Spearfish Bicycle Cooperative

Lampshade Brigade Tour Video

2011-02-04T10:34:00.001-08:00

Here's a overview of the Lampshade Brigade's tour around the Upper Midwest. A lot of good Co-op footage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnfuN0lR4_A

Theater and Music 7PM on the 7th

2010-12-29T20:45:00.000-08:00

7PM Friday January 7th

Lampshade Brigade of Minot, ND brings a vaudeville-esque night of entertainment to the Co-op. Staring with The play "Baseball Groaners" which includes improv and audience participation. A short film or two will follow then a couple of bands Acoustic Sparkle Additive and Consolation Prize.

Event is all ages and donation at the door. Bring some cookies to share, we'll provide hot drinks.

Also, the evening is open and flexible, If you want to perform let us know. Music, slam poetry, whatever.

2011 SD Bike Summit

2010-11-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

The South Dakota Bicycle Coalition has just opened up registration for a statewide Bike Summit to be held Jan 21-22 in Pierre.

Check out their website here:

http://www.sdbicyclecoalition.org/2010/11/01/are-you-membership-material/

Anyone interested in riding over, a nice two or three day bit of winter touring?

Also, during this rare moment of a blog update, here's a link about the proposed National Bike route system.

http://www.yesmagazine.org/planet/an-interstate-bicycle-system?utm_source=tw&utm_medium=socmed&utm_content=BatemanW_USBicylingSystem&utm_campaign=110110_Planet

Bikestravaganza 2010

2010-08-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

Hey Spearfish Cycling Community!

Tuesday August 24th The Off the Chainring tour is coming to the Co-op. Join us for an hour long Cruiser Ride at the Co-op at 5:45 followed by homemde rootbeer and homemade ice cream floats. BRING YOUR OWN MUG!!! Then the fun begins: Joe Biel, founder of Microcosm Publishing (http://www.microcosmpublishing.com/) will show bike videos and and discuss how to impact transportation infrastructure in Spearfish. Elly Blue will have a slide show showing examples of fantastic Portland biking and a history of how it became on of the best places to bike in the country. And Dave Roche will read stories from his published and upcoming works, which may deal some with biking but also substitute teaching, dumpster diving and the effects of both on his health.

We want this event to inspire discussion and Ideas on how to make Spearfish a better place to bike? So bring your input as well as the mug.

Hopefully we will have a prototype of a Spearfish Bike Map to be reviewed and improved.

We know it's on a weeknight so the whole Bikestravaganza should be over a little after nine. $3-$10 sliding scale at the door. This means pay what you can, no one turned away for lack of funds.

For more information, or the rest of the tour dates and locations: www.bikestravaganva.wordpress.com

Here's a little promo video for the event, just in case you prefer your information not to be text but instead moving and talking with background music.

Bike Ride, and Breakfast at Rimrock to Support Cancer Research

2010-08-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

This Saturday morning a group of three Irishmen will be coming through Spearfish as part of their ride from Seattle to D.C. to raise money for cancer research through the Irish Cancer Society and The Lance Armstrong Foundation. Join them and us at 8:30 am in City Park for a five mile ride up Spearfish Canyon to Rimrock Lodge. The Lodge is hosting breakfast from 9-12 with a freewill donation for the rider's fundraising at the door. The ride is leisurely and at your own pace, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the Canyon and good conversation, bring the whole family. Extending the ride up to Bridal Veil Falls or Savoy is encouraged, just be sure to stop in for breakfast on the way down.

Check out their website: www.cycleofamerica2010.com/index.php?page=home

Even if you are unable to make the bike ride, please feel welcome to come to the Lodge and support this cause.

Also, don't forget to pedal by the Spearfish Farmer's Market in the Park, 9-noon - pick up some fresh, local produce and meet the friendly folks who grow your food.

Early Summer Happenings

2010-05-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who helped out or participated in the Bike To Work Week events. We had 50-60 people for the Art Show/Movie, almost 30 for the poker ride, 20 for the cruiser ride and 30 more took advantage of the free lunch and breakfast on Friday. Keep your ears open next year for even more events. Or if you have ideas for improvements come down to the coop and share them with us. Also related to last week's events we have a winner for the Funk Bike. Pat Salcone of Spearfish is the proud new owner of the beautifully restored Coast King.

Just a few days ago the Bike Coop received word that we would be getting the bikes from the police impound. Rather than throwing away any unclaimed bikes that don't sell at the police auction, they have diecided to drop them off with us and see if we can reappropriate them and get them back on the street. However, the addition of sixty bikes to our already full space means we need to get some bikes out the door. If you or anyone you know needs a bike, come by the Coop, especially kids. We also have a wide array of parts including racks and kid seats. The above photo show about two thirds of the total dropped off.

