Julie L.
Yelp
This is the kind of well-run, community-minded, healthy-activity-promoting non profit organization that makes me happy to be living in Portland. I attended a "Be Your Own Bike Mechanic" two-day intensive workshop in July (taught by Shannon an incredibly patient teacher and skilled mechanic) at the Bike School location on 85 Anderson St, just down Fox from their Washington Ave location. Ainsley, the owner, popped in the first day to welcome us and she could not have been more friendly and passionate about the mission of the gear hub.
The course itself was awesome, it was so cool to get to learn about every single part and piece of the bike, take it apart, understand how it works, and put it back together. The class was limited to 6 people and there were only 5 in ours so you get plenty of help, attention, and time for questions. One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning how to make fine and gross adjustments to my bike's braking system (one would be ideal while out on a ride and the other better for when I'm back at home).
Their online calendar is up to date with all kinds of volunteering opportunities, open bench nights if you want to work on your bike amongst others who might know more of what they're doing..., group rides, kid-friendly activities, female-friendly wrench nights, and more. Very grateful the Portland Gear Hub exists!