Next Open Shop will be 13th Nov.
Go vote for improved bike trails, & renewable energy...
& remember
Monday, November 5, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Anacostia Riverside Trail
Why does it take so long for essential cycling infrastructure to be implemented?
This 4 mile extension of the Anacostia River Trail from Bladensburg (which has been open over a year) to the city will reportedly cost $15m & not open until Fall 2014!
Ridiculous !
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2012/10/15/meet-the-new-anacostia-riverwalk-trail-soon-to-be-gap-free/comment-page-1/#comment-98610
Ridiculous !
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2012/10/15/meet-the-new-anacostia-riverwalk-trail-soon-to-be-gap-free/comment-page-1/#comment-98610
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Mount Rainier Bike Co-op Seeks Volunteers
The Mount Rainier Bike Co-op (MRBC) would very much like you to volunteer alongside others during our open shops. We have the space, the tools, and used parts in great supply, and we certainly have the clientele. With your help, we have the ability to more than double our service potential!
MBRC will also hold it's first Volunteer-Only Closed shop this Sunday, September 16th from 1-4pm. This shop will occur every 3rd Sunday, is open to anyone willing to work on donated bikes, and is intended specifically for a) preparing donated bikes to go out at suggested donation and b) creating an informal educational environment for bike mechanics. Hope to see you there!
About MRBC
Since 2005, MRBC has aimed to enable and encourage people to own, maintain, and ride bicycles safely. We reclaim, refurbish, and redistribute used bicycles that would otherwise be heading for the landfill, teach mechanics to youth and adults, and partner with local DC area organizations to promote an inclusive and responsible bicycling community. MRBC focuses its services locally, but the shop and its programs are open to all members on a donation basis.
Volunteering at MRBC
MRBC offers volunteers an opportunity to assist a diverse clientele in a relaxed, well-supplied bike shop. The willingness to learn and to teach form the core of volunteerism, and as such MRBC accepts volunteers of all mechanical skill levels, from completely inexperienced to veteran wrench. Volunteers are also granted the right to use our wholesale bike parts catalogue, and the opportunity to work on personal bikes for free.
Regular Open Shops:
WEEKLY
Tues:7:00pm-9:00pm open to ADULTS only
Sundays: 1:00pm-4:00pm
-1st & 2nd Sundays are 18&UNDERS shops
-3rd Sundays are VOL-ONLY BUILD Shops
-4th Sundays are open to ALL
-5th Sundays are CLOSED
MONTHLY
Last SAT of each month - 10:30am- 1pm
To Volunteer
Just show up ready to help at one of our open shops! If possible, email ahead of time and let us know you are coming.
About MRBC
Since 2005, MRBC has aimed to enable and encourage people to own, maintain, and ride bicycles safely. We reclaim, refurbish, and redistribute used bicycles that would otherwise be heading for the landfill, teach mechanics to youth and adults, and partner with local DC area organizations to promote an inclusive and responsible bicycling community. MRBC focuses its services locally, but the shop and its programs are open to all members on a donation basis.
Volunteering at MRBC
MRBC offers volunteers an opportunity to assist a diverse clientele in a relaxed, well-supplied bike shop. The willingness to learn and to teach form the core of volunteerism, and as such MRBC accepts volunteers of all mechanical skill levels, from completely inexperienced to veteran wrench. Volunteers are also granted the right to use our wholesale bike parts catalogue, and the opportunity to work on personal bikes for free.
Regular Open Shops:
Regular Open Shops:
Tues:7:00pm-9:00pm open to ADULTS only
Sundays: 1:00pm-4:00pm
-1st & 2nd Sundays are 18&UNDERS shops
-3rd Sundays are VOL-ONLY BUILD Shops
-4th Sundays are open to ALL
-5th Sundays are CLOSED
MONTHLY
Last SAT of each month - 10:30am- 1pm
To Volunteer
Just show up ready to help at one of our open shops! If possible, email ahead of time and let us know you are coming.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Sieze the Carp!... With Your Bike!
Thanks to Chris Doyle's new, easy-to-use work boards, tools were accessible and swiftly returned to their homes at last Sunday's shop. This was our second week in a row that featured a majority of 18&Unders. Kids helping adults fix flats! Kids lugging mom's bike down to the shop for a surprise tune-up! Truly great stuff.
A special thanks to Josh for taking a major roll in volunteer duties, and for imparting upon the younger ones some pretty excellent nutritional information.
MT !!!!IER youth! You are making it happen!
A special thanks to Josh for taking a major roll in volunteer duties, and for imparting upon the younger ones some pretty excellent nutritional information.
MT !!!!IER youth! You are making it happen!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Sunday Kids Shop: Full of Kids!
A new month brought the MRBC's first majority of avid and able young folks to the Kid's Open Shop this past sunday (doors are open to adults who can work on their own and give space to 18&unders), a sight to behold and a not one wrench spared! Long-time attendees like Naya and Nandi were in good company, and might just have finished the work on their ride had the on-duty volunteer not had so many awesome questions to contend with. Hubs were re-packed, breaks were adjusted, wheels were trued to the sound Jimmy Smith's masterful Hammond B-3.
