The organization is built around the belief that the bicycle is the world’s greatest, most utilized mode of transportation and that every individual, regardless of age, gender, race, or class has a right to afford, maintain, and enjoy one.
Know a middle or high school student that wants to improve their bike handling and maintenance skills? Who’s interested in riding to, and playing in, our beautiful Washoe County Parks? Well, encourage them to ride with Reno Bike Project this spring break through our Major Taylor Ride Camp. All equipment and stoke provided! More info is on the flyer below, and venture forth using the links below.
Requirements: Youth must be 11-18 years old, stand between 4’10 – 6’7, and know how to ride a bicycle. Participants should arrive having eaten breakfast and wearing comfortable/weather-appropriate clothing, and closed-toe shoes.
Tuition: The camp fee is $150.00 per participant; if tuition is a barrier to participation, please contact bridget@renobikeproject.org; sliding scale pricing and scholarships are available on a first come, first served basis. All equipment is included, including a reusable water bottle (to keep), and a bike, helmet, gloves (to borrow)
We’re excited to welcome Matt Hudson, the newest member of RBP’s Board of Directors. A little about him:
Matt is an avid lifelong cyclist. He believes we would all be happier and better off if we spent more time in the saddle. He has 35 years experience as a Rigger, Rope Access Technician, and Businessman. Matt is currently the Director of Safety and Training for Rhino Staging and the President of Rhino Access. He is a past President and Board Member of the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians. He is a Certified Safety Professional, an ETCP Certified Professional Rigger, and a SPRAT Level 3 Rope Access Technician & Evaluator. He has earned Master’s Degrees in Business Administration and Experiential Education.
During the last two weeks of January 2019, RBP Mechanic Educator Dave Barto attended a comprehensive, two-week professional level bicycle mechanic class at United Bicycle Institute (UBI) in Ashland, Oregon. We asked him to share about the experience and what he took from it. Dave begins, “Although I have worked as a bike mechanic since 2009, I believed I would benefit from formal classroom training. I have been wanting to attend this class for the past 10 years.”
The class structure was short lectures and a large amount of time for hands-on learning of all systems, on different types of bicycles. The class was limited to 15 students. Three different instructors alternated through lecture topics, and during hands-on portions, all three were available to answer questions, provide guidance and evaluate progress. The class met Monday through Friday for eight-hour classroom instruction periods. Students also had an opportunity to attend four, two-hour evening sessions to work on class exercises or personal bike projects.
Students in the class ranged in age from 18 to 65. Most either currently work as mechanics or want to open their own shops. A few students were not currently employed as mechanics but were taking the class to develop skills to perform professional-level service on their own bicycles. One other mechanic was employed in a community bicycle shop.
At the end of the classroom training all students had the opportunity to take a written exam to receive certification as a “Bicycle Technician.” I was one of 12 students in my class to pass the exam and receive this certification.
During the class, I learned new techniques in wheel building, hydraulic brake systems, bicycle fit, and suspension service and setup. This class was my first opportunity to fully service a bicycle suspension system. One of the most important things I learned is that each manufacturer provides a large amount of technical information specific to their equipment. This information is available and should be reviewed as necessary before repairs and final adjustments are completed.
The new techniques and repair methods I learned at this class will help me become more efficient with my time on each repair. I would encourage my co-workers to consider attending this training.
Thanks for the yarn, Dave! In fact, we do have one other staff member currently attending the same courses in Portland on a QBP Women’s Bike Mechanic Scholarship. We are looking forward to hearing from Bridget about her experience, next.
RBP is closed from 12/23/18 thru 1/1/19. We’ll see you back on Grove St. on 1/2, and our new, second shop at 635 E 4th St. opens to the public on 1/4. Happy & fulfilling holidays to all!
We want to know how having access to RBP’s services & space have impacted you! You can help us better understand our impact on our community by completing a short survey about your experiences here.
This is part of a research project exploring the impact of community bike shops in the lives of patrons. Your input can help us improve our services and programs, as well as the atmosphere of the shop. All responses to this survey will be kept confidential and there is no obligation to participate. If you would like to participate, please click here to access the survey.
Y’all, we will be closed tomorrow, Sunday, & Monday. Tomorrow we goin’ CAMPING on our annual staff retreat. From now on till spring, we’re closed on Sundays & Mondays. See ya Tuesday!
LeMond Buenos Aires 