Starting next week the Coop will be down at First Fridays with a stand and basic tools. We will be teaching people how to fix a flat tire as well as helping teach simple repairs and tune-ups. In addition the Coop will have the same set up at the Farmer's Market starting June fifth and going all summer.

Lastly, we are staring to look at organizing a Creek Clean-up and Watershed Festival for later in the summer, if you have any suggestions or want to be involved just let us know.

Bike To Work Week

2010-05-14T08:37:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone check out this years list of events for Bike to Work Week. Now is the time of year to make your commute the best part of your day. In addition to the bike related events be sure to vistit these fine local businesses by bike for Special discounts

Common Grounds - House Coffee and a Muffin $2.50

Alpine Coffee Company - $1 off Lattes

The Green Bean - Various specials throughout the week

Vanilla Bean - $1 off Chicken Salad and Avocado Lunch Special w/ Fruit

Good Earth Natural Foods - 5% off store purchases

Barbacoa's - 5$ Wraps and Salads

Bay Leaf Cafe - Various lunch and Dinner Specials

Shoot the Bull Steakhouse - One Free Beer With Purchase

Spearfish Whiskey Chophouse - 1/2 Price Appetizers

The B&B and Backporch - Various Specials

Flanagan's - $1 off Guinness

Horses to Harleys - $.50 off all Beer

Crow Peak Brewing Company- Something Special because it is also National Craft Beer Week

Aside from visiting the businesses listed above, make sure you also swing into the Art Center to check out the "Art of the Bicycle" art show. Regional talent displaying art inspired by bikes and bike culture. Monaday night at 6pm we are having an opening reception with cake from Berry's Best Desserts and then we are showing the classic 80's bike film "Breaking Away" Check out the Facebook page for a link to the trailer.

Lastly, be sure to bike on Friday. Free Breakfast for bike commuters 7-9 at Rushmore Mountain Sports with prizes for longest commute and other categories. Then 11-1 come to Two Wheeler Dealer for Lunch.

Happy riding in the good weather this next week. Start a good habit for the rest of the year. And as always, Swing into the Co-op for more information, to tune-up your bike or just to visit.

Blooming Bicycle Festival

2010-04-15T08:59:00.001-07:00

Big fundraising event for the Co-op coming up next Friday. We need volunteers! If you're interested in helping out (set-up, serving, working the door, etc), come by the Co-op this week or email spearfishbikecoop@gmail.com Otherwise, just bike on down next Friday, take advantage of the bike valet, good food and brew, music and a reason to boogie down as summer approaches.

Traffic Skills 101

2010-04-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

Next month we will be hosting this vehicular cycling course. Anyone interested in improving their bike handling and riding abilities is encouraged to attend. It should be a very enjoyable weekend with both classroom and on the road components. Let us know if you want to participate as there are only 10 spots available.

Updated 2010 Race Schedule for the Black Hills

2010-03-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars everyone! Check out www.blackhillscyclist.com for the updated schedule!

If you've never raced before, there are great races out there for beginners. Try something new this year!

Thursday Night Cruiser Rides!!!

2010-03-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

Starting this Thursday, the Bike Coop will be the start point for Thursday Night Cruiser Rides. Grab your bike, cruiser if you have it, and come join in a fun leisurely ride through Spearfish! All ages are invited and encouraged to come! The Co-op is open from 5-7 if you need to do a quick tune-up and we will try to take off on the ride right at 7. Come meet someone new and get involved with the rest of the local cycling community!

Headlamps and taillights are suggested if we ride into the dusk.

See you on Thursdays!

The Bicycle Art Show

2010-03-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

The Bike Co-op and the Spearfish Arts Center are putting together a bike art show. The purpose of the show is to raise awareness of bikes and bike culture in our area by providing new ways of seeing bicycles. This is also a fundraising event for both the Co-op and Arts Center. Art in any medium is welcome as long as it is somehow inspired by or related to bicycles or bike culture. The show is open to all ages and abilities. The Bike Art show will be held during Bike to Work Week, May 17th through 21st at the Matthews Opera House. Bike related prizes will be given for People's Choice winners, but otherwise this event will not be juried. Bike themed movies will be shown on the opening Monday night (May 17th), and Dakota Jazz Collective will be performing Friday night(May 21st). Entries can be dropped off at the Spearfish Arts Center between the 10th and 14th of May. $10 for one entry or $25 for three. Half price for under 18 years old. For more information (or any parts needed for kinetic sculptures) come by the Co-op while we're open (Sun 12-4pm, Wed and Thurs 5-8pm), or contact Clay at 645-8707.

