Texas - Dallas TX Bike Co-op

I just got in contact with a person who is wanting help starting this up. First I think it needs a name so if any of you have suggestions as far as that goes then post them here. Also if any of you are in the area and would like to help out then that would be great. Here is a bit more more info here Bike co-op (http://dallasbikecoop.blogspot.com/2008/10/we-need-help-establishing-bike-co-op-in.html) as well as contact information for the person who is starting this.

I saw the Craig's List ad. I can't get to the link at work, "Social Networks" are filtered......

I would be interested if it is even close to being North. I really doubt I would head all the way South of downtown though.

I'll help out however I can. I live in far NE Dallas and work in Irving.
I'd love to volunteer my time spinning wrenches. I've got a backporch and bins overflowing with bicycle frames and parts, (my wife would be thrilled to see this stuff go away). I'm also a graphic artist so if you need a logo or flyers, I can help there too.

txvintage, just curious, what makes you think this will be south of downtown?

txvintage, just curious, what makes you think this will be south of downtown?


My comment was meant to be I hope this is somewhat north and not really far south. Much past downtown and the distance for me to get there would severly limit my time and opportunities to be involved.

Cool. I just wondered if you had seen something written about it somewhere else.

I got the impression that this would start out as a backyard thing at first. Not sure if the person I have been talking to is offering his backyard but I invited him to this discussion so hopefully he will join us soon.

I also got this nice email from Yellow Bike Project (http://www.austinyellowbike.org/) in Austin.

hi, josh -

that's great! a community bike shop in dallas will be a great addition to the city.

general advice would be to do your research and figure out what your goals are. we at yellow bike still repair old unwanted bikes and release them for free to the community, but we also provide lots of other services like repair classes for kids and adults, kids' bike give-aways, after-school programs, and the community bike shop itself - the core of our operations.

check out the bicycle collective network, read the wiki and archives, and sign up for the ThinkTank list serv to connect to a nationwide network of folks who are all doing this bike thing. and feel free to ask specific questions as you have them.

good luck -

I'd love to see something like this take off in DFW, I've actually give thought to trying to get something like this off the ground in the Arlington area, however I have far too much on my plate with the family, 2 jobs, and trying to get some ride time in to head up a co-op right now, but if something like this were to take off I could surely find some time to donate to spinning wrenches and helping out around there. Keep us updated, and PM me if you need some help getting things in order to get this off the ground.

I thought there was some kind of effort to start one in North Dallas a while ago. I read somewhere they were in the process of applying for grants and doing some filing for non profit status and such. I'll try and see if I can find where I saw this and confirm. Maybe it's a situation where combining efforts might be a consideration.

Even if the current effort is starting out as a "backyard" effort I would like to try and help. If it get's bikes to folks who might not otherwise have a bike, I'm all for it.

Thank you all so much....I was thinking of showing a film "Asiemut". It also would be nice to organizing a ride. I have yet to ask for permission for the film but I do own a personal copy. Do any of you have projection equipment?

It would also be nice if I could spell correctly.

I asked if I could show the film and I am waiting to hear back.

I have very little free time these days (4 children, 2 jobs, blah, blah), however I would love to help out in whatever way I can.

I am more than willing to offer my backyard as a starting ground if need be. (To address a common question, my house is located off of Henderson and 75, I hope that's not too far south for everyone... If it is, we can always find a location that's more convenient.)
I have started collecting parts and tools for the process, if anyone else has any they would like to donate, that's all it takes to get this off the ground. We should get as much together as we can.
[Josh, I'm really interested in the film and ride idea, let me know if there's any action I can take to help you coordinate those.]
[MMACH5, if you want to donate anything, and need help moving or storing, just let me know. By doing so, you will make not only your wife happy, but a lot of other people as well.]
I think maybe next weekend, we should get all interested parties together, just hang out and do whatever, have a good time, and talk about this in a more personal environment... So if anyone has any ideas on that I'd really love to hear them. Essentially, at this point at least, all it takes for us to do this is get together, collect, repair, and educate each other.
So if anyone is interested or has further ideas, feel free to contact me, austin.landon@gmail.com
I'm amazed at the amount of response to this idea, and I think it's proof that not only can we all get together with a common interest, but we can help out in so many ways.
Thanks,
-Austin

Also Josh, perhaps a ride followed by a "Bike-In" film showing would be an interesting way to go about combining both of your efforts.
I can get a projector/P.A. system from a friend of mine if you cannot locate one.

Well I would really like this to keep going but it seems to have lost a bit of steam. I have been quite busy myself but now have a bit more time. We should keep this discussion going and a meet up would help a lot I think.

Count me in as someone who's willing to help (or may need help :-) ).

chris

I've got at least 4 hours once a week (but only every other Saturday) to do whatever - mechanical, admin, whatever. Only catch is, it has to be in between Lewisville, Farmers branch, and Grapevine. Maybe a merchant has some space for a bike coop to reside in - for nothing or next to it?

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking we should meet up, perhaps at Flying Saucer in Addison. I think we should vote on a day of the week and time. I would vote Saturday at around 8pm. I was thinking December 6th. I am willing to change the place.

I suggest you make contact with DORBA.org. Particularly the internet forum there. There are a lot of folks there that would love to lend a hand with an effort like this.

Saturday Dec 6 sounds good. I'm open to just about anywhere that's central for everyone.

Okay good!

If it's not too cold I'll ride there...I'm kind of a cold weather wuss :-)

Good deal. I feel the same but I seem to get by with a great deal of grumbling.

