Free: bike repair classes

By Edie Sidle
The Portland Upside
June 2009

Photo by Jason Bietz

Jason Bietz of River City Bicycles firmly believes that if you have a basic understanding of your bike and how to fix and maintain it, chances are you will venture out to more remote, beautiful surroundings. Not only will you feel more confident with your bike, you will enjoy your biking experience more. And that is exactly why he offers training on how to work on your bike.

Jason offers you freedom, independence and more options—things every one of us values immensely. After all, what are you going to do when you are out enjoying a beautiful sunny day on your bike (ah, the glorious Portland summers…) and you suddenly get a flat? Or you’ve talked yourself into doing a bike race and unexpectedly, miles into the race, something goes wrong with your bike—groan!

Once a week Jason teaches bicyclists the basics – how to repair flats, clean and lubricate a bike, do basic adjustments, and how to work on the brakes and derailleur. He even offers some riding tips and shifting techniques. The classes last from 45 minutes to an hour and the groups range in size from a few to 15 or so. The participants are a mix of people—young, old, male, female—but they all come with one goal: to become more comfortable and competent with their bikes. The best part is that River City Bicycles offers it free of charge, a wonderful service to the community.

Few class participants know that Jason not only knows his stuff, he is a an expert on the subject. While he was working for Cyclesport in Ashland, Oregon, Jason had the opportunity to go to United Bicycle Institute (UBI). UBI is one of only two technical schools that offers professional-level training on bicycles. The institute offers information in lecture format, as well as hands-on experience. Advanced subjects, such as frame building, are also available for those who are seeking special skills and knowledge.

After training at UBI, Jason joined River City Bicycles. He took over and expanded the popular training classes.

River City Bicycles is well known for supporting the cycling community. In addition to the maintenance classes, they routinely offer free technical support at cycling events as a way of supporting customers and cyclists in general. This is a valuable service to the cyclists, particularly since cycling is rarely 100 percent problem-free. So if you ever talk yourself into that bike race only to find things going amuck, it might be the River City Bicycles folks who put you back on track, allowing you to finish the race.

Sponsoring many teams over the years, River City Bicycles and Jason Bietz have bought into the heart-and-soul of Portland’s competitive cycling community in a big way! Their enthusiasm and generosity contribute to Portland’s reputation as one of the most bicycle-friendly places in the United State. As they say on their website: “Cycle Nirvana Awaits.”
_____

To find out more about the free bicycle classes at River City Bicycles, visit them online at
www.rivercitybicycles.com

After living in Utah, Alaska, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Colorado, Edie has finally settled down in Portland. As a newcomer to Portland, she is thoroughly enjoying discovering this vibrant city!