KVIBE

Nature Of The Experiment.

2012-03-09T03:16:00.008-05:00

The Great Kalihi Cargo Haul will occur on March 17, 2012. As it is now spring, it will be the first group bicycle ride hosted by KVIBE this year. The leisurely group bicycle ride will start at the warehouse and travel to Kokua Kalihi Valley’s Nature Preserve, Ho'oulu 'Aina. From there, participants will work on the land and learn about the mysteries of Kalihi Valley.

Everyone is encouraged to participate. Please note that any participant under eighteen years of age is required to have legal guardian consent forms. As it is a group bicycle ride, participants of all ages must wear a helmet. Courtesy of the efforts of the UH Manoa Nursing students, Queens Medical Center has made one hundred helmets avaliable to the youth free of charge. To obtain helmets and/or sign up for The Great Kalihi Cargo Haul, please visit KVIBE during normal operational hours.

KVIBE is also extremely proud to announce that the program will release a new logo. Designed and hand-drawn by Eilif Knutson, the new logo will coincide with the launching of mobile KVIBE. Coincidentally, Eilif is also the artist of The Great Kalihi Cargo Haul’s poster.

McCully Bicycle will be sponsoring a complete PureFix one-gear bicycle. The bicycle will be raffled to youth participants who complete the group ride and work intelligently at KKV’s Nature Preserve. Other incentives include gifts from Clif Bar, Terrible One BMX, Fresh Cafe, and the Department of Health. Our sponsors are extremely generous folk and KVIBE is appreciative of their kind gestures.

If you have a bicycle that has been collecting dust in storage, get it outdoors! Neither bicycles nor humans are meant to live stagnant lives. Ride with us at The Great Kalihi Cargo Haul.

The Great Kalihi Cargo Haul | March 17, 2012 | 1638 Kamehameha IV Road

Stay Alive, Ride a (Cargo) Bicycle.

2012-03-07T02:59:00.012-05:00

The perfect car was invented nearly two-hundred years ago...it’s called a bicycle. Modern transportation has thus far been marred by decadent luxuries. A human riding a bicycle in a rainstorm understands the environment. A human driving an automobile in a rainstorm understands air conditioning and satellite radio.

KVIBE is proud to welcome a Metrofiets cargo bicycle to its stable. Metrofiets is a small domestic company situated in Portland, Oregon. All parts of the cargo bicycle are hand-made in Oregon and has the capacity to ferry loads up to four hundred pounds. Approximately nine feet long, the Metrofiets cargo bicycle makes for a lasting impression.

Portland’s Splendid Cycles is a small bicycle shop that only stocks cargo bicycles; the shop's quirky motto is “One Less Truck.” True to form, KVIBE’s Metrofiets cargo bicycle will serve as a mobile workstation - no automobile necessary. Funded by the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Healthy Hawaii Initiative, KVIBE’s mobile workstation will be an extension of its brick-and-mortar warehouse.

The Great Kalihi Cargo Haul will launch KVIBE’s mobile workstation. The event will be hosted on March 17, 2012 at 7AM. Everyone is welcome to participate in the group bicycle ride to Kokua Kalihi Valley’s Nature Preserve (approximately two miles from the warehouse). Parental consent forms are required for ALL participants under eighteen years of age.

Additionally, The Great Kalihi Cargo Haul will mark the distribution of one hundred free helmets to youth. All youth are encouraged to claim a free helmet - courtesy of the UH Manoa Nursing students and Queen’s Medical Center - via parental consent forms. All consent forms are available at KVIBE during normal operational hours.

KVIBE’s mobile workstation will provide bicycle mechanics, safety, and advocacy for better pedestrian and/or bicycling infrastructure. The cargo bicycle will soon visit neighborhood public schools and community centers that welcome its presence. Please consider riding alongside mobile KVIBE at The Great Kalihi Cargo Haul.

The Great Kalihi Cargo Haul | March 17, 2012 | Ride a (Cargo) Bicycle

It's Time To Go and Define Your Destination.

2012-03-04T03:07:00.007-05:00

Every Saturday, KVIBE’s brick-and-mortar warehouse is open for a busy five hours. Five hours of wrenching, learning, and somewhat controlled chaos. This past Saturday was interesting, as many of KVIBE’s friends came out to lend a hand. Cycle Manoa’s Nathan Domier and Rebekah Phillips, McCully Bicycle/Cambio-Core’s Greg Wessel, and UH Manoa Nursing student Molly Ashkenas rode from various whereabouts to arrive at the KVIBE warehouse.

Upon arriving, Jeff Ideta of The Flat Tire and KVIBE volunteer Larry Victorino were on hand to greet the commuting cyclists. The office was filled with even more bicycles via additions from KVIBE volunteers Eilif Knutson and Mark John Mangayayam. It was apparent that everyone was amongst friends.

One donated Sachs chain, numerous pinched fingers, and a few cargo bicycle rides later, KVIBE closed its doors for the afternoon. As the youth mingled outwards, the conversation shifted towards the upcoming weeks. In conjunction with the UH Manoa Nursing program and Queens Medical Center, KVIBE will be providing up to one hundred helmets to Kalihi youth. To launch KVIBE’s mobile workshop, there will be a group bicycle ride to Kokua Kalihi Valley’s Nature Preserve, Ho'oulu 'Aina.

Entitled “The Great Kalihi Cargo Haul,” the group bicycle ride will occur on March 17th. All youth wishing to participate must acquire parental consent. Parental consent forms are available at KVIBE anytime during operational hours. More information to follow soon, but please feel free to friend KVIBE for behind-the-scenes particulars. In the meantime, Ride a Bicycle.

Knock Knock on the Door of the House.

2012-02-07T00:57:00.008-05:00

Riding a bicycle reconnects people to their community. The ridiculousness of the hustle-and-bustle of rushing to one’s next destination is muted on a bicycle. The amiable mode of transportation provides the opportunity for humans to interact with other humans. Coincidentally, bicycles often move faster then automobiles on an overpopulated island.

Courtesy of the Hawaii Department of Health’s Healthy Hawaii Initiative, KVIBE was given the opportunity to provide Kokua Kalihi Valley (KKV) staff with a fleet of bicycles. The bicycles were titled “KKVHKL” as in “KKVehicle” and uniformly colored pink. Designed for KKV staff to utilize during operational hours for transportation and/or exercise, the KKVHKLs are now fully launched.

Josie Sagisi of KKV’s Gulick Elder Center occasionally pilots a KKVHKL for client home visits - photo by Merlita Compton. Leisurely pedaling a bicycle to deliver clients’ goods provides time to learn the contours of the neighborhood’s landscape. KKVHKL bicycles promote KKV’s mission of wellness throughout the community.

Soon to accompany KKVHKLs will be Mobile KVIBE. A domestically made cargo bicycle is currently en route to Honolulu from Oregon. Mobile KVIBE will allow the brick-and-mortar bicycle education program to be portable. It is with great hope that Mobile KVIBE will establish a physical advocacy for bicycles on a small island. Ride a Bicycle.

The Quinquennial of Aloha Fixed.

