When we last visited Bob’s Free Bikes we were awed by the giant, year-by-year recording of the more than 6,000 bikes that had been donated by this amazing organization since it was founded by Bob Mandel in 2016. Today, the whiteboard, although significantly smaller, is still there to document Bob’s progress in fulfilling its mission: ”changing the life of a child one bike at a time.”
Following our last visit, we reported that Bob’s was searching for a new location for its multi-faceted operation. Due to the anticipated sale by the Fountain Hills Unified School District of the Four Peaks Elementary School property, Bob’s was in dire need of new space. We are relieved and happy to report that Bob’s has found a new home.
The address of Bob’s Bikes is now:
16548 Laser Drive, Suites 12 & 13
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
The new space is 5,000 square feet smaller than Bob’s previous space, but the dedicated volunteers have found a way to make it work. The hundreds of bikes waiting for transformation or delivery to new owners have come off the floor and are now hanging from custom-built scaffolding installed during the reconfiguration process. The new space accommodates only five workstations, and to ensure that production is not adversely affected Bob’s has implemented a shift schedule of two shifts a day from Monday through Thursday.
Thanks to the ingenuity and commitment of volunteers, the transition went smoothly. Little Move’s donated a crew and a large truck to move the heavy equipment. On one of the hottest days of the summer, volunteers contributed their time and their trucks to loading, transporting, and unloading. Bob’s wants to acknowledge and thank Little Moves, Jamie Brown from McDowell Mountain Cycles, and many community volunteers who provided necessary equipment and invaluable assistance in the daunting relocation effort.
By all objective measures Bob’s has managed the transition without a hitch. Before mid-July Bob’s had given away more than 800 bikes and is on pace to exceed the 1,158 bikes that were donated last year. In addition to donating hundreds of bikes to kids nominated through the “Request a Bike Portal,” this year Bob’s has donated bikes to nine diverse organizations: two relief organizations (Domain of Africa and ICNA Relief); Phoenix Children’s Hospital; the 56th Fighter Wing stationed at Luke Airforce Base; the Papago National Guard; Jewish Family and Children’s Services; Wesco Schools (nine bikes awarded to stellar students); Modaba Education Center (28 bikes donated to the students of a newly established micro school in Phoenix); and A New Leaf.
As in the past, nominations are made through the “Request a Bike” portal found on Bob’s website. In general, after a request has been submitted, it takes two to three weeks for the bike to be delivered. The portal, closed briefly during the relocation process, is now open.
The relocation process resulted in some extraordinary expenses. To support Bob’s mission and express our appreciation for their continuing commitment to our community, please consider donating today. Remember that Bob’s is a 501(c)(3) organization and the value of donated bikes as well as monetary contributions are tax deductible.
#FlourishFountainHills wants to thank Bob’s for its perseverance and ingenuity. We are very fortunate to have you here.
Bob’s Free Bikes
Hours: 12 PM – 4 PM Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Telephone: 480-226-1357
Mail Donations to:
Bob’s Free Bikes
16548 Laser Drive, Suites 12 & 13
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268