The Hub of Detroit » JDR

Saturday Hours: 12-6pm, Detroiter.com Remembering Woody.

JDR — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 22:49:37 +0000

We will be opening the retail shop on Saturday at 12pm to accommodate the schedules of collective members and staff attending Woody Miller’s memorial services on Belle Isle (9:30-11:00am starting at Belle Isle Beach).

For those who may have met Woody one place or another, but felt like there was more to him that what you may have known, Anthony Repp over at thedetroiter.com has written a wonderful piece that better illuminates the life of one of Detroit’s staunchest advocate.

Kudos to Anthony for taking the time and effort to write what really is a must-read if you knew Woody, even just in passing.

Woody Miller Memorial Service and Ride @ Belle Isle

JDR — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:22:44 +0000

Got this in an e-mail from Reg McGhee today, about services for Woody

“Hi friends. By now you know that Woody’s memorial service is going to be this Saturday on Belle Isle starting at 9:30am. We’ll be on the Detroit side of the island, just past the beach on the way to the bridge. We’re doing the memorial service first, with short remarks, music and then the one lap ride in Woody’s memory. Then we’ll return to spread his ashes and share some refreshments.

If you cannot attend please spread the word. There is a “Woody Miller” memorial page on Facebook, please let people know about that.

Thanks. See you there if possible.

Reg”

2nd Annual Safe Streets Youth Ride, August 28th 2010!

JDR — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:07:02 +0000

Thank you to everyone who made the 1st Annual Safe Streets Youth Ride an incredible success! Your donations and support keep the youth education programs at The Hub of Detroit going strong.

Everyone had a blast cruising with signs and streamers through Eastern Market, The Heidelberg Project, the Riverwalk, and downtown! Check www.thehubofdetroit.org for the action pictures we took on the ride, which we’ll post as soon as we gather them.

We have begun planning the 2nd Annual Safe Streets Youth Ride for August 28th 2010, and we are excited to announce that registration is now open! You can continue to support the program and its future graduates by registering for your ticket now!

http://safestreetsyouthride.eventbrite.com/

Please register for an Adult Cyclist ticket ($25) to attend the August 28th 2010 ride, or specify the donation of your choice if you want to give without attending the ride. All donations support The Hub’s youth education programs.

[2nd UPDATE: Phone Service Restored!] Phone outage over the weekend! Email or stop by!

JDR — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 19:07:09 +0000

[[UPDATE, 8/10/10, pt. 2]]

Fully functional again and going through your voicemails to try and get back to all of you lovely people who left us messages! Thanks again for your patience!

-JDR

We’ve got phone service again during shop business hours!

If you get the voicemail and you have an inquiry about a repair, the response form on the website here might be the best option for timely response.

Thanks for ‘bearing’ with us, when our full internet comes back (grumblegrumbleAT&Tgrumble) we’ll let you know.

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So some of you may have noticed that your callas are going straight to voicemail.

We’ve noticed this too and are trying to remedy it, but our internet service provider (who will remain nameless) assures us that the soonest they can do something for us is tomorrow or Monday.

For now, if you have any inquiries, please use the form on the website and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

Thanks,

The Hub

Woody Miller: We’ll Always Remember You [UPDATE: AUG 14th Belle Isle]

JDR — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:03:07 +0000

[Update on Memorial, from Dave Miller and Reg McGhee, courtesy Facebook:]

Time: August 14 · 9:30am – 11:00am

Location: Belle Isle Beach

“Join family and friends in celebrating the life of Woody Miller (September 28, 1944 – July 17 2010). Woody was an avid cyclist: serving on the board of The Hub of Detroit, mentoring new riders, and advocating for the cycling community. He was a great promoter and supporter of the arts, most recently lending his skills to the creation of TheDetroiter.com. Cyclists can join him on his last lap around Belle-Isle following the ceremony. Please wear casual summer attire or cycling gear.”

It is with a heavy heart and hands that I write of the passing of Woody Miller, a member of our Board and a fixture on the roads atop a 7/11 Team Eddy Merckx that he’d ridden around Detroit for decades. Ride in peace, Woody.

We at The Hub are still forming thoughts and ideas as far as remembering Woody and honoring his memory, and we have heard of plans in the works to get a local gathering/ride to remember Woody, and will post any info as soon as it becomes available, as well as information regarding where to direct your condolences.

If you have any memories of Woody that you’re willing to share with us and our readership, please feel free to post them in comments below.

-Joe

Free Childrens Bikes Given Away in July: Built by the Whole World.

JDR — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 02:59:45 +0000

Free Childrens Bikes Given Away in July: Built by the Whole World.

