Phoenix Bikes

Unix Bikes is a nonprofit that combines youth education programs with the full service bike shop. Every year we serve over 300 students. Arnav Bike is the first program that we offer. Kids 12 to 18 can sign up. They learn the skills of bicycle repair. They repair a bike for someone in the community. And at the end they get to choose their own bike, fix it up and keep it. It's a free program that allows you to pay for anything. And anybody in the community or anybody that's near Phoenix Bikes can sign up. When I first earned my bike at Phoenix Bikes, that was the best feeling. I was in love with that bike because it was my first bike. I worked hard for it and I can take care of it. And it felt so good that I accomplished one of my goals. At Phoenix Bikes, when I was 15, I went through the Arnav Bike program. I was considered a student. I went through different positions such as the youth internship, race, captain. I did assistant shop manager. The most recent job I have right now is the shop manager. For me, it's been a place of growth, opportunities and just a place to be a role model for other people. I feel My relationship with Noa is possibly one of the best relationships because he's always guided me. He showed me how community can be, how you can accomplish your goals. I definitely look up to him as my idol and mentor. I enjoy watching the students grow, especially because sometimes you see them start with very low motivation and as they go through the program, they feel They get more confident in their skills. They end up making more friends. They participate in more programs that we offer. They're so eager to just talk to customers, learn about how the whole organization works. We offer those opportunities. It's free, but they understand that they're actually learning a lot from Phoenix. In their internship, I learned how to fix bikes. I also learned communication skills to communicate with customers, to communicate with friends. The most interesting thing I The atmosphere at the cyclocross race is very exciting. You join in, you feel Joining in, everyone's going to welcome you when you participate in a cyclocross race. Racing has become one of the most important things in my life. When I put the Phoenix Bikes uniform, I feel really special. I feel part of the team because I'm wearing the same clothes they are wearing. The support is very crazy. When everyone sees you, they yell out your name. Once you hear their voice, you just can't stop. When I finish, it feels awesome. I did this. It's an emotion you can't describe. I must have happiness, proud. It's all of my hard work paid off. I'm thankful to Phoenix Bikes because I started an internship which helped me learn more advanced mechanics. I'm very thankful to Phoenix Bikes for giving me opportunities. Phoenix does feel They always have the positive energy. You can talk to them about anything. They look I am a better person than Phoenix Bikes. Phoenix Bikes is so much more than a bike shop. We're always trying new things. We want to expand our program so we can reach more of our local youth.