2012-01-31T01:05:00.003-05:00

Aloha Fixed wants to be your friend.

“Aloha Fixed duplicated SF Fixed in the sense that it was message board to get people riding fixed-gear together,” explains Ryan Lau. Having spent the previous years in San Francisco - where the ridership of fixed-gears was burgeoning - Ryan conceived Aloha Fixed in late 2007. Because of the immediate popularity of a convenient online meeting place, Honolulu fixed-gear bicyclists flocked towards the brand.

It was Franz Bruggemeier that helped Ryan find his first bicycle in San Francisco, “a Eddy Merckx Windsor with full Campy components for four hundred dollars.” An avid skateboarder, Ryan found bicycling as a way to commute around town. In those early days Ryan would befriend other San Francisco skateboarders turned fixed-gear bicyclists in the form of MASH SF.

Much like MASH SF, Ryan hopes to broaden the spectrum of Aloha Fixed. Currently Aloha Fixed functions primarily as a message board - the message board is heavily utilized by HNL Bike Polo players - with occasional blogs documenting fixed-gear bicycling in Honolulu and the culture that surrounds it. According to Ryan, “Aloha Fixed is here to support what is going on with bikes (in Hawaii).”

Aloha Fixed plans to move forward with more video documentation, rider meet-ups, and partnerships with bicycle-related organizations. As this is the fifth year of Aloha Fixed, there will be more emphasis on new products and sponsorship of riders. More events are also slated for the year including Aloha Sunday - the event that gathers fixed-gear enthusiasts from around the state and afar.

Through it all, Aloha Fixed is about encouraging people to ride bicycles. Ryan recalls how there was “so much mystery behind fixed-gears back then.” Nowadays the one-gear bicycles are difficult to miss on Honolulu streets. In the past Ryan has stated, “Come out and ride...people who ride fixed in Hawaii are friendly about riding. If you like bikes, they’ll like you.” Five years later, Aloha Fixed still wants to be your friend.

Aloha Fixed | Fixing Aloha since 2007 | www.alohafixed.com

Move with Aloha.

2012-01-25T02:55:00.005-05:00

a public service announcement courtesy of UH Manoa Administration and Cycle Manoa. Move with Aloha.

The Common Man's Sport.

2012-01-10T04:07:00.010-05:00

It is rumored that Mahatma Gandhi declared, “bike polo is the common man’s sport, everyone has a bike.” Gandhi’s quote was handwritten and adorned at the door of Eilif Knutson’s room in Corvallis. During the wet winter months, dedicated bike polo enthusiasts would gather at a court under an overpass to explore the sport.

The modern incarnation of bike polo is played on an enclosed court. A plastic street hockey ball is placed in the middle of the court as two teams (three players to a team) tousle with bicycles and mallets. Each team has a goal post set up with traffic cones and the object of the game is to score five points in the opposing team’s goal. Players who dab - touch the ground with their foot - must undertake a penalty by tapping in at a designated point to return to the game.

Geoff Jones, an outreach counselor at Kalakaua Middle School has been playing bike polo regularly for a year in Honolulu. Jones found bike polo through mutual bicycle friends who were curious about the sport. At last year’s Broken Coconuts Bike Polo Tournament, Jones’ team was declared as the champion. Jones encourages “anyone who rides a bike” to play bike polo as it is “an affordable sport and lots of people are willing to loan mallets and bicycles.”

HNL Bike Polo is played twice weekly at Makiki District Park: Wednesdays from 6PM until close and Sundays from 4PM until close. HNL Bike Polo was started by Garrett Rawlins in September 2009. Rawlins considers HNL Bike Polo to be a communal organization, stating “in the world of cycling this is a fun way to compete without the bureaucracy of a larger organization...bike polo is very do-it-yourself.”

These days HNL Bike Polo maintains an internet presence via the efforts of Mark Lavender, Jorge Portillo, and Christopher Morgado. Lavender, a UH Manoa Philosophy student and glass-blowing artist, remembers attending an Aloha Sunday bicycle event and being encouraged to “grab a mallet and try!”

Lavender would not miss a single bike polo day for three months afterwards. He began gathering contact information from anyone mildly interested in bike polo and informing them consistently that the weekly meet-ups were occurring. As the excitement of bike polo began building, so did the attendance. Lavender hopes to educate the general public that bike polo is a sport and players are athletes. The ultimate goal, according to Lavender, is for Honolulu to host regional bike polo tournaments.

Any bicycle is allowed to be utilized at bike polo. Knutson remembers his first “polo bike” as a bicycle with no seat and duct tape for construction. Knutson has been playing bike polo in Oregon for the last six years and views HNL Bike Polo as “exciting. Its nostalgic because there is an excitement in Honolulu that people are still experimenting with the sport.” Montessori teacher Molly Jenkins is one of those people that has begun experimenting with bike polo.

Jenkins, a recent Honolulu transplant from the Pacific Northwest, has been using bicycles as her primary mode of transportation for nine years. Having heard of bike polo in Seattle but never participating, she decided to spectate the sport in Honolulu. Jenkins never intended to actually play but “everyone was super welcoming and I couldn’t turn them down.”

Nationally, bike polo’s popularity is growing exponentially. Several domestic bicycle component companies are constructing and selling bike polo mallets and related paraphernalia. A World Hardcourt Bike Polo tournament is held annually, drawing participants from afar. Rawlins believes the appeal of bike polo is how a bicycle becomes united with the user. Bike polo entrusts users to do much more then just propelling bicycles in a forward motion.

The collision of mallets and bicycles will resonate. 3-2-1-POLO!

HNL Bike Polo | Makiki District Park | www.hnlbikepolo.com

Where The Tall(er) Wheelmen Roam.

2012-01-06T02:19:00.014-05:00

On any given Wednesday or Sunday evening, the valley of Manoa is filled with the distinctive sounds of tinkering. Upon further inspection, the merriment of friends converging and laboring on bicycles is apparent. This humble bicycle workspace is known as Cycle Manoa.

Since 2008, the UH Manoa student volunteer organization has been dedicated to promoting and advocating for bicycling. Cycle Manoa provides free hands-on bicycle instruction to university students. The organization seeks to empower students to learn about bicycles and to encourage bicycling as a lifestyle.

Cycle Manoa was instrumental in advocating for sharrows - shared lane pavement markings - throughout the UH Manoa campus and Dole Street. Currently, the organization is campaigning for bike lanes on Waialae Avenue.

On the last day of 2011, coordinator Nathan Domier and volunteer Ryan Nakamura paid a visit to KVIBE. Both Domier and Nakamura immediately went to work utilizing their bicycle knowledge to assist Kalihi’s youth.

Domier, a “super senior” in MIS and International Business recalls summers bicycling across town (in native Chicago) with friends. Domier arrived in Honolulu for college and quickly realized that he needed a mode of transportation. Domier found Cycle Manoa and a community of friends with a shared interest in bicycles.

Nakamura, a sophomore in Japanese, found bicycling at a later age. Nakamura befriended Cycle Manoa mechanic Zeb Brown in a dormitory elevator. After seeing Brown’s bicycle, Nakamura began clamouring for his very own. With Brown, Nakamura is currently working towards forming “Team Cycle Manoa” as a registered collegiate cycling team.

