Welcome
The primary objective of the Southern Tier Bike Project is to rescue unwanted and/or unused bikes from garages, basements and back yards of people across the Broome and Tioga County areas of the Southern Tier and put them into the hands of people who want or need them, but may not be able to go out and buy a bike.
The Project intends to obtain bikes, fix them up as necessary, then make them available to people who need them. Basically, the bikes are offered for FREE to qualifying recipients in the Binghamton, Johnson City, Endicott, Vestal, Owego, Barton and Waverly areas.
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This is the easy part. To qualify for a free bike from the Southern Tier Bike Project, all you have to do is ask. We anticipate that there will be two kinds of people doing the asking: First are those who have a real financial need. Second are those who just happen to want something for nothing. It is our humble opinion that even the second group has a need and, to the degree that we have bikes available, we will not pass judgment on the underlying reason for the request. Our only desire is that any bike you take is for personal use and not resale. |
To request a bike from the Southern Tier Bike Project, simply e-mail or phone us as indicated on the Contact page. In your e-mail, you may either identify a specific bike from the inventory page, or you may provide some information so that we can look for a bike to suit your needs. The following types of information about the recipient would be helpful: age, gender, type of Bike (Road, Mountain, Comfort, Hybrid, BMX, etc) or intended use of the bike. Note that we cannot guarantee the availability of any specific kind of bike at any time; however, we will try our best to satisfy all requests as soon as possible. |
If you are able, the best way to receive your bike is to come out to the Southern Tier Bike Project and pick it up. While you are here, we will be able to answer any questions you might have, as well as offer a few maintenance tips to help keep your bike in prime condition. If you are unable to make the trip, call or e-mail us and we will arrange a time when we can deliver the bike to you. |
Current State of the Project
This section will be updated periodically to show where the Southern Tier Bike Project stands. We will report income and expenses as well as inflow and outflow of bikes.
| Date | Income | Expenses | Bikes In | Bikes Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2009 | $31 | $12 | 3 | 0 |
| Nov 2009 | $30 | $47 | 3 | 0 |
| Dec 2009 | $0 | $0 | 2 | 0 |
| Jan 2010 | $20 | $1 | 1 | 1 |
| Feb 2010 | $0 | $11 | 0 | 0 |
| Mar 2010 | $0 | $0 | 0 | 0 |
| Apr 2010 | $0 | $0 | 3 | 0 |
| May 2010 | $0 | $0 | 1 | 0 |
| Jun 2010 | $0 | $50 | 2 | 0 |
| Jul 2010 | $110 | $40 | 1 | 8 |
| Aug 2010 | $0 | $18 | 5 | 0 |
| Total | $191 | $179 | 21 | 9 |
Your credit card donation will be charged to GLW PROJECTS. Click here to see why.
- The Cannondale Mountain Bike (Bike010) that we donated to the Tioga County Council on the Arts is a part of their Basket Raffle Fundraiser. If you would like to support the TCCA and take a chance on winning this great bike (or any of the other great prizes), please visit the link and purchase some raffle tickets.
- We received Bike 021 from an anonymous donor. While this bike appears to have been in storage for some time, the frame and components are in remarkable shape. After some new tires and cables and a good clean and lube job, this bike should be in great shape.
- We have rearranged the Inventory page to make it easier to find available bikes. The Inventory is now arranged in 3 sections: Available, In Process and Given Away.
- We delivered 4 bikes to the Tioga County Family Fun Event on Aug 18th. The bikes were given away to families who earned raffle tickets by visiting the various health and wellness related agencies present at the event. For a more detailed description of the event, check out the blog article here.
- At the last minute, we had to substitute the 26" Huffy Expedition (Bike 017) for the 26" Marlboro (Bike 011) for the Family Fun Event. We discovered a bearing issue in the rear hub of the Marlboro. That issue is now fixed so Bike 011 is available.
- We received a bike frame complete with shifters, brakes, etc as well as some tires and a rim from a generous donor. Thanks Patty, the spare parts will come in handy when we receive bikes with broken parts.