In June 2010, the Second United States Social Forum is taking place in Detroit with the motto, “Another World is Possible, Another US is necessary.” People from all over the world are coming to Detroit to work on projects and unlike other conferences, leave a lasting impact.

The HUB of Detroit is partnering with folks visiting the city to fix up their backlog of used children’s bikes (20” wheels and smaller) for a Bike Give-A-Way event. The children’s bikes will be given away on:

Saturday, July 3^rd from Noon-4pm

Thursday, July 8th from 4pm-7pm

Friday, July 9th from 4pm-7pm

At these times, families with vouchers can bring their child (9 years old and younger) to come pick out a bike and get it sized up to take home.

The 4^th of July weekend is a celebration of independence in our country and the bicycle is often a sign of freedom. When they first came out, bicycles were freedom of independent travel for women who would otherwise have to travel by foot or with a male companion by horse and buggy. Other people use bicycles to declare their freedom from petroleum independence. Many children find their bikes to be their first exploring partner into the freedom of being outside and being active! For these reasons, Saturday, July 3^rd, is a great day for a child to take home a free bike.

If you know of any families who cannot afford a bike for their young one or if you work for an organization that helps out families, please contact the HUB to get vouchers to pass out. The child receiving a bicycle must be present with the voucher to receive a bike.

If you would like to help build up bikes for the Give-A-Way event, please come to any the HUB’s volunteer nights in June. Volunteer nights are every Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm-8pm in our Back Alley Bikes Space. During the Social Forum on the 23^rd and 24^th the HUB will extend “volunteer nights” to be noon-8pm. If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact, Jason(at)thehubofdetroit.org.

If you have a child ages 10-16 years old, they may be eligible to earn a free bike through the HUB’s Earn-A-Bike program. For more information about that program, please contact jack(at)thehubofdetroit.org

Work Project: Fixing up kids bikes, general volunteering at The Hub.

Folks that volunteer @ The Hub during our Wednesday June 23^rd and Thursday June 24^th work project time (12-8pm both days) will help repair and safety check numerous smaller sized bikes for smaller sized people in preparation for the Hub’s first annual summer kid’s bikes giveaway.

Tasks will include basic bicycle repair and maintenance-type tasks: Checking/filling tires, adjusting bearings, replacement of broken parts, brake and gear adjustment.

IF YOU HAVE NEVER WORKED ON A BIKE BEFORE: NO PROBLEM!

There are a wide variety of tasks to accomplish at The Hub and chances are you probably are at least familiar with many of the bike parts and tools you will interact with- things like checking tubes/tires and adjusting chain tension are things that can be co-taught/learned alongside other volunteers and our awesome community of allies and collective members!

2nd Annual Colin Hubbell Bike Ride Set for June 19th, Traffic Jam & Snug

JDR — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:37:02 +0000

Below the cut is the press release for the 2nd Annual Colin Hubbell Bike Ride. Proceeds from registration for the ride support the Colin Hubbell Fund. You can read more about how awesome the Hubbell Fund is below, and if you’ve been to the bike shop recently, you might have recognized the big snazzy rack out front: that’s just one way the Hubbell Fund has helped us increase community access to bicycles.

Hope to see you there!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SECOND ANNUAL COLIN HUBBELL BIKE RIDE SET FOR JUNE 19 IN MIDTOWN

DETROIT, June 7 – The ride, a memorial to Detroit developer Colin Hubbell who died in 2008, is set for Saturday, June 19, at 10 a.m. It will begin and end in Midtown Detroit at the Traffic Jam restaurant, W. Canfield at Second Avenue. The 12.5 mile route will take riders through Midtown, Woodbridge, Corktown and downtown neighborhoods and return via the new Dequindre cut. Riders will be identified by colorful bandanas, a Hubbell trademark.

Proceeds from registration, $20 in advance, $25 on site, will go to the Colin Hubbell Fund administered by the University Cultural Center Association (UCCA). Grants will be awarded to entrepreneurs and organizations for projects in Midtown. Recent grants have supported signage for two businesses on Woodward Avenue, bicycle racks, Noel Night and other projects. A new round of grants will be announced in June, most up to $2,500, and are made based on applications and the decisions of a review committee headed by Trish Hubbell.

“This is such an appropriate tribute to Colin,” said Trish Hubbell, Hubbell Fund Administrator. “He biked all over the city he loved so much, and he believed that a successful network of small businesses was vital for a Detroit turnaround. Colin believed midtown could survive and thrive if there were destinations like restaurants, boutiques, bakeries and unique shops to get people into the community. We are trying to support his vision and continue his commitment to Detroit by supporting these efforts.”