Although Cycle Manoa and KVIBE share similarities, both programs have very different instructional approaches and patrons. KVIBE looks forward to developing a good working partnership with Cycle Manoa to promote bicycling. With great hope, the youth of Kalihi will view college as a viable career option through the coolness of Cycle Manoa. Please consider being a friend of Cycle Manoa.

Cycle Manoa | Educate, Advocate, Ride | www.cyclemanoa.org

When We Were Younger & Better.

2011-12-27T23:29:00.004-05:00

There is a screen in front of a bicycle’s handlebars. The screen displays people, machines, and weather in-motion. The view varies from familiar neighborhoods to uncharted foothills. Often enough the screen is interactive, allowing the operator to pause and converse with surroundings. Highly technological illuminated screens have yet to achieve the simple joys of riding a bicycle.

Thirteen-year-old Mark Fagaragan rides a bicycle outside of Kalihi twice a week. Until recently Mark has made journeys via a trusty 20-inch BMX bicycle. Last week Mark earned a 700c/29er track bicycle at KVIBE. Courtesy of a generous donation by UH Manoa graduate student Annie Hollis, Mark will now have the ability to venture further.

A larger wheel allows for longer wheel travel. Mark describes his newfound bicycle experiences as “awesome...I feel more comfortable to ride.” There are plans to ride as far as Waikiki and as nearby as Aloha Tower. Mark rides bicycles “because it is a lot of fun, and you can go anywhere without paying...you can just use your bicycle.”

KVIBE/Kokua Kalihi Valley is proud to welcome two new volunteers: Mark John Mangayayam and Eilif Knutson. Mark John is a Farrington High School senior who was recently accepted to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Eilif is a bicycle advocate, artist, farmer, everyman from Corvallis, Oregon who is currently residing in Honolulu on winter hiatus.

As KVIBE positions itself for an eventful 2012, please remember that the program exists purely out of the public goodwill. Donations are graciously accepted to promote bicycling as a healthy endeavor for the youth of Kalihi.

Mr. Cheever's Bicycle Emporium.

2011-12-14T00:19:00.003-05:00

David Cheever is seventy-three-years-old. About two weeks ago Mr. Cheever decided to open a bicycle shop. Wiki Bikes is located in the Nuuanu neighborhood with noticeably large green “BIKE” lettering announcing the storefront. The “BIKE” lettering is recycled from Mr. Cheever’s former bicycle shop, The Bike Way.

Indeed, Wiki Bikes is Mr. Cheever’s second bicycle shop in Honolulu. With a mere two hundred fifty square feet of space, Wiki Bikes is adorned with beautiful vintage bicycles. Freshly painted storage containers - all recycled and/or salvaged - host a variety of shop tools and bicycle-related literature. Period cycling paraphernalia and souvenirs top off Wiki Bikes decor of timelessness.

“This is exactly what I wanted (Wiki Bikes), a small community store for people to hang out,” explains Mr. Cheever. There are many long-term plans for Wiki Bikes - including providing coffee for guests on morning commutes - but most progressively is Mr. Cheever’s hope to provide employment to youth in the neighborhood.

Mr. Cheever believes that youth can learn a lot from being employed. He envisions Wiki Bikes as a place where youth will learn the business of bicycle retail. On any given afternoon, curious middle-school students will peek inside the bicycle shop before scurrying away to purchase pop at the corner store. Mr. Cheever predicts that it will take a year for his plan to manifest itself.

For now, Mr. Cheever is Wiki Bikes’ only employee. There is an occasional volunteer; Mrs. Cheever and daughter Jill handle all the shop’s finances. But most afternoons it is Mr. Cheever wrenching away at bicycles and making connections in the neighborhood. Retirement is not on Mr. Cheever’s agenda anytime soon.

Wiki Bikes | 1951 Pacific Heights Road | www.wikibikes.net

This Must Be The Place.

2011-12-09T01:08:00.004-05:00

“I myself find that the physical sensation of self-powered transport coupled with the feeling of self-control endemic to this two-wheeled situation is nicely empowering and reassuring, even if temporary, and it is enough to center me for the rest of the day.” - David Byrne.

For the last six months, twelve-year-old Dallin Sossin has been frequenting KVIBE. Dallin began with a BMX bicycle until his bicycling interests began to outgrow 20-inch wheels. For months Dallin ogled at a donated vintage Fuji bicycle frame hanging idly inside KVIBE’s warehouse. With each generous donation by the public, Dallin began collecting parts to refurbish the tiny Fuji bicycle frame.

Weeks and months passed.

Dallin has spent his entire existence in the Kalihi neighborhood. Dallin lists “biking, video games, and sleeping” as his favorite activities. Prior to visiting KVIBE, Dallin had minimal knowledge about the nifty bits of a bicycle.

This week Dallin built his first fixed gear bicycle.

The kindness of public donations to the KVIBE program will empower Kalihi youth to discover a fervor for bicycling - human-powered transport at its finest. Ride a Bicycle.

The Explanation Is Simple.

2011-11-21T23:10:00.008-05:00

“Humans were meant to ride bicycles, or else we could never accomplish the feat. Scientists cannot explain how a bicycle stays upright. There are too many forces and variables. We can shoot a metal can across our solar system but there are not enough mathematical formulas to explain how a six-year-old child rides a bike. The explanation is simple. We already know how to ride bikes. We just need to remember it.

We never stop remembering how to ride a bike. When you become older and slower you can sometimes go faster than ever if you use everything you know about riding a bike.

It is always sweet for that reason, but never like the first time. Remember that first time. Remember how to ride. And remember, of course, how true it really is that we never forget how to ride a bicycle.” - Bill Strickland, editor-at-large of Bicycling magazine.

KVIBE will be open on Saturday, November 26th and resumes normal operational hours the following week. Take a moment to spend some time with family and friends this week. Please consider writing a brief passage about what bicycling means to you at the first ever Bicycle Poetry Contest, occurring via the facebook page. Headwinds!

The Poet is The Priest of The Invisible.

2011-11-18T00:36:00.008-05:00

“When we see the messengers on that bike, that's just trust and balance. They just say, 'I'm coming at it. I don't care if the cars are going to swerve.' It's beautiful watching them on their bicycles. But we do that in our relationships. It's the same bike. We are continuing relationships through trust and balance." - Nikki Giovanni, Distinguished Professor of English at Virginia Tech and author of Bicycles Love Poems.

The written language is beautiful. The capacity to convey human emotions and sentiments through written word cements humans as intelligent creatures. For as long as the written word has existed, there has been poetry. Poetry is a form of literary art in which language is used for its aesthetic and evocative qualities in addition to, or in lieu of, its apparent meaning.

With a bicycle, a person may seek to venture outwards of their surroundings. With each new terrain, an appreciation of nervous beauty awaits. Discoveries make for the grandest of poems.

