Classes and Open shop for women/trans/femme/non-binary folks

Bike Walk’s Shift Program is all about shifting the narrative of who can work on and ride bikes! Our goal is to create an inclusive space to help foster more FTWN-B folks wrenching and riding. Check out our programming below! Questions? Email claire@bikewalktompkins.org

Shift Open Shop: First Thursday of every month from 5-8pm

Bring your bike in for a repair, fix that weird noise that it always seems to make, volunteer on a project, and connect with other cyclists in the community! We offer tune-ups, free access to tools, used parts, refurbished bikes for sale, and a mechanic on-site to assist with any bike-related issues.

Monthly CLASSES

Pre-registration is required for all classes. The registration fee for each class is $20. However, we never turn anyone away due to lack of funds. If the financial barrier would prevent you from participating, you may use the code FREERIDE to waive the fee. We trust that folks will self-assess if this is what they need in order to participate.

March 20, 6pm: What’s That Noise? (register here)

Clicky clicky clicky - what’s that noise? In this class we will diagnose common noises you might hear on your bike as well as learn how to use barrel adjusters to make simple changes to our derailleurs and brakes. Participants are encouraged but not required to bring their own bike.

April 10, 6pm: Spring Bike Tune Up (register here)

Spring is slow to arrive in Ithaca but this workshop will ensure your bike is ready to go on that first nice day! We’ll discuss the ABCs of a bike safety check: Air (proper tire inflation), Brakes (making sure brake pads are suitable, alignment), and Chain (maintenance). Participants are encouraged but not required to bring their own bike.

May 15, 6pm: Route Planning (register here)

Whether you are commuting around town or planning a bike tour abroad, join Kelda to learn the ins and outs of route planning! This workshop will focus mainly on local commuting and multi-day bike touring. Participants do not need to bring a bike.

June 26, 6pm: Finding the Right Seat/Saddle (register here)

If you experience seat discomfort while biking, this is the class for you! Whether you are a daily commuter, a road racer, or just like to go for the occasional ride, we will be unveiling our new Bike Seat Library in this class and talk about saddle fit and what can make riding more comfortable. If you find a seat you would like to borrow, get a library card and try one (or a few) out! Participants do not need to bring a bike, but may if they want to try a new seat.

July 17, 6pm: Curious About Bike Touring? (register here)

Have you always wondered what it’s like to pack up your panniers and travel by bike? Join this workshop to learn the ins and outs of bike touring - everything from different styles of touring to how to plan and what to pack. Participants do not need to bring a bike.

VOLUNTEER NIGHTS

Volunteer nights are a great way to put your wrenching skills to use or learn how to repair bikes (using our donated inventory). Help us prepare refurbished bikes for sale, take bikes apart, and sort bits and bobs. Volunteer nights are for those who want to dive into the mechanical world of bicycles! Open to all experience levels - we have a project for everyone. Our trained mechanics will be here to guide you along the way. Registration is free but required as there are limited spaces.

Check back for upcoming volunteer nights!

All programming will take place at the Bike Walk Tompkins office: 803 Cascadilla St. Ithaca, NY 14850 (behind the Enterprise Car Rental office).