Classes and Open shop for women/trans/femme/non-binary folks

Bike Walk’s Shift Program is all about shifting the narrative of who can work on and ride bikes! Our goal is to create an inclusive space to help foster more FTWN-B folks wrenching and riding. Check out our programming below! Questions? Email claire@bikewalktompkins.org

Shift Open Shop: First Thursday of every month from 5-8pm

Bring your bike in for a repair, fix that weird noise that it always seems to make, volunteer on a project, and connect with other cyclists in the community! We offer tune-ups, free access to tools, used parts, refurbished bikes for sale, and a mechanic on-site to assist with any bike-related issues.

Monthly CLASSES

Pre-registration is required for all classes. The registration fee for each class is $20. However, we never turn anyone away due to lack of funds. If the financial barrier would prevent you from participating, you may use the code FREERIDE to waive the fee. We trust that folks will self-assess if this is what they need in order to participate.

June 26, 6pm: Finding the Right Seat/Saddle (register here)

If you experience seat discomfort while biking, this is the class for you! Whether you are a daily commuter, a road racer, or just like to go for the occasional ride, we will be unveiling our new Bike Seat Library in this class and talk about saddle fit and what can make riding more comfortable. If you find a seat you would like to borrow, get a library card and try one (or a few) out! Participants do not need to bring a bike, but may if they want to try a new seat.

July 17, 6pm: Curious About Bike Touring? (register here)

Have you always wondered what it’s like to pack up your panniers and travel by bike? Join this workshop to learn the ins and outs of bike touring - everything from different styles of touring to how to plan and what to pack. Participants do not need to bring a bike.

September 25, 6pm: Fix-A-Flat (register here)

This in-depth workshop will walk you through all the steps to fixing a flat on your bike. We’ll talk about bike anatomy, practice taking off the wheels, fixing a flat, and assembling it all back together. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes to work on.

October 16, 6pm: Give Me A Brake! A Dive Into Rim Brakes (register here)

This workshop will cover all things rim brakes! Everything from types of brakes and brake pads to adjustments for smoother riding (and braking!) Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes to work on.

Not sure if you have rim or disk brakes on your bike? Email a photo to claire@bikewalktopmkins.org and we will let you know.

November 20, 6pm: All About Bike Chains (register here)

Has your chain ever fallen off while you were riding and you didn't know what to do? This class will prepare you for what to do next time and how to prevent this from happening again (via limit screw adjustments). We’ll also check for chain wear, learn about chain sizing, learn how to replace a chain, and talk about general chain maintenance. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes to work on.

December 18, 6pm: Replacing A Cable (register here)

In this workshop we’ll demystify the process of replacing a shifting cable. We’ll talk about all types of cables (brake vs shift) and will go through the process of fully replacing a rear shifting cable. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes to work on.

All programming will take place at the Bike Walk Tompkins office: 803 Cascadilla St. Ithaca, NY 14850 (behind the Enterprise Car Rental office).