COUNT DOWN to Tour de Fat!

New Belgium Brewing Company is bringing the Tour de Fat back to Durham on Saturday, June 20!  This year will mark the 5th local Tour de Fat in the Triangle, benefiting the Durham Bike Co-op, BikewalkNC, and Triangle Spokes.

Nationally, 2015 marks the 16th season for Tour de Fat, which brings bicycling, beer, and bemusement to cities across the U.S.  These day-long festivities are free in every city, but the proceeds from beer sales go to local non-profits.

Since its inception, Tour de Fat has raised more than $3 million, and raised half-a-million dollars last year alone. Durham's 2014 TDF raised more than $20,000 for the participating local nonprofits and helps sustain the Bike Co-op's annual operating budget to fund open shop activities, DIY nights, mobile clinics, and awesome outreach activities throughout the year. 

The Tour de Fat kicks off at 10:00am on June 20 with a costumed bicycle parade that winds through city streets, ending at Diamond View Park across from the American Tobacco Campus. Eclectic entertainment takes over with musical acts to yo-yo performers, bike contests and vaudeville acts. This year will also include some brewing education and feature a “Bicycle Revival” to inspire festival-goers to believe in the power of two-wheeled transportation.
 
Co-op volunteers will be staffing a rad merchandise booth again this year, where TDF attendees can stop in to grab cool New Belgium gear and event memorabilia.  Swing by our tent to partake in DIY screenprinting activities or just to catch some shade and learn more about recent Co-op happenings.

Want to Volunteer?

The Co-op is all set on volunteers, but BikeWalkNC is still seeking lots of helpers and offering a special thank you gift to the first 200 volunteers to sign up: http://newbelgiumbrewingcompany.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=8729.  All volunteers will get two FREE beer tokens, PLUS $5 off on any Tour de Fat merchandise at the event.

For More Information:

Visit the event page at http://www.newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat/durham.aspx to learn more, pre-register, and share event info with friends!

We'll see you next month for some crazy, zany, bike-lovin' shenanigans! :)

DBC Communications Update

Communications have been sporadic at the Durham Bicycle Co-operative lately, and not without reason. Earlier today, DBC Communications Coordinator Marcilla Smith offered apologies and reassurances.

Image courtesy of Mister Christer Photography

"I'm sorry for the disruption in communications. I wish I could say that the circumstances in this case were isolated, however, I believe that would be premature. What I can say is that this possibility has been anticipated, and - if you will pardon the pun - wheels are already in motion to alleviate the delays," said Smith.

Smith went on to report that in recent days, she has secured employment, signed a lease for her new home, moved, and started a new job. Currently, Miss Smith is the only member of the all-volunteer DBC Communications department.

"I appreciate the understanding of the [Durham] Bike Co-op community, and the willingness of volunteers to fill in for one another. Nonetheless, we all need to recognize our limitations and keep an eye on ourselves, even as we look out for one another," said Smith.

What talents do you volunteer to the DBC? What other talents would you like to contribute?

From High Culture to High Country: Two Big DBC Events This Weekend

On Friday, the Durham Bicycle Co-operative will participate in a gallery art show opening, and the following day will offer a chance to rough it in the great outdoors. This Friday, May 15th, Art of the Bicycle opens at the Cameron Gallery in The Scrap Exchange. On Saturday, May 16th, DBC Events Coordinator Greg Heaton will lead an overnight bike camping trip to Falls Lake.

Art of the Bicycle

In honor of National Bike Month, the Cameron Gallery at The Scrap Exchange presents Art of the Bicycle. Curated by members of the Durham Bike Co-op, this exhibit celebrates the bicycle in art and design. It features art created with re-claimed bicycle parts as well as several designer, vintage, or unusual bikes on display to showcase their form.  Bikes from the co-op will be available for sale in the Cameron Gallery throughout the month.

