So, we scheduled a time for us to bring in four bikes. Our mountain bikes and our gravel grinders. We had heard good things about Craig Dodson and wanted to have a professional take a look at our bike setups to insure proper position and fit to maximize our riding performance!
We had never been to the RBS before, but had an idea of where it might be. When we arrived and opened the door to the shop it wasn't at all like a bike shop. It was a converted warehouse space with exposed brick walls and cement floor. Antique tables were placed here and there to hold the few clothing items for sale. Piping was installed to hold the few Kona bikes on the walls. There were three large vibrant paintings on the walls, which were a perfect compliment to the space. A large open floor space stood in the middle with bike trainers backed against the wall ready for the next class. We were immediately greeted by Wilson with a big smile and welcoming handshake. The office/checkout space was at the far end of the space elevated slightly on a platform built from rustic wood flooring.
Craig and Julie came out with smiles and welcomed us to the space. Along with them came the shop dog. Yes, every bike shop needs a shop dog.
You know how much we love dogs and as soon as I saw Craig and his dog I felt relaxed and comfortable. I knew he was a good guy.
Right away we started. They put each of our bikes on the trainers and told us to get on and ride. Almost immediately they were able to see small adjustments and started working...
They asked questions and talked to us about our riding habits and how we felt on the bike currently. Craig walked up to me right away and pushed my back in and told me to roll my hips. I immediately noticed a difference. Yes, I knew my core was weak, but once he positioned me properly I was able to tell how little I use my core and how much I use my wrists and hands.
We discussed the need for strengthening my core how to do this. I'm going to take my big yoga ball to work and sit on it to start strengthening.
The adjustments made weren't drastic...a stem switch here and there and a seat shift up and back. Same for Dynamo. But, the small adjustments were noticeable.
Craig and Julie were very knowledgeable and personable. They just made you feel comfortable. It just seemed like a place to come and hang out with friends.
So, if you're looking to get fit on your current bike or you're looking to buy a bike swing by and chat with Craig and Julie. The fittings are good for the life of the bike!
There's an important reason why we chose Craig to do our fitting. We believe in what he represents and what he does for the community. He gives back. Please take a minute to read on because you may be able to help. Craig does more than just the bike shop. He founded the Richmond Cycling Corps, Richmond's inner city/youth cycling outreach program.
This is their purpose:
Our purpose is to change the lives of youth who live in Richmond's public housing projects.
WE use cycling as our platform for change. We infuse ourselves; our passion, our values, our creativity, our drive, and our dedication into the lives of our youth. We have fun. We laugh. We teach. We learn. We promise our youth, that if they stay with Richmond Cycling Corps, they will get out of public housing. We will never break our promise. We will never become set in our ways; we will always be dynamic in our approach to changing youth lives. We are fearless in our approach to our purpose. We will not become tangled in red-tape, policy, politics, and talking heads. We will always deliver action, not messaging. Life is too short, and we, including our youth, have a lot to accomplish. We will always be passionate towards our purpose.
Craig uses the Richmond Bicycle Studio to financially support the youth programs in the Richmond Cycling Corps.
Here's an excerpt from the page:
An upscale 3,000sq ft boutique for all things cycling, Richmond Bicycle Studio is owned and operated by RCC. Launched on September 17th, 2011, RBS has become Richmond Cycling Corps' primary source of financial underwriting. The 'studio' specializes in high-end solutions to bicycle sales, service, fit, and indoor cycling classes.
So, what you spend in the bike studio on classes, fittings, clothes, etc. goes to support the youth programs.
It's not just about cycling with the youth. It's more than that. Read on...
Corps Needs- Systematic outreach, mentorship, and personal support for youth in the Cycling Corps program. From setting up and transporting to doctor’s appointments and driver’s education classes, to providing employment opportunities, school supplies, clothing, cooperating with school administration, Social Services, and/or Child Protection Services, we fully support each and every youth in ‘The Corps.’
Lunch Corps- We realize that involving ourselves within as many facets of our youth member’s lives is crucial to serving our purpose—and so we’ve created the Lunch Corps. For those youth whom we feel need a bit more individual attention, RCC will spend lunch with the youth at their school.
RCC Youth LAB- Another bold move by RCC, the LAB (Learning Around Bicycles) is a one-of-a-kind, 2,000sq ft. space designated for inner-city youth to learn bicycle mechanics, a trade, a skill, and an outlet for creativity through bicycle inspired art. The RCC Youth LAB launched on December 1st of 2012-- further establishing RCC as the most successful and revolutionary cycling-based outreach program in existence.
At RCC, our youth don't just try, they create. From T-shirt designs, handpainted bicycles, to producing the official logo for a country's national cycling team (Team Rwanda), our youth create amazing bicycle-inspired-art within Youth LAB.
Craig is making a difference in the community. He's giving back and he's very passionate about his youth. It's inspiring and you walk out feeling inspired. At the end of our fitting we talked about an upcoming new effort at Armstrong High School. He's selling products to generate revenue for this program. The Daily Scrub will be donating soap for Craig to sell at his kick-off event in November. We will also plan to create a special soap for his project and donate that as well in the future. We are honored to be a part of his efforts and are willing to help in any way we can. Please take a moment to visit their website and support their cause!
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