Bob’s Garage: Avid cyclist gears up to repair and gift donated bikes

When he offered to repair a couple bicycles for a neighbor, Bob Cofer could hardly have predicted the chain reaction it would create.

That act of kindness is now repeated many times each week at “Bob’s Garage” behind Stompin’ Grounds Coffee on the northeast corner of Sixth and Morris streeets.

An electrician who has worked major projects between here and the Caribbean, Cofer spends part of his free time – when not cycling himself – fixing and gifting donated used bicycles to La Conner area riders of all ages.

The magic he works creates good-as-new mountain bikes, cruisers, road cycles and youth-sized models.

And the true magic is made once the bikes have been refurbished. Like Santa Claus, he gives them away – only on a year-round basis.

“I don’t care who needs a bicycle,” said Cofer, a Bay View resident. “I’m going to give them a bicycle.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” he stressed. “I honestly think I might get more out of it than them.”

The bicycles Cofer repairs have become treasured presents for youths and essential lifelines for adults.

“I never thought a bicycle could be such a life-changer,” Cofer said.

For example, he once revamped and made roadworthy a bicycle that a man living on Fidalgo Island uses to commute to work.

“When I took him the bike,” recalled Cofer, “he said, ‘you just saved my job.’ Where he lives, it’s too far to walk to work. I have so many stories like that, it’s just amazing.”

One mom, for whose children Cofer reconditioned and presented much appreciated bikes, expressed her gratitude but said she did not want to take all his bicycles.

Cofer’s response was immediate. “That’s what I’m here for,” he said.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Cofer fully understands the love people have for cycling. He has ridden the famed 205-mile Seattle-to-Portland event 11 times – once completing the route in a single day.

He also loves coffee, which led to his securing shop space behind Stompin’ Grounds.

One day, while in La Conner – where his wife, Jill, a retired teacher now with Skagit’s Best Salsa at the marina – Cofer met Stompin’ Grounds owner Kim Broadhead.

Broadhead suggested the garage behind her relocated venue as a place where Cofer could repair bikes. She has since placed a donation box inside Stompin’ Grounds to collect money for Cofer to purchase bike parts and will also post a sign for ‘Bob’s Garage’, he said.

“I’m pretty invisible here,” he chuckled of his location, set considerably back from Sixth Street.

Even so, thanks to the loyal following Cofer enjoys on social media, people know how to find him. When he arrived at the garage the morning after Thanksgiving three donated bicycles were outside the door awaiting him.

Cofer is at the garage three hours each on Friday and Saturday and occasionally after his day job.

“I’ll come in here sometimes after work and wrench on bikes,” he said.

He can repair two to four bikes per shift, depending on their condition. Some require quite a bit of work. Others need just a quick fix – perhaps a new seat or chain.

Last Friday Cofer found new homes for five bikes.

“What a great day,” he said afterward. “As always these are free of charge. But any donation is gladly accepted though never expected.”

One of Cofer’s long-range goals is to teach bike recipients how to make their own repairs. He also lets families know he will take returns on bikes that have been outgrown.

“If kids outgrow their bikes,” Cofer said, “they can bring them back and I’ll get them to the next guy.”

The reward, said Cofer, is the looks he sees on the faces of those who receive the bikes.

“I like it when people are happy,” he said.

He plans sharing that joy this holiday season and well beyond.

“As long as there’s a need, I’ll be here,” Cofer said. “I don’t plan on quitting. This is something I really like doing.”