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Paul Griessel at the bike service station Photo provided
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What do Google Headquarters, Stanford University and Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church have in common? They are all home to DERO Fixit Bicycle Service Stations.
A new DERO Fixit, Air Kit Tire Pump and Swerve Racks are available on the corner of the Holy Shepherd property on Moraga Way in Orinda thanks to the Eagle Scout project of Paul Griessel, a junior at Acalanes High School and member of Troop 303. When Griessel approached Pastor John Valentine about doing an Eagle Scout Project at the church, Valentine mentioned the many bike riders who try to repair bikes in the church parking lot but have no tools. Valentine had heard of the DERO Fixit and was interested in having one available in the community. "As soon as Pastor Valentine talked about this as a potential project I knew it was the one I wanted to do as I am passionate about sports and the environment," said Griessel.
Moraga Way is part of the Lafayette-Orinda-Moraga Loop, a 17-mile bike route that is traveled by hundreds of bike riders every week. There is a bus stop at the corner, so bike riders can even leave their bikes parked at the church and hop on the bus to BART. "The project is designed so that recreational cyclists and also commuters in the neighborhood can all take advantage of the Fixit and Swerve Racks," commented Griessel.
The Fixit includes all the tools necessary to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat to adjusting brakes and derailleurs. The tools and air pump are securely attached to the stand with stainless steel cables and tamper-proof fasteners. "There is also a QR code on the Fixit so that smartphone users can look up common repair 'how-tos' when they are at the service station," explained Griessel. Hanging the bike from the hanger arms allows the pedals and wheels to spin freely while making adjustments.
The project took over a year to plan and execute with many revisions drawn by Griessel and discussed with the city of Orinda, Pastor Valentine and Eagle Scout Adviser, Bruce McGurk, PhD. Prior to installing the equipment, concrete had to be poured and pavers put down to make a flat pad. "There has been a lot of work involved but I have been grateful for the opportunity to give back to the Lamorinda community," said Griessel. "I would like to thank members of my troop, Walker Lambert, Cole Wolf, Tommy Brovelli, Jacob Griessel, Eric Leblanc and Liam Glynn, for helping on the construction."
The Swerve Racks, which support the bicycle at two points and allows for the wheel and frame to be secured using a u-style bike lock, provide high security and easy bike parking. There is parking for a total of eight bikes at the church.
"Cyclists will be able to locate the service station using an app on their phone and a map of the stations worldwide is available on www.dero.com," explained Griessel. "I hope the project has made a lasting impression and that future Eagle Scouts will be able to duplicate the service stations in other locations in Lamorinda."
For information about Orinda Boy Scout Troop 303, contact Scoutmaster Jim Brovelli at (925) 997-8437 or visit www.bsatroop303.com.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA