A student from the New Design High School eyes the rusty old steel wheel in his hands and asks, "Why don't we just get new rims?" "'Cause that's a waste. We could just clean those," says Brian Lentini, the teacher.

In conjunction with Recycle-A-Bicycle, Lentini, with a background in car mechanics and building hotrod cars, is teaching Urban Cycles, a 3-day mini-course for his 9th, 10th, and 11th graders.

Here at Recycle-A-Bicycle, the students chose two old bicycles badly in need of repair but seemingly suitable to their project ahead. They proceeded to strip the bikes down to their frames, meticulously cleaning and shining every part, then rebuilding and bringing them back to rideable condition.

After these two days in DUMBO, it was back to their school shop where they would cut, weld, extend, experiment - perhaps creating a low-rider bike, inventing a new version of the bicycle-built-for-two, stretching the frame by cutting and re-welding, adding whatever their imagination and ingenuity would allow. However, no matter what strange creations are brought to bear, the key is, it must be rideable.

 

We are all very excited to see the results!

 

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A few tips for those who don't let Winter get in their way (and/or those eager to jump the gun on Spring)...

- If there are any outstanding issues with your bike, such as shifting issues or brake problems, you or your local co-op/shop should take care of them as soon as possible. Problems with your bike will just get worse with bad weather. Plus, the turnover time for shop repairs come May will make you wish that you'd had them done now.

- Fenders are great for winter cycling. They keep you and your bike clean(ish) and dry(er).

- Stay warm. Dress in layers. There are cheaper clothing options than space-age racing fabrics; just having a simple wicking base, a decent fleece layer, and a windbreaker/raincoat is a good start. Your extremities loose heat and feeling quickly. Try to find good warm, waterproof glove/mitten and shoe/sock combos that do not compromise your dexterity or movement. It keeps you safe but not warm, so wear some kind of thin head covering (that also protects your ears) but does not affect the fit (and safety) of your helmet.

- Clean your bike after every ride, and make sure that any parts requiring it (cables, chain, etc) are well lubricated. Many prefer using a heavier (wet) lube in wet weather.

- Those Winter sunsets come sooner and without warning so don't be caught without your front (white) and rear (red) bike lights ready and waiting to be lit.

 

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Interns have begun in our new dedicated bicycle repair classroom at 35 Pearl Street.  We have students from City-As-School, Good Sheppard Services, Harbor School, IS 90 and Urban Academy.  Here in DUMBO, they have the opportunity to learn some basic bicycle mechanic skills in a retail environment- a viable vocational trade in NYC.  This summer, we will once again host Summer Youth Employment Program participants and provide them with intensive job training.  Our goal for this summer is to double our enrollment.  You can help us make this a reality!  Please click here to learn how you can support our job training program. 

 

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 

 

First, spring is just around the corner and we are getting ready to ride!  We will be hosting a volunteer orientation for folks interested in helping out with our youth ride club.  It will be held Wednesday, March 19, at 6:30pm at the Woodhull Medical Center (760 Broadway @ Flushing Avenue).  We will be in Conference Room 2 on the 3rd floor.  By subway, take the M train to the Flushing Ave stop.  Volunteers will have a brief overview of the program, learn more about the expectations of ride leaders and discuss the spring schedule. Dinner will be provided. Please RSVP via e-mail to our Ride Club Coordinator, Patrick.  Click on the photo to the left to see a brief video with footage from one of our rides.

 

Second, come join us for our next Recycled Arts Workshop! Saturday, March 15, at 1:00pm
in our DUMBO store. Learn first-hand how to teach workshops with kids about turning old bicycle parts into functional objects and beautiful works of art!  Participants will then be eligible to help out at a number of scheduled Cycle Craft workshops for youth coming up in April and May.  For more information, please e-mail us.