I’m Lynnette Wood, originally from Guilford, VT and currently residing in Lindale, TX by way of Appleton, WI, Jánico Dominican Republic, and Haverhill, MA. I attended the October 2018 QBP scholarship class. It was the first time I had applied for the scholarship, and I was truly surprised to have received it!

It is difficult to specify a single helpful tip or trick I learned during my time at UBI. High on the list is simply; having a clean work area and learning what all those mysterious-looking tools and devices are for! I loved leaning to bleed brakes and service forks, but my absolute favorite thing was efficiently lacing wheels and the methodology of truing them.

The bike shop hired on another full-time mechanic a short time after I completed the QBP scholarship, so my opportunities for wrenching at the shop actually decreased on Saturdays, but I continue to infiltrate the shop and take on what I can proactively. I’m about 3 years from retirement eligibility from my day job, and having the bicycle mechanic skills in my quiver has helped shape my thoughts of post-retirement direction. I am a firm believer in pursuing what you love and chasing dreams, and what better way to do that than to become more fully involved in bicycle mechanics upon retirement. Although I don’t let others’ perceptions influence my decisions, I can’t help but imagine what a great example to a lot of people it would be to chase these dreams.

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Our seminars are designed for experienced mechanics or graduates of our Professional Repair and Shop Operation course. The goal: provide training in specific skills and technologies for the current model year that will help you become a more complete and up-to-date bike mechanic. We change up the topics and curriculum year-to-year in order to stay current with the latest bicycle technology, and this year that means…Dropper Post class!

The Dropper Post

Dropper posts are quickly becoming a must have for all-terrain riders. Better positioning, quick adjustability, one-click trigger…there are plenty of reasons to drink the dropper post Kool-Aid. 

And if your shop isn’t already in the loop with the essentials of dropper post design, service intervals, and a deep understanding of the components in the dropper post system, that’s where our instructors come in.

A Little History

In case you haven’t heard, the dropper post isn’t just for trail riders anymore. Endurance and XC riders have embraced it, making the dropper post the next big thing. 

The dropper post has evolved since it first hit the mountain biking scene 20+ years ago. Quick-release seat clamps and springs, lookin’ at you Breeze and Angell, and suspension seat posts made way for single-handed handlebar triggers. As the need for speed bred new technologies, the air spring operation arrived in the mid-2000’s. Fast forward to 2010, and the RockShox Reverb changed the ways of drop options as we know it.

At the end of 2019, RockShox unveiled their updated 2020 Reverb dropper post, and now we’re ready with the parts and instruction to bring dealers and mechanics up to speed. New internals, new hydraulics and new features call for an updated course curriculum to touch on the latest and greatest in dropper post technology.

The Class

If you’re a mechanic looking to expand your dropper post knowledge, the class is for you.

If you’re a shop owner and/or RockShox dealer, this class is for you. 

If you’re a rider looking to learn the ins-and-outs of the dropper post system, this class is for you.

Like with all classes at UBI, you’ll get your hands dirty. The hands-on procedures include disassembly and reassembly of the RockShox Reverb dropper post, hydraulic lever bleed, and an overall understanding of the common troubleshooting procedures. This class will cover both cable-actuated and hydraulic designs, fitment, as well as overhaul of the most-recognized dropper seatpost currently on the market.

The first Dropper Post Class will drop in May this year, rounding out an entire week of advanced bike mechanics courses at UBI. It’s a great addition to our other Continuing Education classes: the Fox Master Class, Disc Brake class, Shimano Di2 class, and Bosch Level 1+2 class which strive to update working mechanics with current model year information in each class.  

2020 Dropper Post class dates are May 19th, October 13th, and November 17th

Students can sign up for a single class or the whole week of Continuing Education seminars. For more information visit our Continuing Education page.

The post New! Dropper Post One-Day Clinic appeared first on United Bicycle Institute.

BV: What is your name? Where are you from? What pronouns do you prefer?
ML: Hi, my name is Monique Laraway and my preferred pronouns are she/they. I grew up in Arizona and have lived in Tucson for about 10years.

