The Bike Klub: After-school Youth Program

The Philosophy

On the surface, it’s obvious that the bike klub is a program set up to build custom motorcycles with high school aged students of Greater Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.  Looking deeper, we soon see the true purpose and thereby function of the bike klub.

The bike klub is geared towards but not exclusive to “At Risk” and “Introvert” youth.  How is it geared towards them?

The program, through the practices and procedures necessary to build a custom motorcycle teaches the students the following;

Respect – respect for fellow members, respect for tools and machinery, respect for sponsors and supporters of the program, respect for an industry (motorcycle) and finally respect for themselves.  This is the overlapping and underlying theme to all we do in bike klub.

Teamwork – respect is built and the skill honed by working with others.  In their lives outside of bike klub, many members may never communicate or work with some of the members they would in bike klub.  Bike Klub is made up of students from grades 9, 10, 11 and 12, bike klub is made up of both male and female members, bike klub is made up of students from so-called “rival” schools and lastly, bike klub is made up of members with no experience, to those with higher than average experience with mechanical, design and art skills.  Working together and properly placing students together on tasks, ensures learning through emulation and witness.  Teamwork develops understanding and respect of your team’s skills sets, thoughts and even anxieties while completing the task at hand.  Teamwork also builds trust through kinship, kinship in that they share the same passion and desire to accomplish the same goal.  When working in a team, team members soon learn the value of being dependable and responsible as other will count on you doing your job.

Self-worth – Through tasks and teams, the youth accomplish things they never thought they could accomplish.  These accomplishments gives the member a sense of positive pride and of accomplishment.  These elements give the youth a new found sense of worth which breeds continued desire to accomplish and then one of the most important elements of all, respect for themselves.

Confidence – Giving young minds the skills sets they need to build things of metal, to put parts together so they form a device that will power or move a machine or to make an item look appealing, professional and interesting can only build one thing in them, confidence.  After a bike klub member builds his/her first working part of a custom motorcycle and that sense of accomplishment kicks in, the seed of confidence is planted.  The seed will grow into when fed by self-worth and respect are mixed in.  Success can only be achieved if confidence is present, we give them the skills and tools to find that confidence, thereby putting them on the path to success.

Promotion – Bike Klub builds a physical product, a custom motorcycle.  This product needs to be used to create awareness for the program.  One of the lesser desired elements that ensures bike klub’s operation is the need for funds.  These funds come about mostly from promotion of the program.  At first look the “star” of a show booth is the custom motorcycle sitting front and center however, it does not take long for the show-going public to see who the real stars of the booth are, the kids themselves.  That being said, it’s easy to make something look pretty and impressive if it’s made of steel and covered with flashy paint and chrome, what’s not so easy to look impressive is a young person that has no confidence or self-worth.  We tap the show-goers to help build their confidence with their praise for a job well done and their comments like “I wish I had a program like this when I was in school”.  Members eat this up like candy and turn it into positive pride that builds confidence and self-worth and eventually into success.

Structure – Kids seem to truly dislike following rules.  That is the reason why a good structure in our program is vitally important.  Our structure has rules, rules the members know they must uphold or risk losing membership in the program.  Our rules are closely linked to rules you would find in any school based program; Absolutely no drug or alcohol use; No crime or accessory to crime; School grades must be maintained; Be respectful of the school, it’s teachers, it’s administrators, the shop, the tools, the bikes, fellow members, the bike klub committee members, sponsors and the bike klub manager.  Structure is also established through setting deadlines on tasks, attendance and participation in fundraising efforts and promotional campaigns.  The membership also takes ownership of structure in respect that the members, for the most part, are self-policing.  The membership are notified when a fellow member has broken the rules, they then met privately with the member and then vote on dismissal from the program or probation for an allotted time.  They take ownership of structure in respect that they are responsible for all fundraising efforts and that they must equally raise a certain amount of funds each school year for the program, those not meeting the minimum requirement have participation in “added” or “extras” the program enjoys taken away.  Following these structures teaches the members the importance in structure and following rules and that rules are in place for a reason.

