“The Port Alice Free Bike Clinic is back by popular demand,” says clinic organizer Brian Grover. “We’re putting it on this coming Sunday, June 1 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. so pray for sun. Bikes will be attended to on a first come, first served basis.”
At the clinic, local residents can BYOB [Bring Your Own Bike] and learn how to make simple repairs and tweaks to keep their bikes on the road.
“We are reprising the clinic that was first held two years ago,” says Grover, adding that the event was a huge success. “Altogether we had 11 'customers' and serviced 14 bikes including one e-trike and one unicycle. Last year I was in South Korea attending to some personal stuff and couldn’t host the clinic. Originally, we had gotten a grant through the Vancouver Foundation's Neighbourhood Small Grants program to buy a quality bike work stand, a few tools and an assortment of parts. Well, we still have a lot of that stuff so it’s easy to pull it together again.”
The clinic will be held at the 905 Maquinna Parking Stall [Directly Behind Family Foods] under the guidance of Port Alice residents and cycling enthusiasts Brian Grover and Bob Leask.
“Bob is especially knowledgeable about e-bikes,” notes Grover.
In addition to providing support for regular bikes Bob Leask will be on hand to share his knowledge and answer questions on everything from economics and battery range to importation and upkeep of e-bikes.
When asked why people should opt for e-biking, Leask said, "In one word: hills. On flat ground any bike will get you around, but hilly places like Port Alice are a challenge for anyone who's not a Tour de France athlete. Pedal assist takes all the strain out of it."
E-Bike Bob, as he is affectionately known, is well informed and more than willing to share his knowledge, noting, e-bikes are no riskier than regular bikes.
"Since we don't have a bike shop in town, a lot of bikes eventually end up forgotten in basements and garages. In many cases, a few minor repairs are all that are needed to get those bikes back on the road," says Grover. "Even more to the point, many repairs are really simple to undertake with basic tools. What we're aiming for is to provide guidance, the tools and, in some cases, parts to get those bikes back on the road."
Keeping bikes tuned up is essential to enjoying a safe ride. Grover says they can help 'true up' the wheels, adjust shifter cables and ensure brakes are functional. When more complex repairs crop up they can make recommendations to ensure the bike gets back on the road safely.
“It’s important to note, we are NOT certified bicycle mechanics,” Grover adds, “just a couple of dudes who are willing to share knowledge gained over a lifetime of cycling. As a result, everyone who participates will be required to sign a waiver. Kids who want us to look at their bikes will need to bring their parents along to do the signing. That's the unfortunate consequence of the world we live in now."
“If you just want to pop by and talk bikes, that’s cool too,” says Grover who has toured extensively in BC, the Maritimes, New England and Japan and South Korea.