There's another kid's shop next Sunday, and hopefully those who came out last week will grace the shop with their presence again!
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Thursday Open Shop Recap
This recap coming a few days late, but better late than never...
Slower open shop this past Thursday. Michael stopped by and we replaced his bottom bracket. Laura and a friend came in and worked on the green three-speed that we've had in the back room for a long time and just recently got the tires for (it's the old English 3-speed tire sizing, ISO 590). Kevin stopped by with a bike to donate, and is thinking about coming back to build up a bike from the back room. And Dave stopped by for a bit to check in and see how things were going.
Also made progress on a blue Cignal mountain bike that should be ready for sale soon. Just have to fix a squeaky front brake.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Thursday Open Shop Recap
Busy open shop at the coop last night.
Here's what went on:
Yerodin replaced the crank on his bike.
Rudy came in to buy a road bike, but couldn't find a small frame road bike. He's going to stop by next week after the next shipment from UMD.
Peter came in to do a spoke replacement, and is now planning on building some wheels of his own.
Dan came in to fix up a vintage Columbia road bike.
Matt came in to do some work on his road bike, and now has a functional front derailleur.
Jose came in to fix a flat.
Drokil came in to fix a flat.
Scott came in to work on his bike, trying to get rid of a gear skipping problem on the small cogs of his freewheel.
Ji Chen and his dad came in to buy a bike, and rode off with a nice purple Fuji.
In terms of volunteers, Dave Cahill was around for almost the whole night and was a great help, especially with getting the purple Fuji ready for sale. Dave MacMillan also came by and made progress in getting another bike ready for sale. Yerodin, Dan, and Peter all signed on to the Coop email list, so hopefully we'll see them around as volunteers!
Yerodin replaced the crank on his bike.
Rudy came in to buy a road bike, but couldn't find a small frame road bike. He's going to stop by next week after the next shipment from UMD.
Peter came in to do a spoke replacement, and is now planning on building some wheels of his own.
Dan came in to fix up a vintage Columbia road bike.
Matt came in to do some work on his road bike, and now has a functional front derailleur.
Jose came in to fix a flat.
Drokil came in to fix a flat.
Scott came in to work on his bike, trying to get rid of a gear skipping problem on the small cogs of his freewheel.
Ji Chen and his dad came in to buy a bike, and rode off with a nice purple Fuji.
In terms of volunteers, Dave Cahill was around for almost the whole night and was a great help, especially with getting the purple Fuji ready for sale. Dave MacMillan also came by and made progress in getting another bike ready for sale. Yerodin, Dan, and Peter all signed on to the Coop email list, so hopefully we'll see them around as volunteers!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
TONIGHT'S OPEN SHOP CANCELLED
Sorry for short notice, but due to volunteer vacations'- tonight's shop is closed.
Next shop will be this SUNDAY 1-4pm.
Next shop will be this SUNDAY 1-4pm.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Monthly FULL MOON RIDE
Another Fullmoon, another FullMoon!PicnicCruise!
Tuesday, July 3, Mt Rainier Bike CoOp, 3601 Bunkerhill RD, Mt Rainier, MD
gather 7pm
departs 7:30
Keep our eyes on the skies, there may be thunderstorms, as yet.
BicycleSPACE, a great bike shop on 7th north of New York Ave, NW DC, is hosting another bike gathering themselves, brilliantly celebrating fireflies and heavy on the picnicking, if we so choose to join them again!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
6/23 12:30pm, Summer Solstice Ride To Ruin 2012!
Saturday June 23
12:30p Gather Mount Rainier Bike Coop, 3601 Bunkerhill RD
1:00p depart (2-3 hr ride will stop 2-3 times for water, food, any needed rests)
4:00p arrived at Savage Rocks
7:00p departed back
10:00p arrived at Mt Rainier Bike Coop
route:
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=212934556383620671801.0004891827597f7361778&msa=0&ll=39.043186,-76.834259&spn=0.298112,0.441513
Why a very strenuous ride in summer heat? You'd be surprised how far you can go on your bike if you haven't surprised yourself already. This ride has scant hills through a mostly shaded route! This ride happens 2 days from the Summer Solstice and there will be as much daylight (til almost 9) to use on the return trip.
