Tune In, Tune Up and Put the Hammer Down
Ah, Spring! It’s time to get out the bikes, unpack the padded shorts and shine up those clipless shoes. Mr. Jones and I will ready ourselves for race season. That means that I’ll stand around asking dumb questions while he puts the bikes up on the stand and clucks about the damage that I’ve inflicted on my beautiful bike during the last season. There will be laughs, there will be tears and oh my will there be cursing. You see his bike, Christine, as we like to call her, has been trying to hasten his demise since she was purchased. His Intense 951 and I have a lot in common, mostly we are both pretty darn good looking (If I say so myself), quick and likely to result in an early death for Mr. Jones. However, despite his better judgement he still regards us both with adoration mixed with a twinge of minor annoyance and occasionally on the days when we really cause him pain, some deep seated loathing. But I digress, back to the spring prep. Currently my beautiful Transition Syren is getting a tune-up and the addition of a chain guide (thank goodness) as I am finally fast enough to cause the chain to flop off nearly every time I make a decent now. We also have my xc bike and his dirt jumper to clean up and prep for pedaling around town. Those I’m more inclined to assist with because they are less likely to kill me should I not have some of the adjustments quite right. Most normal folks will be readying their rides for fun and exercise now that the weather is beginning to warm. Perhaps you’ll go to your local park or even ride around your street. But, before you do, be sure that the bikes have had a good tune-up. Perhaps you’ll take it to your local bike shop, which is always advisable, but if you want to DIY there’s a video below to help guide you. You may have read an article that I posted in July of last year about the Recycle-A-Bicycle program in NYC. If not, just click the link and have a catch-up. Either way, the video below features Susan Lindell at Dumbo’s Recycle-A-Bicycle and covers the 5 basics that you should check before getting back in the saddle this season. It’s called the “ABC Quick Check” and everyone should learn it. This is part of the Etsy How-Tuesday series, so check them out, watch the video and get ready to Tune in, tune up and put the hammer down on your two-wheeled steed.
Tune Up Your Bicycle For Spring from Etsy on Vimeo.
Filed under DIY, Tutorial | Tags: bicycle, downhill, Etsy, maintenance, Tutorial | Comment (0)Recycle-A-Bicycle
Looking for a bicycle this summer? Even if you need parts, safety gear or accessories I always recommend supporting your local bike shop. I was so excited to come across these bike shops in NYC. These retails stores take in bicycle and gear donations, refurbish them and sell them to the public. Best yet, profits from the retail sales go to support youth programs around New York City.
Recycle-a-Bicycle is an innovative, fun youth training and environmental education initiative that has taken root in New York City public schools and respected after-school youth programs.
These youth programs are actually based in the public schools where kids can sign up to learn bicycle mechanics as an elective. Body do I wish I could’ve taken that in school! What a great way to get kids interested in biking early, who may not have had the opportunity. Bicycling is great for health and the environment and and caring for your own bike, which can otherwise be an expensive endeavor, is a great life skill to learn. For kids who don’t have the resources to buy a bike from the retail shops, they allow students to drop in after school and work in the shop to earn a bike. Additionally they sponsor summer programs focused on arts and the environment. All of these programs help teach these kids responsiblity, ingenuity and proof that good things can be achieved through hard work and volunteerism. So, if you are in the NYC area, you can donate a bike, volunteer your time and spread the word. For the rest of us, check out more about the program here and donate what you can. Help support a great program that supports the recycling and kids. Hey, maybe you could even start a movement like this in your own city…
Filed under Environmentally Focused, Website | Tags: art, bicycle, DIY, environment, NYC, recycle, repair, retail, thrifty, youth programs | Comment (1)