The Main Street Bicycle Co-op Story

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A series of three unfortunate car accidents recently influenced my decision to go carless. I said goodbye to the idea of car transportation and opted to investigate the idea of bicycle transportation. This made more sense rather than hunting for a semi-decent used car within a tiny budget. However, I found that buying a new bike cost almost as much as buying an okay used car. Thankfully, I had an old hybrid bicycle gathering dust in my basement. The bicycle wasn't quite ready to ride yet, it was in great need of a major overhaul. Again, I was faced with the issue of cost. An overhaul would set me back financially, plus I have a desire to learn how to take care of the maintenance on my bicycle when necessary.

This is where the Main Street Bicycle Co-op enters the story. I consulted my friend Zac Holford, the founder of the Main Street Bicycle Co-op. Fueled by passion and a desire to see literally everyone on a bike, Zac started and maintains the co-op. Zac also dreams of the co-op creating a positive impact on the surrounding communities, including Highland Park.

I ended up overhauling my bike under the tutelage of Zac. While teaching me the art of bicycle maintenance, Zac assisted a 16-year-old male, Highland Park resident with the finishing touches on a road bike. Zac and the 16-year-old had been working on this particular bike for six months. Together, they built a bike from the ground up. At the same time I finished my overhaul, the 16-year-old finished his custom road bike from scratch. The look on his face as he tested the road bike was priceless. After I had overhauled my bike, I was full of excitement. I can't imagine what it would feel like after building my very own bike from scratch!

What if even just a small percentage of kids and Highland Park learned how to custom build their own bike? Imagine the impact that would have. This is extremely possible and the co-op needs your help. Come to the Main Street Bicycle Co-op with your skills and experience, or lack thereof. Build your own bike, or help someone else build theirs. Any and all are welcome.

The Main Street Bike Co-op is located at the corner of Hawthorne and Main Streets in the same building as the former Tienda Jalisco, now Main Street Eats. For more information Call Zac at (423)987-1060 or email him at mainstreetbikecoop@gmail.com.

Follow the Main Street Bicycle Co-op on Twitter.
Read the MSBC blog.