BV: When did you attend the United Bicycle Institute during the QBP Scholarship (year and month)? And how many years did you apply before receiving the scholarship? My ML: UBI class was held in Jan/Feb 2018. I applied at least 2 or 3 times before receiving the scholarship. Honestly, at that point I didn’t think I ever would receive it but “if at first you don’t succeed, try try again.” What I did do differently was, ask 2 close friend to look over my application responses and give honest advice. Granted, they are both amazing writers but also better at highlighting my strong points in ways that I would otherwise very robotically answer. My friends are definitely better at hyping me up that I am!

BV: What impacted you most about your experience with your classmates?
ML: Our group really bonded and lived well together despite our very different backgrounds. This shared passion for bike mechanics and bikes in general was a good linking factor but I think the bonding factor was to cohabitate, ride, share meals and form little study groups. Everyone there had an inspiring story/aspirations and now I have these talented friends living across the country. We still stay in touch.

BV: What is the most helpful tip or trick that you learned during your time at UBI?
ML: One of the most helpful tips I gained at UBI was that no one can know/memorize everything, especially with how much the industry is constantly evolving. And that it is ok to reach out to professionals and ask questions. What a relief. I was previously so insecure about not feeling like I would ever know enough to be considered a professional mechanic, but we should all be constantly learning and expanding our skills. Keep a tidy workbench and good notes! As long as you have good reference materials, you can do accomplish most projects.

BV: What job did you have prior to the scholarship class, and did you change jobs, job titles, or responsibilities after the scholarship?
ML: At that point, I had already transitioned to my new job at Transit Cycles about a year prior, after my previous position of 8 years at a nonprofit. I’m now 3 years into wrenching at Transit Cycles and have taken on more responsibilities as well as becoming service manager.

BV:  Or Did your goals change because of this experience? How did the scholarship help reset your new goals, or achieve the goals you already had in place?
ML: Honestly, I would love to stay in a place like UBI to expand my skills and knowledge. There’s something so refreshing about learning different teaching methods, skills and all from the comforts of an amazing educational workspace. Since then, I’ve attended several educational workshops such as the Professional Bike Mechanic Association Technical workshops sponsored by CABDA led by industry leaders; attended a Fox suspension clinic which was too advanced for me; and led small maintenance workshops at the WTF Bikexplorer Summit and local events.

BV: What is one piece of advice you could give to the hopeful folks hoping to apply for this year’s scholarship?
ML: Keep applying! It’s the best gift I could have ever received and I’m forever grateful for the experience.

BV: You’ve been featured a bit in the news since then for some of your bikepacking experience. To those who are curious, what advice would you give to begin bikepacking?What is a must-have item for you in your bikepacking arsenal?
ML: Get out and explore your backyard (city, state, etc) with the bike you have now, rather than spending a bunch on gear for a huge trip right away, unless you can afford to do that then go for it! Chances are you have a bike that you can strap bags to and go. My first overnight trip was before I knew what bikecamping was and I just had a huge bulky sleeping bag and backpack from the thrift store and camped in the woods near my apartment in Flagstaff, AZ. There’s so many tutorials online for crafting your own gear and great gear reviews to really get a feel for what is out there. My go-tos now that would have been helpful from the get-go are collapsable water dramaderies like the 2liter Platypus bags and silicone Voile straps (I’m not sponsored), and babywipes although those need to be packed out. Leave no trace principles are super important to follow and bring extra snacks and water! Plus wool for that dirtbag odor reduction.

BV: Any route in particular that you’ve been dreaming about or have done that felt like a dream?
ML: Close to home, we have amazing rides perfect for the cooler desert seasons such as the Sky Island Odyssey East Loop that is both challenging and beautiful terrain. It would be fun to do the Great Divide and visit all the cool bike shops and pro-bike businesses along the way. I just want to go everywhere especially places with easy potable water access because it’s so scarce out here in the Sonoran desert.

BV: Any last thoughts you have?
ML: As a shop mechanic, I’ve noticed a tendency in myself and others to get burnt out by the daily routine such as wrenching and sales. We have the amazing opportunity to partner with trail builders, ride organizers, shops, lead workshops and just be awesome advocates in our community, especially for the Femme/Trans*/Womxn community! Do your best, be gentle with your body (wrenching can be physically strenuous), make mistakes and own them, support others doing good in the community and get out there and ride! Always remember what got you stoked about wrenching in the first place and you’re going to do awesome things!

