Free

Free September

Cross is coming ... September 9th! Infinite thanks to Berger Hardware Bikes who returns to Raleigh, North Carolina with their CX Central NC series for 2023. For those of you thinking something along the lines of "Cyclocross ≠ Criterium. Why am I reading this?" Well then I urge you to attend your first Cyclocross race! Because we all know Cyclocross is really just a crit on dirt, right? Well .. like a crit on dirt with roots. And sometimes mud. Oh and sand. Definitely running. Some jumping. Sometimes their are stairs and you know what maybe this isn't a crit on dirt maybe it IS American Ninja Warrior on bikes ... you're right. That's WAY cooler! With 10 races across 5 weekends— there will be no excuses accepted, should you choose the hilariously silly path of non-participation. Entry is FREE for kids 0-8 years of age who wish to particpate in a 5-7 minute race which is sure to be rewarded with the most enthusiatic of high-fives. While not all 10 of the races in this series are posted on BikeReg yet, we will update this post as they become available:

Saturday, September 9th - CX Central Race #1
Sunday, September 10th - CX Central Race #2
Saturday, September 23rd - CX Central Race #3
Sunday, September 24th - CX Central Race #4
Saturday, September 30th - CX Central Race #5
Sunday, October 1st - CX Central Race #6
Saturday, October 14th - CX Central Race #7
Sunday, October 15th - CX Central Race #8
Saturday, November 11th - CX Central Race #9
Sunday, November 12th - CX Central Race #10

You know who DOESN'T have a free race of any kind? NCCX (whomp)
BUT! They DO have 2 races in Raleigh!

Saturday, October 21st - NCCX Race #2
Sunday, October 22nd - NCCX Race #3

And if you're on the "2-hours or less, from home" bandwagon, Winston Salem has 2 more races for you:

Saturday, October 28th - NCCX Race #4
Sunday, October 29th - NCCX Race #5

and now ... free bike maintenace and education around Raleigh in September, 2023:

TLC For Bikes

Monthly Repair Class

When: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Wednesday, September 6th, 2023
Where: TLC For Bikes at 8480 Honeycutt Rd #126, Raleigh, NC 27615

This happens every first Wednesday of the month!

Bring a bike and Gary Smith will be there to help you work on what you need to learn, on the bike you brought.

Learn more at: https://www.tlcforbikes.com

Raleigh Community Kickstand

Community Bike Repair Day

When: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 9th, 2023
Where: Oak City Cares at 1430 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603

RCK host a repair event at OCC every 2nd Saturday of the month!

The Raleigh Community Kickstand (RCK) is an all-volunteer, non-profit community bicycle cooperative project located in Raleigh, NC and established in 2017. They work closely with Oak City Cares (OCC), a homeless resource center located south of downtown, to provide bike repairs and teach maintenance skills to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They also work with the city, local cycling shops, cycling non-profits, and other organizations and individuals to collect resources and skills focused on addressing a need in our community— safe, reliable, self-sufficient transportation.

Their motto is simple: fix, teach, give. They fix/replace brakes, clean chains/drivetrains, tune shifters, fix flats, and make other minor adjustments. In addition, the group accepts donated bikes, which they repair and donate to members of the OCC community to provide safe and reliable transportation.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced bike mechanics to lend a hand and make a positive impact in the community. Please note that this event is not for bike servicing or repairs of participants' personal bikes; it is focused on helping Raleigh Community Kickstand and Oak City Cares' client base.

While bringing your own tools and repair stands is not necessary, it is encouraged. Let's work together to make a difference!

Learn more at https://oakcitycares.org/

and even more at https://raleighcommunitykickstand.org

Oak City Cycling

When: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023
Where: Oak City Cycling at 707 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604

This happens every second Wednesday of the month!

Attendance is limited, please only sign up if you plan to attend. Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-basic-maintenance-class-tickets-685007284227?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Learn these things:

Basic bike anatomy
How to change a flat
How to clean & lubricate your chain

These are typically the only topics covered in this class. If you'd like to learn more, keep an eye out for their Intermediate Maintenance Class (also free!).

WHAT TO BRING: Bring a bike! You'll get to practice changing out a tube & chain maintenance during class. If you can't get it here, no worries! A bike will be provided for you.

If you sign up and cannot attend, PLEASE let them know. Space is limited and someone else can take your spot!

Learn more at http://www.oakcitycycling.com