Some goals come from big, defining moments. This one started because I looked at my garage and thought… I might have a few bikes in here.
Depending on who you ask, that’s either completely normal… or the beginning of a project.
Amidst open house signs, a few “I might need this someday” items, and a growing collection of bikes, a simple thought occurred to me: what if I did something small each month that actually mattered and cleaned out my garage in the process?
Good Karma Bikes has been on my radar for a long time. Back in my Specialized days, they were a client—doing the same kind of meaningful, community-driven work they’re known for today. I’ve always respected what they do. And if I’m being honest, I’ve probably been meaning to do something like this for a while… I just finally ran out of excuses (and maybe garage space).
So I made a commitment: to clean-up, refurbish, and donate 12 bikes in 12 months.
The idea was simple—start with what I already had. Bikes that had been sitting in my garage, not getting used, but still had plenty of life left in them. Bikes that my kids rode and outgrew, but I'm saving for my grandchildren. Just writing those words makes me laugh and sound like a bike-hoarder. But I had to begin somewhere.
A few months into this project, something else has started to happen. People are reaching out.
Clients getting ready to sell. Friends cleaning out garages. Other agents who heard about the idea and wanted to contribute. Bikes aren’t something I have to go looking for anymore… they’re finding me.
And that’s when it shifts. What started as clearing space has turned into something more about creating opportunity—for someone else to get where they need to go.
In my world, I’m in and out of homes every day. Garages, backyards, side yards… you start to notice things. And bikes? They tend to stick around. Leaning against a wall. Hanging from rafters. Sitting quietly in the corner of a garage that’s otherwise ready to sell. Bikes that once took someone somewhere… now going nowhere.
Now they have somewhere to go.
What started as cleaning out my garage is starting to feel like something bigger.
There’s something about a goal like this that keeps you connected. It’s not a one-time gesture—it’s showing up month after month. You start paying attention differently. Not just to bikes, but to people. Who could use a little help getting where they’re going? Who’s ready to let something go that could be useful to someone else? Who wants to be part of this?
That’s how community works. It builds. It multiplies.
Nine bikes to go.
Or maybe more—we’ll see.
If you’ve got a bike gathering dust, I’ll come pick it up. And if not, feel free to follow along. Either way, it’s been a good reminder that sometimes the simplest ideas—especially those started in your garage—can actually go somewhere.