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| Caitlin, Roopa, Harold, Tim, Winnie. 38th at Bunkerhill RD. |
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| Rob. U.S.1 North at BunkerHill RD, Brentwood MD |
 | |||
| Rob, Winnie, Katie, Tim, Harold, train. Anacostia Trail Eastern Branch. Edmonston, MD. |
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| Caitlin, Katie, Winnie, Rob, Roopa, Tim, Harold. Anacostia Trail Eastern Branch. Riverdale, MD. |
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| Harold, Caitlin, Katie, TIm, Rob, Roopa, Winnie. Cherrywood Lane, turning left/north at Rte201. Greenbelt, MD. |
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| Rte 201 north, Beltsville, MD. We saw trees down from Mt Rainier to Riverdale, but all points north looked like they didn't get the tree-ripping storms the night before. |
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| Montpelier Swimming Pool, Cederbrook Lane, Laurel, MD. Water fountain! Friendly staff! |
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| Brock Bridge RD north. Laurel, MD. |
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| La Campechanita arrives before the explorer like an oasis of sweet ice on a hot day of riding in the sun of Brock Bridge RD in Maryland City/Laurel, MD. |
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| Gorman RD., east. Savage, MD. |
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| Gorman RD. Savage, MD. |
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| A path to the swim spot through mill ruins. |
 |
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| Through the woods. Patuxent River at Savage, MD. |
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| north/west/upstream along the Patuxent River, Savage MD. Woods cleared and larger open path developed since 2010. |
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| Striking Azul Harold. Savage, MD. |
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| In the Patuxent River. Savage, MD. |
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| Patuxent Picnic. Winnie and Rob joined by Mick. |
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| Roopa, Caitlin, Winnie, Harold, Tim, and Rob heading homewards south on Brock Bridge RD by the Laurel Park stables. Katie got a ride to Baltimore from Savage. Smart planning! |
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| Before a delightful mess of fireflies along the Anacostia Trail, we viewed Baltimore Washington Blvd, U.S. Rte1 through Beltsville, from a hilltop of Old Baltimore Pike east of the railroad in Beltsville. It looks like Old Baltimore Pike and (newer)Rte1 used to be a connected road in the past. The railroad severs the seeming connection, now. |
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Wednesday June 13 2012
This June ide Wednesday saw again many flock to the bike coop.
Cory was first to show and again extremely helpful to arrivals.
Rosy and Job helped out through the night as well.
Many many projects. It was one of those nights.
Tyler freed a seized stem. Liberty!
Xing Xing brought some sweet sesame goodies. So nice! She then trued a wheel!
Me and Harold resolved to meet at the coop next Saturday, June 23, at 12:30pm for a long ride to a swimming spot in Savage MD. If it isn't called off by rain...the ride will be tough. But the reward at the end is worth it -A swim near Patuxent River rapids and the ruins of an old mill, happens at a place us ol' Laurelites called The Rocks.
There will be hydrating and food acquiring opportunities along the way, and at the destination.
This is a very social event. Surely, there will be many groups of families and friends enjoying the river by the time we get there, as many folks gather at this spot every weekend through the summer.
Gather 12:30pm at 3601 Bunkerhill, If it's raining, we'll decide if we'll continue, or call it off.
Depart 1pm
Ride in much shade on hot solstice day for 2.5 hours
Arrive (by) 4pm -Savage Rocks
Depart (by)7pm
Ride back exhausted and surprised that you'd even ride after all that
Arrive (by)10pm 3601 Bunkerhill Rd
Cory was first to show and again extremely helpful to arrivals.
Rosy and Job helped out through the night as well.
Many many projects. It was one of those nights.
Tyler freed a seized stem. Liberty!
Xing Xing brought some sweet sesame goodies. So nice! She then trued a wheel!
Me and Harold resolved to meet at the coop next Saturday, June 23, at 12:30pm for a long ride to a swimming spot in Savage MD. If it isn't called off by rain...the ride will be tough. But the reward at the end is worth it -A swim near Patuxent River rapids and the ruins of an old mill, happens at a place us ol' Laurelites called The Rocks.
There will be hydrating and food acquiring opportunities along the way, and at the destination.
This is a very social event. Surely, there will be many groups of families and friends enjoying the river by the time we get there, as many folks gather at this spot every weekend through the summer.
Gather 12:30pm at 3601 Bunkerhill, If it's raining, we'll decide if we'll continue, or call it off.
Depart 1pm
Ride in much shade on hot solstice day for 2.5 hours
Arrive (by) 4pm -Savage Rocks
Depart (by)7pm
Ride back exhausted and surprised that you'd even ride after all that
Arrive (by)10pm 3601 Bunkerhill Rd
Thursday, May 31, 2012
FUULL MOON RIDE! with BicycleSpace
Join us this month as we ride downtown. Meet at Co-Op or at Bicycle Space!
Changed: This month we are partnering with BicycleSpace in DC to join their Full Moon Ride - see
http://www.bicyclespacedc.com/
We plan to meet at co-op 7 - leave at 7:15pm to get downtown for 8pm or be at
1019 7th Street Northwest, Washington, DC.
Please note their ride is scheduled from 8-12pm but we can metro back earlier if people want to.
|
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Wednesday May 16 2012
Started out easy with one visitor, Brentwood Mike. He brought a loose bottom bracket he wanted to correct. We started getting into it.
Thankfully, Bo and Rosy came through because the crowd ebbed right up, flesh and steel in the warm sun all over the front yard again.
Augustus brought a donation cruiser, then stayed to the end to help some folks out in the yard. That help is very much appreciated, generous Augustus!
Marty came in and helped out a lot.
Xing Xing came with gifts again! Josh R's daughter has a BDay soon, and XingXing has something for it! She worked on her ride some, too.
The alarm downstairs decided to let us know it works. I entered the off code several times, but it kept singing. I just let it rip and waited for the police, talking to Mike Gumpert and getting into his tire.