KVIBE is now hosting its first ever Bicycle Poetry Contest. All entries must be submitted via the KVIBE facebook page (box located at the lower left hand corner of this blog) and users may vote for their favorite(s) there. Top three bicycle poems will be posted on this blog. For more details, please visit the KVIBE facebook page.

"wind pushes into me, I am a sail for the wrong, direction - HEADWIND."

A Door Is Always Open If It Isn't Closed.

2011-11-08T02:01:00.004-05:00

A bicycle is only a bicycle if a human operates it. Otherwise it is a triangular piece of steel, wheels, and other nifty bits. A bicycle’s nifty bits are simple to a seasoned cyclist but confusing to a novice. KVIBE aims to bridge the gap by providing the youth of Kalihi with the skills necessary to upkeep their own bicycles.

Twelve-year-old Harmony Sprain came to KVIBE to learn about bicycles. A recent transplant to Kalihi Valley, Harmony attends Dole Middle School. Faced with the onerous task of walking up and down the valley to get to school, Harmony approached the program to see if she could acquire a bicycle to expedite her commute.

On a Saturday afternoon Harmony learned how to release pedals, handlebars, change a tire and tube, and service several nifty bits of a bicycle. With the help of KVIBE volunteer Sergio Garzon, Harmony was given a hands-on tutorial of all the nuances for a bicycle to function. By the end of the day Harmony rode off on her bicycle with a plethora of bicycle knowledge.

Harmony’s bicycle was courtesy of a generous donation by an adult. Without generous contributions by the community, it would be difficult for KVIBE to provide bicycle education to Kalihi’s youth. Please consider donating to the program if it finds you well. Ride a Bicycle.

Volunteer Spotlight : Aaron Kosuga.

2011-10-26T15:04:00.003-04:00

Aaron Kosuga still has his first bicycle. Ask Aaron about bicycles and he will tell tales of all his bicycles, from a Huffy Mudslinger to GT Pro Performer and how exactly he acquired them.

Aaron’s journey to Kalihi began when he met a girl which became his “gateway into Kalihi.” He started riding bicycles with the Gorospe brothers and was introduced to the KVIBE program. Two years later Aaron met volunteer Larry Victorino at the warehouse and was prompted to become a volunteer himself.

These days Aaron may be found at KVIBE wrenching on numerous complicated projects. Aaron has taken it upon himself to wrench and hammer projects to favorable outcomes. When Aaron is not helping the youth of KVIBE he is seen riding his custom low-rider cruiser bicycle. Aaron is proud of his low-rider cruiser bicycle as it was “a year in the making.”

Patience and persistent, Aaron’s vision of KVIBE is to make it “a place - no matter what age a person is - to walk out with bicycle knowledge.” Aaron views KVIBE as place for friends and community to catch up and work on bicycles together. If it finds you well, please come visit Aaron at KVIBE.

The Persephone Myth.

2011-10-17T21:50:00.006-04:00

More girls should ride bicycles. Whomever began the notion that cycling is a boy’s sport is sorely misinformed. As Jackson Stewart - coordinator of USA Cycling’s Women’s Development Program - states: “the truth is, men just don’t pay attention to women’s racing...but once you’re part of it you see hard they (women) ride, and your perspective changes in a hurry.”

KVIBE strongly encourages girls to build and ride bicycles. With a warehouse of various parts and children's frames, any girl that wants to ride a bicycle shall. As evidenced by the Rain family: Valerie (age 11), Vaivesst (age 10), Bernartita (age 9), and Jaleina (age 10) all girls whom want to learn about bicycles will indeed.

The last week KVIBE has been actively working behind the scenes. KVIBE soft-launched a fleet of pink Kokua Kalihi Valley (KKV) staff bicycles on October 12, 2011. Built in-house, the fleet will hopefully encourage KKV staff to use bicycles in Kalihi rather then automobiles. Additionally, KVIBE welcomed new adult volunteer Sergio Garzon. Sergio officially began as a volunteer on October 15, 2011.

This week KVIBE will be open during normal operational hours. If it finds anyone well, please drop by with donations to support youth bicycling in Kalihi and beyond. Ride a Bicycle.

A Kalihi Melee - The Short Film.

2011-10-14T01:52:00.007-04:00

Bigger Build With Horns.

2011-10-12T01:19:00.007-04:00

“It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” - Ernest Hemingway

KVIBE will be closed on October 12, 2011. The warehouse will reopen on Friday shortly after 1PM. Use the brief absence of KVIBE to go out and ride a bicycle. Ride your bicycle deep into a valley, venture further then before and discover new ground.

Additionally, the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Neighborhood Board meeting will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 7PM. The Ala Wai Club House (404 Kapahulu Avenue) will host the meeting and anyone concerned about the upcoming repave of Waialae Avenue should attend. Please consider signing an online petition in support.

Ride Hard and Earn the Downhill.

The Mahalo of Melee.

2011-10-04T00:52:00.005-04:00

“Gratitude is something of which none of us can give too much. For on the smiles, the thanks we give, our little gestures of appreciation, our neighbors build their philosophy of life.” - A. J. Cronin.

A Kalihi Melee occurred on October 1, 2011 at KVIBE. It was a scorching Saturday in a parking lot filled with bicycles and activity. Smoothies were slung and bicycles were distributed to overjoyed youth. The Melee was a day for Kokua Kalihi Valley (KKV) and KVIBE to give back to the community of Kalihi. And it was grand.

A Kalihi Melee would not have existed without the generous help from:

Jesse Lipman, KKV’s Roots Food Coordinator
Larry Victorino and Aaron Kosuga, KVIBE Volunteers
Joreen Range, KKV Maintenance Supervisor
Gracie Suaglar, KKV’s Family Strengthening Specialist
Ho'oulu 'Aina Nature Preserve Program
Megan Inada, KKV’s Tobacco Cessation
Honolulu Police Department - HPD Bike Fleet
the crew of HNL Bike Polo
Cycle Manoa - UH Manoa’s Bicycle Education Program

Prize Sponsorships were received from:
BMX Hawaii
The Kickstand
McCully Bicycle and Sporting Goods
Hardway Bikes
Limon Productions

Additionally Appreciation should be forwarded to:
KJ and Cuyler Yogi of BikeFactory
Jonathon Lott
Ralph Cady
Jared Christenot
Tyler Kueffner
Matthew Acosta and Tino Espiritu of CambioCore
Ilana Nimz
Evan Loney

thank y’all. ride a bicycle.
new KVIBE logo designed by Jorge Portillo.

Our Little Corner of Kalihi.

2011-09-30T14:39:00.008-04:00

On Saturday, October 1st, KVIBE and KKV’s Roots Food Program will host “A Kalihi Melee.” The event will take place at KVIBE -located at 1638 Kamehameha IV Road- beginning at 10AM and ending at 2PM. The purpose of the event is to showcase KVIBE and Kokua Kalihi Valley’s various programs promoting wellness for the people of Kalihi Valley.