The Durham Bike Co-op will also host a bike check-up event at The Scrap Exchange from 2-4pm on Saturday, March 23 to complement the exhibit. Members of the public are invited to bring their bikes to The Scrap Exchange and mechanics from the Durham Bike Co-op will help fix flat tires, adjust brakes, check seat heights, as well as point out any problems that need fixing right away.

Art of the Bicycle runs from May 15 – June 13. An opening reception will be held on Friday, May 15 from 6-9PM.  The evening’s festivities include light snacks and drinks, as well as music by The Wigg Report, a local band that travels to shows by bicycle. Art making in the Make and Take room is free on Third Fridays. This event is free and the public is warmly welcomed. Third Friday at the Cameron Gallery is sponsored by the Durham Co-op Market and Sam’s Quik Shop.

In addition to Art of the Bicycle, this Third Friday includes the Artist Spotlight exhibit at The Scrap Exchange. Each month, The Scrap Exchange, in conjunction with local art therapist Martha Dyer, features the work of an artist whose art tells a story of healing, survival and creative self -expression. The work is displayed on movable walls located inside the arts center.  Artists featured on the Artist Spotlight receive 100% commission for sold work. This month’s exhibit will feature James Obie.

The Cameron Gallery is located inside The Scrap Exchange creative reuse arts center at 2050 Chapel Hill Rd. in Durham. For more information, call The Scrap Exchange at 919-688-6960 or visit
http://scrapexchange.org/cameron-gallery/

Falls Lake Overnight Bike Camping

This weekend, the Durham Bike Coop is going on a one night camping trip to Falls Lake.

Participants will leave from the Coop at 5:00 pm Saturday May 16th on a one hour ride.

Interested parties are encouraged to make sure both they and their bikes are prepared to make the whole trip there and back carrying their own gear.

Suggestions for what to bring:

Bike with a rack and panniers
Spare tube and/or patch kit and tire levers
Multi-tool
Adjustable wrench
Some kind of shelter (Tent/Hammock/Tarp)
Rain Coat
Sleeping Bag
Plenty of Water
Snacks
Something to contribute to communal meals
At least one change of clothes
Plate and utensils to eat off of
Towel
Toilet Paper (primitive camping)
Bathing suit (if interested in swimming)
Lighter and/or matches
Pocket knife
Sunscreen
Insect repellent

As this is a group tour, some equipment brought by one person can cover multiple people (camping stove, hand pump, etc). Anyone planning to bring one of these items can contact Events Coordinator Greg Heaton at sternermouzon@gmail.com in order to eliminate redundancies, and reduce weight for everyone. Other parties can consider leaving a extra room in their panniers in order to carry something for the group.

"Tours like this work because we back each other up," said Heaton.

There will be two communal meals that participants will prepare (dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday). Participants need to bring some food or some money to contribute to this purpose. Those with special dietary needs should contact Greg Heaton.

"Bike camping takes work, but is a lot of fun, especially with the Coop crew. Hope to see you all out there enjoying the road and the wilderness," said Heaton.

For more information or to sign up to attend, email DBC Events Coordinator Greg Heaton at sternermouzon@gmail.com.

For other events happening during "Bike Month," check out http://durhambikecoop.blogspot.com/2015/05/bike-month-hosts-events-throughout.html

(Greg Heaton contributed to this article)

What kind of events do you like to attend with the DBC?

Youth Helmet Program Keeps More Young People Protected

Image courtesy of Debbie West

Carole Stern and Greg Garneau have been hard at work on the youth helmet program. Through a partnership with Safe Kids Durham County, the Durham Bicycle Co-operative receives child and youth helmets, as well as some adult helmets for larger sized kids, which the DBC is able to distribute for free.

Image courtesy of  Debbie West

This year, the DBC has also received a grant for youth helmets from the North Carolina Department of Transportation which are expected to arrive later this month.

The program raises the Co-op's visibility in the community and helps promote bicycling in Durham, especially in under-served communities. Greg and Carole have been bringing helmets to community events. Additionally, child, youth, and adult helmets are located at the shop which can be distributed to kids under 18 for free if they don't have a helmet yet, and to adults for $10.