The post Bikepack the Southwest with QBP 2018 Scholarship recipient Monique Laraway appeared first on United Bicycle Institute.

Leah Plummer (She/hers) I work at Uptown Bikes in Chicago, IL. I had the privilege of attending UBI in February 2019 at the Portland Campus. Before that, I applied unsuccessfully four times. 

I was most impacted by getting to live with the other folks in the class. Everyone came at bikes from a different angle and getting to share a space for two weeks allowed us to have casual conversations about bikes and life in general.  Our cohort had a wide age range of people from all over the country who had worked in a variety of shops so it was truly a gift to get to learn from everyone’s different perspectives and experiences.  

“…it was truly a gift to get to learn from everyone’s different perspectives and experiences.”

I use UBI’s technique for setting up dual pivot road brake calipers almost daily! It’s super efficient and effective. 

When I received the scholarship I had just finished my first season as Service Department/Shop Manager at Uptown Bikes. I had been a mechanic there for the previous 3 seasons but in accepting the manager position I took on a lot more responsibility. Though my position did not change after I received the scholarship, completing UBI and getting to know my classmates boosted my confidence both in the service department and in conversations with customers. I now feel connected to a network of folks across the country who I can turn to if I have a puzzle to solve or big idea to think through. 

“I now feel connected to a network of folks across the country who I can turn to
if I have a puzzle to solve or big idea to think through.”

Attending UBI helped me clarify and cement my commitment to being a bike mechanic for years to come. Being around so many rad women & nonbinary folks who work on bikes gave me a peek at what the future of the industry could look like. I feel motivated to do what I can to contribute to making the industry a more welcoming and comfortable space for all sorts of folks. 

“Being around so many rad women & nonbinary folks who work on bikes gave me
a peek at what the future of the industry could look like.”

Apply this year and if you don’t get it apply next year. The people you will meet (fellow students and teachers) are well worth the wait and the hard work. 

A huge thanks to all of the sponsors of this scholarship and the individuals who work so hard to make it happen and to continue to make it more inclusive year after year. 

The post Efficient and effective Leah Plummer, QBP WBMS Recipient PDX 2019 appeared first on United Bicycle Institute.

Here’s our go-to list of bike school essentials to bring with you to UBI.

Your Bike

Take advantage of your time in the classroom to give your own bike a tune-up, facelift, or overhaul during select mechanic sessions, or any Tuesday and Thursday evening shop sessions. 

To make traveling (via car or plane) easier for you, you can ship your bike to us. We receive shipments daily from UPS and FedEx, and we’ll hold it here for you until you arrive (learn more about shipping your bike on our Ship Your Bike page).

If you have no way to bring your bike with you, have no fear. We have bikes you can practice on, and there are plenty of local bike shops that offer hourly, daily, or seasonal rentals. 

Shop Attire

You will be working and learning in a shop environment, so pack comfortable, casual clothes and shoes. No open-toed shoes are allowed in the classroom, but we recommend them for warm-weather lounging around Ashland in your non-class time. 

UBI will provide shop aprons, gloves, and protective eyewear when needed, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you have faves.

Your Camera

Most backdrops in Ashland look like they came straight out of a postcard, for reals. We’re surrounded by mountains, the famous Lithia Park, and the deer that roam the streets (and yards and sidewalks and crosswalks and lawn in front of UBI…aka, everywhere). 

Not to mention all the cool props we have in class (inside of a fork damper, or a clear disc brake setup) to show you how things work! Everyone loves a good cutaway!

Make room on your phone for photos of your time exploring — you’ll be happy you did. And if you have a high quality professional camera, bring it along! 

Your Gear

The Ashland Watershed system boasts 28 trails, totaling 47 miles with 15,000 feet of descent. Those stats don’t lie — our backyard has superb mountain biking! Pack your helmet, pads, gloves, and whatever else gets you going for epic after-school group rides.

Short on time? Catch a ride with Ashland Mountain Adventures to the top, and then cruise back down into town!

And since much of our surrounding hills are covered in snow December – March, you may want to bring gear to ski or board instead during winter classes. For the road bikers, Southern Oregon boasts miles and miles of scenic rural roads and paths for you to cruise year-round.

