In this post:
- Shifts through April
- A view towards Spring
REMAINING WINTER SHIFTS
As we’ve spent some low-attendance shifts at the shop this winter, we’ve
had some time to contemplate the service we’re providing, and what the
future of Freeride might look like. One of the first changes we’ve decided
to make is to move down to one shift until April. This will give the three
of us, and other mechanics/aspiring mechanics, a chance to share knowledge
during the remaining shift each week, as well as plan more for the spring.
Thus, until April, our shift schedule will be, simply:
Tuesday evenings, 6 – 8 pm
AND BEYOND
We’ve brainstormed a few things for the spring, including beginning to
lend out bikes from the shop (like a library. The bikes are great downtown
bikes, with racks that can hold 2 grocery bags easily), and focusing some
more on outreach to build membership and volunteers. We will definitely be
focusing on a few things, however:
- Bike/part drive. We’ve gone through a lot of the bikes and parts that we
had left in stock, and need more to work with. We’ll be looking (harder)
for a place to store materials, and we definitely want whatever you or
your friends or enemies have in your basements and garages rusting away.
- Membership renewals. We’re happy to have a really low budget, and
judging by our first 2 years, we run a pretty fiscally sustainable
organization. While our main source of income is bike sales, our favorite
income is from our members, paying yearly dues so that whenever their bike
has a flat tire, rusty chain, sticky headset, or just needs flashier
pedals, streamers, or whatever, they know they can come by to get help
working on it. Of course, if you want to renew for 2009 now, our dues are
still $0 to $30, sliding scale.
We’re looking forward to the spring, and opening the doors to more people.
It’s heartening to know that there are still dozens of Montpelierites
biking in the winter, because one of these years, the gas prices will stay
up. It’s not too late to start practicing your winter biking this year!
Best,
Colin Gunn, Matt Brittenham, Stan Brinkerhoff
Head Mechanics
Freeride Montpelier
