Jimw just told me about this site, so I thought I would give it a try. For over 11 years, we have operated a free bike repair shop for people in need. We are located in the University Area of Tampa. We work with new parts bought with donations from some great service clubs, and most of the major bike shops save old bikes and parts for us. We also have about 20 file cabinets full of salvaged parts to use for repairs. We are God's Pedal Power Ministry, and our webpage is www.godspedalpower.org Please keep us in mind if you run across any old bikes or parts, and especially if you know a person who is in need of a refurbished bike for transportation. Bless you
Bike Mike
molsen@tampabay.rr.com

I added a photo to your post from your web site. I hope that was OK. Thanks for adding the information to the forum. I had not heard about this until Jim recently mentioned it so hopefully this will help get the site and information out to some of our friends and cyclist in the area.

Randy

I have worked with the group for about 9 years. It amazes me how much they do for so many with so very little. Each year they provide over 300 refurbished bikes to needy and provide thousands of repairs weekly. All at no charge. The average cost to provide a bike and helmet has always been under $20! Mike utilizes every donation. Each bike if beyound repair is stipped of every good part. Mike uses wholesalers and closeouts to find the best price for parts that they purchase.

They are open every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 till 9 providing repairs to all and getting bikes ready to be given away. The organization is all volunteer and have never paid a salary. Mike retired 2 years ago and tunred his energy into the Bike Ministry. I have no idea how many hours a week he devotes to this great cause.

They can always use additional help and Mike is always willing to take the time to work with new volunteers. This year has been exceptionally challenging. The economy and the price of gas has forced more to rely on bikes as their primary mode of transportaion. At the beginning we gave bikes mostly to kids but now it is more adults. People working on minimum wage, Veterans that have fallen on hard times, a single Mom with several kids.

I know that the holidays will bring even more requests. All help and donations will be greatly appreciated.

JimW