Throughout college I worked at the Oberlin Bike Coop in Oberlin, OH. It was through that shop that I made most of my freinds and learned the skills that have ennabled me to contribute to what Box Dog Bikes is today. The Bike Coop still exists, and still operates by the same principles of volunteerism and community engagement. We organized a lot of different programs – from welding and monster bike construction to youth oriented after school earn a bike program. We provided some services to the community, and taught ourselves a lot of skills and built some really deep long lasting friendships.
At the time we had little other contact with other bike shops or other community coops. There was an annual conference in New Orleans, but it was always too far away and too expensive to travel to. Had we the opportunity to have a bit more organizational thrust, I think our impacts on the student body and outlaying community would be further reaching and a bit more long lasting. ”Bike Bike” is that such opportunity.
The four day conference will be organized around the San Francisco Bike Kitchen and will offer a variety of workshops on shop organization, tool use, fundraising and social outreach. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, it will be a really great opportunity to meet people we are involved in community bike shops. A lot of guest speakers are coming in from all over the country – each with their own unique story and unique perspective. Dan T will be giving a small tour of our shop and I’m definately going to try to make a couple of the workshops. If you are interested in community bike works, diy happenings and general bike fun you should check it out. Click here to see full details of thier workshops.