Come in Out of the Basement

Bicycle mechanics are an interesting breed.  These mechanically inclined tinkerers spend a lot of time in their workshops and garages.  They may be putting together esoterically interesting bicycles, or salvaging a bicycle hub with cones from a pile of other hubs collected over years of gathering parts.  Unless they lucked into a friendship with a nearby neighbor that also shares their bicycle addiction, much of this time is spent in solitary.  All that time spent alone can be a detriment to health and social well being.  It doesn't have to be that way.  Other cities have community bicycle spaces, and now there is one in Hartford - BiCi Co.!

If you hang out too long in your basement, you'll end up getting reabsorbed.

BiCi Co. is inviting fellow basement mechanics to join us and enjoy the benefits of being a more socialized human.  Last week we hosted our first Tuesday night "Mechanic's Night".  We tuned up bikes, BS'd about bike designs, talked about rides coming up.  It was great!  The volunteer mechanics repaired five used bikes for Hartford shelter residents.  That's the project BiCi Co. is working on in December.  Bicycles are amazing tools for increasing mobility and jobs access for the most vulnerable in our population.   We'll be holding Mechanic's Night on one more Tuesday in December, 5:30-8:30pm - 12/15.  If Mechanic's Night goes well, we'll start it back up in 2016.

Steven getting tips on wheel truing from a voluntary mechanic.

Volunteer mechanics have also been helping at the DIY Member Hours to guide those that are looking to learn more about fixing their own bicycles.  The DIY hours are Wednesday (5:30-8:30pm) and Saturday (1:30-5:30pm).   Pairing up a mechanic with a newbie is a great way to skill share and get more independent and confident bicycle commuters onto the streets in our city.  A quick thank you to the volunteer mechanics that have been very helpful thus far - Dwight Teal, Ryan McMahon, Chris Brown, Javi and Henry, Steve Leonforte, Damien Stewart, David Blatt, Jesse Varrell, Rich Allen, Mike Zager, Alinafe Tengatenga, Michael Barr, Jeremy Gantz, and Tracy and Ethan Frankel.  We couldn't do it without you.  A rock star team for such a new bike space venture and we're thankful that you've jumped in with us. Our social skills are off the charts in the last two months!

Eva Dougherty - Replaces a fork on a touring bike.  First time!  

Perks? - In addition to the feel goods and the socialization, BiCi Co. will recognize volunteer staff (> 10 hrs per month) with a healthy discount on used and new bike parts.  Because we have an addiction to bikes, this is unreasonably important perk.

Holiday Hours Notice - BiCi Co. will have no hours December 20th through December 29th.  We'll hold DIY Member Hours on Wednesday, December 30th.  5:30-8:30pm.

Henry and Javi - Volunteer mechanics.  Learning the ropes.

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Do It Yourself - BiCi Co. Hours Announced!

The membership, teaching bike shop starting up at 95 Park Street has this thing called "Member Hours."  BiCi Co. members have access to the shop during these scheduled hours to attend and use the workstands, tools, and get guidance from experienced mechanics.  Members can come into these hours and use them to pick up new bike maintenance skills - like changing a tire or replacing a worn out chain.  For anyone that rides further than a mile or so from home, knowing how to change a tire is something you should know.  The confidence and mobility one gains from mastering basic maintenance on their bicycle is important to how likely someone is to be a regular bicycle commuter or longer distance recreational cyclist.   Being worried that you'll be stranded for hours for every flat tire really damps the enthusiasm of someone that would otherwise enjoy a 10 or 20 mile bicycle ride.

BiCi Co Membership Campaign on Indiegogo

What do I get with membership?  Why bother with this BiCi Co. concept of empowered and independent cyclists? Good questions.  In addition to access to DIY member hours, you'll get a 25% discount on bicycle parts and accessories.  Members have special pricing for scheduled bike safety and mechanic lessons.  Some might be intimidated by the thought of tuning a bicycle, but consider how much simpler a bicycle is than your standard car.  It's not rocket science.  Almost anyone who wants to learn the basics of bicycle maintenance (including basic repair) can do it.  With hands on lessons and patient experts on hand, you can do this.

Five work stands and a full complement of bike tools.

This fall we are holding a trial version of the BiCi Co. Member Hours for those that want to try before they buy.  BiCi Co is also recruiting volunteers, both for member hours.  If you're interested in volunteers, send me an email.  The shop will have basic repair parts and accessories.  Since we're in the startup phase of the project, we won't have a fully stocked bike shop.   There are multiple full sets of bike tools, work stands, a wheel truing stand, and work benches.  The shop is beginning to accumulate used bike parts, and those are also available to support your bicycle repair.  Being a BiCi Co. member puts resources, experts, and parts at your fingertips.  I know personally that it's expensive and takes a lot of space to set up a bike workstation in your home.   Being a member at BiCi Co. is a great option, with a side benefit of social connections and skill sharing.

BiCi Co. - Demo Member Hours - Weekly!

• Wednesdays from 5:30-8:30pm.  Starting on October 21st.  No hours on November 25th due to holiday weekend.
• Saturdays from 1:30-5:30pm.  Starting on November 7th.  No hours on November 28th due to holiday weekend.

BiCi Co Membership Campaign on Indiegogo

Last year's parade - Anne Cubberly's Night Fall crew.

BiCi Co. Special Event - Save the Date - Hooker Day Parade 

Saturday, October 24th for the Hooker Day Parade in Downtown Hartford.  We'll be riding bikes in the parade.  More information soon.  Stay tuned for the BiCi Co. FB Page for the latest info.  Excited to pull in bicycle commuters and riders from Transport Hartford, the Slow Roll, and BiCi Co. to participate in this rollicking annual Hartford parade / party.

Hooker day costume from 2013.  Photo credit Greg Garcia.

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