Any bike-related art is welcome, this event is for everyone! ..so whip out those crayons and hot glue guns and get cranking!

Cartoons don't lie.

2010-02-02T17:34:00.000-08:00

Just saw this over at Copenhagenize.com Ride your bike it helps lower your stress.......

......and feelings of pure evil.

February News

2010-02-02T08:07:00.000-08:00

Recently, we(the Co-op) were asked to be on the board for the South Dakota Bicycle Coalition. The SDBC is the only statewide advocacy group for bicyclists. Currently their main project is working on getting a 3ft passing law through this session's legislature. This would largely be an educational measure, promoting the idea that bikes are vehicles too and have an equal right to the road. Another big component of the SDBC, besides working on legislation, is education. In this regard they are setting up adult traffic skills courses around the state. The Co-op will be hosting one of these trainings on May 7 and 8. The course is nine hours long and taught by League of American Bicyclist Certified Instructors. This course is the prerequisite for becoming an Certified Instructor, and is good for anyone who may be in the situation of teaching bike riding skills to children or other adults. Seasoned riders will also certainly find useful information in the course as well. Send us an email or stop by the shop if you are interested as there are limited spaces available.

In other news, the solar is all installed and tested and just waiting for BHP to come and switch out our meter to one that can spin backwards. More art is slowly populating the walls in the shop, come by to check it out or add some of your own. We still have a pile of old bikes looking for owners, so if you or anyone you know needs a bike come by and learn how to fix one up. And finally, start keeping eyes open for regular events starting soon from the Co-op: Bike-in movies twice monthly, cruiser rides once the snow is gone, and open-mics monthly. Any ideas for workshops or other events are appreciated as well.

If anyone is interested in the SDBC more information can be found at southdakotabicyclecoalition.org

Focus the Nation Final Report

2010-01-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday Jeremy gave his final presentation to Focus the Nation on the Bike Coop. To watch his report, if you have a half hour to spare (and no reason to go bake cookies instead (..the Coop loves cookies)) check this out:

Watch live streaming video from focusthenation at livestream.com

He also got some great questions, including a call for an

explanation on how to unite the rabbits of the world:

Watch live streaming video from focusthenation at livestream.com

Thanks again to Focus the Nation!!

First Sunday of the Year

2010-01-04T15:11:00.000-08:00

We had a nice exciting time at the Co-op yesterday that has us all excited about bikes despite snowy conditions. Started out by having a big ol' brainstorming session with John and Trish about this spring and what we want to see happen with the space. Filled up most of the whiteboard by the door with ideas. Everything from scheduling bike-in movies, open mics and cruiser rides to figuring out who in the community we still need to meet and work together with. The list is still up and we would love input and new suggestions to be added. This is Spearfish's Bike Co-op, what can we do to fulfill the biking needs of the Northern Hills? As we were finishing this up a good friend came by to pick up a T-shirt, brand new design from our resident artist, Trish. Ride on in and get one or else bring in something blank and learn how to make your own stencils. Dayne, from Two Wheeler Dealer, was busy helping organize the goodies that they donated to help us out. Thanks for the support, it's good to have the bike community working together to make biking better for everyone in Spearfish. While this rubber-banding of brake levers and shifter sets was occurring, a beautiful old Nishiki was brought in with a bum rear dérailleur. Bill, the owner, enthusiastically learned to replace and adjust this part as well as get excited about coming back to do a full tune-up before spring time. The afternoon finished up with Dayne starting a project in the sandblaster and an agreement to make up some venison lasagna later in the evening. Thanks everyone for the great day, it's good to know we have a full year more of these ahead of us.

Everyone else, come in and share your ideas for projects to tackle in 2010, to fix up your bike, get a bike - or just to see the new scrap bike parts dinosaur mailbox!

Reflections on Copenhagen

2009-12-28T13:34:00.000-08:00

A giant mural and two beautiful cargo bikes

A week ago I returned to Spearfish after spending eight hectic days in Copenhagen, Denmark. I was there for the UN's COP15 climate conference due to the grant we received to start up the bike co-op. I was in Denmark with three others from Focus the Nation. The whole week was so busy, with hundreds of events going on all the time, that it felt like I didn't get a chance to do all that I wanted to during my time there. In retrospect, more than the official events of the conference, I feel like most of my time in Copenhagen was spent around the city, soaking up the bike culture and community events tied to climate change awareness. It was such an international and eclectic mix of people and ideas that I am definitely still digesting the whole experience.

The most important thing for me to do right now though is share some ideas that I think can be applied in Spearfish, both immediately this winter as well as long term goals.