Registration on site begins at 9 a.m. or in advance through the UCCA website, www.detroitmidtown.com.

# # #

CONTACT(S):

Trish Hubbell

313.729.6109

Sue Mosey

313.577.5088

Best of luck in Philly, Steve! We’re hiring.

JDR — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:25:30 +0000

It was with a heavy hand that I picked up the phone to say goodbye to Stephen. You see, we no longer have Steve with us here in Detroit.

Only in Spirit.

He went to Philadelphia somewhere to train for the olympic paddling championships, and best of luck , too! He is gone but not forgotten. Every time I see jorts, or hear Toby Keith, I’ll think of you, Steve.

Someone like the u23 US Paddling Champion could never be replaced, but what this does mean is that we’re going to need a little bit of help on the shop floor for the rest of this warm season! Check out instructions and descriptions after the cut.

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The Hub of Detroit is a Cass Corridor-based non-profit organization that provides cycling education and services to the local community, including a free bicycle program for youth as well as coordination with area schools and charitable institutions.

The Hub seeks a motivated and qualified individual to assist in the day-to-day operation of the bicycle retail shop. Duties include demanding customer service and bicycle repair.

Location: Shop floor and repair space

Responsibilities:
Customer service, including repair diagnosis, running a POS and answering a phone

Learning Repair Charges/Part Costs and stocking

General shop cleanliness

Assisting shop manager with incidental operations, including basic bicycle repair

Suggested Position Requirements:
Volunteer experience at The Hub

Customer service experience or good interpersonal skills

Bicycle repair or General Mechanical experience

Additional Desirable Skills:
Professional attitude and teamwork ethic

Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines

Sense of Urgency

Please submit your resume to Shop@thehubofdetroit.org by June 11th!

Hey all you young folks ages 14-18, and all you people who know young folks aged 14-18! Mechanics in Training program now accepting resumes!

JDR — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:51:49 +0000

Mechanic-in-Training Program Participant

Detroit-based cycling non-profit seeks motivated and qualified high school-age youth (14-18 years old) to enroll in our Mechanic-in-Training apprenticeship program. Duties include assisting with the Youth Earn-a-Bike program, organizing and cleaning the shop space, basic bicycle assembly and repair. The length of the apprenticeship is 10 weeks.

Responsibilities

· Assisting with the Youth Earn-a-Bike program

· General shop cleanliness and organization

· Assisting shop manager with incidental operations, including basic bicycle repair and assembly

Position Requirements

Successful candidates will have previous experience in the following areas:

Customer service

Bicycle repair

Working with elementary- and middle school-age youth

In addition, the following skills and experiences are also desirable:

· Professional attitude and teamwork ethic

· Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines

· Hustle

Please submit a resume in person or via email (shop@thehubofdetroit.org) to the Hub of Detroit by June 11th

Pulling More Than Your Weight (In Support of the USSF and Beyond!)

JDR — Wed, 12 May 2010 22:26:00 +0000

So Jason mentioned a trailer building workshop I (JDR) am putting together this weekend. Ball’s in my court then, isn’t it?

With all sorts of people coming into town the end of June for awesome events, including the Allied Media Conference the 2nd United States Social Forum, one of the things we’re teaming up with our awesome friends over at Recycle Detroit and the USSF Sustainability Cmte to do is build up bicycle trailers for recycling and waste hauling!

This trailer building workshop is the first part in a multi-part series on pulling more than your own weight via bicycle. Stay tuned to your locally-grown and nationally-recognized community bicycle shop, The Hub of Detroit, for more info on future workshops!

Date: May 15th
Time : 3:30pm-7pm
Location: Back Alley Bikes space (entrance in alley behind of The Hub of Detroit)
What: The goal of the evening is to use wood and recycled bicycle parts to make simple bicycle cargo trailers. The trailers built will be used to pick up waste during the forum and will be a part of environmental management efforts reduce the ecological footprint of the USSF and beyond!

If you have carpentry experience, bicycle trailer experience, or a strong desire to help out and gain a little of both, we’d really love to see you!

The bicycle trailer building workshop this Saturday will be comprised of roughly three basic parts:

-Finding/making/modifying/preparing a flatbed cargo surface for bicycle trailer usage

-Attaching wheels to aforementioned flatbed cargo surface

-Attaching the rolling flatbed cargo surface to the bicycle itself.

While there will be some pieces cut and some screw-holes marked, this is an excellent opportunity to get hands on experience measuring and building something that extends and expands the scope of ones own human power!

If you plan on attending, need directions, or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me – joey@thehubofdetroit.org