Identity – Belonging to something, anything, is an important element to reaching “At Risk” and “Introvert” kids.  Bike Klub gives them a sense of identity through it’s logo.  The logo on t-shirts, jackets, stickers and posters.  Wearing your logo gives a feeling of belonging to something, being part of something important, something to be proud of.

All of these elements are important, they teach and show the members that it is important to understand and respect that;

• Others have ideas, have thoughts and feelings
• They share a common purpose and goal
• Rules are important
• Focus is important
• Respect is important

Physical Elements

Bike Klub is not all “touchy-feely”, we do teach very important physical skills to the members, they include;

Design- designing a motorcycle is an important skill, it lends itself to the planning process of a custom bike build

Organization- Ensuring all elements are inplace, parts, tools, teams, task analysis

Metalurgy- All elements of templates, layout, cutting, grinding finishing and fit of custom made parts

Mechanical- Understanding of how things work together and how they are put together to form a mechanical working part

Assembly- Planning and organization of how to put a machine together with respects to fit and finish, tools, final assembly practices

Surface finishing- Paint and polish skills for elements of a bike build

How is Bike Klub: After School Youth Program linked to High School Curriculum?

Reading – While a member of the Bike Klub, members must read the “Chopper Institute of America’s Chopper Fundamentals 101” text book sanctioned by the International Master Bike Builder’s Association.  The members also must learn to properly read and understand assembly and repair manuals for the various types of motorcycles that are worked on in the program.  Other textbooks used in the program include a metallurgy text, auto shop textbook and principles of design text.

Writing – Program members must prepare the press kit information given out at various functions the bike klub attends, this includes the writing of history, current projects and upcoming events. Team leads must write out task sheets for various tasks or jobs to be completed on each project. They also write tests from their readings of the Chopper Fundamentals 101 text for their IMBBA certifications.

Planning and Organization- The members must plan our tasks for each project.  The must build prototypes and templates before actual parts are constructed.  Each step of a task must be documented and added to the build documentation needed for entry in various competitions.  They also plan and organize the various fundraising campaigns the program conducts including scheduling, information and fund handling.

Mathematics and Physics- Members use math on a daily basis, all members get a lesson on measurement including fractions, decimals and metric measurements.  The learn about complex angles and there importance with front-end geometries of rake and trail.  The members get lessons in the use of the following measuring tools; steel ruler; micrometer and vernier callipers.  The members learn about weights with respect to balance and cross weight on motorcycles as it relates to building.  The learn about horsepower and torque in relation to engine and transmission choices when building a motorcycle from the ground up.  The learn about ergonomics with rider position and placement on the motorcycle as it relates to foot and seat position.

Metals- The members learn many of aspects of the metals trade.  They learn about the difference between types of metals and there applications.  The learn the shaping tools for metal projects; hacksaw, files, snips, benders, lathes, milling machine, metal roller, metal break, plenishing hammer and the English wheel.  The learn the aspects of layout and metal management.

Mechanical- The members learn about how motor vehicles’ run, they learn about the transfer of power through an engine, through the coupling system to the transmission and to the final drive system.  The learn about internal combustion; gear ratios and wheel and tire characteristics to name a few.  The learn about electrical systems from starting and generating to lighting systems.

Science- Along with Physics, the members learn about material composition, pressures and electron flow.  They learn this through engine compression, oil systems, metal types and electrical systems.

Communications- Members prepare information for press kits, the members have to talk to potential sponsors and show-goers to promote bike klub for fundraising purposes.

Art and Graphics- Members design and produce posters and promotional items.  Graphic art for the paint themes and schemes on the motorcycles.  They learn about colors and lettering for the purpose of finish on the projects.

Does the Bike Klub: After School Youth Program have any success stories?

