Open Shop is closed today for Mother’s Day.

There will still be a board meeting this evening.

See you all next time.

Summer is approaching fast and soon the kid’s will be out of school. It’s time to get ready for Kid’s Day!

MoBo Kids Day is one day a week when kids can work on their bikes at MoBo (during regular open shop hours, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult). It is a kids only space. We work with kids to teach them bicycle safety and how to work on bikes, from changing a tire to re-building a bike.

During Kids Day program, we offer several ways for kids to become involved:

Earn-a-Bike: At Mobo, kids have an opportunity to earn a bike by volunteering at MoBo. Depending on their age, kids will be asked to help out at the co-op for an hour or two, from working in the gardens to helping out at the desk. We do not give away free bikes.

In order for kids to receive bikes, parents must fill out a permission slip and a membership form for each child.

Swap-a-Bike: Already have a bike? Too small, too big? At MoBo, we will work with you to exchange your bike for the correct size through our Earn-a-Bike program.

Kids Day Race: At the end of the summer, we have a race at MoBo for all kids. Starting at noon, we have races for different age groups and top it off with prizes and pizza.

WHEN: Mondays starting June 11th – August 6th 5pm-8pm.

The Kid’s Day race will be held at noon on August 12th.

All children between the ages of 3 and 16 are able to participate in Kids Day.

Questions? Contact mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com.

That’s right!  This years big funraiser (and yes, I DID spell it right!) party is going to be BIKE PROM!!  So get your date, get your tux straight, pick a purty flower and put on your dancing shoes.  Stay tuned for all pertinent details.  And if you are interested in making this grand gala happen, the bring your happy self to the Comet next Thursday, March 1st, at 8:30 pm to begin planning.  If you can’t make it, get with me, Rob, at Mobo, or through the email.

Check out the skirt guards to protect your pretty prom dresses!

Also, in regards to my last blog discussing the running of your lights….. really, go with your gut.  If you think you’re rolling through somewhere you could get mugged, maybe you shouldn’t advertise yourself.  Otherwise, run your lights so cars can see you.  That’s all.  Its just food for thought.

Winter’s no excuse.  Really.  Tough titties.  We’ve been busy at Mobo.  Have you been down to the shop recently?  Ask to see the garage or the bamboo bicycle.  Tonight if you show up for Co-op Night you can partake in the Stripping Party.  All proceeds go to sending our handsome asses to Bike Bike in Vancouver, B.C. this summer.  Sponsorships available.  Ask for me.

This warm winter has been extremely pleasant for afternoon bicycle rides.  When Saturday came with the rain, we were already ahead of it.  Through downpours of rain, then snow, treacherous Sunday drivers on Saturday, the flat open highways of central Ohio, and the blessed company of friends, MoBo held a fieldtrip to the Bicycle Museum of America.  <Place ridiculous amount of drool here.>  What a collection!!  Velocipedes!  Penny farthings!  Pee Wee’s bike!  A bicycle that did 108 mph!  Sexy string skirt catchers!  Hand pulled pinstripin!  Women’s liberation!  Cows!  America!  Fuck Yeah!!

Oh no, don’t think that’s all.  We have you all winter, baby, into the spring:

This Sunday during open shop, Laura Collins will be leading  Bike-CRAFT 1: Pimp My Ride.  Mmhmm.  Knit ‘r’ done!

The Winter Workshop series could be just what you need to get you and that cute little bike of yours out on the road before spring even hits.  Every Monday night at 7pm for the next two months  in the shop.

Bike Sale Committee meets this Thursday, Feb. 9, at 7 at Mayday.  You want a new bike?  April 14th.  Mark your calendars.  “If you ain’t got your taxes done by now, just buy a bike.”

Volunteer Committee meets at the Comet at 9:15 on Feb. 15th.

The annual Fundraiser planning has begun.

And what about a station at the Flying Pig Marathon this year?  I like runners, don’t you?  Maybe a water balloon station and whiskey station….

How about a safety segue for a few minutes?  Now, now.. don’t pout.  I only bring it up because I love you.  Did I just say that out loud?  Let’s discuss running your lights.  Now imagine its night.   The air is brisk.  You can make out the chug chug and screech of railroad cars playing a back beat  to the rhythm of your bicycle ride.  You’ve been riding those main roads with regular traffic.  Your lights blinking either let them know you were there or gave them a case of the seizures.  Now you’ve turned off to the side streets.  Where its quieter.  The cars don’t move as fast.  More foot traffic.  Perhaps you’re by yourself.  Feel a little tighter?  Maybe in the cheeks or the shoulder blades?  Well, maybe, just maybe, you shouldn’t run your lights.  I’m just sayin’.  That beautiful deep silence of the momentum you cascade through, as do those shorties on the corner; is broken…. disturbed… touched by lights meant to ward off the treacheries of automotive vehicles.  Time and place….  time and place.
Late breaking news!  MoBo has been nominated as Best Progressive.  Progressive what, hmm?  Progressive thinkers?  Progressive programming?  Progressive dance?  What about Best Progressive Synth-Pop Band from the Eighties?  Go check it out at the City Beat website.

Looking forward to talking with you later.

Snow peas and grease,

Rob

Building the jig for the bamboo bike.

Neato torpedo!!  MoBo had an impromptu bamboo bicycle building workshop last week.  The workshop was held by past MoBo member, Dan Vogel-Essex, of Ozon Bicycles.  Currently based in Berlin, Germany, Dan was in Cincinnati visiting family and friends and stopped by the Co-op.  One thing led to another… after hours, resins purchased, a crew of people cutting up bike frames to use, extremely rich and delicious Ghirardelli chocolate brownies, and a custom bike jig.  Dan explained the process, showed critical points to look out for, answered questions, and was ultimately patient with us all.  Kudos!  He even agreed to donate it to MoBo’s Loaner Bike Program!  Well, the bike is looking great.  Dan has flown back to the DDR, and we’ll be finishing up the final touches of bike soon.  Ask about it next time you’re in open shop and keep an eye out for it pedaling around soon!