Let’s Roll

There’s no community like bike community. It’s a cooperative society that rolls softly and carries a big wrench, so it’s no wonder Chris Loffelmacher at the Denver Public Library’s Fresh City Life saw in it a big DIY-inspired opportunity just waiting to be mined. “People (heart) their bikes,” he says, and that’s why he added a monthly series of outdoor Nuts n' Bolts Basic Bike Maintenance Workshops to his summer schedule of free public programs. They’ve done so well that he hopes to continue at least through September, if not until the snows arrive in force.

Here’s what happens: Fresh City sets up a tent in the Acoma Plaza, adjacent to the Denver Central Library, 10 West 14th Avenue Parkway, and sodas courtesy of Izze are served; the “bike maintenance” part is handled by intrepid staff from Cheetah Couriers, the same outfit that delivers fresh cupcakes for the über-hip Shoppe on East Colfax Avenue. “People just come and hang out and enjoy the bike culture,” Loffelmacher explains. “Some just come with questions, and some come with questions and bikes.” That includes everything from stripped-down road bikes to one “studded stem to stern with rhinestones,” ridden by a wide range of empty-nesters, hipsters, young professionals and every type of rider in between.

Check it out today from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.; for more information, visit www.denverlibrary.org/fresh.
Tue., June 23, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; Sun., July 19, 1:30-3:30 p.m., 2009