Loran Bohall
Bike Co-op
Homepage: http://blogspot.bloodsweatandgear.com
Feature By: Jacob Bosecker
Photography By: Jonathan Earley
On April 13th 2009 a group of young bicycle enthusiasts from Columbus launched a dream after a year in preparation. Loran Bohall, Baylee Pruitt, and Justin Meier have made it a personal mission to get more people in the Columbus area on bikes. The Project started as “the Bike Cave” (located in the residential area near Donner Park) on California Street. For a little under a year they have gathered tires, seats, and tools needed to get the project off the ground. Now- the new, bigger, bad-er garage is located behind the Columbus Indiana Bicycle Station; at 1210 Washington Street.
“Back in Bloomington I got to help with the Bloomington Community Bicycle project. When I moved back home two years ago, I thought I could bring some of that back to my home town,” said Loran; as he was working on a visitor's bike. After fixing the bike, he walked over to another individual and discussed trading the man’s tires for new ones- free of charge. “We want to promote a do-it-yourself attitude here in Columbus; so people can be more aware of bicycle culture,” said Baylee Pruitt as they were looking to get things wrapped-up for the day.
“When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for future of the human race. -H.G. Wells”
Other than the garage, the group has a number of other activities. Columbus residents, as well as outsiders, can participate in any of these family-friendly rides. Every Thursday night they have a bike-ride open to the public starting at 6:00pm; lasting about 1 to 2 hours. The number of attending participants can range from ten to thirty people- who are taking to the streets of Columbus. On the third Thursday of each month, they try to plan a special “theme ride” for the month.
Some may compare these rides to what is known as a “Critical Mass”. However, a Critical Mass ride can consist of about 50-1,000 cyclists; and will block traffic of entire streets in various larger cities across the nation. The rides Loran leads are far more aware and concerned with traffic rules and general bicycle safety; differing from what Critical Mass rides have been known to display.
On Sunday afternoons, the group also plays bicycle polo at Mill Race Park. These games tend to last longer, but are always a good time. The bicycles used in these polo games are modified mountain bikes; and the clubs used are made from golf sets found at Goodwill and PVC pipe. Spectators and participants alike have a great time.
The CO-OP is open three days a week to the public- free of charge. Anyone can come; and are welcome to learn about bicycle-maintenance, work with the specialty tools, or just come to lend a hand. The co-op bikes range from ten to a hundred dollars in price. The majority of the station is run from donations, community improvement funds, and the selling of the bicycles they build.
Operation hours: Sunday: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM Monday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Events:
-Community bike Ride: Thursdays at 6:00pm (10-13 mile ride lasts about an hour; meets at the CO-OP)
- Bicycle Polo: Sundays at 6:00pm (meets at Mill Race Park)
-Last Thursday of the month some games or special events may take place
Posts: 2
Reply #2 on : Mon November 14, 2011, 06:44:34