KKV’s Roots Food Program will have cooking demonstrations with foods grown in the Ho’oulu ‘Aina Nature Park’s community gardens in the back of Kalihi Valley. Roots Food inspires the community of Kalihi Valley to be harmonious with food, land and the ways they bring us together. KKV’s Family Strengthening Program will have sewing demonstrations and information about services offered - such as ESL support. Regular KVIBE volunteer and wrench junkie Galen will assist KKV’s Tobacco Cessation Program in a demonstration.

Meanwhile, Cycle Manoa - UH Manoa’s Bicycle Education Advocacy Program - will be on site with a bicycle-powered blender. KKV’s Roots Food will bring fresh food for the blender and KVIBE will supplement with frozen fruit. Smoothies will be free for youth whom want to pedal for their smoothies. HNL Bike Polo and The Kickstand will have bicycle polo basics and perhaps mallet-construction.

BMX Hawaii will sponsor all BMX activites organized by KJ and Cuyler Yogi. McCully Bicycle has sponsored A Kalihi Melee with a complete Giant Method BMX bicycle that will be given away via raffle - information and eligibility available during the Melee. Courtesy of KKV’s Family Strengthening Specialist Gracie Suaglar, the Honolulu Police Department’s Bicycle Fleet will make an appearance at A Kalihi Melee at noon to confirm that there are indeed law enforcement careers for cycling enthusiasts.

Ilana Nimz - artist of A Kalihi Melee’s flier - has hand-painted a one-of-a-kind-KVIBE hat. A silent auction will be occur during the Melee; donations will benefit the cycling youth of Kalihi. Please consider supporting KVIBE by submitting a bid for an elegant hand-painted KVIBE trucker hat. Please note that all traffic at A Kalihi Melee is limited to pedestrian and bicycle ONLY. Ride a bicycle, walk, run and live like a champ.

It Started With A Melee.

2011-09-26T20:08:00.006-04:00

Italian Fausto Coppi was once asked what it takes to be a cyclist in the pro peloton. Coppi uttered the now famous, “ride your bike, ride your bike, ride your bike” reply that forever cemented his status in cycling history. Coppi ended his career with five Giro d’Italia and two Tour de France wins. Coppi’s track bicycle hour record was held for nearly thirty years until Eddy “the Cannibal” Merckx decimated the cycling world in the 1970s.

Coppi’s humble beginnings were in lieu of being the fourth child in a five child family. He quit school at the age of thirteen and became an errand boy for a butcher. Eventually Coppi would save enough money to acquire a bicycle and win his first race at the age of fifteen.

KVIBE is dedicated to providing Kalihi’s youth with bicycles. Through cycling, it is the program’s hope that youths develop good health and sound futures. Local cycling team Cambio-Core will have members attending A Kalihi Melee on October 1st. A few of the attending members are currently residents in the Kalihi neighborhood. Please feel free to approach Cambio-Core members to see if road bicycle racing may be a suitable endeavour.

KJ and Cuyler Yogi will be hosting BMX bicycle activites. Confirmed is a bunny-hop competition with potential for other BMX-related shenanigans. BMX Hawaii will be sponsoring the events with booty. Cyrus Camp (formerly of KVIBE) will be in attendance at A Kalihi Melee as The Kickstand bicycle shop will be a prize sponsor.

Additionally, several members of HNL Bike Polo and Cycle Manoa will also make appearances at A Kalihi Melee with activities and information. And KKV’s Roots Food Program (the co-chair of A Kalihi Melee) will be on site demonstrating healthy living through good food - note “good food” not Jack-in-the-Box. Food is a life-source and the body is a temple, treat them accordingly.

KVIBE | October 1, 2011 | 10AM | A Kalihi Melee

There Will Be A Melee.

2011-09-20T13:39:00.008-04:00

“If you plan cities for cars and traffic, you get cars and traffic. If you plan cities for people and places, you get people and places.” Dan Burden, the director of the Walkable and Livable Communities Institute was in town last week showcasing how Honolulu could become a place for people, bicycles, and life. Burden believes in “complete streets” where humans and bicycles are a street's primary occupants and automobiles are the intruders.

While the idea of “complete streets” may sound as far-fetched as a unicorn it is really as believable as a narwhal. It may be that the youth of Kalihi today will be the cyclists of tomorrow’s “complete streets.”

KVIBE and KKV’s Roots Food Program will host “A Kalihi Melee” on October 1, 2011. Celebrating the community of Kalihi, bicycles, healthy foods and living well. A Kalihi Melee will take place at KVIBE at 10AM until 2PM. The crew of HNL Bike Polo will make an appearance and likely host bicycle polo activities. UH Manoa’s Cycle Manoa bicycle program will have a tent with a bicycle-powered blender and information about their organization. BMX activities such as a bunny-hop are currently being worked out by KJ and friends. KVIBE’s founding father, Crisdean Blumenstetter is also slated to make an appearance.

KVIBE was recently granted a functional land line; the new office number is 808.843.1545. Please be aware that emailing is still the best option to contact KVIBE. Remember that community donations are always appreciated and will directly impact the youth of Kalihi. Finally, volunteer Larry Victorino would like to remind kids that footwear is always required at KVIBE’s warehouse.

A Kalihi Melee is on October 1, 2011.

The Faithful Anchor.

2011-09-07T02:31:00.004-04:00

On a Friday afternoon eleven-year-old Joshua DeJesus walked into KVIBE. Joshua appeared bewildered at first but then began digging around the rows of donated bicycles to find a black bicycle frame. Only the handlebars and cranks remained on the black bicycle frame as all other parts had been salvaged.

On a Saturday morning Joshua returned to KVIBE yearning to work on the black bicycle. Joshua still appeared rather puzzled by the mechanics of the bicycle but instinctively knew he had to find wheels. While Joshua dug through the mounds of mismatched wheels, fifteen-year-old Prince Gamaio rode into KVIBE. Prince began helping Joshua dig through the mismatched wheels in hopes of finding a coaster brake rear wheel.

Soon Joshua and Prince had most of the pieces of the black bicycle put together. All that was missing was a suitable chain. Courtesy of the generous donations by the community, the boys were handed a brand new chain to make use of on the black bicycle.

By Saturday afternoon eleven-year-old Joshua DeJesus was riding the black bicycle up and down Kamehameha IV Road - the road that KVIBE is located on. Soft-spoken, Joshua said that he was happy with the bicycle “because I can ride with my friends now.” Shortly thereafter Joshua and his friends rode their bicycles off to enjoy the rest of their Saturday.

KVIBE exists to service the youth of Kalihi. Riding a bicycle is perceived as an enjoyable and evolved form of transportation. Bicycles are built, ridden, and discussed with the youth as a path to grander pastures. Donations are greatly appreciated and will directly impact the youth.

As a side note, KVIBE will be closed on Wednesday, September 14th to attend the Complete Streets for Honolulu Workshops by Dan Burden. As the executive director of Walkable and Livable Communities Institute, Burden believes that, “active living is the partial healer of many negative effects that have led to isolation and decreasing health of people. through our work, we show that walkability and livability lead to more attractive and functional communities, which helps improve individual and community health.”

KVIBE is Open. Ride a Bicycle.

The Milkman Will Deliver.