Evan Wilder came in and dealt with MRPD, freeing me up to dance around to different projects like Brentwood Mike's difficult bottom bracket cup....we got it!
The Bunkerhill couple with a puegot and it's derailleur.
Fred and a donation for a bike.
Dave Mac fixing his tire.
It got to be a rocking night! It was a good night for me. Thanks to all who helped one another get mobile tonight!
NOW, SOME CHUCK BROWN!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thankfully, Bo and Rosy came through because the crowd ebbed right up, flesh and steel in the warm sun all over the front yard again.
Augustus brought a donation cruiser, then stayed to the end to help some folks out in the yard. That help is very much appreciated, generous Augustus!
Marty came in and helped out a lot.
Xing Xing came with gifts again! Josh R's daughter has a BDay soon, and XingXing has something for it! She worked on her ride some, too.
The alarm downstairs decided to let us know it works. I entered the off code several times, but it kept singing. I just let it rip and waited for the police, talking to Mike Gumpert and getting into his tire.
Evan Wilder came in and dealt with MRPD, freeing me up to dance around to different projects like Brentwood Mike's difficult bottom bracket cup....we got it!
The Bunkerhill couple with a puegot and it's derailleur.
Fred and a donation for a bike.
Dave Mac fixing his tire.
It got to be a rocking night! It was a good night for me. Thanks to all who helped one another get mobile tonight!
NOW, SOME CHUCK BROWN!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Wednesday 5.2.12
I'm so thankful to all the hands tonight. Thank you so much, Dave, Carl for joining me tonight. As well as our staffer helpers Job, Laura, Corey, and big time, Rosy, for helping me with my neighbor, Jonathan's, bike. So good to see Jonathan and Les make it in.
Oh, and XingXing! Xingxing came through again with big cheer and a plate of homemade dumplings -vegan so Josh R could eat them! YYUMM!! Yall, she hooked it up tonight! She is excited to ride the fullmoon gathering this Friday (7pm), and she is excited that participants can share their food...so...get ready for XingXing, yall! She's coming to the FullMoon!PicnicCruise! and she likes to cook, evidently good food!
While squirting mushroom-tofu dumpling juice out of my mouth, I was turning a bolt on a recent donation that Trinity chose to be her bike. Trinity and her mom, Wakili, chose a couple bikes to cruise their hills of Mt Rainier. Wakili, Trinity and Jua had made it to the coop several times through the last year to try to complete the 10 tasks needed to "earn-a-bike". Word got around and a generous neighbor informed the coop that the time-strapped family could choose their bikes and it would be payed for by said donor. What mayberry generosity thrives in villages the world over, shines in Mt Rainier, MD.
Wakili is fun to talk to about colors and stones. I've been feeling a surprise favoring of browns, reds, beige, and orange -overall with gaudy blue to teal, since February.
-MikeTurner
FUULL MOON RIDE this Fri @ 7pm
Bring lights if you have them and helmets if you prefer. The weather should be balmy so pack a snack & drink preferably to share and we'll head on out to the trails !
Hope to see you there.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
wednesday april 18
A wet Wednesday night meant a small turn out.
Hyattsville Harold did come in to work on his wheel. He had a lot of help from Rosey -a newer volunteer who has been nothing but extremely helpful to the operation on Wednesday nights.
Xingxing dropped in to cheerfully announce she is riding her bike and is new to town, then ask if any of us don't eat eggs because she'd like to make some banana pancakes and share them with us. She did reappear with them 30 minutes later! So kind!
Dave came in and helped Josh R with a derailleur problem.
Job also was in place, attending to his wheel.
Elizabeth dropped off some volunteer hour log sheets, where we can write down who was in on what day and how many hrs they've put in. It helps us see who is helping out a lot. It takes three months of one helping in the operation of the space -not on their own bikes/projects- to be able to be considered as a volunteer -at least 2hrs/month.
Good night of kicking it. While not running back and forth this night, I actually got to write up a tag and tinker with a donated cannondale. It's good to have a nice bike to offer to the peops.
-Mike
Hyattsville Harold did come in to work on his wheel. He had a lot of help from Rosey -a newer volunteer who has been nothing but extremely helpful to the operation on Wednesday nights.
Xingxing dropped in to cheerfully announce she is riding her bike and is new to town, then ask if any of us don't eat eggs because she'd like to make some banana pancakes and share them with us. She did reappear with them 30 minutes later! So kind!
Dave came in and helped Josh R with a derailleur problem.
Job also was in place, attending to his wheel.
Elizabeth dropped off some volunteer hour log sheets, where we can write down who was in on what day and how many hrs they've put in. It helps us see who is helping out a lot. It takes three months of one helping in the operation of the space -not on their own bikes/projects- to be able to be considered as a volunteer -at least 2hrs/month.
Good night of kicking it. While not running back and forth this night, I actually got to write up a tag and tinker with a donated cannondale. It's good to have a nice bike to offer to the peops.
-Mike
Thursday, April 12, 2012
New Open Shops
As of this SUN 15th and for the first 4 Sunday of every month Will McK will be hosting.
Also, we will be restoring Wimmen's Night on the 3rd THUR of the month, for the spring and summer months, starting on the 19th April.
