cars to see you, so they are a great investment. It is also the Washington State law to ride with front and rear lights at night and I strongly support following this.

Bike Share News

2010-02-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

We got wheels! We received the spokes, nipples, hubs and rims for the wheels for our bikeshare program last week. We should have them all laced up and tensioned in the near future. Check out the pictures

Above is a picture of the 8 speed internally geared Sturmey Archer hub. Hubba Hubba

This week we are hoping to get paint and paint the shop space in the C Dorm, so anyone interested in helping to paint will be rewarded with love and respect. The bike frames should be finished soon and we will be working on assembling them. I will keep you posted in case you are interested in helping with the assembly process.

Woodland Trail Map

2010-01-31T14:48:00.001-08:00

Found this map at the Washington Trails Greenway Association: www.wtga.org

Explore the East Side on a woodland bike path!!

Group Rides Friday at 1:30 pm

2010-01-30T12:31:00.001-08:00

Click the map for a larger, easier to read PDF

We had our first group ride yesterday! We went to the Monarch Sculpture Garden near the end of the Western Chehalis Trail. We left at 3:30, but from now on we will leave at 1:30 because it got dark quick. The following pictures are from google image searchs of the sculpture garden because it was nighttime when we were there. Thanks Dave, Chelsea, Spencer and Greg. It was a blast. Come ride with us next week on a new adventure! We leave every friday at 1:30, we ride slow and enjoy ourselves. You do not have to be an experienced cyclist to join us.

Pick Up Sticks by Myrna Orsini. I love Myrna. Not only are you extremely talented, but you are an angel. I left a media loan camera on the ground at the garden last night and she found it for me this morning.

Amphibious bike 'Cyclomer'. Paris, 1932

2010-01-24T15:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a great flickr photostream and here are some great pictures from it.

Bike Tube Floaties

Angled Paddle Wheel

Radio Baby Carriage

Ruth's new Frame!!

2010-01-21T14:23:00.000-08:00

Bombus Bikes Workshop

2010-01-19T15:01:00.000-08:00

On Friday night, Max and I had a complementary visit to the Bombus Bikes Workshop. We were given a sneak preview of the frames being built for Evergreen's Bikeshare Program. The following are pictures complementary of Bombus Bikes.

This is a new and improved frame JIG that was built for the project. A JIG is a device for holding machine work in place. This aligns the tubes, so they can be tacked. Tacking means that a very small weld is made in order to hold the tubes in the right place, so the full weld can be completed. It is made from 80/20 modular aluminum framing.

Above is another JIG that was built to hold the seat stays in place so they can be coped to fit the seat tube. This JIG was designed to be mounted on a mill so that a hole saw could be used to cut the seat stays. You can see the drop outs on the right side of the picture and the coped tubes on the left side of the picture.

The two pictures above are showing an alignment table. After the frame is welded, it is bolted on this table to make sure it is aligned properly.

Here is a cool picture of all the seat stays and the drop outs for the the frames. You can see they have horizontal drops for the internally geared Sturmey Archer hub and mounts for a rack.

The TIG welder is pictured above. This is the welding machine space that Bombus Bikes uses to weld the frames.

Here are 8 of the 10 front triangles for Evergreen's Bikeshare Program. You can see the different sizes of the frames if you look at the bottom of the picture. As your eyes move left the frames get larger.

It was very exciting to see the frame building workshop and today we ordered all the parts to build the wheels and the parts for some of the assembly of the bikes. We are also preparing to paint the new shop space in the C Dorm where the bikes will be rented. If you are interested in helping or creating a stencil for us we would love the help!

Also, last Friday the Director of Residential and Dining Services met with the Vice President of Student Affairs and the program was not halted. We still have some work to do for it to be institutionalized, but we are well on the way. We will keep you posted as we find out with these blog entries. Thanks for reading.

LA Doctor Get Five Years for Inetntionally Hitting Cyclists

2010-01-14T10:22:00.000-08:00

Dude slams his brakes, sending two cyclists through his rear window (not his first collision with cyclist) and this is what he has to say in his defense....

“If I offended you and I scared you, you scared me back as well as Mr. Fitts (the passenger in the car at the time of the incident) and I think that we both could use a little talk, a little dialog,” he said.

Yeah, I really feel for him. Props to the judge for giving this guy five years. Now if we can just get someone to hold grossly negligent drivers responsible for their actions.

Check out the complete article over at VeloNews

The Evergreen Bikeshare Program

2010-01-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

The Bike Shop has been hard at work developing our very own Bikeshare Program. This program is a collaborative effort of the Commute Trip Reduction office of Parking Services, Residential and Dining Services, the Evergreen Bike Shop, Bombus Bikes and the Clean Energy Committee. We received funding for the program from the Clean Energy Committee at the beginning of November 2009. Presently, Thomas Kolb of Bombus Bikes is building the frames of the bikes that are going to be out to lend. Max Shalitmontagne, a student and bike shop volunteer is working on an independent contract to develop the program and have it ready to roll for the Spring quarter of 2010. Here is a link to Max's Blog about the project: www.driveonroadbicycle.com.