- Bike 014, a 24" Mountain Bike has been completed and is ready for distribution. If anyone knows someone who could use this bike, please contact the project.
- A kind neighbor donated 4 more bikes that are in repairable condition. Check out Bikes 017, 018, 019 and 020 on the inventory page. Thanks so much, Nick. Note: In the early 90's there was a recall involving Huffy Expedition bicycles. I have checked the model numbers of all three of these Huffy bikes and none of them were involved in the recall.
- We bought a set of cables and a small flashlight for inspection in tight places... and PayPal expenses $18
- We received generous $50 donation. Thanks Steve and Annette!!
- As the Southern Tier Bike Project approaches it's first year in operation, we are pleased with the results and anticipate that the project will continue for the foreseeable future. With this in mind, we have renewed our Internet domain name for 2 years ($22) to beat a price increase.
We continue to make some exciting headway in July.
- Bike 004 was completed and donated to a student intern working with the BMTS.
- We received Bike 016, a very nice classic Schwinn. This is a 1983 World Tourist in very good condition. Once restored, this bike will be a very sweet machine for getting around town. Thanks so much Annette!!
- We are still running low on bicycles! If you, or anyone you know, has a bicycle that needs a new home, please contact us!!
- If you check out garage sales, and you happen to see a bicycle, perhaps you could mention the Southern Tier Bike Project and see if you can get it donated. We will pick them up if necessary.
Wow, what a month!!
- 4 bikes have been donated to the Tioga County Health Fair to be held at Marvin Park in Owego on August 18 from 2-7PM. This is a fun event for the whole family and these 4 bikes will be raffled off at the event. The price of a raffle ticket is simply attending the event and answering a questionnaire. You can't beat it. Please attend the event and take a chance on one (or more) of the following bikes:
- 24" Coyote Pass 10 Speed Mountain Bike
- 20" Girls Sheer Fun
- 12" Girls Sea Star
- 26" Marlboro 10 Speed Mountain Bike
- 2 bikes have been donated to Glove House, an non-profit organization that serves youth and families in crisis from ten counties in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions of New York State, operating numerous group homes and providing foster care, preventive and school-based services.
- One bike has been donated to the Tioga County Council on the Arts, who will raffle the bike as a fund raiser.
- We have received a generous $60 donation to put the project back in the black. Thank you so much!!
- We are running low on bicycles! If you, or anyone you know, has a bicycle that needs a new home, please contact us!!
- We have received two more bikes recently:
- Bike 014 is a 24" 18 speed mountain bike made by Pacific. This bike is in fair condition and needs a good clean and lube and possibly some cables and brake pads. Thanks so much for the bike Jenny!!
- Bike 015 is a 24" 18 speed mountain bike made by Huffy. Initial inspection shows significant corrosion of the drive train. We'll make an attempt to free things up and get this one ready to go. Thanks to Babcock Bikes for directing Chuck and his bike to the Southern Tier Bike Project.
- Many of the donated bikes we receive have bent rims. They can be straightened unless they are severely damaged (eg. run over by a car). Unfortunately, it is very difficult to straighten a rim without a "truing stand". The project has bought a truing stand to enable saving these bikes with bent rims. Donations to defray the cost of this tool would be helpful. As you can see, we are currently in the RED.
- Gary continues his preparation to ride in the Tour de Cure on June 26th, logging 585 miles in the saddle during May. Also, Gary surpassed his goal of raising $500 for the American Diabetes Association. Additional contributions to the American Diabetes Association at the above Tour de Cure link will be appreciated.
- We were hoping to give at least 6 bicycles to the 3rd annual bicycle give-away event at Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church this month, but unfortunately the event was canceled.
- On a more positive note, we did a presentation about the project to the Owego Rotary Club on May 4th. One of the Rotarians put the word out to people involved with local social service agencies. Hopefully this will lead to some bikes being distributed.
