For those of you who don't know me. I fucking love bikes. I want everyone who is able to ride a bike, to be be given the opportunity to not just ride a bike, but love riding their bike.
What sparked me to write my zine was a desire to make riding more accessible. I wanted to pass the knowledge that I've acquired over nearly 7 years of commuting on my bicycle to make it easier for others to share the same joy.
Part of that is learning that bikes need maintenance. A considerately maintained bike can be the difference between a great day exploring and a miserable afternoon. I want (no, need) other people to experience the joy of flying through the streets on a machine that you know will stop when you ask it and shift at a moments notice. You simply stop thinking about the bike altogether, and it feels painful to say, but the bike simply becomes an extension of you. This is a feeling I need shared.
Over many years, I picked up skills where the opportunity presented itself, repairing a tire, indexing gears, adjusting brakes. While I was at it, I acquired tools along the way to support these new skills. And pretty soon I started using these powers for good.
I have had at least 20 bikes in my shop for maintenance over the last 4 years. I've serviced around 7 of my own bikes, with the rest being for friends and family. Being so out and proud of my love for bikes and the joy they bring means that friends have felt very comfortable seeking advice and there is nothing more powerful than "Hey, bring that to my shop and I'll take a look".
In addition to servicing people's bikes, I've also fixed up countless bikes headed for the tip. A lot of these bikes were purchased from Treasure Trove for usually around $20 and in a relatively sad state. As I am mindful of what I take home, they usually require minimal parts and time to get singing. I makes me swell with pride when I think about how many machines I have saved from landfill by giving them the care and love they deserve. Even makes great gifts to those I care about who are not able to budget for a new bike, so I can give them one that runs on love.
I write this as just today I finished fixing two bikes for my fresh roommate Henry.
I am actually looking at his hot yellow vintage steel frame with satellite shifting and suicide brakes as I type this
Hearing him describe how the bikes feel to ride after I spent time with them makes me blush and swell with pride in a seriously dorky way. I will support him as best I can in his journey as an aspiring commuter and will cherish every afternoon he spends spinning under our sun with a bike between his legs. Hopefully there are rides together in our near future.
Several amazing friends have given me the most earnest thank yous for sparking and supporting their bike journeys. Those thanks have kept me going and help me remember why I give so much sweat and grease to this deep passion. They let me know how fucking worth it this all is.
P.S. Matt and Janet, I love you both so dearly for letting me guide you onto bikes and for all the magic rides we've spent together since. Cheers to two wheels and those you love.