Chain Gang

first seen in Seven Days

A Montpelier bike co-op reinstates the wheel

by Kirk Kardashian (05/09/07).

Try to imagine a machine aboard which a human being becomes the most efficient animal on earth: a fantastic science-fiction creature able to travel 3000 miles fueled by the calories contained in one gallon of gas. H.G. Wells might have dreamed it up, but for the simple fact that the machine frequently passed before his eyes. “When I see an adult on a bicycle,” he said, “I do not despair for the future of the human race.”

A similar romantic optimism has taken hold of Colin Gunn and Eric Blokland, the creators of FreeRide Montpelier, the capital city’s first bicycle co-op. In the tradition of Burlington’s Bike Recycle, FreeRide Montpelier, which is opening its doors at noon on May 12, will take donated bicycles in any condition and make them roadworthy again. The refurbished bikes will be available for purchase for a nominal amount based on ability to pay, or as payment in kind for laboring at the co-op. Memberships to the co-op will be offered for a small, yet-to-be-determined fee — $30 a year, for example — which will give members an all-access pass to the benefits of a community bike shop.

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Get Ready for a ‘Freeride’

first seen in the Times Argus

May 5, 2007
By Patrick Joy — Times Argus Staff

MONTPELIER — Tucked away in the basement of an asymmetric, ramshackle red building at 89 Barre St., Colin Gunn and Eric Blokland have been quietly assembling a steel and aluminum army.

The process began a little less than a year ago with a call for used bicycles. On Wednesday, the pair of 24-year-olds worked on final preparations before launching their brainchild, Freeride Montpelier.

Surrounded by frames and cogs, headsets and handlebars, both said they were excited for the May 12 debut of their volunteer-run cooperative cycling shop and used bike warehouse.

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