- We received an interesting bike donation this month. Bike 013 is a 1950 Humber, which is an English brand bought by Raleigh in 1932. This bike has many interesting characteristics, including solid rod brake linkages between the handlebars and front and rear drum brakes. More about this bike can be found on the Inventory page. We will attempt to restore this bicycle and see if we can do something interesting with it. Thanks Ray and Linda.
- Gary continues his preparation to ride in the Tour de Cure on June 26th, logging 568 miles in the saddle during April. Please consider sponsoring him if you can.
- Bike 012 is another bike that has come to us in great shape. Thanks so much Jeff!. This bike needed a general cleanup and some wheel straightening as well as some brake work. This has all been done and this bike is ready to go. If anyone knows a young lady who would like to get into cycling around the neighborhood, let us know.
- Bike 010 comes to us in "like new" condition from a generous donor. Thank you so much Frank! Initial inspection of this bike indicates that very little work will be required... a bit of clean and lube of the drive-train and perhaps some new cables. This bike should be ready soon.
- Bike 011 is actually a bike that the sole proprietor has owned since about 1993. He purchased it while in assignment in England and it was used to take rides in the country with his children, stopping along at a pub along the way every now and then (for lemonade of course). This bike has been on loan for a couple years and has recently been returned. While Gary would like to keep it for sentimental reasons, he thinks someone else, perhaps, may have more of a need for it than him, so here it is. It needs a little TLC, but should be ready for distribution soon.
- If you haven't done so already, don't forget to check out Gary's Blog on the American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure website. You can follow his preparation progress and make a donation to the American Diabetes Association if you wish to do so.
- Gary will be riding 100 miles in the 2010 Tour de Cure on June 26th at Watkins Glen, NY. If you would like to sponsor Gary in his efforts to raise money for the American Diabetes Association, please visit his web page on the American Diabetes Association website. Help Stop Diabetes
- We received a $20 donation at the end of January. Thank you so much!!
- Bike 001 has been restored and is ready for distribution. In addition to new brake and shifter cables, the seat and rear wheel were replaced by those from Bike 004. Other than a bit of rust on the rear wheel, which is unavoidable with steel wheels, this one is in great working order.
- The BLOG has a new post.
- Bike 003 has found a new home with a budding new road biker! We hope to see this bike and it's new owner on the Southern Tier roads this summer!
- The BLOG has a new post. Check it out, but remember.... we're not recommending trying it!!
- Bike 008 has been restored to "almost new" condition and is ready for someone take it home. We're now up to 4 bikes ready to give away.
- Bike 009 came to us in almost new condition, except for one minor detail. Unfortunately, the previous owner forgot it was on top of the car when entering the garage. Ouch!! The fork is totally wasted and the rear wheel is badly bent. We'll try to straighten the rear wheel, but we'll have to keep an eye out for a fork to put on the front of this one. The frame appears to be in excellent shape! Thanks Gary for the bike and thanks to Babcocks Bike Shop for sending him our way.
- The cause for the demise of Bike 009 is more common than you might think. Always, always, always put something in front of the garage door to make you think before driving in if you use a rooftop carrier.
- We now have 3 bicycles ready for distribution.
- Bike 003 is a fine bicycle that has been beautifully restored. It would be perfect for an adult who wants an entry level bike for either racing or touring. A small donation to cover the cost of restoring this bike would be appreciated, but is not necessary.
- Bike 005 is in what we would call "gently used" condition. Mechanically it is in perfect condition and it looks almost new. A perfect gift for a young girl.
- Bike 006 is in almost new condition and would be the perfect Christmas gift for a toddler just starting to try out his/her bicycling skills.
- For more information on the bikes check the Inventory page.
- We have received our 7th and 8th bikes thanks to Ray and Linda. You can check it out on the Inventory page.
- The Huffy 3 Speed has a lot of rust and is missing the rear fender and chain guard. While this bike will take a considerable amount of work, it should eventually be a nice bike for tooling around the neighborhood.
- The Murray Totally Hip appears to be in good condition and can be ready for distribution quickly if someone needs it.
- We have received a generous $30 donation to bring us back (barely) to the black. Thank you so much for your generosity Linda.