2011-08-25T23:52:00.006-04:00

Riding a bicycle is fun. And should always be an activity that is enjoyed. However, riding on the streets of Honolulu are not always fun. Some people will attest that it is “dangerous.”

Jorge Portillo is twenty-years-old. Jorge attends the University of Phoenix on full academic scholarship after graduating from Kalihi’s Farrington High School. Jorge is still at Farrington High School now as a staff member in the IT department. Anyone who has ever met Jorge knows of his passion for robotic technologies.

A few months ago Jorge discovered bicycles. He found an old Raleigh road bicycle frame from KVIBE and built it up. Jorge confided that he began riding bicycles because he wanted to meet friends.

And boy, did Jorge meet friends! At first Jorge rode on Tuesday evenings with a crew of kids from Pearl City. Then Jorge found HNL Bike Polo. This was when Jorge really began to shine and was nicknamed “The Milkman” because he ordered a hearty glass of milk at a bar. Jorge’s bike polo friends are a rowdy, jubilant, loving group of friends that embraced The Milkman and his passion for bicycles.

Last evening around 11PM Jorge was riding his bicycle in the center Ewa-bound lane of Dillingham Boulevard just before Kalihi Street when he was hit from behind by a truck. The driver of the vehicle did not stop to render aid and fled the scene. A hit-and-run by every definition.

Jorge was listed in critical condition upon his arrival at Queens Medical. Since then The Milkman has woken up. And despite this good news, Jorge will still have a long tough journey to travel.

This is a plead to the community of Kalihi and all motorists: Please put down the mobile. Please keep your eyes in front. Please do not drive over the speed limit - the speed limit exists for a reason; its an island where does one need to rush to? Please understand that driving is a privilege and not a right. Please Drive with ALOHA.

Two Wheels Are Rad.

2011-08-25T14:51:00.010-04:00

HNL Bike will be hosting its second "Holo Holo Ride" this Friday - August 26, 2011. All bicycles and their cohorts are welcome to attend. The informal meet-up will take place 6PM at the Father Damien statue fronting Hawaii's State Capitol. Bring a helmet, bright lights, and the joyful realization of riding bicycles with friends.

HOLO HOLO RIDE | 8.26.11 | Hawaii State Capitol | 6PM

We Are The Young Folks.

2011-08-24T03:14:00.004-04:00

The KVIBE warehouse doors have a new look. The artwork was manifested by Erik Patton, a Honolulu graffiti artist, skateboarder, and cyclist. Patton spent a portion of yesterday working on a fresh representation of KVIBE’s continuing evolution. The beautiful piece of art is on display right now.

KVIBE is open today. With extended hours, hopefully more children (and the community of Kalihi Valley) will find the warehouse and learn about bicycles. KVIBE exists solely to provide children with positive pursuits, knowledge, and a safe place to learn about the vast possibilities of riding a bicycle.

As author H.G. Wells once said, “When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race.”

KVIBE’s goal is for the Kalihi Valley community’s children to be avid cyclists. Bicycles are efficiently simple transportation devices. Every part of a bicycle is fixable with hearty elbow grease. And quite often the solution is very straightforward.

KVIBE is Open. Ride A Bicycle.

Got To Keep Running.

2011-08-22T18:47:00.000-04:00

Hello.

KVIBE is now open three days a week.

Wednesday 12 - 5PM

Friday 12 - 5:30PM
Saturday 10AM - 3PM

Bring your bicycles, and come say “Hello” - secret handshake not required. Adults are welcome but as always, KVIBE is for the kids of Kalihi Valley.

Statehood Day Is A Holiday.

2011-08-17T03:04:00.000-04:00

KVIBE will be closed this Friday (August 19, 2011) in observance of Hawaii's Statehood. Celebrate America by riding a bicycle up a hill - perhaps Willeminha Rise. KVIBE will resume normal operation hours on Saturday.

Pass This On - An Introduction.

2011-08-10T21:47:00.000-04:00

sometime between the ages of teen angst and mediocre adulthood I realized that I was not meant to operate a motor vehicle. there were many factors that drove me to this conclusion; one of the reasons may have been that moment sitting in traffic and understanding - with clarity - what a caged bird felt like. the bicycle is mobility, and mobility is the greatest freedom of them all.

hello, my name is sau hsu. as of right now I am the new program coordinator of KVIBE. I respect all previous coordinators whom have held the position prior and hopefully I will make them and the community proud. as I am terrible at introducing myself, kokua kalihi valley’s jared christenot sent a few questions for me to answer.

JC: Do you mind sharing your first bicycle experience?
sau: my first bicycle experience probably involved me falling. actually, I am fairly certain it involved falling...repeatedly.

JC: Your favorite ride on the island?
sau: my favorite ride on the island is around the island. I have done it numerous times on different bicycles and it is always enjoyable. its curious when people choose to drive automobiles at reckless speeds when one can easily ride a bicycle around an island.

JC: Current wheels?
sau: bianchi d2 super pista (track bicycle) and cannondale caad 10 (road bicycle).

JC: How did you hear about KVIBE?
sau: back in college my friend j atencio was unreasonably enthusiastic about riding bicycles and got all our friends into bicycles. j atencio was heavily involved volunteering at KVIBE and introduced everyone to cyrus camp, a regular volunteer at KVIBE who spread the gospel of the little bike warehouse that could. cyrus now owns the kickstand.

JC: How do you see KVIBE evolving?
sau: my plan is to make KVIBE a sustainable program. I would ideally like to see the youth become adults that build and ride bicycles.

JC: Biggest concern of bicycling on Oahu?
sau: not enough people riding bicycles - its a small island! I really do not care what type of bicycle one may be riding on the streets, as long as you are riding you are my friend. the greatest form of bicycle advocacy is people waking up in the morning and deciding to ride bicycles. heck, even the amish ride bicycles. that says something.

----------------------------------------------------------------

KVIBE could use some quality adult role models, so please volunteer. volunteers must know their way around a bicycle, be patient, friendly, and encouraging. if anyone is up to challenge and sports a strong character, please consider volunteering. the operating hours of the KVIBE warehouse will be established very shortly.

please feel free to email me for all KVIBE related inquiries: shsu@kkv.net. the phone is a bit on the frizz at the moment so email is the best bet. if it finds you well please be a friend of KVIBE via facebook - link on lower left corner via “our friends." (photo by ilana nimz)

Volunteer Spotlight: Larry Victorino

2011-08-07T01:32:00.001-04:00

The past three months, KVIBE has had the fortunate serendipity of volunteer Larry Victorino. Approached by his neighbor - whom spotted Larry working on bicycles in his Kalihi apartment - Larry eventually found his way to the KVIBE warehouse. Every Saturday for three months Larry has spent five hours assisting the youth of Kalihi Valley with bicycle nuances.

Larry began working with bicycles at the age of fourteen. At his Hilo hometown, Larry set up a bicycle shop at a local thrift store. Eventually moving to Kalihi, Larry began working on the neighborhood children's bicycles in his apartment - “no garage, so I worked on bikes inside.”

