The volunteers at the Third Hand Bicycle Co-op are feeling the bicycle boom of 2008. With record gas prices making more people think towards alternative transportation, our open shops have been spilling out into the parking lot lately. The co-op's amazing group of core volunteers has been making the new shop a fixture in Columbus. The (sort-of) new location on Fifth avenue has been a catalyst for growth, and its been an awesome experience to get to know the neighborhood kids. Now some of them have been returning to volunteer at the co-op for nearly a year. Someday they will be the people running the open shop.

The Third Hand can be a little overwhelming at first.  We're working on that. Bicycling is growing at the same time as Columbus' awareness of our shop. Combined, it can get pretty busy in there. The co-op is moving toward a more organized system so that the workshop isn't a terrordome free-for-all. Since we have a limited number of stands (and space) we're going to let a limited number of people work at a given time in the shop. Check in with the front desk if you need to repair your bike, get help, volunteer, or buy a bike. Sometimes you may need to wait a bit before you can get access to a stand, but when you do, we hope it will be a better work environment. If you do need to wait, check out our bulletin board, or head next door to the Sporeprint.

In the beginning of the year, the infoshop Sporeprint moved into our building. Its been a great place to hold meetings and share in some potluck food. At the end of a long day of wrenching, or even just when riding by, its so nice to sink into one of the couches. Think of it as a place to exchange information and ideas.

Speaking of websites, Third Hand Bicycle Cooperative has finally updated it's site!  Our Calendar is fixed, and it will be regularly updated. As with our news section, and meeting minutes.  Besides updating the information, we've got several new features. We added a Frequently Asked Questions page, and a Forums section. By registering you can post in the forums and discuss things that are happening at the co-op. There is also a section for links now as well, which will expand.

OK. Stop reading this and go ride your bike.  It will still be here when you get back.