I guess I just want to keep it fresh in peoples minds and I am also wondering if anyone else might be there. Just trying to get an idea of how many people might show.

Still planning on the meet up at the Flying Saucer?
I'll put it in the planner.

As a side note...plan on parking to suck. If I don't ride there from the house, Ill probably drive in closer and ride to the place.

Mr Christopher-
I live in your area and we could ride or car pool if you want.

Meeting at the Saucer? I'm there if for no other reason than to raise a beer with some fellow cyclists! (not sure how much I can help out, but I do have a few parts around here I'll donate)

Still planning on the meet up at the Flying Saucer?
I'll put it in the planner.

As a side note...plan on parking to suck. If I don't ride there from the house, Ill probably drive in closer and ride to the place.

Mr Christopher-
I live in your area and we could ride or car pool if you want.

I'm up for that, do we have a date yet?

Chris

I have some Cub Scout Pinewood Derby stuff that evening, but will make it if I can.

I'm still good for the 6th, but do we have a time yet? High School playoffs are getting interesting in our litte town, lol.

I'm still good for the 6th, but do we have a time yet? High School playoffs are getting interesting in our litte town, lol.

OK...Here's my take on this.

I'll be at the Flying Saucer, this Saturday, at or about 7:30pm-ish. (I know.. mention of 8pm was made by the fearless leader...But somebody has to establish a table. heh heh :innocent:) I'll be the fat guy drinking a beer. Oh...wait...I'd better rig up a sign or somethin'.:lol:

Parking is sparse...it can suck, so plan accordingly. If you are around Richardson and want to carpool, PM me. If it's a Freakishly balmy night, I may just ride.

Here's the website with address etc. (also has the selection of brews, so you can order quickly):

http://www.beerknurd.com/stores/addison

Let's get this meet-up rollin!

If I'm outta' line here...just yank my chain and let me know where and when.:p

I was planning on being there a bit early myself. I enjoy the back area with the couches. I will be driving from McKinney if anyone wants to go from up north.

I won't make it there from Fort Worth, but I hope you're successful. If you feel like you don't have very much momentum right now, remember that it's getting to be the holiday season and lots of people are involved with parties, family activities, etc. In the gray days of January and February people may have more time.

Thanks a bunch Doohickie...perhaps next time

I am still waiting to see if we're going to a friend's party this Saturday night. I should know tomorrow. if I'm free I'll be there.

Chris

One of ya'll wear a cycling cap or something so I can see who the heck ya'll are. Don't think I've met any of the expected attendees other than TxVintage (if he makes it) yet. Or one of you ring leaders PM me a cell phone number.

I'm in Richardson(ish) area, and other than riding my legs off on Saturday I've got no plans. So if anyone wants to carpool, sounds good to me. Not sure if I want to ride into that area on a Saturday night. Plus I don't have enough lights to feel safe riding that far (must fix that one of these days...)

The SuperDrome could host this. The Frisco Cycling Club would be happy to pitch in.

www.friscocycling.com

I'll ask the prez for his thoughts, but I don't think it would be a big deal. RBM Frisco is also down the street, doesn't hurt!!

The SuperDrome could host this. The Frisco Cycling Club would be happy to pitch in.

www.friscocycling.com

I'll ask the prez for his thoughts, but I don't think it would be a big deal. RBM Frisco is also down the street, doesn't hurt!!

Any and all support will help, that's for sure!

One of ya'll wear a cycling cap or something so I can see who the heck ya'll are. Don't think I've met any of the expected attendees other than TxVintage (if he makes it) yet. Or one of you ring leaders PM me a cell phone number.

I'm in Richardson(ish) area, and other than riding my legs off on Saturday I've got no plans. So if anyone wants to carpool, sounds good to me. Not sure if I want to ride into that area on a Saturday night. Plus I don't have enough lights to feel safe riding that far (must fix that one of these days...)

All I need is for it to be a little cold and my better half with 86 the playoff game idea. I would rather do the bike thing. I mean, it's not even real football, the ball has points on the ends of it.

All I need is for it to be a little cold and my better half with 86 the playoff game idea. I would rather do the bike thing. I mean, it's not even real football, the ball has points on the ends of it.

Great!....Now you've done it!:notamused:
You've just insured that it will be in the mid sixties that evening, won't be able to show, and ruin any chance of getting this off the ground.

You should be ashamed.:mad::innocent::D

Great!....Now you've done it!:notamused:
You've just insured that it will be in the mid sixties that evening, won't be able to show, and ruin any chance of getting this off the ground.

You should be ashamed.:mad::innocent::D

Possible, just yesterday I was saying how nice it would be if it were warm and not windy today........

Enter, the preamble to 2nd Ice age.

The wife is wavering on the playoff game idea. Maybe this cold weather has a use after all.........

Any and all support will help, that's for sure!

I have to check with one more person, but no one I've talked to sees any problem with using the facility.

The playoff game has been moved to noon, so either way I'm in for tomorrow.

Since those planning to go are already betting on the flying saucer it might not be a good idea to change the location this late in the game.

Who's attending tonight? I'm planning on it.

I'll check the thread later today.

Chris

I'm in.

I am still going.

See you guys there.

512-567-6637 is my number if you can't find me.

I'll be there, 7:30 right?

Um...How do we find one another? Can someone wear a pirate costume or something so we can know where to sit?

Thanks guys that was a bunch of fun...I know this will take off but having good company with like minded people is worth it in and of itself.

Yeah it was nice getting to meet some folks. For those of you who could not attend or are simply curious we had a productive meeting and we think we're headed in the direction of establishing a Dallas area bike coop!

Chris