PHOTO PROVIDED
Volunteers attend to a bicycle at Williamsport Bicycle Recycle’s recent workshop.
Local bicyclists spent part of a recent rainy Saturday afternoon at Williamsport Bicycle Recycle’s space at the Pajama Factory. According to a news release, the group had signed up for a workshop offered jointly by Williamsport Bicycle Recycle (WBR) and the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC).
Volunteers from Williamsport Bicycle Recycle reviewed a basic bike maintenance checklist. Then each participant had the opportunity to run through the checklist on their bike with help from a Williamsport Bicycle Recycle volunteer.
Williamsport Bicycle Recycle volunteer and NPC board member Steve Young coordinated the event.
“As a NPC board member I see the projects NPC takes on with our partners to improve access to the Pine Creek Rail Trail and improve the experience for riders on the Trail,” Young said, according to the news release. “I thought a workshop that would help bike riders learn more about their bike could also introduce them to NPC and our work.”
NPC in partnership with the Bureau of Forestry, has created several access points to the Pine Creek Rail Trail over the years. Tombs Flats south of Slate Run and the Cavanaugh Access along Route 6, west of Wellsboro are 2 of the more popular. Additionally, NPC has partnered with Pine Creek Preservation Association and the Bureau of Forestry to purchase and install bike repair stations.
“Having a bike repair station with an air pump and basic tools along the Trail will hopefully help a rider get a broken bike back to their car a little more quickly,” Young said. “We stress routine bike maintenance and checking your bike before leaving home, but things happen while you’re riding.”
“It’s great that Williamsport Bicycle Recycle let’s you work on your own bike using their tools with their supervision,” said Jeff Kane, according to the news release. “I understand the basics of keeping a bicycle on the road but appreciate having someone who can help me figure things out. We’ve donated his old bikes here in the past, and I think we found a new-to-him bike here today.”
“We really enjoy doing these workshops,” Abigail Davids, a WBR board member and officer, explained, according to the news release. “They help us help bike riders. We’re always looking for more volunteer mechanics. The more volunteer mechanics we have, the more hours we can be open to help the community.”
The Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) is a local land trust dedicated to conserving and enhancing the lands and waters of Northcentral PA. They have helped gain and enhance recreational access to some of the area’s most beloved outdoor destinations – including the Loyalsock Trail, Pine Creek Rail Trail, as well as the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Moreover, their ongoing streambank stabilization projects have contributed significantly to the restoration of the region’s water resources. With the support of their members, NPC has conserved over 12,000 acres for the environmental well-being of our communities across a 12-county area. To learn more about NPC’s initiatives and how you can help make a difference, please visit their website at www.npcweb.org.
Williamsport Bicycle Recycle offers workshops upon request as well as one-on-one help to maintain bicycles and educate cyclists the basics of repair. The organization is completely volunteer run and operated. Anyone interested in sharing their love of bicycles and gift of mechanics is encouraged contact WBR at [email protected]
