My Strava is more of an activity log to me, a personal map of the days I move the most (or least) and mostly - I try to move every single day. Looking back at February’s monthly summary is bleak - the first two weeks were peppered with yoga practice but no bikes, no running, no walks, no gym time. The calendar for the month feels like a low-point in quite a number of years - and for RCC youth riders, the same lack of riding rings true.
Our school programs were cancelled with City and private schools closed - roads too thick with dangerous ice to drive on safely - and sidewalks were the same. This was probably the time to set a new PR for ice skating the entire length of the Capital Trail, maybe we missed that opportunity.
Taking measurements of the broken bench seat board
Matt and Roland couldn’t keep sitting inside. They caught up on a Monday after a couple idle weeks and set out to fix a good project - repairing one of the picnic tables beside the Kickstand. After a few different measurements, the duo headed back to our HQ to cut and sand a replacement board. This was new territory for Roland, and he was there for every step.
Discussing saw techniques before ripping boards to the right length.
Once the boards were cut down and the edges sanded round, they delivered the goods back down to the Kickstand for install. I really like this photo - Roland walking the boards through Deepwater Terminal - it embodies so much of the process and feeling behind DIY “spots” that are culturally so important to me. The small area under the building houses some very cool local projects, and it isn’t uncommon to see skateboarders filming clips in the resonant architectural arches. It looks like Roland is about to contribute to another local-built feature.
Walking the boards to the Kickstand through Deepwater Terminal
Getting boards set in place with big wood screws
After some instruction, the boards were set into place but WHOOPS! The team didn’t bring enough screws and had to jump on the tandem to quickly ride back to HQ and grab more. Roland was…not bummed about it.
Roland enjoying the ride from the stoker’s seat.
Replacement boards in place securely, the final piece remained: PAINT! We’ve done painting projects before with RCC youth, and a lot of the time it is their first try at bigger scale coverage, i.e. NOT art class painting. When we primed the whole front of our building for a new mural…the amount of shenanigans was at an all time high:
-paint spilled
-shoes falling off
-stepping backwards into paint trays
-extension rollers dripping onto someone else’s head
You name it, we worked through it, with cleanup supplies on the ready.
Laying down new paint
Roland held it together well! After sinking the brush into the paint can well up the handle, he figured out great technique, powerful stance, and relatively minimal paint landing on HIM.
We think it looks great, and he did a really good job with this first build project.
We’re stoked, Roland is stoked, and the Kickstand picnic table is stoked! Stop by for a sit sometime and send us a photo to share with him, so he sees how many people appreciate his work!
When weather conditions really degrade, when trails are closed for weeks and even connector pathways are dangerous or slick - we still find ways to get youth outside. We’re grateful for the youth we know that want to show up, and continue to be willing to try new things. Trust-built relationships like this are the reason we keep pushing forward.