We’re having some fun up here on the Olympic Peninsula. A small group of lifelong cyclists are inspired to start a school, Port Townsend Cycle School. Website coming soon.
A permanent home is proving hard to find and we may decide to build ours. In the meantime, I’m going to start by teaching wheelbuilding classes for the first time in a few years:
Wheel Building 1, Introduction to Lacing and Truing
Anyone can build a bicycle wheel. Obstacles are few and mostly self imposed. Learn a mistake-proof method along with important wheel and component theory. Each student will build their own wheel, receiving one-on-guidance. All tools and parts are supplied for this 2 day adventure. Class size is limited to 12. Dates: Sat-Sun, April 21-22 and Sat-Sun, July 14-15. Cost: $300.
Tried and True.
Wheel Building 2, Attaining Proficiency
Intended for those currently building (prereq of WB 1 or equivalent), to take your skills to the next level. More sophisticated tools, experience, and measurement is necessary to build professionally and profitably. Each will build a wheel and analyze the results. Focus is on process refinement for greater quality and speed. We'll be using P&K Lie truing stands and digital tensiometers with download! Class size is limited to 6. Dates: Sat-Sun, June 23-24. Cost: $400.
No shortcuts for these guys.
Wheel Building - Level 3, Wheel Design and Engineering
Decades of manufacturing and building experience are distilled into a 2 day intensive for established builders and students of the category. Wheel mastery can be difficult to attain because data on how and what works is seriously scarce. Join us for 2 exciting days of demystification and full disclosure. Lecture and presentation plus hands-on with special tools, class size is limited to 20. Date: Fri-Sat, May 24-25. Some of you will recognize this as the sort of material shared at the PBMA's Portland Clinic in February. Cost: $300.
Same as it ever was!
These will be hosted at the Port Townsend School of the Arts at Fort Worden in Port Townsend. It's a spacious and lovely facility but only available to us through July.
While there are as many ways to build as builders themselves, information and examples add immeasurably to a learning curve. A beginner needs access to a trouble free method and examples from which to build a style that works. These classes are full disclosure from someone who loves the task and has spoken to as many builders as perhaps anyone else. Join the conversation!
Send questions to me (ric@wheelfanatyk.com). For registration, contact Nora at ptcyclingschool@gmail.com.
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