Bike Garage Update, by Steve Heath, Vice President, Bike Newport, ER/EQ Catalyst, East Bay Met School, 3/4/12
The Bike Garage is rolling well. First, a shout out to Chris Tompsett for loaning a trainer. We’ve been spinning madly and recording our data in order to develop a better understanding of fitness. Next step is to get heart rate monitors and collect even more data to inspire students.
Art Bell, Rogers Fitness Instructor, showed the Met wrenches the dust-covered fleet of Rogers bikes that have sat dormant for years in a dank closet below the gymnasium. Eyes lit up when they saw five Specialized mountain bikes. We hauled them into the shop and got them rolling without much trouble. Next, we will rejuvenate the rest of the 20 or so bikes in the fleet and the Viking Phys-Ed team can reintroduce cycling to the fitness curriculum. Awesome.
The Bike Garage opens its doors to after-school programming for the first time with a Tuesday and Thursday program for iNCASE—Newport County After School Excitement. The Cycle Smart class 6th – 9th graders will learn basic bike mechanics and rules of the road. About 50 % of the class will be in the shop and the other half outside riding. We are also submitting a proposal to run a Wednesday afternoon program for the Community School.
Finally, Derrell Smith of the Met is collaborating with Bike Newport and the Boys and Girls Club to formalize our bike giveaway program. Those wanting bikes must submit a written request stating their need/desire; attend a 90-minute training class, which covers the basics on mechanics and rider safety; and sign a contract saying you will follow the rules of the road, and wear a helmet. Requests should be directed to: sheath@metmail.org
Mike riding hard. Derrell fine tuning.
Bike Newport