Those who can do. Those who can’t take pictures. I heard through the bike grapevine that the Silicon Valley Bike Exchange needed donations of 26″ mountain bike tires. The volunteers at the Bike Exchange repairs and upgrade donated bikes and donates them to local people in need, from low income kids to homeless adults.
We had some spare tires hanging around the garage, including a barely used pair that had been replaced by sponsor tires when I raced for Team Velo Girls. So I strapped a pair on the back of my Dutch bike, Dick threw a second pair over his shoulder and we rode across town to the dropoff location.
I expected a small shop with a donation bin and a storage area. What I found was a parking lot full of volunteers, rolling tool chests and a full on bike mechanic eduction program. How did I not know about this place?
We gave them the tires and hung out for a bit, but didn’t grab any tools and revive an old bike back to life for a deserving new owner. Maybe next time, after I’ve taken one of their mini-clinics.
Do you know if there’s a similar bike exchange in your area? What’s in your garage that you could donate?