I am working with Max on this project for an internship for the first Cargill Sustainability Fellowship offered to Master's of Environmental Studies students. By the end of the quarter we hope to accomplish these goals, and we will be giving a weekly update of our progress:

1. First and foremost, we need the Evergreen State College to assume the liability for the program and institutionalize our bike renting dream. The Director of Residential and Dining Services is meeting with the Vice President of Student Affairs to discuss this matter on Friday! Keep your fingers crossed.
2. Build a mini bike shop in the C Dorm to store, loan and maintain the bikes.
3. Commission Bombus Bikes to build the frames to our specifications.
4. Assemble the bikes so they are safe and usable for a student who is new to biking.
5. Create a liability form for the user to sign, so they assume responsibility for the bike while they are loaning it.
6. Create an inspection checklist for RAD auxiliary employees to follow to check the safety of the bikes before they are re-rented.
7. Create a sign out form.
8. Design a training manual for RAD auxiliary employees to reference when working on bikes.
9. Design a pamphlet to give out to students who are using the bikes that addresses the following issues:
-What to do in case of an accident
-Your rights as a cyclist on the road
-How to lock the bike
-How to change gears
-How to fix a flat
-Phone numbers for RAD and the Bike Shop
10. Teach a class for the RAD auxiliary crew on bike maintenance.

GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK. Do you want there to be more in the pamphlet, or do you have ideas, or would you like to make a screen print to use inside the shop we are building, or help??? Please write and tell us. This is one of our ways to communicate with the world so get your little fingers moving and write us a message!

Strange 1950's cycling heaven

2010-01-11T15:52:00.000-08:00

Imagine this in Olympia

Monkey Warfare

2009-12-24T11:04:00.000-08:00

Canadian film about bicycle rebellion, check out the trailer

Oregon Manifest Constructor's Challenge

2009-12-16T13:08:00.000-08:00

OREGON MANIFEST CONSTRUCTOR’S DESIGN CHALLENGE from oregon manifest on Vimeo.

Maybe someday Thomas will compete in this.

New Bike Shop Layout

2009-12-14T15:21:00.000-08:00

We just finished the new Bike Shop plans. I've been working with Brian Anderson a construction project manager to finalize them. These plans were started 2 years ago by the previous bike shop members and this is a continuation of the energy and work that they put in. Thanks Rowan for getting us the original plans and I'm very excited to see the new space. Give us your comments and notice that we have a door to the outside world! We'll be right off the bike path coming from upper campus. Thanks.

Busses and Bicycles: How to Share the Road

2009-12-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

Share the Road - Buses and Bicycles from Chicago Bicycle Program on Vimeo.

New Shop Layout Designs

2009-12-08T09:33:00.000-08:00

Our time in the basement shall come to an end. We love the space, but we will be happier to have a more trafficked area back in the CAB. Check out the new shop designs and if GIVE US YOUR COMMENTS!!

Cycling Compost Pick-Up Service

2009-12-06T19:12:00.001-08:00

VIMBY - The Pedal Co-Op

New Special Orders Policy

2009-12-02T21:14:00.000-08:00

Hey volunteers,

We'll be changing the policy on special orders.

1. Special orders for volunteers are for repairs and personal projects only.
2. All special orders will be reviewed at our weekly meetings to determine if they fulfill the above requirement.

If you are a volunteer, did not receive the an e-mail regarding this matter, and plan on making a special order, its strongly advised that you talk to one of the coordinators.

The Evergreen Bike Shop is always busy with something, too (thanks alex wetmore)

2009-11-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

James Lemieux just finished a tall bike, Spencer is pictured riding it above. James is below

Chris Grande became nominated to be our third coordinator! Congrats Chris.

I just finished a project that I have been working on for a few weeks too. We had an old steel Miyata mountain/touring frame that had a broken chain stay. I used a TIG welder to re-weld the break, then sand blasted and painted the frame. I finally have a rain commuter.

You can see the spot right at the end of the chain stay tube, and at the beginning of the drop out where the bike snapped. You can also see the bead made from the TIG welder, where the frame was repaired. Sorry it's not the best camera.

We also had an anonymous donation of this new track frame, thanks to whoever you are out there that gave us this and the box of parts. We are planning to build the bike and raffle it sometime next quarter.

I went down to Bike and Bike, another local bike co-op, and talked to neil a long time volunteer. We are in the beginning stages of diplomacy. It is in the best interest of the whole community for us to work together and we are going to start brainstorming ideas that we can both reduce thefts in our shops. It seems that they are plagued with similar problems as Evergreen's Shop, so maybe by working together we can stop people from continuing to steel our stuff. While Bike and Bike is gifted with lots of parts, Evergreen is gifted with the budget to buy tools. We're trying to find a middle ground that allows us each to share our assets. I went up to Bike Works in Seattle this weekend and was inspired to see what a co-op can look like. With a lot of work and a bit of luck we will hopefully be on the road to establishing a better resource for all of Olympia.

