The First Bike Drive

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Saturday morning marked the launch of a new ZummoBike adventure.

Ben, Joan, Kenny, and Steve headed into a neighborhood not far from the shop with a simple mission: introduce people to ZummoBike and see if there were any unused bicycles looking for a second life.

Ninety minutes later, we had our first results.

We visited approximately 75 households.

Several neighbors stopped to chat and learn more about what we’re building in Berwyn. A few people shared encouraging words about young people getting out into the community and introducing themselves face-to-face. We heard the word “no” a few times as well—which is part of learning any new skill.

One homeowner told us they have a bicycle that needs repair and plans to bring it to the shop. Another conversation may lead to future bike donations.

And then came the highlight of the morning.

A homeowner donated a Trek FX bicycle that had been sitting unused. It needs a wheel and a little TLC, but it has plenty of life left in it. Ben proudly brought the bike back to the shop where it will soon begin its journey toward becoming someone’s next ride.

But perhaps the most important thing we brought back wasn’t a bicycle.

It was experience.

We learned that more homeowners are likely to be home between 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM. We learned that our electric bikes will help us cover more territory. We learned that some people say yes, some people say no, and every conversation helps us improve.

Most importantly, our young mechanics learned that representing ZummoBike means more than fixing bicycles.

It means introducing yourself with confidence.

It means speaking respectfully.

It means listening.

It means learning how to represent something larger than yourself.

The donated Trek was a nice win.

The communication skills, confidence, and experience gained by our young mechanics may prove to be an even bigger one.

This was our first bike drive.

There will be many more.

We can’t wait to see the stories, the friendships, and the bicycles that come rolling back into the shop.