Oh the blissful madness. I love the smell of grease and good times. I was at the EBC Bikeworks shop for 6 hours today. I personally don’t help out much mechanically. I can show someone how to change a flat/fix a flat, and to clean their drive train. I did a bit of that. For most of the day, however, I was busy making sure people know that it’s a community shop where they’re welcome to use the tools and introducing them to mechanics who taught them what to do with their bikes.
That shop was full full full for most of the time I was there. Press came too. Nice guys to talk to.
Other than the fabulousness of having a 24 hour Repair-a-Thon, 2 great things happened. The mayor of Edmonton, Stephen Mandel, came by to check out the shop. No really, it wasn’t a big photo op. He wanted to find out about EBC and wanted to learn a bit about mechanics. He rides his bike to work sometimes and wants to be prepared. I’m thrilled to have a mayor that is interested in a shop full of volunteer mechanics helping people learn. This is a great city and it can only get better with a mayor who is supportive of community building initiatives. Ride on Mr Mandel!
The other completly fabulous thing that happened is Rich Aucoin came by the shop to hang out. He’s someone to watch. At 23 he has a solid fan base for his music. He’s a really collected kind of guy that has vision and drive. I love his music. He plays several instruments and through the magic of modern technology, record and mixes them to create a wall of sound. He’s also pulling 60+ pounds of instruments and gear on a cross-country tour of Canada. Previously a commuter, he’s taking on a huge first touring ride. He’s cycling to promote his new album and to raise money for The Childhood Cancer Foundation. This is all good, yes?
Other fabulous things at a glance: 3 delightful and courteous visitors from the Czech Republic came to buy a commuter bike for their buddy; a woman came in to start salvaging parts from donated bikes so she can build her own bike; the tofu ginger garlic and soy sauce sandwiches; Michael organizing and making the shop real pretty; Timothy playing loud punk rock before we opened the shop to the public; the wave of volunteer mechanics who stepped up; the grey haired gentleman who bought used parts to rebuild his visiting grandson’s bike.
Repair-a-thon continues until noon tomorrow. Exhausted now. Must fall down and rest for anther day