Well, today was Day one of
bikebike SE. Yesterday Alan and I arrived and met some really cool folks, had dinner with a friend, rode around ATL a bit, and hung out at
Sopo bike co-op. It was an exhausting day, to say the least.
Today, however, we started with the workshops. Wow. Between the 2 of us, we have learned how to set up a shop, structuring our organization and working with the mainstream media. That doesn't even take into account all of the contacts we have made and stories of successful and disastrous shops. I think we will come back with a much better idea of how to set ourselves up and get started.
One day in and I realize that we are
very organized and ahead of the game on that, BUT we have a lot to learn and hash out as well. Daunting, yes, but exciting as well. I am ready to get back to Birmingham, full of knowledge (and some new riding skills...ATL is a bit different from Birmingham!), ideas and support from folks around the country, and
get this thing started!
The best part has been meeting new, like minded folks and hearing their stories. Bike Co-ops that started out of cars, ones that have been around for 5 years and all the people who started them. The support system we are setting up this weekend is priceless and I know it is going to be a lifesaver as we continue. Sitting around eating vegan food and talking about bikes after a sunny ride through the neighborhood...if I ever wondered why we are embarking on this,
that reminds me. Because being on a bike is my favorite place to be and I want others to know that feeling.
Stay tuned for a full report on Day 2. Hopefully Alan will take some photos for us to post as well.
-out