Image courtesy of Debbie West

"If you've never done helmet fitting at an event, let me tell you, it's super fun!" reported DBC Treasurer Debbie West.

At the Durham City's Earth Day celebration, the Co-op distributed 77 helmets. Participants reportedly stayed at the Co-op's booth even after the event had ended.

Greg Garneau, Vanessa Roth, and Theresa Cromling of Safe Kids Durham County (with the help of Jeff Garneau plus Steve Saltzman of the Self Help Credit Union) fitted 77 kids and 17 adults with helmets at the recent Durham Co-op Market opening event coordinated by Leila Wolfrum and Laura Pyatt, and Greg and Carole distributed about 25 helmets last weekend at the Bike Fest event in Solite Park.

Reportedly, helmet fittings will continue to be a fixture at future events. For anyone interested in helping out, contact DBC Helmet Coordinator Carole Stern at carole.a.stern@gmail.com.

(Debbie West contributed to this article)

Do you always ride with a helmet? Which style do you prefer?

DBC Anniversary Ride Touted as Success

Image courtesy of Alison Carpenter

Despite steady rain, 10 souls braved the weather to participate in the Durham Bicycle Co-operative's anniversary bike ride. Those who attended heard from one of the Co-op's founding members, Alison Carpenter, as well as early members Greg Garneau and Rob Walpole about how it was back in the Co-op's first location on Mangum St.

Image courtesy of Debbie West

In addition to the cyclists who turned out for the ride, about 30 people attended the Open House at the new space. Included in this number were 3 members of the Duke Park Neighborhood Association Board, which was instrumental in securing the future home of the Durham Bike Co-op. Co-op members and donors also attended, many of whom had not previously seen the new space. One long-time Co-op member, Damian Smith, was in attendance, despite currently residing in Florida.

Several Gold level donors were on hand to receive a handmade thank you gift - a Picasso-inspired bulls head made of bicycle parts by DBC board member Rob Walpole.

Image courtesy of Alison Carpenter

"We are so appreciative of EVERYONE who's donated toward the capital campaign!" exclaimed DBC Treasurer Debbie West. Miss West went on to ask supporters to help spread word of the Co-op's fundraising by posting the campaign link to social media, adding, "it's really easy to do your own fundraiser for the Co-op if you want to - click the link at the bottom of the Razoo page for 'fundraise for this cause.'" The Razoo page is located at http://www.razoo.com/story/Durham-Bicycle-Cooperative.

The DBC reportedly raised $300 at the open house for the Capital Campaign, including $60 worth of t-shirts.

The Durham Bike Co-op vows this will not be the last open house, and encourages members and supporters to stay tuned for future opportunities in the coming months.

Have you seen the new space yet? What do you think?

(Debbie West contributed to this article)