Bike Klub has had over 150 members since starting in 2004, they have come from all high school grades, 9 thru 12, they have come from all Greater Moncton high schools, Bernice MacNaughton High School, Moncton High School, Harrison Trimble High School and Riverview High School.  Here are a few of our success stories;

Justin Merrithew – Justin joined Bike Klub in his grade 10 year and he was an extreme “introvert” when he came to us.  Justin could not look anybody in the eye when and if he even talked to you.  Through Bike Klub, Justin opened up and became one of the program’s best salesperson.  Justin graduated from Bernice MacNaughton High School and went on to the Machinist program at technical college, then completed the CNC Machinist program at the same college and finished with taking the Harley Davidson Technician Training Program in Alberta at his own expense.  Justin plans on opening his own custom motorcycle shop after he completes his apprenticeship in Machinist.

Chelsea Jonah - Chelsea came to Bike Klub in her Grade 11 year at BMHS.  She soon proved to be a quick study and was a major part in the mock up process on "Phyllis" and "Ted's Bike".  Chelsea came to prove that not just the boys could excel at motorcycles, there was room for the girls as well.  Chelsea had her hand in every aspect of Bike Klub during the two years she was a member, she did graphic art, fabrication, welding and cutting and assembly.  Chelsea was asked by the International Master Bike Builder's Association to write an essay on why she loves motorcycles, this essay won her a spot to build a custom motorcycle from start to finish with female Master Builder, Athena Ransom at the Broken Spoke Saloon in Sturgis, South Datoka for the 70th Sturgis Motorcycle Festival in 2010.  After 12 long hours in the hot sun and humid night, Chelsea and two other female students from alike school programs finsihed the motorcycle.  Though Chelsea does not plan on making her career in the motorcycle industry, she will carry her experiences with her and promote Bike Klub and the motorcycle industry.

Keegan Simard - Keegan came to Bike Klub in his Grade 11 year at BMHS, he spent two years working on the finishing of projects and the mock up of the "Phyllis" project. Keegan was very much "Introvert" when he came to us.  Keegan proved himself to be quick to understand the mechanics of a motorcycle and passing that knowledge on to fellow members of Bike Klub.  Keegan went on after high school to enroll in the Motorcycle Technician program at our local college and is getting ready to start to look for work in the motorcycle industry.  Keegan recently bought his first motorcycle and plans on being part of the industry for the rest of his life.  Keegan also comes back to help with Bike Klub and the new members when he can.

Mark Vale – Mark came to Bike Klub in his Grade 11 year at Bernice MacNaughton High School. Mark was low in confidence but wanted learn all he could about motorcycles.  Mark worked very hard and built up his confidence.  The local Harley Davidson dealership asked Bike Klub Manager, Marc Mazerolle if there was any good candidates for the school’s work program, Mark Vale was suggested and Mark worked for three months with the dealership in his last semester of high school and then landed a job with them.  He has since gone to Harley Davidson training in Alberta and continues to work at the dealership and has been building his own custom bike for 2 years.  He plans on opening his own custom shop in the future.

Shawn Theriault- Shawn came to Bernice MacNaughton High School tagged as a “problem child”.  His first few years at the school proved to be tough for this young man.  He was suggested to Bike Klub and joined in his Grade 10 year.  When he came to Bike Klub he was very much considered “At Risk”.  He was angry and depressed, a dark thinker and had no sense of morals or values.  Shawn worked hard along with Bike Klub and became “Turn-around Student of the year” in his final year of high school.  In his acceptance speech, Shawn said “I would not have made it through high school if it would not have been for Bike Klub and Mazz” (Mr. Mazerolle, Bike Klub manager)  Shawn currently works in Alberta as a Landscape Mason and owns a few vehicles, including a new motorcycle.  Shawn still give credit to bike klub for helping him straighten out his life.

Tyler Bridges- Tyler was one of the founding members of the bike klub and came into the program with a keen interest and wanting to learn everything he could about bicycles and motorcycles.  Tyler joined in his grade 9 year and stayed with bike klub until the start of grade 12.  Tyler went on to take his Welding course at technical college and now works for a local company as a welder and runs his own welding and custom motorcycle shop at his own home.  Tyler has been in a couple of major motorcycle industry magazines.

Many members of the Bike Klub program come back to help new members, we call them alumni members.  Justin, Mark and Shawn are just three that come back on a regular basis.  We have two others that come back on a regular basis.  They see the value in the program and have learned that giving back is part of what is learned and they wish to give back.