[Editor’s Note: Welcome new contributor Brett Nunn, a long-time Port Townsend resident, father and published author.  He wants to write to about things that really work in our wonderful community, while other contributors shine a light on some things needing a critical eye.  “What Really Works” could be an endless series as there is so much good in this wonderful place of wonderful people.  Here is his take on a gem in Port Townsend. If you have your own story to share, please let us know at ptfreepress.org]

When identifying what really works in Jefferson County, I take notice of entities that aren’t beholden to a bureaucracy, move forward with their mission in a determined manner, and, ideally, help our citizens to solve their own problems.

That brings me around to the first fine day last spring when I dragged my bike out of the garage. My eleven-year old daughter wanted to ride out to North Beach, and I was more than happy to join her. Halfway down the block, I remembered that all was not well when I had put the bike away several months before. The shifters weren’t shifting. The brakes were less than ideal. If I wanted to use the lower chain ring, I had to use my right foot as a derailleur. We finished the ride. I spent more than a few days complaining about my bike problems, wondering how they could be fixed, and who would do the work.

I had some familiarity with a place called the Recyclery. It is a couple of blocks from my house, adjacent to the former Mountain View School. A few years previous, my oldest daughter had been a member of the middle school mountain bike team sponsored by the shop. On the next sunny afternoon, I rode my bike over to see if they could help. 

Begun in 2007 by Chauncy Tudhope-Locklear and Todd Temres as a twice-a-month bike repair clinic adjacent to the Boiler Room on Washington Street, the Recyclery has evolved into a non-profit with three employees. In 2012 the Recyclery arrived, by bike, at its current location, 1925 Blaine Street. Embraced by the community from the start, hundreds of volunteers have helped build the operation to what it is today, with a roster of thirty-five active volunteers donating their time and energy on a regular basis.

When I arrived at the shop and asked their advice, one of the on-duty mechanics came from behind the counter, hung my bike on a stand, locked it into place, and listened to my tale of woe. He pointed out a couple of broken spokes on the rear wheel that I had missed. Fishing through the used parts—my bike is almost of legal drinking age—he came up with a matching rear rim without broken spokes. He then told me how to lube the shifters, and revive the brakes, and left me alone to make things better.  

It helps if you like to wrench on things, and I do, but that is not a requirement.  Everybody is in the same boat at this business, and the camaraderie is the best selling point. The open-air venue is always humming. It’s rare to find a workstation unoccupied. I quickly observed that it is an all ages, all genders, all levels of experience, gathering place that welcomes unskilled laborers like myself, as well as the old school cycling connoisseurs who love nothing better than to lose themselves in nostalgia over the latest vintage bike donation freshly unloaded from the back of someone’s car.

Trigger Warning: I got my hands dirty. I also did the repairs by myself. They didn’t hold my hand, but the unflappable staff got me back on track when I was unsure of the next step. I learned that maintaining a bike is not nearly as difficult as imagined, especially with the tools available here. After an hour or so of effort, plus the used rear wheel, new brake pads, new chain, and an individual membership, the total came to about $70. I rode away, the gears shifting smooth as silk, and my brakes doing their job again, amazed that my old bike could be brought back to life so easily.

This place offers community building at its best. And it works. Tools are available even after hours. My favorite benefit, of the many they offer, if a local kid volunteers enough time at the shop, they can build their own bike, at little or no cost, from the treasure trove of used parts stashed away about the place. On top of all that, the Recyclery is turning what would usually become trash, forgotten and ill-used bikes, into treasures for those of us that need to fix our rides at a reasonable price or buy a new/used one.

They aren’t beholden to a bureaucracy. They are moving forward with their mission, “Promoting Bicycling Use For A Healthier And More Sustainable Community”. They are open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 12 to 5 p.m. in the winter, 12 to 6 p.m. in the summer. Most importantly, with their expert advice and the right tools for the job, they gave me the satisfaction of solving my own problems at an affordable price.

www.ptrecyclery.org. Program Director: Dan Stranahan. Phone # 360-643-1759.