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)