It’s been a busy summer for the Bike Bank. We’ve been turning out bikes but have no shortage of projects remaining to restore. Skilled volunteer mechanics are the biggest limiting factor in our work currently (and semi-skilled… heck, even unskilled, we’ll help you learn if you’re motivated and willing to show up semiregularly).

What does it look like?

We have skilled mechanics who can orient you to the shop, get you set up with projects at your skill level, and help you with tricky problems. We meet every Tuesday night from about 6-9pm at our workshop on Greenwood. During this time, we work on bike restoration and repairs for members of the Pueblo community in need.

Who is welcome?

Everyone! In general, you need the ability to be around others, to follow instructions in the safe use of hand tools, to be sober, and to be willing to help the community. If you have a little mechanical aptitude and especially bike-related skills, it helps, but we really can teach you if you are willing. Flexibility helps, as does patience for when things take longer than you think, but we are a supportive group that works to include everyone, both those who need and can offer help.

What’s in it for you?

We’re not all selfless – we enjoy the opportunity to be around others who want to give back to the community, and being able to use our skills to provide a service that can be out of reach otherwise for so many in Pueblo. But if you stick around for a couple months you get a t-shirt. And use of the shop for your own bike projects. And occasionally we have cocoa and microwave popcorn… the list goes on!

How do I get started?

Email us at greenchilebike@gmail.com to see about joining us on a shop night. It helps us if we know ahead of time that you’re planning to come by.

Know someone who might be interested, but who’s not on ‘the grid’ of websites and social media? Please tell them in person! Pueblo is a person-to-person kinda town, and we know that. Let somebody know we could use the help and you’re helping, too 🙂

-The GCBB Team

Here are a few of the Puebloans we’ve helped with bikes this summer: