The Bike Farm in Northeast Portland

The Experience: If your family is into biking, you need to know about this place. The non-profit collective in Northeast Portland is dedicated to educating people of all ages about cycling, including safe riding and bike maintenance.

For just $5, you get an hour of shop time, access to all of the tools, and expert advice or instruction from a skilled bike mechanic. Many of the mechanics have experience working with kids, so if your children are interested, they can learn how to clean their chain, fix a flat tire, adjust their brakes and everything else they need to know to keep their trusty steed in good working order.

In addition, Bike Farm has a new build-a- bike program to get bikes to those who can’t afford them; work with a volunteer to build three bikes and you get to keep one of them.
Insider info: Bike Farm also sells bike parts, used bikes, and a small selection of new products, including some rad messenger bags for only $10!

The 411
Recommended ages: Best for kids ten and up, unless you have a child with a burning desire to work on their own bike.
Hours: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday , 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday. Every first and third Tuesday of the month from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. is Women and Trans night.
Cost: $5 an hour. A one-month membership costs $20; a six-month membership is $35; and a year-long membership is $60.
Location/Directions: 305 N.E. Wygant St.
Contact information: www.bikefarm.org, 971-533-7428.

July 13th, 2010 | Category: Family Fun Home, Family Fun Reviews