Adult Open Shop
Free Ride is not a traditional repair shop, where you drop off a bike and someone fixes it, but a bicycle educational facility. There is that old saying “if you give a person a fish they will eat for one day but if you teach them how to fish they will eat for a lifetime.” That is our basic philosophy at Free Ride!
Open Shop
Throughout the week, our shop is open to the community for people to work on bikes. We encourage a collaborative atmosphere among participants. Usually there will be a mix of people with different skill levels. We encourage everyone to share what they know with others, and hope that through this process, people will get the help they need to advance their projects.
People may volunteer during this time, either by assisting others, or by working on other self-directed tasks. Volunteer hours can be applied towards membership, used parts, classes, and other benefits.
People may also come to work on Earn-a-Bike projects, but may need to be self-directed in their work, depending on the availability of volunteer mechanics.
Please note that during the busy summer months, there may be a wait for access to tools and workspace. Just be patient, and maybe lend a hand!
DIY Repair
We won’t fix your bike for you, but teach you how to “do-it-yourself”
At Free Ride! you will find tools, repair manuals, bicycle parts, and skilled mechanics to help you repair and learn about the bicycle. It is helpful to be familiar with tools and how they work, but not necessary. During our open shop hours, you can bring in your bike, and skilled volunteers will help you diagnose any problems that you may be experiencing. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult that will work on their bike with them.
We ask that those who benefit from Free Ride also give back to the project. If you are assisted by a volunteer, we ask that you give back an equal amount of volunter time, or arrange another way to contribute to Free Ride. If you need to replace something on your bike, it is likely that we will have a used part that will do the trick. You can then “pay” for this part either by volunteering or giving monetary donation during the session. So make sure to leave enough time to volunteer around the shop, or bring some cash.
Learn through Volunteering
The empty shop
Repairing your own bike is not the only way that you can learn bicycle mechanics. Many people volunteer to fix Free Ride! bikes. These volunteers are paired with a skilled mechanic and together they repair a bike.