Introduction to Bicycles with Free Skool Santa Cruz, Summer 2008

Free Skool Santa Cruz (FSSC) is a completely grassroots effort, a collection of locals acting collectively and autonomously to create a skill-sharing network, a school without institutional control. It is an opportunity to learn from others and share what they know, to help create self-reliance, vital communities, and beauty in the world. Classes and workshops offered during the summer of 2008 include free drawing at Natural Bridges, Ju-Jitsu, knitting, letter writing to prisoners, consent and sexual/intimate violence, building a bike wheel, and so much more.

On July 18th, I went to the Bike Church because the back tire was flat on my bicycle. Although the mechanic was getting ready to close shop for the day, I given a warm welcome to put my bike up on a rack and repair it myself. It felt good to personally take care of my transportation needs rather than rely on the assistance of someone else. I returned home, checked my Free Skool Santa Cruz calendar, and learned that a class called "Intro to Bikes, Bike Maintenance" was being held the next morning at the Bike Church.

That next morning, July 19th, I rode down to the Bike Church ready for my first day of summer skool. A very kind bike church mechanic and two other classmates were ready to get started. The class was a practical overview of the bicycle, from brakes to shifting to proper tool usage. It was also a useful introduction to the Bike Church. Time was allocated for group instruction and discussion during the first portion of class and then time was given for the three of us to troubleshoot our own bicycles with guidance from the mechanic. One highlight for us was learning to true our wheels. After class, not only did our bicycles ride much smoother, but we felt empowered and made new friendships.