[BNB] 25th Anniversary, Bikes to Ghana & News at BNB!
Rodney Singleton
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* BIKE-A-THON & GREEN ROOTS FESTIVAL SUCCESS!
* 25th ANNIVERSARY PARTY, & SENDOFF FOR CARL - Fri Sept 25
* GIRLS-IN-ACTION: OVERHAULED!
* ADULT BIKE MECHANICS COURSES AND CLINICS - starting July 14
* HELP SEND BIKES TO GHANA - Sat July 18
* BIKE SHIPMENT SENT TO MAYA PEDAL IN GUATEMALA
* SUMMER & FALL EARN-A-BIKE YOUTH PROGRAMS
* WIDE SELECTION OF BIKES FOR SALE
* YELLOW JERSEY at BNB! & TOUR de FRANCE NEWS
* GOVERNOR PATRICK, SIMPLY MING, & MAYOR MENINO visit BNB
* INTERNS WANTED: youth programs, website, mechanics training
* "TOUR DE FARMS" BIKE RIDE - Sat Aug 1
* HELP TEACH IN THE YOUTH PROGRAMS - training starts Aug 24
* WANT LIST
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News Outside BNB
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* URBAN ADVENTOURS launches *URBAN BIKE SHARE*
* MASSBIKE - Bicycling Safety Classes & Rides
* R.O.C.K. ROLL & RIDE - Franklin Park, July 18
* METRO PEDAL POWER - seeking space in JP
* MAJOR TAYLOR - GEORGE STREET BIKE CHALLENGE - July 26
* BOSTON BIKE FRIDAY - July 31
* MBTA SUBWAY EXTENSIONS INTO SOMERVILLE
& news from Livable Streets
* BOSTON VELODROME - survey
* BOSTON BIKE MAPS - online
* BOSTON GREENFEST - Aug 21-22
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BIKE-A-THON AND GREEN ROOTS FESTIVAL SUCCESS!
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the 22nd Annual Bike-A-Thon on Sunday June 7th, 2009!! As money continues to come in, the fundraising from June 7th's efforts has topped $102,000! A huge thanks for the grassroots fundraising efforts of over 300 of YOU rider heroes, and the thousands of YOU who sponsored them. People are sticking together, helping each other out, and staying strong in these challenging economic times. Thank you for supporting BNB's local youth programs and international development projects.
Check out the whole writeup and many great *photos* at www.bikesnotbombs.org/bat09results - the top fundraisers and teams, the bands, the activism, the fun!!!
Riders were welcomed back to the park with a public festival for sharing knowledge about sustainable living, with a special focus on the 350 Campaign (see www.350.org). Thanks to Bill McKibben for speaking leading up to this festival and pointing us towards the:
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CLIMATE ACTION
October 24th
To get involved in actions in Boston, contact Ken Ward at greenh...@gmail.com (and check out his amazing project at www.jpgreenhouse.org).
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25th ANNIVERSARY PARTY & SENDOFF FOR CARL
Friday, September 25
July 4, 1984 - 25 years ago last week - Bikes Not Bombs was born on a flight from Boston to Managua, Nicaragua. Carl Kurz was on board with two bicycles, brought south to support health workers and teachers working to rebuild a land ravaged by war.
From this simple action sprung the beginnings of an organization, now built on the simple actions of tens of thousands of individuals, touching lives of many more… thirty seven thousand bicycles have been shipped to Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa since 1984. Thousands of local youth have been empowered by BNB’s Boston youth programs since 1991. And the momentum is growing. As Carl says, “thirty-five lbs. of world resources can move a mountain.”
SAVE THE DATE
Celebrate with us on Friday September 25th, as we send BNB’s founder and current Overseas Development Director Carl Kurz off on the new adventures that he is about to embark upon with partner Cecilia and son Ziggy in South and Central America. More info to come.
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GIRLS IN ACTION: OVERHAULED!
June 26th marked the final day of the newly reconstructed Girls In Action youth program at BNB. Fourteen girls began the intensive 6-week, 5 days per week program, and on May 26th, all fourteen girls graduated with a ceremony attended by friends and family, complete with a potluck dinner and slideshow.
In the past, the Girls In Action program was only one day per week, and consisted of a group of 8-10 girls, ages 9-11. The NEW Girls In Action is modeled from the Earn-A-Bike Curriculum, in which participants choose a donated bike and learn the mechanics necessary to overhaul and maintain it. Along the way, they gain the environmental and health knowledge necessary to see the bike as a viable and sustainable option for transportation. In Girls In Action they take it a step further, with an additional female empowerment focus. Read more and see photos at www.bikesnotbombs.org/node/573!
The next session of Girls In Action will take place in the fall, beginning October 26th. For more information, contact Diana Boro, the Youth Development Coordinator and Girls In Action Facilitator at di...@bikesnotbombs.org.
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ADULT BIKE MECHANIC CLASSES AND CLINICS
Basic Mechanics Class - starting July 14th
Queer-only Basic Mechanics class - starting July 16th
And new for 2009! Free, single-evening clinics on topics relevant to the urban bicycle rider.
Registration isn't necessary, but call the shop at 617-522-0226 or check our website to
confirm the dates:
Thursday July 9 - Fixing a Flat
Thursday August 6 - Pre-ride Safety Check
Thursday September 17 - Bicycle Touring
Thursday October 22 - Bike Fit
Thursday November 5 - Winter Commuting
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HELP SEND BIKES TO GHANA
Saturday July 18th
On Saturday July 18th, Bikes Not Bombs volunteers will load a 40' shipping container full of bicycle aid to send to the Village Bicycle Project in Ghana. We start at 10:00 am (bagels and coffee provided) and work until we finish, which we expect to be 3:30 or 4:00pm. Volunteers can come for any part of this time that works for you. This event does NOT happen at Bikes Not Bombs, but is just around the corner. Full details online.
The Village Bicycle Project (VBP) is based in the capital, Accra, where they will wholesale part of the shipment to 20-30 local small bike businesses. VBP trainers then take the remaining bikes to small villages around the country to do workshops in basic bike maintenance; people who complete the workshop can buy a bike for 1/2 price. The more active economy of the capital subsidizes bringing bikes affordably to small villages. See http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/node/569 for more info from Ghana, including photos of a Village Bicycle Project workshop in the town of Piina in March of this year.
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BIKE SHIPMENT SENT TO MAYA PEDAL IN GUATEMALA
On May 11th 2009, Bikes Not Bombs volunteers loaded a shipment full of bicycle aid bound for the Maya Pedal organization in Guatemala. (522 bikes, 60 frames, loads of parts!) Maya Pedal puts some bikes back on the road but uses most to build "bici-maquinas" - pedal-powered machines for shelling corn, grinding grain, pumping well-water, blending aloe shampoos, and more. Read more and see photos from Guatemala at www.bikesnotbombs.org/node/571
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SUMMER AND FALL EARN-A-BIKE YOUTH PROGRAMS
The BNB Hub is abuzz with youth energy! Summer Earn-A-Bike is underway with 22 students in our first session. We'll run two sessions this summer, both filled, so if you're looking to join Earn-A-Bike you can apply for the Fall course.
September 14, 2009 through October 15, 2009
Monday-Thursday from 3:30-6:30. Earn yourself a bicycle (to keep) while learning how to fix it! We go for fun rides, learn bike mechanics and safety, and explore some environmental issues. You pick out a bike (choose from mountain, road, or BMX bikes), we teach you to rebuild it, and then you keep it! This course is for GIRLS AND BOYS 12-18 years old.
Contact Elijah Evans for more info: eli...@bikesnotbombs.org or 617-522-0222, x101.
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WIDE SELECTION OF BIKES FOR SALE
If you've never been to the BNB Bike Shop, we hope you'll visit soon! We've come a long way since moving to 18 Bartlett Square just three years ago. Some of the things we're especially proud of include: a helpful, friendly staff; a great selection of accessories for cycle commuters; an efficient full-service repair department with quick turn-around, and a refined system for turning out high-quality reconditioned recycled bikes with a solid guarantee. This year, our selection of reconditioned bikes for sale remains well-stocked into summer - and not because we haven't sold a lot of bikes!
So come on down--we look forward to meeting you!
Also stop in to see Carlos Sastre's Yellow Jersey on display in the Shop!
