Bozeman Bike Kitchen Newsletter, August 26th

Bozeman Bike Kitchen Newsletter - August 26th, 2009 Mechanic's Corner There has been a tremendous amount of growth for the Bozeman Bike Kitchen this year. First, it was moving into our new space, and now, adding a second work night to our agenda. Doing Thursday nights is something that has been discussed for a long time, as well as being asked for by the community. It is really the presence of a new round of fresh and dedicated volunteer mechanics that has allowed us the ability to take on more hours during the week. I would like to personally thank those individuals who have really stepped up this summer. I would also like to thank Summit Bike and Ski, in particular for several material donations of shop supplies. We are blessed with a tremendous cycling community in Bozeman, and the local bike shops are a crucial element of that community. Please support your local bike shops. Summer may be winding down, but things are in full swing at your local community cycling center. Since we've expanded our hours, things have only gained momentum for the Bozeman Bike Kitchen. If you have been meaning to come down all summer, or if you're wondering what exactly it is I'm talking about, now is a great time to come down. We're open Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the garage at 425 Aspen. Casey Schlenker, Head Mechanic, Bozeman Bike Kitchen Thank You Messages This month we'd like to place some thank you messages in the newsletter for individuals and organizations who've made donations of money, time, or goods. All these things are what keep the Bozeman Bike Kitchen running smoothly and allow us to keep our doors open. This month a thank you goes out to Summit Bike and Ski for donating a number of patch kits as well as shop aprons. Bangtail Bikes also deserves a shout-out for letting us use their shop van to move some larger items that we couldn't fit on a bicycle. Always keep your local bike shop in mind when you're about to make a purchasing decision for new bicycle items. Another person deserving of note but whom may not wish to be named personally is a local artisan whose generous ongoing support is always appreciated by the Bike Kitchen. Perhaps they are reading this, and if so can take this thank you to heart. Catherine Schneider gets a big, big thank you for having worked diligently at painting the interior of the Bike Kitchen as well as creating our beautiful shop-front signage. Thanks to her for all of the work which included the arduous task of soliciting donated paint. If you'd like to make a donation of your own drop a few (or a lot) of dollars into the donation jar the next time you're at the Bike Kitchen. You can also make an electronic donation to the Bike Kitchen using Paypal on our Web site. Upcoming Events The Bike Kitchen has been making some headway in grassroots marketing. Some of the events we are scheduled to attend are as follows: Story under the Stars movies: Every Friday night through Sept. 4th on the lawn at the Story Mansion. MSU into the Streets Fair: Sept 9th and 10th, sponsored by the Office of Community Involvement. Bozeman Youth Initiative's Youth Fest: Sunday Sept. 13th 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on the Emerson lawn the Bike Kitchen will be hosting a bicycle maintenance clinic. LilySerpentine Fusion BellyDance FUNdraiser: Friday night Sept. 25th will be a night of dance performance and instruction with proceeds going to benefit local charities. Show up in force to support the Bike Kitchen! 7:00 pm at the Ellen Theater. Bozeman Bike Kitchen Bike-In Movies: Stay tuned, we'll have one more before the season is over. Traffic Skills 101 Course: In early October two League of American Cyclists instructors from Billings will teach this nine hour course with classroom and on-road time. The focus will be on moving safely in traffic and becoming a confident bike commuter. Help the Kitchen Win a Contest The Bozeman Bike Kitchen is ever-looking for ways to be more bike-friendly, green, and sustainable. Recently, Madsen Cargo Bikes announced a contest to give away one of their beautiful cargo bicycles. Help the Bozeman Bike Kitchen win this bicycle: Visit the Bozeman Bike Kitchen Web site and click the Madsen Cycles banner found on the left-hand side of the page. Volunteers Needed Volunteers are needed to help out with the following events. E-mail info@bozemanbikekitchen.org If you'd be interested: Project Homeless Connect - Saturday Sept. 19th. We hope to provide bikes, parts, and maintenance to local individuals and families in need. Working at the Bike Kitchen Tuesday and Thursday work nights Our Mission We are a cooperative cycling center dedicated to making the use of bicycles as transportation and fun possible for all members of the Bozeman community. We need volunteers of all ages and abilities to help us refurbish bikes. We are located in the garage behind 425 E Aspen. For a map, please visit our Web site.     This message is a resource of the Bozeman Bike Kitchen. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit located in Bozeman, Montana and on the Web at http://bozemanbikekitchen.org