2011 Year-In-Review

It’s been a big year for Troy Bike Rescue. We became official in the eyes of the government, held a fundraising party, moved our workshop space, did our first summer youth program, and much more. TBR’s growth is part of developments that are much bigger than us, and much more significant than a simple newsletter can convey. As economic times become more dire, climate issues more apparent, and natural resources more scarce, peoples movements around the world struggle to cast off the chains of economic oppression and stand in the way of environmental devastation. Each of us must decide if we stand on the side of the problem or the solution. TBR believes that humans must adopt principles of radical sustain- ability immediately, such as urban food production, composting, alternative transportation, human-powered machines, and small scale energy production. Whether it’s on our block or on the planet, we are com- mitted to being part of the solution Thanks to everyone who has made it possible!!

501(c)3 Status
In May of this year, we got official word that the IRS had approved our application to become recognized as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. TBRs ‘status’ has always been first and fore- most a dedicated band of bike people bent on spreading bike love and building bike culture through hands-on education, but the federal recognition will help with fundraising, and getting people to take what we do seriously. We are serious!

The Wheelhouse
If you have visited TBR this summer, then you know The Wheelhouse. If you’re a bit out of the loop then you should know that we have moved to a new home in North Troy. The building was initially bought from the City of Troy by two collective members in early 2011. We worked hard to bring the building up to code and were able to start working out of there by June. Just recently in mid-December, the building was officially bought by Troy Bike Rescue, Inc., thanks to a loan from the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region. As of December 2011, further renova- tions are underway in anticipation of an even better shop space in the spring. The Wheelhouse is located at 3280 6th Avenue in North Troy.    Get in touch if you’re interested in helping!

First Annual Fundraiser
May 28, 2011 was our first annual fundraiser which included an amazing dinner, a silent arts and crafts auction, and a kids bike rodeo. We raised around $4000 and had a great celebration at The Sanctuary for Independent Media that brought out our wonderful community of supporters. As with everything we do, it would not have been possible without the help of many volunteers who care a lot about TBR. Thank You! It’s called the First Annual, because we will make it even better in 2012!

Uptown Summer
TBR received a small Weed & Seed grant for youth summer programming. We regranted the money equally among our partners in North Troy, The Missing Link Street Ministry, Youth Me- dia Sanctuary, and Collard City Growers who all do amazing work. Together, we created a pilot program called Uptown Summer for young people from the neighborhood. Uptown Summer is on-site experience in gardening, composting, recycling bikes, snack-making, safe bike rides, and digital storytelling. It represents a collaborative grassroots rebirth for a neglected part of town. This is community development from the ground up, and it’s just the beginning!

Travelling Reunion
For the second year in a row, the TBR collective embarked on a multi-day bike tour. This time we went to the coast of Maine and back passing through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Mas- sachussets. We pedalled about 4 days each way, camped in all kinds of places, cooked our own food, and made friends along the way. The annual TBR reunion is a team-building adventure in human-powered travel. You might think about joining us next summer!

TBR is a Troy Treasure!
We were proud to be named this year’s Troy Treasure by the Troy Rehabilitation & Improve- ment Program. “Started in 2005, TRIP awards an individual, group, or business who is passion- ately committed to improving Troy, toils in his or her neighborhood out of a love of commu- nity, and demonstrates his or her hometown pride in Troy in very positive and real ways.” It is truly an honor to hold this title and for our work to have been recognized.