Don't forget we also do another monthly shop on the last SAT from 10:30am-1pm
As ever, please check the calendar as being 100% volunteers, we sometimes can't always make it.
Monday, April 9, 2012
April Full Moon Ride
The mild weather encouraged a good turnout of around 20+ riders from H St to Annapolis, some new & some familiar, as we headed out onto the Anacostia River trails.
Stopping first at Bladensburg waterfront, where we had to fix a loose chain that kept popping off a child's bike, we then headed out to Lake Artemesia, near College Park passing the Aviation Museum & landing strip on the way. A night of lots of punctures for a few riders but all made it back safely and a couple were directed to the Metro to get back home.
See you next Full Moon!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Open Shop Mon 2nd April
Another busy night but with the help of Rosy & our new volunteer Laura, we got everyone taken care of, well, almost ...
One recalcitrant seat post defeated the combined effort of Brian, & pals Mitch & Jonathon, who were visiting the co-op for the first time and enjoyed their night volunteering. Brian (et al) may look to help out once a month or so... welcome guys.
Laura spend time getting to know the joys or adjusting old-style brakes, cutting cable housing and replacing cables and did an outstanding job. Hopefully her first volunteering night will not scare her off ;-)
16 unanswered phone messages were also responded to, but need to follow up on some of them.
Don't forget Fri's FULL MOON RIDE - meet at 7pm and leave by 7:30pm - weather is looking good.
-Dave
Laura spend time getting to know the joys or adjusting old-style brakes, cutting cable housing and replacing cables and did an outstanding job. Hopefully her first volunteering night will not scare her off ;-)
16 unanswered phone messages were also responded to, but need to follow up on some of them.
Don't forget Fri's FULL MOON RIDE - meet at 7pm and leave by 7:30pm - weather is looking good.
-Dave
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday 3.28.12
Busy night. Josh R helped open and get a tube patched on a neighbors bike, her Dad offering donation for/and walking out with a Murray mountain bike.
John Periwinkel stepped in and helped out through the night. Bill Root too. Scot Wilson tended to his ride. We had other folks patching, overhauling all over the place.
Another donation was made to the city. Gearing up for a Spring order from J&B.
A nice new sign on the door states our hours incorrectly, nothing a pencil can't solve.
Many many many bikes are cluttered through the stock room. Bikes stored behind the coop are taken, so it's understandable that bikes with potential would be stuffed in the stock room.
What if we created an incentive for volunteers to upgrade our immense stock of bikes w potential?
-Mike Turner
John Periwinkel stepped in and helped out through the night. Bill Root too. Scot Wilson tended to his ride. We had other folks patching, overhauling all over the place.
Another donation was made to the city. Gearing up for a Spring order from J&B.
A nice new sign on the door states our hours incorrectly, nothing a pencil can't solve.
Many many many bikes are cluttered through the stock room. Bikes stored behind the coop are taken, so it's understandable that bikes with potential would be stuffed in the stock room.
What if we created an incentive for volunteers to upgrade our immense stock of bikes w potential?
-Mike Turner
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Wednesday 3.21.12
Easy night.
Carl stepped in nicely to help out.
Job and John Periwinkel came in and worked on back bikes.
Roopa and Kwesh came in for a tube. Kwesh for a tire, as well.
Alia, Soloman, Jennifer, Trinity and Jua stopped in on their way down old Bunkerhill Road.
One Brookland neighbor, hearing about the coop by word of mouth, stopped in for the first time to strip a beat-up mountain bike..intending to scrap the aluminum frame, and made pretty quick work.
Carl stepped in nicely to help out.
Job and John Periwinkel came in and worked on back bikes.
Roopa and Kwesh came in for a tube. Kwesh for a tire, as well.
Alia, Soloman, Jennifer, Trinity and Jua stopped in on their way down old Bunkerhill Road.
One Brookland neighbor, hearing about the coop by word of mouth, stopped in for the first time to strip a beat-up mountain bike..intending to scrap the aluminum frame, and made pretty quick work.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Mt. Rainier Bike Coop seeks new volunteers!
The Mount Rainier Bike Coop will host two events on March 29 and April 1 for the purposes of new volunteer recruitment. Enthusiastic people of all ages (under-18s: please bring your adult!) and skill levels are welcome - anyone interested in using bicycles for community enrichment and fun.
Here's what we offer:
-The joy of volunteerism in an endearingly strange, purposeful environment
-A fully operational bicycle station: tools, stands, grease, bikes, and used parts galore
-A community of novice and veteran volunteers willing to teach, support, and have a good time
-Eventually, opportunities to open your own shop and work at the Coop on your own time
Here's what we ask of you:
-Some base level of appreciation for bikes and the diverse group of people who use them.
-At least one hour a month dedicated to volunteerism at the Coop.
Where:
When:
March 29th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
April 1st from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Wear clothes you can get dirty! Snacks and beverages will be provided.
Best,
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Wednesday 3.14.12
Mike Turner opened up a little early for a change, showing the place to his visiting cousin, Paul, who helped turn a few wrenches himself.