Bike Month Hosts Events Throughout Durham

Bike Month will be celebrated in Durham throughout the month of May. Through group rides, cyclist socials, giveaways, workshops, and other events, Bike Month provides opportunities for all Durhamites to learn more about safely bicycling in their community. The history of Bike Month dates back to 1956 and is intended to raise awareness and promote safety for all road users. National Bike Month is promoted by the League of American Bicyclists, and activities are celebrated in local communities nationwide. The City of Durham reports having participated in National Bike Month for several years and having had great success in promoting bicycling as a safe and viable method for commuting and recreating.  Bicycling is rapidly gaining popularity as a method of transportation and recreation in Durham and nationwide.  Events such as National Bike Month promote safety and educate motorists and cyclists alike about safety and mutual respect. “It is essential that we provide all Durham residents the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe on the road, and Bike Month activities accomplish this in a way that is fun and informative,” states Christin Lampkowski, Chair of Bike Durham.  “Whether a person commutes by bike daily or takes an occasional ride with their family, everyone has something to gain from Bike Month.” Bike Month also provides a meaningful way for local organizations to work together for the benefit of the community.  “I love how collaborative Bike Month is,” states Bike Durham board member Jack Warman.  “Organizations like Bike Durham, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC), GoTriangle, and local bike shops are all teaming up to make Bike Month a memorable experience for everyone.” More information about Durham’s Bike Month, including a calendar of events, can be found at www.durhambikemonth.org. Here are the highlights of the 2015 Bike Month, in chronological order: 2015 Bike Month Kick-off Thursday May 7 5:00pm - 7:30pm Kick-off Bike Month in style at the American Tobacco Campus! Join us for speakers, giveaways and a family-friendly ride down the Tobacco Trail. Sponsored by GoSmart, Durham BPAC & Bike Durham. Bike Durham Big Spoon Ride Saturday May 9 9:00am A 23-mile Big Spoon loop out the Tobacco Trail around to the SoDu Farmers Market and back into downtown. The ride meets at Durham Central Park.  The pace will be relaxed. Sponsored by Big Spoon Roasters & Bike Durham. Seven Stars Cycles CycloFemme Ride Sunday May 10 11:00am Join us for a 10ish mile social ride leaving from the shop at 104 W Parrish St. CycloFemme is a grass-roots celebration of women on bikes uniting all riders, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or bicycle preference to share in the joy of cycling. Sponsored by Seven Stars Cycles. Seven Stars Cycles Bike-to-Work Week Social Monday May 11 5:00pm - 7:00pm Join us for a post-work social at Bull McCabes (427 W Main St in downtown) to kick off bike-to-work week. Sponsored by Seven Stars Cycles and Durham BPAC. Bike to Work Day Pit Stops Friday May 15 7:00am - 9:00am Stop by to grab light breakfast refreshments and bicycle commuting information and hang out with other bike commuters on your way to work. There will be two Pit Stop locations:  359 Blackwell Street at Diamond View III Courtyard (near the “Snorting Bull” at Durham Bulls Athletic Park) and the Bryan Center at Duke.  Sponsored by GoSmart, Duke University, Durham BPAC and Bike Durham. Art of the Bicycle Friday May 15 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Durham Bike Co-op partners with the Scrap Exchange to present a Bicycle art installation in the Cameron Gallery. All are invited to come to the event, help out, and enjoy the cool bikes and bike related art offered by various artists from the Durham community. The Wigg Report will be arriving by bike as usual and providing the musical entertainment for the evening from 7:30 till 8:30. For more, please visit: http://scrapexchange.org/cameron-gallery/ Wheels at Westover Saturday May 16 12:00pm - 3:00pm Join the Watts Hospital Hillandale Neighborhood for a celebration of bikes that includes safety skills, tips, a fix-it station, an opportunity to donate unused bikes, and information from local bicycle and bike-friendly groups. The event will take place at Westover Park in Durham.  Sponsored by the Watts Hospital Hillandale Neighborhood Association

South Durham Cyclists’ Social Monday May 18 5:00pm - 7:00pm Drop off the American Tobacco Trail at mile marker 5.75 and join us for free food and giveaways. The event takes place at 58Fifty Bistro, 5850 Fayetteville Road in Durham.  Sponsored by Bike Durham and Durham BPAC.

Ride of Silence Wednesday May 20 7:00pm Ride 5 miles in silence to honor cyclists who’ve been killed or injured while riding their bicycle. The event takes place at Research Triangle Park—see website for more details.  Sponsored by Bike Durham and the Durham MSFITS. http://www.rideofsilence.org/ Bike Durham Cyclists Workshops Wednesday May 13, 20 & 27 6:00pm Join Bike Durham Wednesdays in May for three free workshops for cyclists.  All events will take place at Bull City Coworking, 112 S. Duke Street.  Sponsored by Bike Durham. Workshop topics: Bike Commuting 101- the Basics - May 13 Bike Commuting 201 - Route Planning and Inclement Weather - May 20 Understanding the Law and Liability - May 27 For more information, see durhambikemonth.org. The event calendar can be found at GoTriangle.org/bikemonth. What upcoming bike events will you attend?