ReCyclery spins into new digs

The Asheville ReCyclery—a nonprofit, volunteer-run bike shop that helps people repair their bikes by providing tools, recycled parts and repair assistance—is on the move for the seventh time in its four-year existence.

The wheel deal: ReCyclery volunteer Kiesten Elliot helps unload bikes at the group’s new home behind the French Broad Food Co-op. photo by Jonathan Welch

This time, the ReCyclery has been taken under the wing of the French Broad Food Co-Op, which is allowing the bikers to set up shop in the basement of the downtown grocery store. After starting out in the now-defunct Asheville Community Resource Center on Lexington Avenue, the ReCyclery has bounced around among various basements, sheds and warehouses, as well as a space in the Phil Mechanic building. 

The latest move comes as quite a blessing, members say, as the ReCyclery was recently evicted from its most recent home on West Craven Street. In May, Mountain Xpress published an article about the shop’s impending eviction which was spotted by Steve Watts, general manager of the co-op, who has facilitated the ReCyclery/co-op team-up.

“That [article] was how I learned of their plight,” Watts says. “I’ve been a cyclist for a long time. It’s something that is near and dear to my heart, so it just seemed like a good match. The co-op is glad to be able to help out another community-oriented nonprofit, and we’re all really excited about it.”

The ReCyclery plans to open its doors (well, one door, but a really big one) on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 4 p.m. Hours will be Tuesday through Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. The group welcomes community members to stop by, whether they’re in need of a bike or some repair work, or want to lend a hand of their own. The entrance to the ReCyclery’s new location is around back of the co-op, which is at 90 Biltmore Ave.

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