By John O'Dowd

On Saturday April 27 The Bike Connector in Lowell hosted a bike repair and maintenance workshop for CRW members. 

Mechanics Macon Lockery and Tad Irving instructed participants on proper care of chains, derailleur adjustment, and brake adjustment. Particularly helpful were tips on how to make quick adjustments while on a ride. Also, they gave participants an understanding of how these components work and explained the differences between side pull caliper brakes and mechanical and hydraulic rotor brakes.

  

CRW members brought their own wheels and learned how to repair a flat tire. Patty Grasso (CRW Ride Leader and a Bike Connector Board Member) went into detail about the right and wrong way change a flat tire. Everyone knew how to fix a flat by the time they left.

The Bike Connector is a Lowell charity serving the greater Lowell area. Their mission is to help people who can't afford bikes to get one. One of their programs offers school children the opportunity to get a bike if they do the work needed to repair it under the direction of the Connector's mechanics. They accept old bikes as donations and sell repaired bikes to the public, too. The Bike Connector is always looking for volunteers, if you are interested in volunteering complete the form here.