I am not alone.

I found two other groups in Houston this week that are doing similar "bicycle recycling." One on the east side of Houston, and one in the Third Ward. They each have a different mission that what ChainReaction Ministries is focused on - but they are out there also. It has me thinking about the compelling story behind ChainReaction Ministries. Catherine Gassmann at Westside Homeless Partnership had a wonderful perspective on it. She spoke of the freedom that a bike provides to those with no other form of transportation other than their feet. The health benefits, improving basic mobility to and from work and to gain access to goods and services that would have been otherwise not accessible. It was reaffirming and provided me more focus on the mission.

Pay it Forward,
David

January Work Day Report

A little drizzle did not keep three of my neighbors (who I am blessed to have as my very good friends), Jay Barr, Milt Alberstadt, and Will Harris from stopping by early. Jay cleaned up a MTB, Will repaired flats, and Milt helped prioritize the builds. Clark Martinson stopped by around 11:00 and brought his portable bike shop with him.

Clark demoed the proper way to overhaul a coaster brake hub. We finished a girls 20" Huffy and a Specialized Rockhopper MTB.

Pete Dawson stopped by with a KHS roadbike that had been collecting dust in his garage. Clark gave it a nice soapy bath, a light tune, and it is ready for the road!

Lessons Learned:
1) Sometimes no amount of steel wool can clean rust off of cheap chrome plated steel rims.
2) Rebuliding coaster brake hubs isn't hard. Just remember the order in which you pulled things apart. Oh - and don't use too much grease.
3) I have got to better at deciding how much time to put into a bike. There has got to be a "tipping point" at which the parts are better for future efforts rather than trying to rebuild the bike.

In need of 20" rims (front and rear), kids saddles, and kids grips. So to that end, I called Tom at Bicycle World & Fitness to see if he had anything - nothing today. Clark recommended Cyclone Cycles in Bellaire. Mark told me to come back Monday or Tuesday when he was not busy and he would visit with me about parts.

Pay it Forward,
David

2nd Delivery to Westside Homeless Partnership

Delivered three bikes to Westside Homeless Partnership. Milt Alberstadt (neighbor helping in transport) and I Met Catherine Gassman - their Executive Director. She said that these three are destined for a single mom who recently lost her job. Not only does she take care of her three kids, but she also takes care of several family members kids. She is trying to break a vicious cycle, and the kids bikes will help give the kids some freedom, esp. when the weather gets better.

8 bikes total. 4 pending.

Pay it Forward,
David

January Work Day - Saturday, 16 JAN 10, 9-11am at my house. We have eight bikes that need to be refurbished in order to make room for more. Email me at chainreactionministries@gmail.com for directions. Bring a friend, bring a bike! Remember - there is not a bike that is "too far gone." Delivering three tomorrow to Westside Homeless Partnership assuming I can get back from Austin in time.

Pay it Forward,
David

Bicycle World & Fitness

Word is getting around. The folks at Bicycle World & Fitness are recognizing me as a regular. Went there to see a demonostration by Jeff Lenosky - a Mountain Bike Trials Professional riding for Giant. He was amazing! His control and balance were unparalleled. He holds the Bunnyhop World Record - 45.5 inches! He balanced a wheelie and put the front tire on a kids nose! He is an inspiration to those following their dream!

Pay it Forward,
David

2nd Build

Three more ready to go this week!

Pay it Forward,
David

At the bookstore I picked up a little book titled "333 Ways to be a Daily Philathopist" or something. Flipped it open to a random page and the "way" that was staring back at me was "Recycle a Bicycle." Mentioned programs in NYC and Chicago. Coincidence - I think not.

Pay it Forward,
David