Venture North is the "first job ever" for Diamond Wren, who will be going into 11th grade at Harrison Educational Center in the fall. "I ride a lot," he said. "I have a Trek. I like going through the trails in Wirth Park." The progression from riding bikes to assembling and fixing them was a natural one. "I like to work with my hands and be busy," he said.
Wren started his apprenticeship on March 1 and has continued working 20-some hours each week. "I knew a little bit, but I've learned more. I can figure out the problem with the bike and what parts are needed, if something is missing off it, if something is loose. I know how to adjust stuff — the brakes, the front hub, the rear hub, the gears," he said.
General Manager Casey Pavek said, "We hire people who are interested in bikes. We can't make someone care about bikes. If you've overcome the challenge of riding a bike that's not fixed up, you've seen the difference. We want people who are interested in the machine itself and the beauty of arriving at the right adjustment. It's kind of Zen. It takes patience to learn that."
Venture North has been in operation since 2011. A nonprofit, it is funded by Redeemer Center for Life, a community development organization in the Harrison neighborhood. "There was a bike desert in north Minneapolis," Pavek said. "We swooped in with lots of support. We're a nonprofit. We're not worried about sharing our secret knowledge. We're happy to show you how to work on your bike. Most shops won't do that. We're interested in growing the overall bike culture. Riding around the city can be a practical, affordable way to get around. We're not trying to save the world. We're just trying to teach people to ride safely."
Wren said, "I see a lot of people who don't pay attention to maintenance — not keeping air in tires pumped up to the appropriate pressure, not cleaning the bike, re-greasing the ball bearings, keeping everything adjusted right, re-lubing the wires in the cable housings. It matters if you use your bike a lot. You never know what could happen when you ride your bike."
What's the best part of the job?
My favorite thing is figuring out what's wrong with the bike. What all needs to be done, what needs to be adjusted, what needs to be installed. Figuring out the problem. If I get that right, then I can take it to the next level.
What's the biggest challenge?
I had to learn how to communicate with customers in the right way. I had to get the understanding of what's the problem with their bike and give them good customer service. Sometimes it can be difficult. I've been put in situations I never thought I'd be in. Two weeks ago I was notified to be in a class with a group of kids and teach them how to work on bikes and clean bikes. Some kids when they come, it's hard to get them listening to you and understanding what you're trying to say. You've got to get to know them.
Where do you want to go from here?
I want to take the bike mechanic job to the next level. I have nieces and nephews starting to grow up. I'll be passing on what I know. It's a good start in life. â–¡
