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Alright, the word is out. Working on bikes is a fun and empowering. Especially when you don’t have to worry about making mistakes on your own bike, when you have access to more tools than you knew existed and the bike is in a bike stand.
This is how we’re working the bike mechanic workshops at Community Spokes.
Building on the success of our Women’s Fall Cycling Series which included a mechanic workshop, we’ve scaffolded the experience.
In November we held 2 beginner bike mechanic workshops. We focused on:
- adjusting the height and angle of your seat (aka saddle)
- removing your wheels to change the tire
- cleaning your chain
- dealing with squeaky brakes and
- changing your pedals
An intermediate workshop was held in December. In January we’re hosting the advanced skills workshop, and finishing off the series in February with the expert level workshop! At each workshop, the mechanics at Community Spokes ‘prepare’ some shop bikes for each participant. That way, no one has to worry about breaking their own bike!
These workshops intentionally focus on more than just bike mechanics. With couches and free wifi, everyone is encouraged to sit, chat, share stories and get to know the people in the space. The workshops are 3 hours long, and begin 2 hours before the shop opens, and then have 1 hour of overlap with shop hours. This structure allows workshop participants to stay on after the workshop is done. It’s a lot of fun to see the keeners that really get into it.
The other great thing is that you don’t need to sign up for a workshop to access the stands, tools or knowledge at Community Spokes. Give Ian (owner and operator) a call and he’ll book you a time in one of the stands. With mechanics working throughout the shop hours, you can ask them any of your specific questions and do the work your bike is craving.
Community Spokes is located at 303 Simpson St. Check out their website for hours and contact details, to see how you can get in on the fun!
