Please note that the shop will be closed this Thursday evening (May 5) so that CT staff and volunteers, many of whom are Northumberland Hills Cycling Club members, can participate in the 5th anniversary ride and bbq.

Paul Mills and Rick Nonnekes represented Cycle Transitions (CT) at the Ontario Bike Summit in Toronto on Tuesday, April 19th. CT was asked to make a presentation highlighting how it has contributed to the cycling culture of Cobourg. Here are some the ways CT does that:

• a low-cost facility for folks to repair and maintain their bicycle;
• low cost bicycles for sale
• maintenance courses
• space for like-minded groups to meet
• subsidized memberships
• a sweat-equity program
• safe cycling courses
• safe cycling programs in the local schools
• providing bikes for special events (migrant workers fair), people (Syrian refugees)
• assisting the Polices Services with bike rodeos
• assisting the local hospital fundraising event – Bike Up Northumberland
• with the Bicycle Action Committee, advocating for safe cycling infrastructure

The presentation was well received.  It was pointed out that a “do-it-yourself” bike shop is unusual in a community of Cobourg’s size – most are located in larger centres – and to do the things CT is and has been able to accomplish really speaks volumes about all the volunteers who help out!

Cycle Transitions is dedicating our Saturday hours to Spring Tune-Ups!  Come on in with your bike; we’ll help you get it ready for riding around town, the lakeshore, on the trails, or up in the hills of Northumberland!

Here’s a checklist for your tune-up:

• clean the bike – especially rims (for braking) and drive-train (chain, cassette, derailleurs)
• check the cables – brake and gear – to see that they are moving easily through the housing, adjusted properly and not frayed
• check wheels/tires – are the wheels true, the spokes tight? Is the tire free of splits/cracks, has tread, is pumped to full inflation?
• lubricate chain, derailleurs, brake pivot points
• check that the seat is secure, the frame has not been damaged.

Cycle Transitions will be closed for the Easter long weekend.

With the beginning of April and the cycling season soon to start, Cycle Transitions will again be open on Thursday evenings – 6:30 to 9pm. Come on out and get your bike ready!