Your Appetite

Beers, burritos, and bikes…it doesn’t get much better than that. After a day of wheel lacing or frame building (or bombing down Time Warp), unwind with an Oregon craft beer at one of the many local tap houses. And with over 100 restaurants in Ashland, your food options are endless. From vegan cafes to by-the-slice pizza counters, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find your new favorite bike school grub. 

Your Beverage Mug

Coffee: the life-blood of bike school! Bring your own mug and save on one-time-use cups. 

Ashland boasts at least three 3^rd wave coffee houses within walking/riding distance of school, plus lots of locations with blended drinks, regular old coffee, and yummy pastries. The trip home from bike school can get long without your favorite cuppa joe! In the classroom, we have tea and hot cocoa, too, plus reusable ceramic mugs just in case you forget your mug.

Pro tip: Stop by the Ashland Food Co-op before or after class for a fresh cup AND a discount when you bring your own mug. 

Your Thirst

We give all students a water bottle (at no charge) for each class they attend. We want you hydrated and with-it in the classroom! The tap water in Ashland is AMAZING and you may just want to bottle some up and take it home with you, too. 

Or – even better – take a day trip up to Tub Springs (about 35 minute drive) and fill your bottle from the natural spring on the side of the Green Springs Highway.

Your Computer (or Notepad If You’re Old School)

Studies have shown the act of taking notes helps you retain the knowledge (not mention they act as a GREAT reference once you leave). 

The vast majority of your bike school experience is hands-on, BUT that doesn’t mean a computer won’t come handy for research and note-taking. You can fact-check your instructor (they love that), or browse tools you want to buy while in attendance at UBI and post-graduation with your UBI discount in your off-time. 

We also love good ol’ pen and paper. It’s super handy for quick notes when our instructors are dropping all kinds of knowledge-bombs. And a highlighter, post-it-notes, or page markers are also useful for making notes in your class manuals to come back to later. 

Your Insatiable Appetite to Talk Bikes

We are all bike nerds here; you heard us. Bring it!

The post Packing List: What to Bring to Bike School appeared first on United Bicycle Institute.

Approved to Accept VA Education Benefits

Our VA program began with our students, who requested that UBI get approved to accept VA education benefits. It took a lot of time and effort and paperwork, but on January 1st, 2003, we were officially approved by a State Approving Agency (SAA), The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, for the education and training of veterans. Wahoo! Which was a fancy way of saying, we were finally allowed to accept Post 9/11 G.I. Bill© and Vocational Rehab credits. And so our VA program began…

What Can Veterans Learn at Bike School?

The short answer is: a heck of a lot. Students in our programs learn basic mechanical fundamentals that will complement their later complex and intricate bike repairs. They learn to weld their own bike frames. They learn basic soft skills and bike shop operations. 

And. So. Much. More. At UBI, we see our alumni as family. We love celebrating your victories and helping you learn from your mistakes, our instructors are still available after the class to help you grow your skills beyond our doors. Our students often leave with a new community that will help them in their new adventure.

Our two VA approved programs are Bicycle Mechanics and Bicycle Frame Building. These programs can lead to a comprehensive Certificate in Bicycle Mechanics, and/or a Certificate in Bicycle Frame Building upon successful completion of all the courses in the series.

• The Mechanics Program consists of three courses: Introduction to Bicycle Maintenance, Professional Repair and Shop Operation, and the Advanced Certification Seminars.
• The Frame Building Program includes four courses: TIG Welding Seminar, Brazed Steel Frame Building, TIG Welded Steel Frame Building, and TIG Welded Titanium Frame Building. 

Whether you are a veteran just starting out in the biking world, or a seasoned rider, we have a training program to meet your needs and help you achieve your bike education goals at UBI!

Who Qualifies to Use VA Education Benefits and How to Apply

Veterans with education benefits will be able to use their benefits at UBI. To find more about programs you may qualify for, you can access a TON of info at https://www.va.gov/education/

To enroll, all you have to do is submit a completed, signed, enrollment agreement for your first class in either the Mechanics Program or the Frame Building Program. 

Depending on your program, the VA may have requirements about your enrollment terms or program requirements. We encourage you to reach out to your contact or counselor at the VA for more details.

And for more nitty gritty about the UBI enrollment process, visit our webpage dedicated to VA students.