Three operations quickly commenced outside. John Stith was figuring his rear derailleur. Ebrehem, and Josh were cranking out there, too.
Roopa came in to eliminate a squeak in her pedal cranking. We removed the cranks and the bottom bracket seemed smooth enough, so we put it back together and the squeaking was still there! The petals seem fine. Looking forward to figuring it out.
Grady came in to true his wheel.
Argentina George came in to replace brake cable, replace housing, and we trued his rear wheel a little bit which produced that jolt of liberation that happens when someone learns the incredibly accessible physics of wheel truing!
Job's coworker from the pet store came through to see what beach cruisers are available.
John Periwinkel came in with two German friends and was incredibly helpful to the shop for the 2 hours.
Dave Cahill dropped in and was incredibly helpful as Union Station Jenn came in to try out and offer a nice-sized donation for the sweet relaxed old orange road bike with cruiser bars.
Three operations quickly commenced outside. John Stith was figuring his rear derailleur. Ebrehem, and Josh were cranking out there, too.
Roopa came in to eliminate a squeak in her pedal cranking. We removed the cranks and the bottom bracket seemed smooth enough, so we put it back together and the squeaking was still there! The petals seem fine. Looking forward to figuring it out.
Grady came in to true his wheel.
Argentina George came in to replace brake cable, replace housing, and we trued his rear wheel a little bit which produced that jolt of liberation that happens when someone learns the incredibly accessible physics of wheel truing!
Job's coworker from the pet store came through to see what beach cruisers are available.
John Periwinkel came in with two German friends and was incredibly helpful to the shop for the 2 hours.
Dave Cahill dropped in and was incredibly helpful as Union Station Jenn came in to try out and offer a nice-sized donation for the sweet relaxed old orange road bike with cruiser bars.
Monday, March 12, 2012
FullMoon!PicnicCruise! March2012
Thursday, March 8th, was a beautifully warm evening after a very warm day. There were many clouds, high on the horizon, so the full moon gathering didn't see our glowing subject at our 7:30 departure for our nighttime picnic destination of Lake Artemesia, College Park.
Just before we departed, 2 riders left, for they had waited long enough -since 7. Later, it was learned that another rider missed the ride because they expected it to leave at 8. A lesson is being presented, perhaps to be more explicit about departure time and the ever-necessarily long gathering time.
Among us were new riders Heidi, Caitlin, Emmanuel, Olga and Zoe. Josh brought Zoe, his daughter, and Heidi, a neighbor he met at the grocery store. Job brought Emmanuel and Olga, but Job couldn't make it out. There were about 10 in all.
We swept over Rhode Island at 37th, left on Perry, right on 38th, that very charged left onto Cottage Terrace and we ran into another rider setting out for us who busted a U-ey and jumped right in!
We connected to our wonderful asset, the Anacostia trail -which Maryland has announced funding for connecting with DC's River Trail. Finally! Greenbelt to Navy Yard will soon be very well connected!
We headed towards Greenbelt, making that sharp left at the steep, gravely hill. Cruising through that first spot of woods, then that roller coaster drop of a swift decline, the chirps of the frog chorus beckon from the wooded pond on the left -just after the Mulberry tree Phil Koopman likes to favor. Those frogs are starting early!
We just sweep up through Riverdale comfortably, with the wind pushing from behind on that straight and high stretch of the levee.
We made it to the unlit park of Artemesia and commenced to snack. Zoe crashed in her Dad's lap as we talked so much about food, while sharing candy, grog, hard-boiled eggs, sesame snack. This area is good for others to break away and soak in the moon away from the horde, and the moon was shining it's yellow onto the rims of our earthly clouds.
We rode back, against some wind, after hanging and eating for an hour, and made it back around 9:30. Good fun! Plenty of cruising on this one, and neighbors encountering eachother, while making space on our streets for bikes and enjoying darkened trail space together. Not bad!
Looks like the next full moon will be Friday, April 6th...
Just before we departed, 2 riders left, for they had waited long enough -since 7. Later, it was learned that another rider missed the ride because they expected it to leave at 8. A lesson is being presented, perhaps to be more explicit about departure time and the ever-necessarily long gathering time.
Among us were new riders Heidi, Caitlin, Emmanuel, Olga and Zoe. Josh brought Zoe, his daughter, and Heidi, a neighbor he met at the grocery store. Job brought Emmanuel and Olga, but Job couldn't make it out. There were about 10 in all.
We swept over Rhode Island at 37th, left on Perry, right on 38th, that very charged left onto Cottage Terrace and we ran into another rider setting out for us who busted a U-ey and jumped right in!
We connected to our wonderful asset, the Anacostia trail -which Maryland has announced funding for connecting with DC's River Trail. Finally! Greenbelt to Navy Yard will soon be very well connected!
We headed towards Greenbelt, making that sharp left at the steep, gravely hill. Cruising through that first spot of woods, then that roller coaster drop of a swift decline, the chirps of the frog chorus beckon from the wooded pond on the left -just after the Mulberry tree Phil Koopman likes to favor. Those frogs are starting early!
We just sweep up through Riverdale comfortably, with the wind pushing from behind on that straight and high stretch of the levee.
