Full Cycle Bike Shop-Changing Lives One Bike at a Time

Credit:  Fullcyclebikeshop.org

Matt Tennant is the founder and director of Full Cycle which is a nonprofit business of the Pillsbury United Communities in south Minneapolis.  The bike shop employs and trains a couple dozen at-risk homeless youth under the age of 23 each year through its six month paid internship program.

Matt discover years ago while working at a homeless shelter that by bringing in bikes to work on, the youth there would open up to him, drop their guard and show an interest in working on bikes.  In 2002 Matt developed the concept for Full Cycle to implement what he had learned and to teach these young people bike repair, business skills and to provide them with a sense of pride and accomplishment to better their lives.  This, in turn gave them a break from the stresses of life on the streets, provided employment, taught business skills, supplied access to resources and changed lives.

Full Cycle is a full service bike shop open to the public and sells new and used bikes, parts and accessories.  They have mountain bikes, road bikes, BMX, hybrids and kids bikes in their large ever changing inventory.  So if you are looking for something specific, give them a call or stop by the shop and they will set you up.  Experienced bike mechanics and paid interns provide a wide array of bike repair services from parts replacement and adjustments to tune-ups and overhauls.  Revenue from bike sales and services funds the programs that Full Cycle provides for homeless youth.

Full Cycle accepts bike donations that will help furnish training opportunities and transportation for its interns and all donations are tax deductible.  They will also recycle damaged bikes for a $10 fee.  These can be dropped off at their shop during business hours.  If you would like to donate in another way, please consider making a tax deductible donation online through the Pillsbury United Communities (PUC).

Full Cycle also has a Free Bike Program that allows homeless youth the opportunity to build their own custom bike in the shop from donated parts.  If you would like to set up an appointment or know someone that would, contact Matt Tennant or Crystal Brinkman at 612-824-7581.

Full Cycle shop details

Location:
3515 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN  55407
Phone:  612-824-7581
Google Maps

Shop hours:
Tuesday, 12 pm - 6 pm
Thursday, 12 pm - 6 pm
Friday, 12 pm - 6 pm
Saturday, 11 am - 6 pm (May-October)

On the web:
Fullcyclebikeshop.org
Follow on Twitter:  @FullCycleBike
Like on Facebook

Matt Tennant, Crystal Brinkman, Rita Van Allen and the Pillsbury United Communities provide a valuable service for homeless youth in the Twin Cities through Full Cycle.  Support this great program in any way you can through donations and your patronage.  If you would like to apply for an internship or know of someone who could benefit from it, download the application, fill it out and submit by e-mail, mail to Matt or Crystal (3515 Chicago Avenue South  Minneapolis, MN  55407) or stop by in person at the shop.