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BIKE JAM THIS SATURDAY,
FEBRUARY 16th!
Do you want to volunteer at Bike Recycle, but can't make it in on weekdays? Drop in this Saturday from 10am to 1pm.
All skill levels welcome. We'll provide Myer's bagels, coffee, great company (and Bruce Springsteen upon request).
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Featured Bike Customer: Kevin
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Kevin poses with his bike.
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Kevin is originally from Pennsylvania but has been living in Vermont for 12 years, and in the Old North End for almost 5. Along with being a bike customer, Kevin also volunteers regularly at Bike Recycle. Kevin loves riding his bike, playing video games, and spending time with his three children and wife.
BRV: Tell us about your bike!
Kevin: It is a Trek 3700. Rigid. Dan worked on it and the thing rides like it's brand new. I love it. It's also my favorite color: red.
BRV: What do you use your bike for?
Kevin: Everyday in-town transportation. I use it to get to stores, appointments, here to Bike Recycle... just about everywhere I don't have to ride the bus to.
BRV: Tell us about a fun time you've had on your bike.
Kevin: When me and my stepson rode to Hannaford on North Avenue and back. And the bike trail along the waterfront is always fun.
BRV: You also volunteer here at Bike Recycle. Tell us about that.
Kevin: Volunteering here has taught me a lot. I hope my training here leads to a job or career as a bike mechanic.
BRV: Why do you bike?
Kevin: I've loved it ever since I was a little kid. It's good exercise. Last summer I lost 30 lbs just riding my bike around. I feel at ease and peaceful when I'm riding.
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Featured Volunteers: Sisters Jensen and Peterson from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
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The Sisters in the BRV "offices."
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Sister Peterson and Sister Jensen are from Mesa, Arizona and South Jordan, Utah. They have been living in Burlington for two months, serving as missionaries for the Mormon Church. They've been volunteering at Bike Recycle since January. As a part of their mission, they also teach about Jesus Christ and serve in the community.
BRV: What is your favorite part about volunteering at Bike Recycle?
Sister Jensen: I think just knowing that we're helping is my favorite part. We teach about Jesus Christ but I also like knowing that we can help in the community and do good for those that need it.
Sister Peterson: I'd say getting to know all the kinds of people that are here and also serving with them is really inspiring.
BRV: What project are you most proud of that you've worked on at Bike Recycle?
Sister Jensen: There's that time that we disassembled a bike. That felt awesome.
Sister Peterson: I'm most proud of our organizing in the back room. I find it satisfying to find homes for things that don't have a place.
BRV: What have you learned since you've been coming to Bike Recycle?
Sister Peterson: I've learned, especially serving with people that I wouldn't usually serve with, to see the skills that God has given them. I'm learning what a wonderful God we have.
Sister Jensen: Seeing how simple and easy it is to serve. Anyone can come here and organize or do other projects- you don't have to work on bikes. Seeing all the willingness to volunteer is inspiring and touching.
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Bike Recycle takes on the Frozen Onion Bike Race Series
On Saturday, February 3rd, Hannah, Dan and three Bike Recycle Volunteers competed in the Frozen Onion Winter Bike Race. This race, which was organized by Onion River Sports, happened in Montpelier's Hubbard Park. Though the ground was completely snow-packed and temperatures were in the teens, over 50 racers showed up to compete. Dan wore his red union suit (see photo below) and raced on a two-speed "Klunker" bike. Hannah also raced, as did volunteers Andre, Petra, Gretchen and Sean.
The Burlington Free Press featured the race in an article. You can read it here.
This race was the second in a series of three. The next will be happening at Millstone Bike/Ski Center in East Barre on March 2nd, and the Bike Recycle crew will be heading down for it. For more information about the final race, click here, and if you'd like to carpool with us, send us an e-mail at info@bikerecycle.localmotion.org. .
 
On left: Dan Hock and Hannah Ohlson, BRV staff.
On right: Sean Smith and Gretchen Stokes, BRV volunteers.
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