Now folks can find Larry at KVIBE every Saturday. Larry’s insight of alternative bicycle repair methods keeps bicycles moving. Larry’s main goal is to be “a friendly user to the kids, to give back to the community (of Kalihi Valley).” He encourages other adults to volunteer as “its their community too.”

Larry believes in bicycle safety. And hopes that the kids of Kalihi will sport helmets and ride their bicycles with an awareness of vehicular traffic. If it finds you well, please come visit Larry at KVIBE.

King of Kalihi by Mike Orbito

2011-04-17T17:52:00.001-04:00

Video by Mike Orbito
Words really cannot describe how I feel about the kids of Kalihi — to be included as part of their ohana, and to feel some kind of validation that simply being a human being for 35 years on this Earth is enough to contribute to the future — simply by giving part of myself. And even though I am leaving as Program Coordinator, the kids have given me something that I will cherish forever: the hope that there is hope. I would like to thank Mike Orbito for this amazing video that will stand as a testament to the kids of Kalihi — forever.

King of Kalihi!!!!!!! and a Fond Farewell

2011-04-15T01:27:00.000-04:00

Photo by Christopher Kim

You are invited to a bunny hop competition for the kiddies at KVIBE! The competition will mainly be for the kids ages 8-16, but if there's enough of a turnout we might do a second class for advanced riders. There will be pizza. And kids. Winner will be determined by who can clear the highest obstacle. Winner will also get something cool.

KVIBE will not be open "as usual" for this Saturday event, but the schedule will go something like this:

10:00 - 11:45 a, Tune-ups and practice
11:45 - 12:00 p, Ground rules, briefing, etc
12:00 p noon, WE RIDE!
3:00 p - whenever, Awards Ceremony and Pizza!

The parking lot will be closed off to insure the safety of the participants. If we have a good turnout we might make this a recurring event. Thanks also to Chris Blumenstetter and Mel Nakahata of the Bike Shop Hawaii for donating prizes, Ryan Buob for the pizza donations, and Mike Orbito for the video!!! Chee! We're excited to see who takes it! Bring your B (Bunny hop) game!

Also, this will be my last day as Program Coordinator of KVIBE. It has been a tremendous honor to serve alongside the best Kalihi Valley has to offer. Kalihi is a town that generally gets a bad rap but I've always felt it was like home to me. The kids are bright, enthusiastic, and down to earth. This has been the more spiritually and emotionally rewarding job I have ever worked.

To the youth of Kalihi I ask this of you:

Be confident, be outstanding, be humble, and always be a mentor to your friends and your peers. The only way to end racial and economic division in Kalihi is to look out for each other.

I am so proud of all of you.

Mr. Matt

Zoning Variance Approved! (And other news!)

2010-10-30T16:46:00.000-04:00

We received news recently that our zoning variance was approved, and that means that KVIBE is here to stay! We also recently was awarded a new grant via The Department of Health, the HHI, and as a result, we are featuring new shop hours and some other new features we'll talk about later.

We'd like to thank everyone who signed our petition and voiced support for KVIBE. Most of all we'd like to give a big thanks to individuals and organizations that went above and beyond to support us, we couldn't do it without you: Ralph Cady, Kyle Nakatsuka, Mark Magnaham, Rosemarie Bernardo and the crew at Star Advertiser, Matthew Dekneef at Honolulu Weekly, Christopher Kim, Hawaii Bicycling League, and all the others who wrote letters in support of our humble shop.

As a result we are proud to say that we will continue to serve the youth of Kalihi and Kalihi Valley to the best of our abilities!

Our new hours are: Wed - Fri, 12 to 5pm / Sat, 10am to 3pm

Featured in the Star Advertiser: Complaint Endangers Bike Program

2010-08-13T23:53:00.000-04:00

Above, Jimmy Cholynay, 13, works on his science teacher's bicycle. Photo by Jamm Aquino (jaquino@staradvertiser.com). Article by Rosemary Bernardo (rbernardo@staradvertiser.com).

A program that teaches Kalihi youth how to fix bicycles — and recently won an $84,000 state grant — is in danger of being closed down.

The Kalihi Valley Instructional Bike Exchange Program, or KVIBE, is asking the city for a zoning variance so it can stay at its shop at 1638 Kamehameha IV Road.

The site, a former egg-processing plant in an area once zoned for commercial use, now has residential zoning. A neighbor's complaint about noise brought the program to the attention of city regulators.

If forced to leave the site, the program would likely be closed, program manager Matt Yee said. Read more here.

Matson Graffiti Cleanup Project

2010-08-08T17:08:00.001-04:00

Volunteer Kyle Nakatsuka has just raised $1k for KVIBE! He singlehandedly organized a graffiti cleanup day for his Eagle Scout project via a Matson program that donates $1000 to anyone that puts together a community service project. Since he himself can't be the recipient of such funds, he decided to donate the money to KVIBE. Thank you Kyle and Matson!

Read more on this story here

This Saturday, KVIBE is closed. We are going out to this.

2010-07-30T14:24:00.001-04:00

Keep KVIBE Alive!

2010-07-14T14:59:00.000-04:00

Video by Mike Orbito

KVIBE provides invaluable opportunities to Kalihi Valley youth — not only do youth learn to build bikes, gaining vocational and mechanical skills, but they learn the value of perseverance and gain a greater sense of confidence in themselves. The Warehouse that is home to KVIBE is a safe haven for youth, where gang colors are not allowed and youth escape the pressures of drug abuse, violence and other "risky" behaviors. Through bicycling, KVIBE creates a healthier path in life for hundreds of Kalihi Valley youth each year.

If Kokua Kalihi Valley is unable to use the Warehouse due to zoning regulations, KVIBE as we know it will disappear. Please urge the City of Honolulu to approve Kokua Kalihi Valley's application for a Zoning Variance, preserving this vital resource for our youth and our community! Thank you for your kokua!

Please sign the petition here (limited only to Hawaii signees):
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/keep-kvibe-alive

Thank you.

2010-07-11T16:25:00.000-04:00

There's really no occasion for this post, except to thank the following individuals for their current and consistent support of KVIBE. In no particular order: Sylvester Supapo, David Hammock, Ralph Cady, Burt (Ralph's friend), Brian Yoshida, David Horne, Laura Taylor, Reno, BMX Mike, Junior Bagio, Donovan, Galen, Kyle Nakatsuka, Roy/Nick (KKV Warehouse) and Steven Kau. Without such an excellent core group of volunteers and individuals running a shop such as KVIBE would be next to impossible.

Furlough Friday!!!!!!

2010-05-15T23:08:00.000-04:00

Furlough Fridays have been in the news lately. Emotions have been running high and passionate outbursts have been afoot — but here in Kalihi Valley, we've only seen FF's as an opportunity to get our neighborhood kids more actively involved in building and fixing bikes! This is a glimpse into a typical FF: love of bikes is in the air, and Kamehameha IV Road is filled with the pitter patter of little feet!

This is Storm. He is busy fixing bikes via a special tool called Funyuns. It enables him to work on bikes at 50% efficiency.

The Outside.

The Inside.

This is the Master of Everything That Rolls on Two Wheels, also known to his dawgs as Ryden. If you've got questions, Ryden has answers.