First, I saw all kinds of bikes during my time overseas. A similarity between them all was that they were all utility bikes, for carrying big loads, traveling with children or just getting around town. Hardly any recreation bikes like here in the states. Everyone in Copenhagen bikes, because it is the most practical way to get around town. There are bike racks everywhere, in front of grocery stores, subway stations, just along the street - everywhere. All ages are on bikes, as soon as a kid can be strapped to a seat, s/he is on a bike. Mail/coffee/art - everything- is delivered by bike. I think that this is possible here in Spearfish too, almost all trips could be taken by bike if we just have the motivation to start doing so. This winter, as soon as the welder is up and running we will start trying to make our own versions of some of the Danish cargo bikes, but until then check out the Copenhagenize link for great inspiration to be more bikecentric. Come in with your own ideas for baskets and trailers, build your own cargo bike - be ready in time for spring.

Second, the infrastructure is set up such that bikes flow seamlessly with car traffic. Bikes know where they are supposed to be and cars likewise, this keeps all parties safer and avoids unpleasant interactions. Some of the bike infrastructure is better suited for large communities but much of it can be applied here in Spearfish, for example bike lanes and more bike racks. A few of us at the co-op are working with the city to try and address some of these issues, again if you have any ideas or input let us know, especially with the new renovations coming to downtown.

Lastly, and maybe due to the previous two observations, Copenhagen has a fantastic sense of community, everywhere people can be seen stopped and talking, bicyclists wave in passing at friends and neighbors and everything seems to exist on a smaller more local scale than is expected from a city of more than a million residents. Spearfish is expanding, development occurring further and further from the center of town and with it the sense of community stretching further apart. Transforming into a more bike friendly city may help counter this and keep Spearfish the very livable place it is.

These are some of the ideas and inspirations that I feel my time in Copenhagen has imparted and I think it matches nicely with what the co-op is trying to do and reinforces it. Once again if you have any ideas or concerns about the future of biking in Spearfish come by the shop and check it out. The more people we have involved the stronger the space is and the more good we can do for the community.

Solar Installation!

2009-12-08T17:07:00.000-08:00

Well, the inverter hasn't arrived yet.. but on Saturday we successfully put up our four 230Watt Sunpower panels as well as ran the conduit for wiring.

Tom and Barton came down from Bozeman, MT to help with the installation: shovel snow off the roof, monkey around on high ladders in the cold and generally enjoy good times at the coop. Jesse, from Black Hills Solar, also came by and helped out. Mr Smith set up one fine electrical masterpiece and did some inspiring work with the pipe bender.

Other happenings in the workspace on Saturday- Jaycee painted our first mural: a bicycle Botticelli. Lots of people swung by to check out the shop and the solar unit. The fantastic new truing stand was finally mounted and used. Some new stencil graffiti has been added to the workshop. Cookies for breakfast and a welcome mid afternoon brownie delivery to warm us all up - thank you Mom! A very generous unicycle donation made for some entertainment in practicing/learning/watching. We also had our first open mic night - with spectacular appearances by several greasy wrench turners. And the evening finished off with a screening of everyone's favorite 80's bike classic "Breaking Away".

Thank you eveyone who helped out!

If you didn't get a chance to check out the Solar Party - please come by the shop anytime and look up.

The inverter is on it's way, and we should have power flowing by solstice. Which means we'll be producing more and more green energy everyday.

Solar Installation Today!!!

2009-12-05T07:26:00.000-08:00

Today we will be installing the first grid-tied solar system in Spearfish. We had our four 215 Watt panels arrive the other day. Jeremy's old landlord drove down from Bozeman yesterday to come help with the installation. Barton has worked for Independent Power Systems out of Boulder and Bozeman for many years now and has extensive knowledge of the solar industry. We are faced with a bit of snowy weather this morning, but hopefully by the afternoon we get a few breaks in the sky!

Then this evening from 6-9 we will be hosting our first open-mic night at the Co-op. Lacey and Jaycee, a couple of our fantastic volunteers, have been doing the organizing for open mic! Be on the lookout for pictures in the next couple of days of this exciting day!!

some addendums

2009-11-18T08:40:00.000-08:00

Forgot to say, If you or anyone you know needs a bike come on in. We have an ever growing pile waiting to find happy homes.

and

Also in the works is a Women Only night at the shop. Ladies come on in and learn care and maintenance of your bike and/or help teach these skills in a testosterone-free space.

A status report and some upcoming plans.