We made it to the unlit park of Artemesia and commenced to snack. Zoe crashed in her Dad's lap as we talked so much about food, while sharing candy, grog, hard-boiled eggs, sesame snack. This area is good for others to break away and soak in the moon away from the horde, and the moon was shining it's yellow onto the rims of our earthly clouds.
We rode back, against some wind, after hanging and eating for an hour, and made it back around 9:30. Good fun! Plenty of cruising on this one, and neighbors encountering eachother, while making space on our streets for bikes and enjoying darkened trail space together. Not bad!
Looks like the next full moon will be Friday, April 6th...
Web Site
Our Website http://www.mrbikecoop.com is currently down temporarily.
Please check out our Blog page here for current hours, posted on the right hand side.
Thxs
MRBC
Please check out our Blog page here for current hours, posted on the right hand side.
Thxs
MRBC
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wed 7th March
Yikes ! What a busy night - around 16 people in for help, must be the weather ;)
A lot of new faces (to me) on Mike night plus some familiar ones also. Michael came in and with some help bought a hybrid bike, helmet, lights and a lock - fully equipped for riding!
Ginny also came in looking for a commuter bike for her small frame and may have picked one but will be back next week to decide for sure.
Got a great load of help from Jessie, Rosie, Job, Eliz, Josh, Bill & Scott and they were needed, thx guys.
-Dave
Monday, March 5, 2012
Mon 5th March
A chilly night outside but warm and bustling inside. Emmanual came in to get his brakes fixed and ended up learning how to true a wheel as well, courtesy of our potential new volunteer Rosie, who's also looking to move to our awesome town soon, so if you know any group housing situations get in touch.Job fixed up donation after working on his bike and took it for a spin in the parking lot as a test ride, found that the left pedal needed changing so diid that & added a kickstand - so ready to go.
Will and myself helped out on some other bikes and helped a new visitor change a tube on her wheel and says she'll join us Thurs for our Full Moon Ride, which looks to be a warmer night!
that's all folks
-Dave
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Wednesday 2.29.12
Tonight Carl joined us again, helping out on a Wednesday. He brought in a co-worker who bought 2 bikes!
Job came in and helped out through the night. Josh R., too.
The two of them hit the road earlier in the week, going to Largo and back for fun.
Job: "it all started when Job was coming home from Home Depot after busting his butt. I ran into you guys. First I ran into Adam at Home Depot -just leaving. "
Then he ran into Josh. After talking about wild pigs in Watkins Park, Josh convinced him to go on that "heck" of a ride.
Job said yes! So the journey began!
What did the ride to Largo bring to you?
Job: I learned that 202 was the road that the British took to burn the white house 200 years ago, and all kinds of other enlightenment's.
Did you know we rode to Mitchelville?! Everything is so close! It was...crazy dude! Just talking about it makes me want to go riding!
What did you say about the metro?
Job: Did you know it takes longer to get to Mitchelville on the metro than riding?
and this ends this leap year interview..
Job came in and helped out through the night. Josh R., too.
The two of them hit the road earlier in the week, going to Largo and back for fun.
Job: "it all started when Job was coming home from Home Depot after busting his butt. I ran into you guys. First I ran into Adam at Home Depot -just leaving. "
Then he ran into Josh. After talking about wild pigs in Watkins Park, Josh convinced him to go on that "heck" of a ride.
Job said yes! So the journey began!
What did the ride to Largo bring to you?
Job: I learned that 202 was the road that the British took to burn the white house 200 years ago, and all kinds of other enlightenment's.
Did you know we rode to Mitchelville?! Everything is so close! It was...crazy dude! Just talking about it makes me want to go riding!
What did you say about the metro?
Job: Did you know it takes longer to get to Mitchelville on the metro than riding?
and this ends this leap year interview..
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Roll-on Wednesdays
Another busy Wednesday. Elbow room was tight with the 3 co-workers Job brought in. Their fresh looking bikes were colored in tones of Spring. We worked on assembling their rides. The Spring flowers are emerging!
Grady worked on the Nishiki, getting teh front wheel more in true. He's been coming in putting in hours for the coop -up to 8 hrs now. Job, too. He's at 10, from wednesdays at least.
Grady brought a cousin. Josh rolled in, Bill Root worked on a project, and Scot W made his appearance....we were hoppin!
Grady worked on the Nishiki, getting teh front wheel more in true. He's been coming in putting in hours for the coop -up to 8 hrs now. Job, too. He's at 10, from wednesdays at least.
Grady brought a cousin. Josh rolled in, Bill Root worked on a project, and Scot W made his appearance....we were hoppin!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Wednesday 2/1/12
Last night saw two Ledroit Park incomers with a sleek folding bmx. They wanted the wobbles/play eliminated from the headtube and air in the tires. Success!
Travis and his likewise tool-smart friend came in with their rigged fixed. They wanted to activate the gears on it. They got it from a neighbor/friend who was clearing up space in the garage -type of thing. It has an old school bubble-gum pink tire on the back wheel. They're feeling it too....summer fun bike!
