Get ready for a 'Freeride'
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Colin Gunn, left, and Eric Blokland work on a bike at Freeride Montpelier, a new bike cooperative. Jeb Wallace-Brodeur/Times Argus |
Toolbox
By Patrick Joy Times Argus Staff - Published: May 5, 2007
MONTPELIER — Tucked away in the basement of an asymetric, ramshackle red building at 89 Barre St., Colin Gunn and Eric Blokland have been quietly assembling a steel and aluminum army.
The process began a little less than a year ago with a call for used bicycles. On Wednesday, the pair of 24-year-olds worked on final preparations before launching their brainchild, Freeride Montpelier.
Surrounded by frames and cogs, headsets and handlebars, both said they were excited for the May 12 debut of their volunteer-run cooperative cycling shop and used bike warehouse.
"We want to get mechanical information out to people," Gunn said. "It doesn't take a lot to learn the basics of fixing a bike. There are people who get a flat tire and just stop cycling for a while. We wanted to build a model that was as accessible to as many people as possible — especially those with lower incomes."
Gunn said he got the idea from a bike shop near his college, Oberlin, in Ohio, that operated with all volunteers.
"We thought we could do something similar," he said. "We'll be open a certain number of shifts per week. People can just stop in and become members and they can use the space and the tools and be guided in their repairs by mechanics."
The shop will have both advanced mechanics and amateurs who will learn more com-plex skills from the advanced mechanics.
Gunn and Blokland said they will have sliding scales for member fees and bike prices that will vary based on income. They expect a yearly membership to cost no more than $30.
The two have worked to get the small space into workable condition, and said they have received a positive response to the idea around town.
"The more we talk with people about this, the more into the idea they seem," Gunn said. "We've gotten a real range of responses — everything from 'I'd like to help,' to 'I need a bike.'"
The shop will open its doors May 12 from noon to 6 p.m. A regular schedule will be set at a later date.
Gunn said five or six lead mechanics have signed on to the project as well as a handful of apprentice mechanics.
Anyone interested in joining or volunteering can contact the group at freeridemp@gmail.com.
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