2009-11-18T08:18:00.000-08:00

The Co-op is rolling along nicely. We are having three or four people stop by whenever we're open. Two bikes have been added to the streets that weren't out there before and many others have been brought in for a tune-up or just to fix a minor problem. We are also getting people in the space that have nothing wrong with there bike but just want to learn how to wrench so if they do run into trouble they're prepared. The grand opening a month ago also went well, we had about thirty people swing through during the day. Only four brave souls took the bracing ride down to the brewery in 11 degree weather but we had fifteen back at the shop for our showing of "Triplets of Bellville." More Bike-in movies are on the way. Also coming soon is our photovoltaic system. Plans are to install on Saturday the 5th of December. Also happening that same day/evening will be our first in a series of Open-mic nights. For more information on that or to sign up swing by the shop. And lastly, maybe most importantly, we are getting a truing stand in on Thursday so bring in those wobbly wheeels and learn how to get 'em riding straight again.

2009-10-13T13:35:00.001-07:00

Take a look at this:
http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/19322

Grand Opening this Weekend!

2009-10-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Come and check out our grand opening this weekend at the shop. It will take place from 1-5PM at our shop across from Sanfords.

During these hours we will have open space for you to come up and see what we have to offer the community. We will have a couple workshops throughout the afternoon on basic bicycle maintenance and tuning up your bike. So if your bike needs some tweaking, bring it on up and we'll help you out. Jesse from Rushmore has also offered to come up and do a wheel truing workshop if there is enough interest. We realize it will be quite cold, but we are still planning a ride to the Brewery at 5PM so bundle up if you are adventuresome!

After the brewery, back at the shop we will be watching a bike movie at the shop. We have a couple options and haven't decided on a title yet. If you have any questions, email us at: spearfishbikecoop@gmail.com or call John at 641-3955 or Jeremy at 722-7535. See you Saturday!

Swarm Days Parade Photos

2009-10-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

The following are a few of the photos from the Swarm Days parade for Black Hills State University's homecoming. Hard to believe we now have snow this week. Sorry for the out-of-orderness.

2009 Climate Ride

2009-10-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

This last week I had the opportunity to participate in a bike ride from New York City to Washington DC. Around 170 riders from all across the country joined together to raise awareness of climate change issues, especially the recently introduced Senate climate bill and upcoming talks in Copenhagen this December. We rode 300 miles over five days and had the evenings filled with speakers and movies. Most of these speakers were also riding with us. Some highlights were the Danish Ambassador to the US, biking infrastructure consultant Mikael Colville-Andersen, and No-Impact Man Colin Beavan. Upon reaching DC we were joined by many local cyclists and continued onto the Capitol where we were then greeted by an array of Senators, Representatives and environmental/non-profit leaders. The following day Focus the Nation had arrange for all of the riders to be able to meet with their Congresspersons and Senators to raise concerns and push for stronger legislation to mitigate the effects of global climate change. Focus the Nation was one of the recipients of monies raised by riders to participate in Climate Ride. As a Focus the Nation fellow I was on the ride to thank the other riders and to explain this co-op project to them. These discussions with others riders also helped generate many good ideas that we can hopefully implement as the co-op grows.

And growing it is, during my absence John continued getting the space ready for our quickly approaching opening, October 10th. We are still working out details but keep an eye out for a community bike ride, slow bike races, a bike in movie and hopefully some collaboration with Hills Horizons and the last Farmers Market of the season.

For more info/pictures of the Climate Ride check out www.climateride.org

Getting Up and Pedaling

2009-09-16T19:12:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first post for our blog that will document the up and coming of Spearfish's new bicycle cooperative. We were started with a grant from a group called Focus the Nation. Focus the Nation is a youth oriented Nonprofit organization based out of Portland, Oregon that is dedicated to community based clean energy. For more information visit their website at www.focusthenation.org.

Over the next several months we will be getting our shop location up and running, raising community awareness, hosting workshops, and building more bicycle culture in Spearfish.

Inquiring minds may be asking just what a bicycle cooperative is. Traditionally Bicycle co-ops function as a place where community members can learn to maintain and repair their own bicycle. Coops are generally run by volunteers and are supported solely by donation and fundraising. They also work to distribute bicycles to people in need of a bike and they encourage bicycle involvement within the community.

In the last two days we've managed to get the space cleaned up a little as well as throw a new coat of paint on the walls and floor. People are already coming by to help out and give some community support. The basic bike tools are on their way and should be here Friday, which should be the same day we start moving in some of the bike parts we have accumulated.

If anyone is interested in helping out or otherwise lending a hand, our shop is at 727 North Ames in the old machine shop across from Sanford's. No set schedule yet, but check here as we get things going or send a line to spearfishbikecoop@gmail.com and we can work something out.

Jeremy Smith and John Williams