Gossamer Condor and Albatross

2009-11-27T14:57:00.000-08:00

You can go see the Gossamer Albatross II at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

Rerun rides on his mom's bicycle

2009-11-26T13:02:00.000-08:00

obstacles to the advancement of bicycle legislation

2009-11-26T10:32:00.000-08:00

Check out this article on the Scrooges of bicycle advocacy in such cities as San Francisco, Philidelphia and such organizations as the World Health Organization. It's interesting to read the justification for halting further advancement of bicycle integration. You have to know your enemy.

"The Crown Prince of Anti-Bicycle LandAlthou has to be Rob Anderson, of San Francisco," this @ss&ole "has succesfully halted all implementation of bicycle infrastructure in that city for almost three years." How did he do it? He sued the city and insisted they perform an environmental analysis on the effects of urban cycling before expanding bike routes all over. His justification was that increased biking slows cars down which increases carbon emissions. Find out more and how other people are stopping the advancement of bicycle legislation all over the world, by clicking here.

Thanks Phillip!

"Philip L. Graitcer is a one-man wrecking ball. He has managed to completely split the World Health Organisation with his eagerness to promote helmets. Half of the WHO would rather promote public health but he has been vocal in swinging it the other way. His connections to the auto industry certainly don't help his street cred."

It's amusing to read the arguments against bicycle integration. It is hard for me to imagine that someone who is blocking the distribution of bicycles for a reason as "altruistic" as helmet safety does not have an ulterior motive. He is worried for the safety of all those people around the world who might hit their heads while increasing their land speed, exercising, seeing the natural environment around them, becoming engaged with their communities, reducing carbon footprints and dependency on petroleum. What a guy. Maybe I'm a bit jaded but the last century of the industrial and petroleum lobby thwarting public transit and intelligent land use leaves me suspicious.

LA times publishes advice for Cyclists.

2009-11-23T12:51:00.001-08:00

"Bicyclists must obey all the traffic laws that motorists do, but safety tactics may also help riders avoid accidents"

The LA times just published an article with a series of situations and strategies for cyclists to help prevent accidents. Check it out!

Mandatory Meeting and New Schedule

2009-11-20T17:22:00.000-08:00

Hello Community Members,

During our weekly meetings (Wednesday 1 to 3 pm) we discussed a bunch of problems we have recently had at our shop, and some viable solutions. In the past 5 weeks we have had a lot of things stolen from the shop. This list of tools and parts include: a brand new 2 arm bike stand (estimated cost $650) a truing stand (estimated cost $250) a spoke tensiometer (estimated cost $80) Drop Out Aligners (estimated cost $100) a brooks saddle, bar tape, chains, and probably a lot more. We decided it was absolutely necessary to talk to all of our volunteers about the problem, which is why this weeks meeting was mandatory. We changed our protocol for accessing the key for the shop, now you can only get the key during your scheduled shift. If you have not had a chance to talk to myself, Travis Skinner, or Daniel Williams (shop coordinators) please do so if you would like to continue to be a volunteer.

We have also had some complaints about the shop atmosphere not being welcoming to new members, so we have also decided to make volunteers wear a badge so that people know who is the volunteer on shift when they enter the shop. We will require that volunteers be helpful and cordial to all who enter our shop. Thanks so much for understanding and we are working hard to make our shop as resourceful and egalitarian as possible.

Evergreen Bike Shop Wheel Building Class

2009-11-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

There will be a wheel building workshop taught by David Coppley in two parts November 18 and 25 at 3:00pm in the Evergreen Bike Shop located in the basement of SEM 1. The first part will go over lacing patterns, tension and truing. The second part will go over rounding and dishing. There was a previous class to determine spoke length and selecting appropriate rim, spoke type and hub. If that cant be done by the 18th rebuilding a wheel is an excellent alternative, whether it is yours or one of the free wheels available through the bike shop.

Beginners Night Starts Today!

2009-11-12T19:34:00.000-08:00

We had our first Beginners Night this gloomy Thursday evening. We decided to open our shop up to all those people who have felt uncomfortable in the past. If you are not a mechanic and don't have any aspirations to be one, we can help you fix your bike! Just stop by on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 to receive help from our volunteers. Anyone is welcome to come to the shop anytime it is open, but if you have felt out of place in the past, on Thursday from 6 to 8 you will be well received with smiling faces. It is our goal to get you on a bike and riding, it is as simple as that.

Behavioural Challenges for Urban Cycling

2009-11-11T16:58:00.000-08:00

Copenhagenize.com - The Copenhagen Bike Culture Blog: Behavioural Challenges for Urban Cycling

Here is a great article about bicycle safety and behavior change. Please click the link above and check it out.

New Frame Building JIG

2009-11-10T16:47:00.001-08:00

Thomas Kolb (pictured above) was commissioned by the Evergreen Bike Shop to build a jig for constructing road and mountain frames. He finished the jig this weekend and it is has found a home in our shop. If you are interested in building a frame and have taken the Intro to Metal course, you can come see about using the jig to build a custom bike. This jig is going to be used to build the 10 bikes we are using for the Bike Share program.

This is a picture of the bottom bracket and rear drop mounts on the jig.
Thanks Thomas!