Over the weekend, I learned that a good friend to the Bikecommuters.com staff is sick with cancer. Val Kleitz, an occasional contributor here as well as a fantastic “behind the scenes” advisor for many of my articles and technical questions, could use some help paying medical bills.
Aaron’s Bicycle Repair in Seattle (where Val works) is holding a raffle to raise money to tackle those medical bills. The winner will receive a brand new 2010 Redline 9-2-5. Raffle tickets must be purchased in person at the shop, but for those of us out of the area, a PayPal donation is always appreciated. Details on the raffle and a link to the PayPal donation button can be found by clicking here.
If you can, please help a friend during his time of need. Thanks!

(image by Val Kleitz)
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Although we’ve never met Val personally, he has been a great supporter of this site. Our prayers go to him and so will our donations!
C’mon folks, give it up! Val’s been a great bike advocate, especially for all things Xtracycle.
Let’s cross-post this on RootsRadicals. You know, I’m the guy who bought one of Val’s early prototype 2-point Xtracycle kickstands– it’s gray square steel tubing and a retainer spring, nothing fancy looking… but it has worked flawlessly for seven years now, and leaves my FreeRad front tubes open for my Footsies or Wideloaders. Can’t remember what I paid for it, but it’s been priceless ever since, so it was a bargain! And he made it a pleasure to do business with him.
Just one example of Val’s engineering/craftsmanship excellence. Plus he’s a gentleman. Plus an outstanding bike advocate. Plus he’s a fellow human with cancer.
Let’s help him get his bills paid.
This is such tough news, I’m sending wishes for a speedy recovery to Val, and swinging by Aaron’s to fork over some cash…