19 December 2007
Huffy Cross: A Progress Indicator
Posted by Noah under: bikes; friends; voice .
The Reno Bike Project is now roughly one year old. We started in Late October of ‘06, so give or take a couple of months. We have done a lot in that relatively small amount of time. We went from a couple know nothings (still applicable) who were serious about starting something, to a small community of like minded renoites from all walks of life. One would assume that the common denominator for all of us is the bicycle, but i don’think that is neccesarily true. Which is good. I wouldn’t be as happy if we were comprised entirely of bicycle geeks. And People have come from everywhere to support us in every possible facet, for which we are most grateful. So while thinking about this past year that it occurred to me that Huffy Cross was the first mark of progress of our progress.
There are three main goals that we hoped to accomplish with Huffy Cross. 1. To hold a real race on cheap department store Huffy’s. 2. Add an element to the race that rewarded racers for their mechanical aptitude by requiring them to prepare a bicycle that was not in the best running order. 3. Bring riders together by mandating teams of 3.
These goals are very much what we had in mind when we started RBP. To continue to propigate the spirit of cycling. To empower people to become self-sufficient and learn to maintain and repair their own bicycles. And to foster a community around cycling.
And this is where the progress becomes apparent. If we held the Huffy Cross one year ago I would estimate at most three teams, not the ten we had this year.(that is 30 racers!) The majority of the people who competed in the race this year would have had an exceedingly difficult time preparing their bikes a year ago. It was through many days and nights in the shop that these people learned how bicycles worked. Further more many of the people who raced on teams did not know each other a year ago. It is programs like Volunteer Night and Ladies Bike Night that these people have come to know each other.
In closing i Think that RBP has had an amazing first year. We were not want for anything and the community rallied behind us in every possible way. I think the mark has been made and can’t wait to see where it is next year.
Thank you all very much
Noah
2 Comments so far...
daily disposition for December 19th through December 27th | i am indisposed Says:
27 December 2007 at 5:37 pm.
[...] Reno Bike Project » Huffy Cross: A Progress Indicator - The Reno Bike Project is now roughly one year old. We started in Late October of ?06, so give or take a couple of months. We have done a lot in that relatively small amount of time. [...]
del.icio.us ba.con for December 26th through December 27th at The Bacon Strip Says:
27 December 2007 at 5:47 pm.
[...] Reno Bike Project » Huffy Cross: A Progress Indicator - The Reno Bike Project is now roughly one year old. We started in Late October of ?06, so give or take a couple of months. We have done a lot in that relatively small amount of time. [...]
