Links in Cyberspace

So I had my first offer to link to a site. It was a company that sells cycling jerseys that had "messages" to motorists on them. Something to the effect of "share the road, dammit!" I thought it wise to pass on the offer.

On the flip side, Westside Homeless Partnership listed us as a "Collaboration in Action" organization. See the description here: http://www.westsidehomeless.org/program_collaborations.htm#

Pay it Forward,
David

Parts, Parts, and More Parts!

Previously I spoke of the need for seats and 20" wheels. Pete D. brought several road saddles and other parts that will help. After pondering what to do with rusty rims (beyond the help of steel wools and raw fingertips), I find the advice of Clark Martinson ringing in my head. "Quickly sand it, paint it, and get it out the door." It is more than what they would have anyway, and they will be thankful.

If I don't, then the backlog will continue to grow. I picked up a men's MTB from Kim I. in Sugar Land today. Looks like a quick fix - except the seat. Get to practice truing wheels.

Pay it Forward,
David

Sage Advice

I had lunch with my former boss, John Breeding. I looked to him as a mentor for guidance related to the growth and feeding of ChainReaction Ministries. Here were his points:
1) Don't let it die.
2) Give with joy.
3) Don't let this effort overshadow your family
4) If you want it to grow, get others involved in the refurbishing of the bikes.
5) Determine what you want this to be in 5 years.
6) The market is there, you just need to figure out how to play it according to Item 5
7) You have to ask for what you need. Close the sale!

It was a very good lunch. He is a good resource.

Pay it Forward,
David

One month report

What a difference a month makes. 21 DEC 09 we delivered the first five bikes. We went from an idea, to a calling, to 8 bikes delivered in a month! Along the way, I met some friends, found out that my neighbors are there for me, and realized that I am not alone in this wacky little bicycle recycling world.

Next steps:
1) Refine the mission and goals
2) Get the website up

The bikes will come. I just need to pace myself.

Pay it Forward,
David

God's Grip

John Malget, Associate Minister at Memorial Drive Christian Church always signs his emails, "in God's Grip." I get it now. I have a job that pays the bills and provides for my family – and I am blessed. But in my waking and hours and nighttime solitude, my head is filled with the concerns of others. The homeless families that have made the decision to start their lives over, with absolutely nothing – seeking your help and others.

Now that I started, I don’t know what the end state will be. As long as God keeps speaking (sometime shouting) to me, I keep working. Putting out the call for bikes. Hunting down unwanted ones from the backs of bike shops. And they keep coming. I see the need, and with His grip on my heart, mind, and body, I keep working.

Dear God, please don’t loosen your grip.

Pay it Forward,
David

www.chainreactionbikes.org

We are firmly planted in cyberspace! www.chainreactionbikes.org is registered and parked. Now to learn FrontPage, Linux, and exercise a little creative design for a website.

Pay it Forward,
David

Where did the second delivery go?

The three bikes went to the Molina family, a single mom who not only cares for her kids, but also kids of family members that are currently incarcerated. She provides them a loving home, and hope that they will not be forgotten.

Catherine at Westside Homeless Partnership says that she has plenty of capacity for more bikes, and that she will help me find other groups similar to WHP around Houston.

Pay it Forward,
David