Ben's Cycle opens fix-it school, Rowerowa Szkola

Mark Sirek has more than two decades experience fixing bikes and infinite optimism that he can teach others to do the same.

Monks and monkeys factor into his confidence.

While he worked at the One on One bike shop in Minneapolis, Sirek taught a basic maintenance class to Tibetan Monks preparing for a peace tour. "The most interesting class I taught," he said.

And he believes in the premise: "If you can teach a monkey how to use sign language, you can teach someone to fix a bike."

He will test his experience and theory through the launch of the Rowerowa Szkola, based at Ben's Cycle on Milwaukee's south side. The teachers chose the Polish translation of Bicycle School to make the name memorable and and pay homage to the ethnic history of the neighborhood near Kosciusko Park; not to mention the family lineage of the shop itself.

Ben Hanoski opened the store on Lincoln Avenue in 1928 and his grandson, Vince, has been the proprietor since 1992.

Mark Sirek (left) gives Jake Newborn wheel-building instruction. Journal Sentinel photo by Mike Sears.

Teaching cyclists to fix their own bikes may seem counter to the profitable business plan of an independent shopkeeper. Hanoski, though, has no worries about losing a couple receipts from tire changes and derailleur adjustments. He sees an upside in turning the shop into a school and gathering point through the winter.

"We can bring people in and let them see the operation," he said. It's impressive."

In 1999, Hanoski expanded his business from a small, cluttered storefront on the north side of Lincoln Ave. into the old Riviera Theater, on the south side of the street. The operation expanded again in 2008, into an adjacent building that will house the Rowerowa Szkola.

Sirek will teach classes in wheel-building, basic bike maintenance and comprehensive maintenance on weeknights through the winter.

Classes are two hours long, starting at 6 p.m.

The basics class and wheel building are two sessions each and cost $60. The comprehensive instruction includes four sessions and costs $100. All the tools and work stands will be provided.

School started earlier this month, but the Rowerowa Szkola will have its official kick off on Friday night, the 18^th. The celebration includes the release of the latest issue of Cog Magazine, Goldsprint Roller Racing and beer from Stonefly Brewery.

Sirek brings a vision to match his experience and philosophy. He wants to create a hub of cycling, a place where individuals and groups can learn and share their experiences. As the school gains momentum, it will add movie nights, indoor roller racing and group classes.

The Eau Claire native enjoyed that type of environment working at One on One Bikes, a shop he described as a pillar of the cycling community in Minneapolis.

Sirek has worked and taught in bike shops in Washington State and Wisconsin, and also spent time working with youths in alternative schools. He enjoyed teaching, but always returned to the sport that inspired him as a teen.

"My goal as a cycling advocate has been to make cycling common," he said.

Working in shops he frequently heard customers ask questions about making simple repairs and never hesitated to give up the business secrets.

It helps make them empowered as cyclists, encourages them to do more with their bikes.

"It just takes a bike and a cheery disposition and a willingness to get a little bit dirty," Sirek said.

Details: The next session of the basics class starts Nov. 22 and the next comprehensive class opens Nov. 30. Wheel building will be offered Dec. 5. Schedules and details can be found here.

To register, or schedule individual classes, call 414-384-2236, ext 1007; or email Sirek at marks@benscycle.com.

Another option: South Shore Cyclery in Cudahy is offering two-day Park Tool School Repair Clinics on weekends, each month through February. Dates are Nov. 19 and 20, Dec. 3 and 4, Jan. 6 and 7, and Feb. 18 and 19.

Classes are $125. Contact the shop steve.w@southshorecyclery.com

414/831-0211 for more details or to register.