See our Bike Shop website at http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/bikeshop
and for the latest bike shop news, see our blog at http://bnbbikeshop.blogspot.com/
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YELLOW JERSEY at BNB! & TOUR de FRANCE NEWS
Calling all racing aficionados and just plain ol’ cyclists! Its here! It’s Tour de France time! The Tour has captured the fascination of people across the globe. Here in Boston, our growing appreciation for cycling in general (including bike racing) has resulted in a new level of public camaraderie for cycling enthusiasts. Come on out to bars, restaurants and events where this event is featured onscreen; enjoy the fun and hob nob with other enthusiasts!
AND… It’s important to mention that last year’s WINNER was CARLOS SASTRE… who sponsored Bikes Not Bombs with a donation of an autographed and dedicated Official Yellow Jersey, the coveted prize awarded by the Tour each day for the rider with the best over-all time classification. What an honor for BNB! You can see the jersey displayed (in a professionally crafted case donated by Will Twombly) in the Bikes Not Bombs Bike Shop - be sure to come by and see this treasure. Bikes Not Bombs will auction this Yellow Jersey, a one-of-a-kind slice of history, in August. - stay tuned!
Check out http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/node/574 for places and dates to watch the tour with other enthusiasts, including the Jeanie Johnston Pub, the Asgard Pub and Restaurant, and RedBones Barbecue. Plus more info on Carlos Sastre's support for peace activism.
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GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK & "SIMPLY MING" visit BNB
Governor Patrick's “Mass In Motion” Campaign for healthy eating and active living came to BNB on Saturday May 30th. BNB teens led a 4.6 mile bike ride for administration and legislative leaders from the State House to the Bikes Not Bombs Hub where they were greeted by Governor Patrick and Ming Tsai – chef/owner of Blue Ginger, host of public television's Simply Ming and member of the Harvard School of Public Health's Nutrition Round Table – as well as Dr. Walter Willett of the Harvard School of Public Health and author of “Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy.” The Governor, Ming, and BNB youth filmed a cooking show to demonstrate how to prepare a quick, healthy meal that is both easy and tasty!
See more at http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/node/576
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MAYOR MENINO visits BNB for GREEN JOBS
On Thursday June 25th, 2009, Mayor Menino came to Bikes Not Bombs to announce city funding for "green-collar" jobs. Jim Hunt, Chief for Environmental and Energy Services for the City of Boston, Shirley Carrington, Interim Executive Director of Boston Connects, Inc., and Sam Wechsler, Executive Director of Bikes Not Bombs, also spoke at the event. These "Greening the Empowerment Zone" grants target high-risk youth and fund training for adults. Bikes Not Bombs hosted the awards ceremony and receives a portion of this funding which allows BNB to employ four additional teenage Youth Instructors this year.
See more at http://bikesnotbombs.org/node/577
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INTERNS NEEDED
* Office Intern - 2009 Summer - contact Jer...@bikesnotbombs.org
* Website Intern - 2009 Summer/Fall - contact Ar...@bikesnotbombs.org
* Youth Programs - Support Interns - 2009 Fall - contact Eli...@bikesnotbombs.org
* Girls In Action - Intern - 2009 Fall - contact Di...@bikesnotbombs.org
* Vocational Training in Bike Mechanics - Intern - 2009 Fall/2010 Winter - contact Mat...@bikesnotbombs.org
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"TOUR de FARMS" BIKE RIDE
Back by popular demand! Boston's 3rd Annual Tour de Farms bike tour will feature two loops: a 15-mile route in Boston to visit urban farm and garden projects, and a 40-mile route to visit community farms on the city's outskirts. The tour is Saturday August 1st, 2009. On-line pre-registration is required. Registration and insurance fee is $10. To register on-line visit: http://www.urbanadventours.com/tours.php?tourtype=sponsored
VOLUNTEERS WANTED to join the team of ride marshals who will keep these rides together, organized, and safe, contact Jennifer Fahy at Farm Aid: j...@farmaid.org or 617-354-2922.
