MANKATO — Ralph Hall and Beau Layman likely would argue that even on the rustiest bike there remains a bit of chrome worth polishing.
The two bike enthusiasts run the Rebike Project that operates out of an old garage at the corner of D Street and Poplar Street.
Previously the Bikes for All Program that once was part of the Thrift Store, Rebike takes donated broken and/or used bicycles and repairs them, eventually making them available at little or no cost.
Hall said that youngsters, usually referred to them through agencies like the Salvation Army, can get a refurbished bike free of charge.
“We’ll have them pick out a seat, wheels, tires ... they get to build it themselves to make it the bike they want it to be and get an idea of how to use the tools,” Hall said.
Layman, an MSU student and certified bicycle mechanic, estimated that they receive as many as 500 bikes in a variety of stages of disrepair annually. “Some of the stuff isn’t good enough to use but we recycle whatever parts we think we can use,” he said. The bikes come from area police departments, thrift shops, and private donations.
Limited public funding for the program ended last fall and the program now is supported through the sale of the bargain bikes and occasional e-Bay offerings like the frame to a 1960s-vintage Schwinn Sting-Ray recently salvaged. Hall hopes a community service partner eventually will step forward to help fund the Rebike Project.
In the meantime, they plan a community bike sale, hoping to interest returning college students in some low-cost, energy efficient transportation.
The Rebike Project is open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m, Monday through Thursday, and by appointment. Hall said people interested in the program or a set of wheels can call the Salvation Army at 345-7840 and leave a message.
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