Atlanta - March 23, 2007

Roll Out

Sopo Bike Co-Op

You’ll take sitting pretty over getting your hands dirty any day. And until your bike breaks down on a sketchy side of town, that’s just fine.

But when disaster strikes (flat tire, broken chain, eek!), get your two wheels to Sopo Bikes, a volunteer-run bike garage and repair shop.

Bring in your new or busted bike, and the organizers (don’t call them “owners”) will walk you through general maintenance or repairs.

All they ask in return are donations of $5 an hour or gifts from their running wish list. (Can’t promise calipers or a car-free Atlanta? They’ll take toilet paper and hand soap, too.)

Sopo keeps late hours (till 10 p.m. some days) and will donate spare parts to passersby in a pinch.

This is one place you wouldn’t mind being stranded after dark.

Sopo Bikes, 465c Flat Shoals Avenue, East Atlanta (404-217-9648 or sopobikes.org).