Volunteer Spotlight: Minott Kerr
Minott joined our volunteer program in early 2010 and quickly became a fixture at our Tuesday Drop-In Nights. He quickly mastered the fine art of refurbishing single-speed, coaster-brake bicycles, and now spends his Tuesdays training new volunteers and second-checking their work.
In addition to his stellar work on Tuesdays, Minott has led kids’ rides at Cycle Oregon Weekend Ride for two years, and in September he was out detailing bikes at the Week Ride to raise money for our work. Minott has also co-led volunteer groups, played a big role at special events, and – most importantly – ingratiated himself with staff by bringing us baked goods at Drop-In Night. We have all loved getting to know Minott, and we’re sure you will too!
How long have you been volunteering at the Community Cycling Center? How did you start?
I started volunteering in March of 2010. I wanted to get more experience working on bikes, and also wanted to help get bikes to folks who might not have as easy access to them as I do. I got a whole lot more.
Why do you volunteer here?
Because of the people, because of the cause, but mostly because I like to. I learn a lot about bikes and about people different from my usual circle.
Also, for insight. I once heard Alison Graves [our Executive Director] speaking to a group of planners about making cycling more accessible, and she mentioned that many communities are accessing the web for the first time via phones, rather than PCs. I have been doing internet-related work for more than fifteen years, and it really made me re-think what I do and for who.
Finally, I have done a lot of volunteering and have never felt more appreciated for the work I do than at the Community Cycling Center.
What is your favorite thing to do as a volunteer?
Besides eat all the cookies? I enjoy convincing folks that if I can get or keep a Holiday Bike Drive bike up and running, anybody can. I love learning how truly, beautifully simple bikes can be. I’ve also really enjoyed the bike camps during Cycle Oregon Weekend. I hadn’t worked much with young kids, and to do so with some of the Community Cycling Center Bike Camp crew is great. And did I mention the cookies?
Tell us about your dream bike.
A utility bike with a platform on the front. I saw one years ago, I think in Denmark – it may have been used for mail. Otherwise, maybe a custom hand-made bike by one of the builders here in town.
What do you do when you’re not here (i.e., any hobbies or passions)?
I do consumable liquids pretty seriously. I’m the brand cultural attaché for a small coffee roasting company, work in the tasting room from time to time at a distillery and help with special events for a wine store. I love sharing classic cocktails/mocktails with friends. And I’m trying to find the perfect bike lube.
What would your bio-pic be called? Who would play you?
“A Shot in the Dark.” It’d be a film-noir about an ex-medieval archaeologist turned green coffee buyer searching the world over for the perfect bean. Starring Marcello Mastroianni.