This is Matt. He's also got answers, but often he pretends not to know to keep people on their toes. He is also the manager of KVIBE.

One of our kids working on his headset. Building a headset with care is key to having buttery fork motion.

Do kids get philosophical? One of our kids ponders life while he looks wistfully off into the tire rack.

This is Joseph. He is using an extended length Phillips screwdriver to install some invisible wood screws into random places on our tool wall. Why? I have no idea. But I guess practice makes perfect.

This is Jen. She is an inspector for the Department of Health. She is inspecting a tire with a hammer. You see, nails often get stuck in tires. If she finds any, the hammer is helpful for pounding the nails.

Jay and Ryden.

Mark and Jay are students at Farrington High School. Jen is a full-blown adult, riding a very tiny bike. It can be hilarious for say, trained bears and chimpanzees to ride freakishly small bicycles, but we're not sure if that applies here.

David rocks. Pure and simple.

In one smooth move, Storm poses with a cool shaka for the camera. His friend, looks on, confused. At least he has a cool shirt.

Before Bone Thugs and Harmony, there was Caesar from Kam IV Housing. Without the harmony part.

This is Benedict! His friend, in the foreground, demonstrates how all kids aged 13-17 should arrange their hair.

Two Months

2010-04-24T22:37:00.000-04:00

Exactly two months ago, we culled the ranks of our regular kids and pulled 5 potential volunteers. Their tasks: to help run the shop, keep it clean, return the tools to their proper places, and take responsibility for their time at KVIBE, that is, if they had a legitimate reason why they couldn't make it to "work," they'd have to call us and let us know. It started off slowly, but two exceptional volunteers made it through 2 months. In exchange for two months of volunteer work, they would receive premium BMX bikes and parts.

Auggie Ray Alvarez

and Joseph De Sagun

pose with their new bicycles! The top is a Matt Hoffman bike; the next is a Specialized. There were others on hand to witness the completion of their two months:

David, who was busy aligning his new handlebars,

Ali, who was cursing at his wheel,

A very regal-looking Remo,

Sonny,

and Michelle's feet.

We leave you with this pic which in my mind is what KVIBE is all about:

L to R: Jared, Auggie, Ryden.

Kurry Gnows Bicycles

2010-04-16T23:34:00.000-04:00

Kurry's bike rack technique

Fellow cyclist and local celebrity Kurryballs demonstrates her bike rack riding prowess. Kurry, who is still relatively new to this fantastic activity, has been a vehement supporter of bicycle racks and pedestrian issues, and is an active advocate for educating drivers on road etiquette and how to coexist with cyclists, should they encounter them near a bicycle rack. We thank Kurry for her continued support of the cycling rack community, and we are completely thrilled that she loves riding her bike rack so much.

Notorious

2010-04-13T04:16:00.000-04:00

Photos by Ryan Lau

Our homie at Aloha Fixed, Ryan Lau, shared these photos of his new ride. It's an Infamous trick track frame. Since he isn't running brakes on his trick bike and doesn't have to worry about pads lining up with the rims, he laced a set of track hubs to a pair of 26-inch Rhyno Lites so he could run fatter tires. He's got a set of 700c wheels on the back burner but for now he's enjoying the freedom of wide rubber and high sidewalls.

New Whip

2010-04-03T01:41:00.001-04:00

Proud owner Rob Low

NYC homie Rob Low just sent in a pic of his new ride, a 24" Fit Bike Co. BMX bike. After removing all the stickers he posed for the camera. Happy camper, he is. We hope he doesn't hurt himself too bad in the quest for BMX street perfection.

Good Friday

2010-04-01T19:42:00.000-04:00

In commemoration of Good Friday, April 2 2010, KVIBE will be open! Buya! 12-4

New and Improved

2010-03-20T16:18:00.000-04:00

Uncle Jerry riding his bike from KVIBE

We are still open! We were having some issues with the city's zoning crew, and the noise from our warehouse wafting into the neighbors' areas, but we are in the middle of trying to save the warehouse, and making peace with our neighbors. We want to thank Jorinne and Laura Taylor from Kokua Kalihi Valley for their assistance in helping us improve KVIBE. Please note that we have new hours, Thurs and Fri 12-4, and Saturday 10-3. We are always on the lookout for reliable and patient volunteers to help us with the kids. If you think you have the stuff, find us at 1638 Kamehameha IV Road, or call (808)791-9480!

In other news, we are trying out a mentorship program with some of our regulars from Dole Intermediate.

Upcoming Events: The Hawaii Premier of Seasons, June 19 at 39 Hotel

2008-06-17T05:03:00.000-04:00

There's no doubt that the mountain bike video market is saturated with productions that sensationalize the sport. The Collective was one of the first films to go against that grain, and create films that push the boundaries while giving you that je nais se quoi that attracts and keeps you there in the first place. This is not a film about 101 Impossible Things To Do While Riding A Bike - but a film that makes you want to get out and just ride, in the way that makes you happiest.

Seasons is the 3rd installment from The Collective, and is making its Hawaii debut on Thursday, June 19 at 39 Hotel. Admission to the film is $10 a head, and all proceeds from the event go to K-VIBE.

Testimonials: Nimz

2008-05-16T17:16:00.000-04:00

How to Get A Bike

2008-05-14T08:06:00.001-04:00

There are two ways to get a K-VIBE bike.

Method 1: Work for it. Select an incomplete bicycle and/or frame, and build and fix it to become a fully functioning bicycle. As long as you do most of the work, the finished bicycle is available free of charge. We have mechanics and volunteers on hand to assist you if you have any technical questions.

Method 2: Suggested Donation. Suggested Donations are accepted for complete, functioning, used bicycles. We also have an excess of bicycle parts. All donations from bicycle and parts sales goes back into the shop; We have a ton of consumables - lubricants, cables, chains, etc. - that are necessary to keep the shop running.

Upcoming Events

2008-05-14T07:06:00.002-04:00

What is K-VIBE?

2008-05-14T07:06:00.001-04:00

K-VIBE maintains an inventory of about 100 bikes at any time and more are donated everyday. Since we opened in February of 2005, we have found nearly 300 new owners for our K-VIBE bikes. We sponsor community rides and visit local schools to teach bike safety, simple mechanics and healthy lifestyles. We advocate for better bike facilities, infrastructure, and government policy.

The Motley Crew

2008-05-14T03:31:00.000-04:00

Matthew Yee
Manager

Although a graphic designer by trade, Matt spent the better part of his own time as a passionate advocate for the cycling commuting community and lobbying for more bicycle-friendly infrastructure. In early 2008, he volunteered as a part-time mechanic, and in the middle of 2009 was selected to manage K-VIBE.

Sylvester Supapo
Volunteer

Sylvester walked into K-VIBE in January of 2009 knowing nothing about bicycles and became one of our steadiest and most reliable volunteers. He volunteers on average over 50 hours a week, and being a resident of Kalihi Valley knows many of the neighborhood kids personally.

It's Been Said

2008-05-14T01:11:00.001-04:00

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.