Special Report: The Bicycle Co-op

The two biggest variables that scared me about becoming a commuter/urban cyclist were:

1. Fear of Bike shops and of doing simple repairs
2. Cost of repairs and maintenance

It looks like I am not the only one to feel this way, and some groups and communities are finding a way to combat these fears in order to get people on two wheels. Called Bike co-ops, Bike Churches and Bike Collectives, they all have one goal in mind: to get folks on bikes and on the roads. Most shops offer a space for repairing bikes, as well as tools and volunteer mechanics to guide you in fixing your ride.

These shops all require you to get a little dirty. No dropping off your bike before work. However, there are also no $30 bills for them to 'adjust' something and act condescendingly toward you. What a deal! Hanging out in a bike shop, learning to fix your bike and getting some repairs done. Sign me up.

These co-ops exist for more than that. Some are geared toward youth, like Cycles of Change. Many are starting an Earn-a-bike program, which trades volunteer hours for a rebuilt bike (which you help to build). Others market themselves toward lower income and shelter residents, giving them reliable transportation and a place for low to no cost repairs. These shops are Non-Profit and many rely on donations and volunteer hours.

One thing that I was excited to see is that most of the guides (yes, there are guides to starting a bicycle co-op) is that they encourage 'ladies night' (A few have ladies and Trans night!), recognizing that the ability to do simple repairs in a non-threatening environment is a huge roadblock to women cycling. The first time I got a flat, I was stuck, having never learned to change one. I had to call and friend and then bring Mick Jagger to a shop and paying for a change. I am lucky enough to have a friend (thanks Heath!) who took time to teach me tonight, but having a space and special time for women is a great service.

There is a conference, Bike! Bike!, that provides instruction, support and comraderie for bike co-ops throughout the country. These consist of rides, workshops, parties and a chance for like minded riders to get together and collectively talk about how to improve the cycling culture in America. Bike!Bike! Southeast is being held in Atlanta Jan 22-25. I am hoping to get a group together (anyone interested?).

Wondering why we don't have one in Birmingham? Fear not, the men of Brocycle are working on Bici co-op, a community bike shop here in town. I am so excited to see this unfold in my community and can't wait to help out. Tomorrows allecat race is hoping to raise funds to get bici off the ground. If you want more info or to donate, email me and I will get you in touch with the right people.

See you tomorrow! I will be manning a stop and having fun at the afterparty. Come out and say hello! If you win, there is a Triathablog T-shirt with your name on it.

Why I Love my Commute, Part Two: The Weather

It seems that I would be a slave to the weather as a bike commuter, and I am. I am also, however, completely in love with the weather. Most people think of weather in their commute as something that they have to deal with getting into the car and then the office. Not I. For me, it is something I feel every minute of the ride. I am directly affected by every aspect of the day's weather. All day long. If the weather calls for possible storms in the afternoon, I have to be careful not to get stuck at work (not experienced enough to ride in the rain AND dark).

Windy days are both good and bad. A strong head wind is great when going downhill on a hot day but terrible when going uphill in the cold or spitting rain. The wind changes when it is about to rain. I can feel that. I can tell you if a storm is coming...the wind shift, the air smells differently (comes from a gas called petrichor) and the colors are particularly sharp.

Sunny days are sometimes worse than cloudy or windy days. I have awakened to a clear, sunny day and dreaded my ride. Sunny mornings mean less visibility and blinded driveron certain streets. It also means heat. Here in the southeast, even in the winter, sometimes it is too much heat for a vigorous ride. What I wear is dependent on the weather, and not just which umbrella to use or which jacket to throw on. Cold, sunny days mean layers and layers. Sunny summer days mean bringing an extra set of clothes.

The day (actually hours) after rain is wonderful. Clear and crisp and the fresh smell of trees and earth. Even in the city. However, I must remember that the roads also have extra grease and debris on them and ride accordingly.

Cars also act differently depending on the weather. Sunny days equal more speed and less patience for me. I get a lot of honks and yells on sunny mornings! Cloudy days people seem to be more tired and act more recklessly, cutting me off and swerving into my lane. Chilly mornings and everyone is so nice, feeling sorry for the poor little girl riding her bike to work in tights and a skirt (Ha! Jokes on them).

My favorite weather to commute in is a brisk (55-65 degrees), breezy, slightly cloudy day. You couldn't pay me to get into my car on days like those. Unless I have overslept, but that is for another day's post...

*side note: An alleycat race is taking place this Saturday, 4pm at Linn Park. Come out and be a part or just hang out (they could use some help manning stops). The proceeds benefit Bici Coop, a community bike shop that is in the works. Fun AND philanthropic, who can pass that up? Plus, you could win a Triathablog Tshirt!