A few Saturdays ago, as Boise Goathead Fest was winding down and I was sharing a chambong toast with Kevin and Kylie from Lost Grove, I took a pause to enjoy another happy BBP memory from earlier in the year. The specific memory was of a Team BBP bike ride this past spring up a short and steep shortcut to the top of Rose Hill. Thanks to that memory, I was inspired to reflect back more on the year we’ve had…

Building from what we learned about our outreach and programming in the midst of a shutdown, our Programs Team and DIY Shop Team implemented an addition to our Mobile Fix-It Programming: Adult Mobile Fix-It. Partnering with great organizations like C.A.T.C.H and El Ada Community Action, we’ve hosted 6 Mobile-Fix-It events specifically for adults in urgent need. A total of 45 bikes are back up and running, and a core group of dedicated BBP volunteers have worked alongside some BPP team members to make this work possible.

Last year when our doors were closed, we invested deeply into our Adopt-A-Bike program, in which volunteer mechanics take bikes home to fix up. These bikes then become the bikes we match with kids and teens in urgent need throughout the year. We kept the program rolling strong this year, and so far our team of volunteer home mechanics have fixed more than 150 bikes. That’s 150 bikes back out on the roads with their new owners.

In late winter of this year, we were finally able to open our doors back to DIY Member Appointments. Our team stretched themselves to deliver hands-free bike repair education, working alongside (from a distance) our members on their projects. We’ve had over 100 members back in our shop so far. And every time I turn a corner on the shop floor and see someone I haven’t seen in a long time, it’s like welcoming back an old friend.

We’ve also made leaps and bounds with our team, adding incredibly talented folks to both our DIY Shop Team and our operating staff. New folks in 2021 include Kaleb, Josh, Kevin, Mindy, and Ralph. And I’ve been so pleased to watch as our teen intern Veda adds more and more skills to his quiver under the guidance of Devin, Maureen, and all of the team mechanics.

And we’ve had some crazy fun experiences like that super snowy Bikin’ 4 Lovin’ ride on Valentine’s Day, Boise Goathead Fest, lots of social rides, games of '“foot down” galore, and sooooo many Crumbl cookies every time we celebrate a team member’s birthday.

As always, there have been challenges this year. But—looking back—what’s great, good, happy, and joyful continues to outweigh what’s been hard. We’re thriving, and that means that our work is reaching even more folks every single day.

There’s so much more in store for 2021, but until then, it’s time for our annual pause to celebrate. I’d be honored if you attend our Annual Appreciation Party, where we’ll be celebrating and thanking our members, volunteers, staff, partners, and greater community. It’s bound to be a really great time. Click the button below to learn more and get your tickets. See you on October 1!

-Em