VSU Workshop Teaches the Art of Bicycle Maintenance Oct. 26-Nov. 16

Self-portrait of the artist, musician, bicycle maintenance instructor, Joel Dion.

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University Continuing Education will kick off the four-part, hands-on Do-It-Yourself Bicycle Maintenance workshop at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26.

Attendees will learn the names and functions of bicycle components, how to patch tubes and change tires, how to adjust derailleurs/gears and brakes, how to change cables and housing, and much more. Knowledge of basic hand tools and simple machines is helpful but not required.

“Bring your own bicycles or practice on bicycles provided by the instructor,” according to information provided by Continuing Education. “Tools will be provided, but you may bring your own.”

Do-It-Yourself Bicycle Maintenance will continue from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2; Monday, Nov. 9; and Monday, Nov. 16.

Instruction will be provided by Joel Dion, founder of Krank It Up!, a Tallahassee, Fla.-based community bicycle project. He recently completed an artist-in-residence program at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts where he conducted bicycle repair workshops, a printmaking workshop, and developed a three-part mural made from metal and ceramic tiles. His finished piece can be viewed in Benny’s Alley in Downtown Valdosta between Patterson Street and Toombs Street.   

“Krank It Up! started on a back porch of a house I lived at in 2000-2001,” said the artist and musician who anticipates earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from VSU’s Department of Art in December. “It was apparent that the community could benefit from free education, empowerment, and transportation, so I started collecting old frames and putting them together. Eventually I got a small space in a community center … and started teaching workshops. The project was all volunteer run and donation based. It moved a few more times and now is in a small house behind Railroad Square in Tallahassee.

“The greatest satisfaction from Krank It Up! is working with the community [and] seeing people feel empowered to take the knowledge they gained and share it with other people. It was one of the first community spaces of its kind as far as I know.”

Registration is $59 through Oct. 21, and $69 thereafter, payable to VSU Continuing Education. VSU faculty and staff can register at the discounted rate of $54.

Do-It-Yourself Bicycle Maintenance will be held at the Regional Center for Continuing Education, 903 N. Patterson St.

Contact Sue Bailey at 229-245-6484 or email subailey@valdosta.edu for more information.

Visit www.valdosta.edu/ce or call 229-245-6484 to register.

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities. 

The story above demonstrates VSU's commitment to meeting the following goals: 

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Goal 4: Foster an environment of creativity and scholarship.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.