Life After UBI 

We’ve proudly helped hundreds of veterans learn new skills and gain confidence on and off the bike, at their home work benches, and in the workplace. 

If you are looking to jump-start your career in the bike industry after bike school, we can help with that, too. We have a running job board with current job openings in the industry, across the country.

Once you’re ready to learn more about our VA program, visit our website or contact us at 541-488-1121 or veterans@bikeschool.com. We’d love to talk with you about making UBI your next move, and thank you for your service!

The post Use Your VA Education Benefits at UBI! appeared first on United Bicycle Institute.

BV: What is your name? Where are you from? What pronouns do you prefer? When did you attend the United Bicycle Institute during the QBP Scholarship (year and month)? And how many years did you apply before receiving the scholarship?
CJ: Candi Jiosne. I am from Clarkston GA. I use she/her. I attended UBI Portland in Feb 2019. It was my third time applying.

BV: What impacted you most about your experience with your classmates?
CJ: So much really…Initially from the talk we had with Kaitlin. I was touched by everyone’s story – what brought them to UBI and for many the struggles they’ve had along the way.Then it became more about the camaraderie and women helping other women in the class – studying together…there were NO egos whatsoever. It was such a comfortable learning environment. And now it’s evolved into lifelong friendships and community with those who were in other classes as well.

“…it became more about the camaraderie and women helping
other women in the class – studying together…there were NO egos whatsoever…
And now it’s evolved into lifelong friendships and community with
those who were in other classes as well.”

BV: What is the most helpful tip or trick that you learned during your time at UBI
CJ: Wheel building! Even tho I haven’t built a full wheel since the class it helped my understanding of spoke replacement and truing immensely. And that I do on a daily basis.

BV: Or Did your goals change because of this experience? How did the scholarship help reset your new goals, or achieve the goals you already had in place?
CJ: I was and still am a FT bike tech and Cycling Instructor for REI. That has not changed. But I did pick up that gig for Iconic Adventures in Europe and they asked me to come back next year! I think more than anything the scholarship gave me a deeper understanding which in turn gave me more confidence which led to me applying for the Europe gig. I don’t think I would have done that without that added confidence. Now I’ve been asked to teach a WTF/NB mechanic series in Nov/Dec so hopefully that will open up other opportunities in that community. I do still want to set up some kind of monthly or regular free bike maintenance sessions for the community I live in. We have a lot of refugees who use bicycles as their main transportation. We had a coop at our community center a while back but it has since closed.

BV: You got the opportunity to travel to Europe this summer as a mechanic, right? Can you tell us about your experience; responsibilities, exciting places you got to visit, and other people you got to meet?
CJ: Wow yeah! What an amazing experience! I got to work with 2 other scholarship recipients – Leah Fantle and Danielle Dawn – who were awesome! The Iconic staff were so fun and easy to work with. I felt an immediate connection to all of them. The job paid very well and all of our expenses were paid – from flights to cell phone usage to hotels, meals and drinks. They even paid me on my days off in between work segments and a travel stipend to get to the next segment. The ride was a cancer research fundraiser. It started with prep in Germany and went through 6 countries. There were 6 3-day segments. Each segment had different European riders. There were 4 mechanics per segment. Prep days we tuned the fleet of bikes (25-30), changed tires, cables, brake pads, bar tape, etc. and packed the mechanic’s van. Ride days we sized approximately 16 riders on bikes. Two techs were responsible for driving the mechanic’s van to the next hotel, setting up our prep station for when the riders arrive and fixing anything on the unused bikes in the fleet. The other two techs follow the riders in the sag vehicle and make any adjustments necessary, fix flats and provide encouragement. These riders are mostly new to cycling. They trained for 6 months prior and are doing roughly 100-115km a day. Most if not all of them had some connection to cancer (as most of us do unfortunately) so at times it was emotional. I started in Germany and did 4 days of prep and then 2 segments as Active Support in the sag vehicle. I went to/through Switzerland, Italy, France and ended in Spain. There were definitely a few long days working from 7am-10pm and then eating dinner but most of them were not like that. I worked a total of 10 days but spent about a month in Europe traveling before and after the work gig. Did some cycling in France and hiking in Switzerland and in Spain.

BV: What is one piece of advice you could give to the hopeful folks hoping to apply for this year’s scholarship?
CJ: Be persistent! There a so many great candidates and only a few spots each year. If you don’t get it this time around keep applying!

