if money were no object
If money were no object, what would I do with my life?
I'd love to open up a bike repair shop
I work a desk job on a computer all day everyday, so I've been really interested in doing something with my hands. I also hate cars and think biking around is a much better way to go (when cities have the infrastructure for it). It's healthier for you and for the planet, and it's way cheaper than a car/insurance/gas/maintenance. Opening up a bike repair shop would be the best of both worlds!
It would also be cool to offer a youth and adult apprenticeship program, open to everybody but especially for at-risk youth or low-income folks. It would give people an opportunity to learn a trade and could be a stepping stone to other types of mechanic work. I would pay them as a part-time employee and they'd get to learn the ropes. Win-win.
Another awesome thing would be to have a program where I (or another shop employee) went around to local thrift stores and picked up cheap bikes to restore them and give them out for free to folks who need one. Most bikes are salvageable with a little elbow grease, and there are lots of kids and unhoused people who could use a hand.
The shop would also promote reusing and repairing items rather than replacing them. It's better for the environment and we would teach bike owners how to do basic repairs themselves. Again, most bikes have good bones, they just need some attention and minor adjustments to get them back into good shape.
I was brainstorming some name ideas for this shop, and I like: Two Wheels Community Bike Repair and Training.
If I ever win the lottery, I know what I'm doing!