In a world of flat tires and gummed-up gears, Salt Lake City’s Bicycle Collective is keeping spokes tight and vibes high. Here, people get their hands dirty and learn what it really takes to become a master mechanic.
Stacy Harwood first came to the collective almost two years ago. She volunteers at the organization’s WTF nights.
“WTF night is Women Trans Femme Night and it’s every Wednesday from six to eight and it’s the idea of creating a space for people who normally wouldn’t feel comfortable working on a bike,” Harwood said.
Frances Dowell, a professional mechanical engineer and volunteer at the collective, said the workshop can be chaotic during its regular open shop hours.
“It’s loud. It’s busy.” Dowell said. “All these benches behind me are packed with people.”
But Wednesday nights are different. They offer a quiet place where people can connect while getting meaningful assistance.
“This one person came in and she was talking to her boyfriend on the phone, and he was explaining to her what to do,” Harwood said. “She was having a good time but she was doing a lot of things incorrectly.”
That’s when Harwood knew it was time to step in and offer a hand.
“We got it fixed and she was like, ‘this is great because I haven’t ridden the bike in two years,’” Harwood said.
Tuning up these two-wheelers isn’t always so easy, the volunteers explained.
“I have ones that keep me awake at night,” Dowell said.
“Some bikes need a lot more work and you just don’t know until you really start digging in there,” Harwood said.
No matter the project, volunteers are geared up and ready to help however possible.
“There’s always so many people in our volunteer shifts willing to answer questions and work out and help everybody learn,” Dowell said.
For him and Harwood, the workshop is a perfect place to make friends and try something new.
“You don’t feel alone in the process of learning because you realize this is actually really hard for other people and not just me,” Harwood said. “It makes me feel like maybe I have learned something.”
Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome to attend the workshop. More information can be found on the collective’s website.