The post REI to Europe; Candi Jiosne, QBP Scholarship Recipient appeared first on United Bicycle Institute.

My name is Kate Sage, I am from Toronto, Canada, but I live in Chico California now. I prefer she/her and they/them pronouns.
I attended UBI February 11th – 22nd 2019. This was my first year applying, after working for over 10 years in the industry it was the first time I was eligible to apply!

What impacted me most was the immersive experience. First, it was the simple fact of going to bike school. For two weeks it was nothing but the bare bone facts of bikes without any of the drama I encounter on a daily basis working in a male dominated industry. This reconnected me with my original love of bikes and why I chose the cycling industry for my career in the first place. Secondly, living and studying with other bike nerds WHO LOOKED LIKE ME blew my mind way open. I had never been in a room full of folks like me discussing bike specs on equal terms. I realized this experience of being surrounded by folks who look and think the same as you is what cis men experience all the time in the cycling community. More than that, this experience helped me imagine what a more diverse and equitable cycling industry could look like.

“This reconnected me with my original love of bikes and why
I chose the cycling industry for my career in the first place.”

The most helpful things I learned from UBI were mechanical principles as they apply to bicycles. There were amazing techniques such as the importance of using torque wrenches and surprisingly simple but handy tips like using an allen wrench as a measuring tool, but the mechanical principles taught me to problem solve complex technical issues. This drastically enhanced my confidence. Whereas before when I didn’t know the answer to a tech question I would pass it on to someone else, now I have the knowhow to work through the unknown.

“The training we received was focused on modern bike parts,
but the principles we learned gave us the tools to work through even
the oldest, most obscure bike problem.”

Becoming a certified bike tech helped me with my confidence to pursue greater responsibility at work. While I was away at UBI we took over the Performance Bike and Nashbar websites. When I returned to work I immediately put my UBI Certification to use by training our customer service team to improve our quality of service for Performance and Nashbar customers. I’ve been producing product knowledge videos and handling social media for these sites as well. UBI provided me with invaluable technical knowledge and confidence in my abilities which helped me to reach beyond what I thought was previously possible for me.

I know for many of us it can be hard and feel uncomfortable to “toot our own horns” so to speak. If you find yourself caught in self-doubt or feeling intimidated, try this: write as though you are sharing your love of bikes to a good friend, one who also loves bikes. Forget that you are applying for a scholarship, and just gush about all the things you love to do with bikes. This will help you get something down on paper which you can then clean up for the application, but most importantly, who you are and your love of bikes will shine through.

If you’re on the fence about applying, DO IT! This was a life changing experience and an opportunity not to be missed. My time at UBI was incredibly profound and inspring, you deserve to have that experience too.

“…you deserve to have that experience too.”

The post New meaning to the words “Sage Mechanic”; Kate Sage, QBP Scholarship Recipient appeared first on United Bicycle Institute.

My name is Katrina, and I’m currently living in Oakland, California! I use she/her pronouns.
I attended UBI for the QBP Scholarship in February 2019. This was my first time applying for the scholarship, and I’m so grateful to have received it.

There were so many skills and knowledge that I learned while at UBI, and I especially loved learning how to build my own wheels! However, what really made my time at UBI so special were the people and learning environment we created. Learning is inherently vulnerable and challenging, and I was absorbing a lot of new information every day. It really helped to have a group of people and instructors beside me who were willing to slow down, geek out, and figure things out together.

“Learning is inherently vulnerable and challenging…
It really helped to have a group of people and instructors
beside me who were willing to slow down, geek out,
and figure things out together.”

We would go home at the end of every day, open up our manuals, and sit at the dining room table to talk about bikes and life. I felt like we were really able to honor and support our own learning process, as well as everyone else’s, by removing the pressure to perform or know the right answer all the time. As I listened to everyone’s unfiltered experiences within the cycling industry, it helped me recognize the collective power we have to bring about change in an industry that has not felt safe for many groups.

“This scholarship is so important because it brings
underrepresented folks together and gives truth and power
to our voices, and gives me hope that change is coming.”

