Starting a blog was funny, strange, and wonderful. It feels like a combination of narcissism, shameless self-promotion (of my etsy shop that will be plugged in from time to time :-), and a feeling of anticipation and excitement that someone will read what you have to say and develop an online community, sharing new ideas and the common triumphs of everyday life.
Yet for those of you living in the bay area searching the sea of online bicycle communities for physical bicycle communities, read on.
Several year ago, I got my start as a bicycle nut milling around these warehouse spaces in obscure back alleys, tinkering, digging in plastic buckets of semi-sorted parts, and dorking out on bicycle talk with volunteers and patrons, slowly expanding my knowledge in the vast universe that exists within the realm of ji-ten-sha (Japanese for 'self' 'rotation' 'vehicle')
I highly recommend visiting these shops if:
- you are on a budget and need a used bike
- want to learn how to fix and build your own bicycle for next to nothing
- meet people from all walks of life who admire these inventions
- plug into bicycle related events (rides, concerts, art shows)
- want to buy something practical (not a carbon fiber road bike if you need a grocery run bike)
I owe a debt of gratitude to these places as they have helped me out so much in the past. So here is a bit of non-self promotion and a hope that you find a good community for yourselves.
The Bike Kitchen / San Francisco / CA / http://www.bikekitchen.org/
I got my start here years ago volunteering. I have not checked out their new space and they have been moving these past few years but I have no doubt the energy of the people is still the same. So much enthusiasm, optimism, and a strong sense of community. You will learn a lot, as it is impossible not to with the buzz.
Street Level Cycles / Berkeley / CA
http://www.watersideworkshops.org/pages/our-programs/street-level-cycles.php
When I moved to the east bay, I felt right at home in this shop. Located in an old boat house right on the waterfront by Aquatic Park, it is a nice quiet little sanctuary. Perfect place for working on your bicycle as there are bike paths and quiet roads nearby to double check your abilities as a mechanic. The used bicycles are lovingly re-built, practical, and well priced.
Check out their other programs too while you are there: Boatbuilding and Sewing.
Cycles of Change / Alameda & East Oakland / CA
http://www.cyclesofchange.org/programs/cycles-apc-bike-shop
http://www.cyclesofchange.org/programs/the-bikery
What an amazing group of people. I had the privilege of working with Cycles for a semester. Their strength is in a devotion to educating children to learn how to utilize the bicycle as a means to empowering their lives and living healthier lifestyles. This can be seen in the bike shops where the majority of the work from taking orders, sales, to mechanic work is done by teens. A wide variety of used bicycles available. If you are looking for a children's bicycle, this is the place.
Others... I have not frequented much but may be good resources are:
Recycle Bicycle / http://recyclebicycleshop.com/ in N. Oakland, S. Berkeley area.
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