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HELP TEACH IN THE YOUTH PROGRAMS - Take the training
August 24 through September 4, 2009
Monday-Friday from 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Adult volunteers needed - take this training to help teach Earn-A-Bike! We'll give you a free course in bike mechanics, and then you will help teach young people to rebuild and earn a bike! Go on fun rides and teach safe riding and environmental issues. Spanish language skills and/or youth-work experience are helpful, but no experience required. Pick up an application at the Hub or contact Elijah Evans for more info: eli...@bikesnotbombs.org or (617) 522-0222, x101
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WANT LIST
- Rags! - clean used clothing or cloth to be cut up
- Coffee Urn - large, 30 cups or more
- LCD projector
- Flip camera (video): http://www.theflip.com/ or other digital video recorder
See also www.bikesnotbombs.org/donate
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****************************** NEWS OUTSIDE BNB ***********************************
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URBAN ADVENTOURS launches *URBAN BIKE SHARE*
This membership based program will allow locals to experience the joy of cycling without owning a bike. In exchange for ‘Bike Buck’ vouchers, members can rent comfortable hybrid, high-end road, or kid’s bicycles for 24 hours with helmet, lock, and map included. This high value package comes with plenty of other benefits and discounts, including a lifelong discount with Zipcar! See full details at http://www.urbanadventours.com/membership.php
Urban AdvenTours is located in the North End near Faneuil Hall and Long Wharf. Since 2004, the company has been promoting bicycling in Boston through bike rentals and guided tours. With their Urban Bike Share and new shop downtown, they are doing more than ever to make Boston sustainable and bike-friendly.
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MASSBIKE - Bicycling Safety Classes & Rides
Intro To Bicycling Skills - Wednesday July 15, 2009 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Basic Bicycling Skills - Saturday, July 18, 2009 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Upcoming Rides and Events
Saturday, July 11, 10am: MassBike Spins - Dotbike and Rozziebikes Farmers Market Ride
Wednesday, July 15, 6pm: MassBike Spins - The New Neponset River Greenway
Saturday, July 18, 10:30am: MassBike Spins - Saturday Group Ride WIth Broadway Bicycle School
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R.O.C.K. ROLL & RIDE - Sat July 18
SATURDAY, JULY 18th, at FRANKLIN PARK, starting at 10am
At R.O.C.K. Roll and Ride, there is something for everyone including bike rodeos, bike safety lessons, hands-on bike maintenance workshops, giveaways and trail rides as well as music and free food. Free bike rentals will be available! Bikes Not Bombs youth programs will be helping out.
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METRO PEDAL POWER - seeking space in JP
Unique new company in Boston needs help! Metro Pedal Power is seeking storage space in Jamaica Plain! Metro Pedal Power provides human powered pick-up and delivery services all over the Boston area in our unique pedal powered cargo vans. We are looking to expand our delivery area in JP. Do you know of vacant garage or warehouse space around Jamaica Plain? Metro Pedal Power is seeking a spot for parking one of our industrial cargo bikes. The ideal spot would be about 5ft x 9ft on the ground level, indoors, secure, and have access to AC power. If you know of a spot that might work, send an email to eme...@metropedalpower.com or dial 617-776-3700.
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MAJOR TAYLOR - GEORGE STREET BIKE CHALLENGE
Sunday, July 26
in Worcester
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BOSTON BIKE FRIDAY
July 31st
Come out for Boston’s Bike Fridays and make commuting the best part of your day. Experienced bike guides lead you and a convoy of hundreds of your newest cycling friends into downtown Boston, sponsored and organized by the City of Boston. Pick-up locations are scattered throughout the Metro Boston area including Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, Allston, Brighton, W. Roxbury, East Boston, Charlestown, Quincy, Milton, and more. After the ride have a free breakfast, music and an expo.
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MBTA SUBWAY EXTENSIONS INTO SOMERVILLE
For info on the MBTA in Somerville and many other urban transportation issues, see the Livable Streets bulletin at http://www.livablestreets.info/node/2207. The Livable Streets calendar at http://www.livablestreets.info/event lists neighborhood meetings about the MBTA extension, bridges issues, and more that may be affecting your neighborhood.
Urban Ecology Student Films - July 10th - http://www.livablestreets.info/node/2184
Climate Change Adaptation - public mtg July 15th - http://www.livablestreets.info/node/2172
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BOSTON VELODROME
Give input for a future velodrome (locations, features, pricing, events, etc.) through a survey at www.bostonvelodrome.com
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BOSTON BIKE MAPS ONLINE
Check them out, give feedback to the City online!
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BOSTON GREENFEST
August 21-22
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