College Bicycles

I took the kids to Texas A&M and to the George Bush Library this week on Spring Break. While there, we walked around campus, and I shared with them the rich traditions of Aggieland. The MSC was under construction/renovation, so I could not tell Dawson to stay off the grass. All the while, Mackenzie found it fascinating that there were so many bikes that were locked up and just left there. (I must be rubbing off on here - need to watch that) Many looked like they had been there for months, if not years. So, what to do with all those abandoned, unloved bikes? Exactly! Yet another great resource for bikes and parts.

My good friend Aaron J. visited with the University of Houston folks this week, and laid the groundwork for a discussion with them. Hoping to have a meeting with them next week.

Pay it Forward,
David

Work Day Announcement - 20 FEB 10, 1-3pm

Time for the March work day. Spring Break has been great with the kids. I have not checked my email, or my calendar. If I had, I would have realized that tomorrow is our March workday! My house, tomorrow, Saturday, 20 MAR 10, from 1-3pm.

So, in preparation, I went to Bicycle World and Fitness, bought parts, and picked up two more donations. A girls 20" Next BMX, and a Woman's Roadmaster Road/MTB. I have seven bikes to work on tomorrow. (including three adult bikes!) I can always use bodies! I have most the parts. Still need saddles (kids mainly, but adult ones are welcome). Stop by, say hi, bring a bike, bring tools, bring manpower. Hope you can make it!

Pay it Forward,
David

3rd Delivery

After two cold weeks and other commitments, Milt and I delivered six kids bikes to Westside Homeless Partnership - Bringing our total to 14 in three months! Catherine Gassman visited with us about where these might go. Mercedes, a case worker at WHP, will help place the bikes with families in the program. They pledged to get me stories and photos of the families with their bikes so that we can complete the cycle of these bicycles.

Thanks to Will B., Robbie F., and Bicycle World and Fitness for the bikes.

I have room in my garage for more :) - just email me at chainreactionbikes@gmail.com to make arrangements for your donation.

Pay it Forward,
David

What an amazing weekend. I finished three bikes on on Saturday thinking that I was clearing room in my house. 24 hours later, I had four more bikes! Robbie and Sarah F. at Memorial Drive Christian Church brought two kids bikes (unannounced) that needed almost nothing other than air and swapping some tires (boy+coaster brake=bald rear tire...the way it should be).



Then Will B. brought me two girls 20" bikes (pictured above) that were perfect! Wash and ride! I loaned out my first bike (a 1988 Trek 770 Pro Frame) to Will so that he could ride in the BP MS150. He wore a 10.5 shoe, so I fitted him with my old shoes and clipless pedals. I think he will be off to a good start!


The delivery to WHP on Wednesday just got increased to seven! Thanks to all who have been following, giving, and praying for this effort.

Pay it Forward,
David

Three to get ready...

Finished three of the Bicycle World & Fitness bikes. Painted the rusty rims with a light coat of silver Rustoleum. Sealed them nicely. The green one could have used a new saddle, had one tear. Looks like my next outreach for help will be to Huffy or another manufacturer for basic parts (saddles, chains, 20" rims).

Scheduled for delivery this week to WHP.

Pay it Forward,
David

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