Our family has long been one that prefers to get around by bike if distance and weather allow. Also, wherever possible, we try to perform our own repairs. So, to help us learn how to fix our bicycles and contribute to our community at the same time, Jenny prompted me and Tyler to volunteer at the Silicon Valley Bike Exchange. Long one of Jenny's favorite local causes, the Bike Exchange teaches its volunteers all they need to know to turn a neglected bike in disrepair into one perfect for everyday use to be given away.
Every bike that leaves the Bike Exchange must pass a rigorous multi-point inspection given by a senior volunteer. Because many bikes donated to the Bike Exchange require a lot of work, it's very common to only partially repair a bike during one session for another volunteer to complete at a later time. To have a productive session, one should plan on volunteering for at least two hours on any given day. Usually--but not always--two volunteers work together on one bike.
Occasionally, the Bike Exchange will hold a Ladies Night, during which Jenny once volunteered (as seen in cover photo at the top) with her girlfriends. Jenny was many things, but a bicycle repair expert she wasn't. If she could do it, so can you. Whether it be Ladies Night or a run-of-the-mill Saturday, experts will roam around the floor to answer any questions you might have. At SVBE, Tyler learned how to true wheels, pack hub bearings, fix shifters and brakes, replace flat tires, tubes and chains and minimize play in the bottom bracket. Find out more at bikex.org.
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