Jennifer came in with her daughters bike. Sound and strong it is, but clothing was trapped in the whirl and gears of the rear wheel. Ledroit Park BMXer freed it up with her.
We talked about Jennifer's artisan soaps (respond to learn more), and the concept of "fairtrade" -of ingredients which she utilizes. People learned about "fair-trade", about the processes of being certified keeping low-income earners from being able to participate, and largely about labor-bondage/slavery, racism and empire. Hey! We're all getting freer on Wednesday nights! We'll straighten the wobbles in our roll and we'll go there!! Together!
Job showed up with a pile of jerk chicken wrapped in foil, relieving this volunteer who'd only had pecans and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich earlier in their day of spackling and painting. Job grabbed a project bike from the back and got to assembling it. Job is interested in volunteering/supporting the coop. I hope he serves well at the coop because he'd be great for the operation. He is a local Mountie, eager, working really hard, getting really into his bike, and fluent, he is -Spanish to Americans, as he says, and Salvadorian to other Spanish speakers. Job is our future.
I mentioned the fence and police keeping skaters out of the new Rhode Island Ave skatepark, which elicited a call from the other side of the coop that they rode it and it is poorly designed, saying that it's size doesn't allow the more gregarious riding that other parks allow. One person has to ride at a slow pace with others not near -a more isolating skate park. That's two remarks from skaters (who fix their own bikes at the coop that maybe should look into stocking trucks/boards/grip tape) who are basically saying parks&planning/mncppc should allow participator intelligence in the design of an operation/space/park. Not a big problem that seems to have at least this one solution: user-participation-development.
Travis and his likewise tool-smart friend came in with their rigged fixed. They wanted to activate the gears on it. They got it from a neighbor/friend who was clearing up space in the garage -type of thing. It has an old school bubble-gum pink tire on the back wheel. They're feeling it too....summer fun bike!
Jennifer came in with her daughters bike. Sound and strong it is, but clothing was trapped in the whirl and gears of the rear wheel. Ledroit Park BMXer freed it up with her.
We talked about Jennifer's artisan soaps (respond to learn more), and the concept of "fairtrade" -of ingredients which she utilizes. People learned about "fair-trade", about the processes of being certified keeping low-income earners from being able to participate, and largely about labor-bondage/slavery, racism and empire. Hey! We're all getting freer on Wednesday nights! We'll straighten the wobbles in our roll and we'll go there!! Together!
Job showed up with a pile of jerk chicken wrapped in foil, relieving this volunteer who'd only had pecans and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich earlier in their day of spackling and painting. Job grabbed a project bike from the back and got to assembling it. Job is interested in volunteering/supporting the coop. I hope he serves well at the coop because he'd be great for the operation. He is a local Mountie, eager, working really hard, getting really into his bike, and fluent, he is -Spanish to Americans, as he says, and Salvadorian to other Spanish speakers. Job is our future.
I mentioned the fence and police keeping skaters out of the new Rhode Island Ave skatepark, which elicited a call from the other side of the coop that they rode it and it is poorly designed, saying that it's size doesn't allow the more gregarious riding that other parks allow. One person has to ride at a slow pace with others not near -a more isolating skate park. That's two remarks from skaters (who fix their own bikes at the coop that maybe should look into stocking trucks/boards/grip tape) who are basically saying parks&planning/mncppc should allow participator intelligence in the design of an operation/space/park. Not a big problem that seems to have at least this one solution: user-participation-development.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
wednesday open shop
Very good night tonight as we were visited at long last by Bill Root. Hello, and welcome back Bill!
Scott Wilson checked in again and helped the projects progress.
Two fixie riding teenagers were adjusting, slimming, tightening their rides. One, a skater sometimes, commented before how the new skate park in Hyattsville is obviously not planned and built by skaters. I wonder what other skaters think. His friend, Job, grew up in the immediate neighborhoods, works two jobs to help pay the bills and still wants very much to hang out at the coop. Hello, future volunteering Mt Rainier youth. Welcome!
Scott Wilson checked in again and helped the projects progress.
Two fixie riding teenagers were adjusting, slimming, tightening their rides. One, a skater sometimes, commented before how the new skate park in Hyattsville is obviously not planned and built by skaters. I wonder what other skaters think. His friend, Job, grew up in the immediate neighborhoods, works two jobs to help pay the bills and still wants very much to hang out at the coop. Hello, future volunteering Mt Rainier youth. Welcome!
Monday, January 16, 2012
OPEN SHOP - MLK Day
Sorry for short notice - but tonight's Open shop is cancelled due to unexpected circumstances.
We will be open next Mon 23rd for sure.
-Dave
Sunday, January 8, 2012
FuulMoon!PicnicCruise! 1/8/10
Don't you know, the night of the full moon, hungry riders gather at the bike coop at 7pm. We roll out by 8, venturing not too far to a place to admire the moon and meet each other, dining on our selections and usually sharing with ease....turning it into a picnic potluck. It's a wonderful way to eat dinner once a month. Tonight, we found ourselves well accommodated inside of the old caboose in Bladensburg Park. Then we rode with the running deer on the new River Trail, again. Wonderful!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
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