I have never worked in a professional capacity at a bike shop or as a mechanic! Before attending UBI, I was a volunteer at the SF Bike kitchen and would shadow or ask mechanics questions as I swept the floor or cut spokes for recycling. While UBI equipped me with the skills and knowledge to work as a mechanic, I was fortunate enough to start working at Paragon Machine Works shortly after the scholarship. The way it all unfolded was quite serendipitous—I was actively looking for a job in the cycling industry, and as a Welding and Machining student at Laney College, received a job posting from an instructor about an opening at PMW. At first the role had been filled before I could interview, but a few weeks later while in Ashland, I got the news that there was still an opportunity! It was really neat to talk with Ron about PMW while at UBI, then Mark about UBI while at PMW. I am now working as a CNC Mill Machinist. I start with bar stock (usually Aluminum, Steel, or Titanium), then setup and operate the machines to produce the part— a lot of dropouts usually!

This is a very difficult question… If you asked me a year ago, I would have answered welding without hesitation. The longer I work at a machine shop, however, the more I appreciate the precision, creativity, and ritual to it. But welding is also SO much fun and I love the flow. So, I guess I’ll have to say that I love them both. I don’t think I have a favorite part of the bicycle yet… but interestingly I really enjoy making cable stops! They come out of the machine with a thin piece of metal holding them together, so they look like a cute baby string of Christmas light cable stops.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on my journey into fabrication is
to let my curiosity guide me.”

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on my journey into fabrication is to let my curiosity guide me. Machining and welding are fields that are predominantly male, and it can be difficult to not feel like an imposter. When I lean into my curiosity, I care less about whether I am perceived as capable, weak, smart, or competent, and can maintain the sense of wonder and amazement that drew me into this field in the first place.

I could see myself going in a lot of different directions in my career. The QBP Bike Mechanic scholarship helped me build a really strong foundation in bike mechanics that I will be able to leverage whatever direction I end up taking. Once I complete my degrees in Welding and Machining, I plan to take a frame building class and hopefully start building some frames! I’m also considering pursuing a Masters in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science, but also feel really strongly about social justice and education. All I know is that if I’m working with my hands, shredding metal, and working with youth, I’ll be very, very happy.

“Keep doing the work, and stay true to your path!
Based on the quality of people in my
QBP scholarship class, it will not go unnoticed.”

See the post that Paragon Machine Works did about her here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BxyFYpflIX-/?hl=en

The post Bike Mechanic, Machinist, Welder, Engineer; Katrina Leydn QBP Scholarship Recipient appeared first on United Bicycle Institute.

1. Continue Learning That New New

E-bikes are on the rise, new suspension trends consistently surprise the industry with new ideas (and new tools to work on said ideas) and new rad gear is always popping up.  Good thing we have the Continuing Education Seminars to continually update you on the latest and greatest.

2. Because Ashland

To put it bluntly: Ashland is a cyclist’s dream; miles of bike path, single track terrain, abundant bike lanes, and like-minded bicycle enthusiasts. Plus, Ashland has Gold status as a Bicycle Friendly Community from the League of American Bicyclists. Check out the local races, trails, paths, and shops year-round, many are listed below.

3. The 2020 Oregon Shakespeare Festival Season

It’s lookin’ good, folks. Check out the 2020 OSF plays at our downtown’s world-renowned theater (about a mile from campus), and stop by the free Green Shows throughout the summer.

4. Specialize Your Skillset

For those looking to continue their education, and add a niche offering to their labor menu, we offer advanced certificates with our DT Swiss Advanced Wheel Builder Seminar and Suspension Technician Seminar.

5. You Need a New Suspension Fork

Can you believe that our Fox Master Class INCLUDES the price of a brand new, 2020 Fox fork?! And that the class is cheaper than buying these forks retail? And on top of that, we’ll help you learn how to disassemble, re-assemble, and keep it working like brand new for the life of the fork.

6. Because You’ve Won A 2020 QBP Bike Scholarship – CONGRATS!

In February, we’ll welcome this year’s cohort of 16 QBP Bike Mechanic Scholarship recipients for our 2-week Professional Repair and Shop Operation course. We’re looking forward to meeting you all soon!

7. Ashland Mountain Adventures (AMA)

Bill and Sue at Ashland Mountain Adventures are two of the faces responsible for maintaining and building Ashland trails, in partnership with the Ashland Woodlands and Trails Associationand the RVMBA. In your downtime, hitch a van ride with AMA to Mt. Ashland and sail down the slopes back into town. 

