2023-06-21 06:09:32
Are you ready to dive into my quest to turn my passion into a fulfilling career?
Hold on to your handlebars, because I’m going to share with you an experience in the world of vintage bicycles and restoration that has completely transformed me and revealed my passion for these vintage two-wheeled jewels.
In this article, I will show you how soft mobility and sustainable development come together in my passion for restoring vintage bicycles. In the saddle ! It’s going to be an epic adventure that you won’t want to miss.
A mechanical problem that reveals a passion for rust
This trip started with a simple mechanical problem during a bike trip with my friends through the Geneva countryside.
After a few miles of riding, I noticed an annoying shake in the handlebars and front wheel every time I accelerated. I identified that the problem was with the fork and rather than calling a cycle mechanic, I decided to take on the challenge and solve this problem on my own, because I knew in advance that the repairman would would advise changing bikes due to fork twist and general condition of bike.
So I searched for information online, watched tutorials, and dove into studying fork mechanics and bike components.
I painstakingly disassembled each part of the fork, examined their condition and identified potential problems. Finally, for a question of safety, I opted for the replacement of the fork. I set out to look for a used fork and meticulously made a precise cut so that it perfectly matched the length required to fit my bike.
The art of bringing vintage bikes back to life and creating unique jewelry
This experience appealed to me and pushed me to go beyond simple repairs and to embark on the complete restoration of the bike. I spent time carefully disassembling, cleaning, polishing, re-greasing and reassembling each part. I fine-tuned the brakes, gears, derailleurs, as well as the cables, sheaths, tires up to the handlebar tape.
Since that day, I love bringing back to life bikes from the 60s/70s/80s that were destined for scrap. Over time, this adventure allowed me to develop deep technical skills and establish a strong emotional connection with the bikes I restored. Each project became a blank canvas on which I might express my creativity. I have transformed old abandoned bicycles into veritable means of transport that are flamboyant, unique and endowed with an irresistible charm.
I am driven by an insatiable curiosity that drives me to continually explore new techniques and push the limits of my knowledge.
Vintage restoration: towards a sustainable future!
My experience in bicycle restoration has also allowed me to develop a holistic view of sustainability.
It is undeniable that the use of the bicycle as a means of transport and to get to work is growing in popularity every year. The environmental and sustainable benefits of this practice are obvious, and this is where restoring and using vintage bikes can really make a difference. Rather than producing new bicycles, which require resources and energy, restoring and using vintage bicycles offers an ecological and economical alternative. This reduces the carbon footprint, preserves existing materials and promotes a circular economy. Along with adding a unique and nostalgic touch to our daily commutes, using vintage bicycles helps create a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
From passion to career: promoting soft mobility by bike
By pursuing my passion for restoring bicycles, I aspire to make it more than just a hobby. I would like to turn this passion into a real career, where I might flourish both personally and professionally. I am open to all professional opportunities in this field, convinced that my technical skills, my creativity and my sense of results can bring added value to any project related to soft mobility and the promotion of cycling. Together we can make a real difference to the environment while enjoying the timeless joys of vintage bicycling.
Further reading:
The voice of passion – from Educator to Integration Advisor / Job Coach
Photo credit: Valerian Malpassi
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#mechanical #glitch #career