- The Huffy Sea Star (Bike 0006) has been completed and is ready for distribution. Looks like new!!
- We have the 20" girls bike (Bike 0005) stripped to the frame to remove some minor surface rust. It is cleaning up nicely and should be ready to go in a couple days.
- We have received our 5th and 6th bikes thanks to Phil, who is keeping his eyes open around the neighborhood. These two bikes are excellent kids bikes that will be cleaned up and ready to send out in no time. Check them out on the Inventory Page.
- One of the items in the box of parts we received earlier in the week is a Jumbo Size Christmas Bike Bag, perfect for wrapping a bike for a Christmas gift. The first person to take a bike to be given as a Christmas gift can have the bag with it.
- We have received our 4th donated bike thanks to Andrew. It is a Coyote Pass Roadmaster that is almost the same model as the Coyote Pass Rallye (Bike 0001). Between the two, we should be able to come up with a complete functional bike. Check it out on the Inventory Page
- We have also received a box of parts which includes some seat-posts, a rear derailleur and several chain rings. Hopefully they will be useful as our bike inventory increases.
- While cleaning up the Trek Elance (Bike 0003), it became clear that it needed new bearings in the headset and new cables. The purchase of these items have put us (temporarily) in the red. The headset has been rebuilt and works smoothly. The frame has been cleaned and looks great. The remaining work to be done is to install the new cables, clean up the wheels, fix a flat tire and put her back together.
- There is a new blog post available if you would care to go there and have a look.
- The Welcome Edition of the Newsletter is available. If you haven't subscribed to the Newsletter yet, please do so now.
October 28, 2009
If you've been here before, you might notice a slightly different look.
- We have removed the redundant "Contact Info" block on the left sidebar, and replaced it with some more relevant content where applicable.
- We have set up several e-mail addresses to make it easier for you to contact us regarding a specific subject. These can all be found on the Contact page. Thanks for the help with the addresses Tim.
October 26, 2009
- Bike 0003 is in the shop and it's a beauty. Thanks so much Mary!! Check it out on the Inventory page.
- A new post has been added in the Blog section.
October 24, 2009
An update on the status of our first 2 bikes.
- Bike 0001 is cleaning up nicely. The brakes have been reworked and work smoothly. The brake pads and cables will have to be replaced, but that is not a difficult task. The main problem with this bike is that it has steel rims and the paint has been rubbed off the rear wheel and it is corroded. While the rust can be cleaned off, there really isn't a way to repaint the wheel as it will just rub off the next time the brakes are used. There are some 24" wheels on eBay in the $15 range, which isn't bad, but shipping it like $20 on top of that. Perhaps someone will donate a 24" bike with other issues that we can scavenge a wheel from. We'll also check around the local bike shops to see if they have anything. With a new wheel, this bike could be ready to go soon.
- Bike 0002 is actually in better mechanical condition than first thought. It's been stripped down and and there is only one major issue: the frame is badly rusted. While it can be cleaned up and put back together to make a perfectly usable bike, we really don't want to let it go without a paint job. That won't be expensive (since labor is free), but it will take quite a bit of time.
October 17, 2009
Our first two donated bikes have been added to the Inventory page. The page includes the current status of the bikes and will be updated
as the repairs progress.
The Contact page has also been updated, including instructions for adding a link to this site from yours. If you are so inclined, please add a link.
October 14, 2009
There are two items of interest to report today.
- We now have a blog up that you can get to by clicking on the BLOG tab at the top of the site. There isn't much there yet, but we have big plans for some interesting content, so come back often to see what's new. The blog is hosted on the Google Blogger platform and you will be redirected there from the blog page as soon as you click it.
- The second item of interest is that we have received our first two bikes!! Thank you Mike and Cindy. The next project will be to take some pics and get them up on the Inventory page. Stay tuned for an in depth analysis of what needs to be done to prepare them for distribution.
October 10, 2009
INCREDIBLE!! After being up for less than 24 hours, we have received our first donation!! Thanks Em!! You're the BEST!!
October 9, 2009
Registered the domain name for SouthernTierBikeProject.com