8. Ride the Rim 2020 at Crater Lake

It’s the deepest lake in North America AND you can bike around the rim (approx. 33 miles). Sign up for Ride the Rim in September, and you’ll even get grub, aid stations, and shuttle service along the way. An opportunity not to be missed!

9. The Food Festivals

Ashland is home to 100+ restaurants, two seasonal local growers markets (as well as an artisans market), chocolatiers, several craft breweries and wineries, the famous Rogue Creamery, and several food-focused festivals, like the Medford Oktoberfest (September), Ashland Culinary Fest (November) and Oregon Chocolate Festival (March). Need we say more?

10. Dropper Post Class, What?!

You heard us. Get ready to overhaul your Rockshox Reverb yourself, without waiting two weeks to send it back to Rockshox. Check out the new classes we added to our Continuing Education Seminars to bring it to a full week at UBI (then take a weekend to go shred our trails – see #17 and combine for extra credit). 

11. Surf That Pow!

Mt. Ashland has a few lifts and rad routes down the mountain in the wintertime; and this year is turning out great for boarding or skiing. They also have night festivities, from night skiing/boarding to parties and music events. Check out the Mt. Ashland Ski Area website for event listings. 

12. Play With Fire

Who doesn’t have a little pyromaniac in them? Get giddy with one of our brazing courses. No previous experience necessary, and you get to take home your completed custom bike frame. Handmade by you. 

13. The Siskiyou Challenge

It just so happens that one of our Intro to Bicycle Maintenance courses wraps up right before the Siskiyou Challenge in Ashland, April 25th.  Spend a week learning the ins-and-outs of beginner bike maintenance, and then take your skills on the road and trails with this annual six-sport local relay (enter solo, or wrangle your fellow classmates for a team). 

14. The Deer

Either you love ‘em or you can’t stand ‘em, but they’re here. Outside UBI. Every. Day.

15. Play With Lightning

You thought fire was pretty cool? Well how about a little Zeus-action? Both our TIG welded Steel and TIG Welded Titanium courses have got your fix for arc welding. Again, no experience necessary, just bring your god-like enthusiasm for bicycles. 

16. Use Your VA Benefits

We could get into the nitty gritty of our credentials, but suffice to say that we are approved to accept VA Benefits; including both Post 9/11 G.I. Bill© and Vocational Rehab. We have two VA approved programs: Bicycle Mechanics and Bicycle Frame Building.These classes are a great way to kickstart your career in the bike industry and/or learn the ins and outs of your bike.

17. The Ashland Watershed Trail System

A mountain biking destination for sure. Ride 28 distinct trails, over 47 miles, with 15,000 feet of descent. Check out instructor Rich Bernoulli’s stoke on his Lunch Ride elsewhere on our blog. Or check it out on MTB Project or Trailforks.

18. You Need Your Bosch Re-Cert To Keep Selling E-Bikes

Did you know that your Bosch certification needs to be re-upped every 15 months? You do now! Get re-certified with our new Bosch Level 1+2 class to hear about the new tech and work on it, while you take advantage of all of the other amazing things that Southern Oregon has to offer. 

19. Prep for Your Next Bike-cation

Want to get away for a cycling vacay this year? Do a group ride like Cycle Oregon, solo it on the Cascade Siskiyou Scenic Bikeway, try your muscles at the Mt Ashland Hill Climb, unseat your instructor as Number One at the California Enduro race series, see the Jedidiah Smith Coastal Redwoods, or just getting away with your two wheels in-tow with all the beauty that Southern Oregon has to offer; that flat tire, rusty chain, or fussy derailleur doesn’t have to get you down. Come to bike school and let us teach you how to work on your own bike. 

20. There’s No Time Like the Present

If you’ve been thinking about expanding your bike tech knowledge, now’s a great time. We’re telling you, the camaraderie, support, atmosphere you’ll find in the classroom can’t be beat. Everyone’s here to learn, have fun, and lend a hand. So go ahead – make it your 2020 resolution to carpe diem and join us for bike school at UBI!

The post 20 Reasons to Attend Bike School in 2020 appeared first on United Bicycle Institute.