bikerecycling-list Mailing List: Work Session Schedule and Camp Update

[Peter Norris (prnorris]

Bike Recycling Volunteers:

Our next work session is scheduled for this Sunday, July 1 from 2-4pm. 
Thanks to all who helped organize the new parts inventory over the last 
couple weeks. It is now time for full steam ahead on bikes for the 
homeless shelter.

Eight campers completed the Camp Summer Spree bicycle repair workshop. 
They completed most repairs to bicycles (flat tires, brake and 
deraileur adjustments, lubrication and changing seats) by Wednesday. On 
Thursday, we took them into the parking lot to practice safe riding 
skills. The next day Janet, Mary, Basil and I led them on a ride 
through the neighborhood and then a couple loops on a dirt trail behind 
the school. One of them took his eyes off the trail and endo'ed. He was 
a little scraped up bur otherwise fine. I think our admonitions about 
the importance of wearing a helmet really sunk in.

Thanks to everyone for helping prepare the bikes for the camp.

The following is feedback from Becky Lockman, president of Camp Summer 
Spree.
"I delivered the bike class campers with their bicycles to their 
respective homes on Monday.  And, what an excited group they were.  The 
twins in particularly were excited and wanted to tell me about the 
tools you had sent with them.  When we packed up Gerald's bike, we 
noticed it had a flat tire. I had a pump in my car but the tube would 
not hold air.  After the twins diagnosed that the tube needed patching, 
we loaded it up and took off.  As soon as we pulled in front of 
Gerald's house, the twins helped  him unload it, turn it upside down, 
and then Gerald began the repair. I was very impressed that the repair 
was successful!  Gerald too was impressed, I might add.

It is very obvious that this class does works wonders on building the 
kids' self confidence, which helps in many ways tone down some of the 
less desirable behavior while also propelling them on to other 
successes.

Do you know Hank Wright?  He runs a Physical Therapy Clinic in Athens 
and is on the board of Monsignor Donovan.  One morning he met me at the 
door telling what a great program the camp was running and that he had 
looked in on your class which was just "over the top".  He went on 
quite eloquently about what a great thing your program is for the kids.

The bike class is known as a major event at the camp now. Also, please 
extend my thanks to the volunteers who were so generous with their 
time. "

peter norris