Winter Project...

[PutAwayWet]

So now that winter is coming, and I have no winter gear and really can't afford any right now...I was working on my bike the other night, thinking, "I'm gonna miss working on my bike." A couple of days earlier, I was reminded of how many bikes get thrown away each year, and how many end up at police stations unclaimed. That's when the brain fart happened - I could take those bikes, fix 'em up, and give them to kids that don't have bikes! Or even to adults that could use some non-gasoline based transportation. Has anyone ever done something like this before? Any good suggestions?

I'm hoping to start up (with a group of my friends) a "bike rescue to a needy home" program. To all the guru's atop NEMBA - is this something you guys would be interested in supporting? We need some tools and stuff - but in the spirit of recycling, I think it would be cool to get shops and such to donate old tools that they're replacing. I mean, they may not work perfect - but we're not trying to make money using them, just get some bikes fixed up for people who need/want them. I'd also like to work with shops to get "worn out" parts for bikes. You know, when Joe $3500 bike comes in and gets his drivetrain replaced cause it has grease on it? I've seen stuff in shops thrown out that would work perfectly well in the right application.

Who's got thoughts/advice on where to go with this?

Thanks,

Jason

[bdee]

It' s an awesome idea - check to see if the town you live in already has a "recycle a bike" program. Providence has one - not sure about Boston. Basically you volunteer to fix up people's bikes etc. And you'd have access to a lot of tools :) I keep telling myself I'm going to go get involved in the local one but life keeps getting my way, some day...

BTW - if you are desperate for winter gear check out this link

http://www.longscycle.com/WebStore/Shopping.htm

[Geoff G.]

long's cycle is good if you're on a budjet, and don't care about the design of your jersey. they're local too only about a mile away from my house. the guy runs the whole busniss out of his house (it's a big house)

The one in boston is called "bikes not bombs" i think.

I know i saw in the paper that Wilmington police auctions there bike pile off. It was on the take a kid biking day so i missed it.

[slapheadmofo]

Pretty sure Nashua also has a police bike auction. Lowell may too.