The class

This is John Barnett and this is his school.

Our lead instructor Cat.

Instructor John Elliss

Instructor Jon Hurly








Our work bench

This monitor was located at each bench

The Canadians kept us entertained

Our class

In the course of 92 hours and three classes we were taught the finner points of maintaining bicycles. Arriving at Barnett's I was concerned there would be a lot of redundancy. This was not the case.

Each aspect of the bicycle was broken down into segments. We would watch demonstrations that showed us very successful approaches to procedures and the best tools for each. Afterward we would do the procedure ourselves.

I have at this point gained three certificates of completion. Bicycle repair and overhaul, Managing the service department, and Selling service. The last two address management and efficiency issues in the service dept.

I have put this info up for two reasons. One to show my dedication to my trade and second as a referral for anyone thinking about going to this school.

If possible I would recommend reading the books before going and getting some experience first. There are some fine details that are very valuable and if you are just playing catch up you will loose the true value of the course. Even just trying some of the procedures on your own bike before going will prepare you to ask the questions you need answered.

All in all i think all mechanics should attend this class.

Day 3

This first entry will simply be my response to what i have seen so far. Keep in mind i am a homebody, a recluse who is kept socialized by my wife and until just recently had never been on a commercial plane. All which has made me a nervous wreck.

On a personal note it has occurred to me that there are many really cool places in this country. Having chased the active lifestyle for the next cool place to be, and seeing that once upon a time i would have been happy to end up in a place like this. It seems its easy to chase things when you don't know whats missing. My son and wife have taught me this.

I am in Colorado springs taking some classes on bicycle repair. Bicycle Repair and Overhaul, Suspension Service, Running the Service Department , and Selling Service. I want to document this so a record will exist for customers, and any future employees we hope to send here. I will have two free weekends to explore and hope to include this as well

I had been concerned that this course would be a lot of redundancy, but i am already picking up some pretty cool techniques, and building a tool list as we go. The running a service dept course is also very informative.

When we first got here you were asked to place a pin on your hometown. The map was peppered with pins but I stand alone in the Shenandoah Valley as a lonely red pin. Luray was listed on the country map and this pleased me. Kind of like the desire one feels to carve in wood, Dave was here.