Want to learn how to fix up bikes or need some secondhand parts to get yours back on the trails again?

The Up-Cycles Charitable Trust is opening up its 'BikeHive' on the old Wastebusters site every Saturday morning, to enable people to do just that.

Having finally found a place to house all of its second-hand bikes and parts in 2025, Upcycles will be ready in mid-March to open the gates to the public.

Founder Chris Foggin and a small team have spent hundreds of volunteer hours securing the site to make it fit for purpose, after receiving a ‘right to occupy’ agreement with the Central Otago District Council in mid 2025.

Chris said the aim of the Upcycles project has always been the same from the get go - primarily to help people in need, and to bridge the gap between between Central Otago’s cycle tourism success and the barriers some locals face in owning or riding a bike.

“We’ve helped many new families to the area. Also people without jobs and those that need to get to jobs.”

Chris Foggin and the Upcycles team have a dedicated space in Alexandra to fix up bikes and teach others how to do the same. Image: The Central App

They have also gifted adapted bikes for neuro-diverse riders and those with disabilities.

Emphasising they are not a bike shop, he said they will sell some bikes on the Saturday morning for koha, with the proceeds going towards supporting further upcycling activities.

Upcycles Charitable Trust had a milestone year in 2025, gaining national recognition, ongoing funding and delivering its largest-ever impact for local riders and families.

The trust’s flagship programme, COBA – Community Of Bike Ambassadors – was named a finalist for the second year running in the national Recreation Aotearoa Awards. 

Soon after, Upcycles secured a major five-year philanthropic funding commitment through the Gift Trust, providing long-term stability and supporting COBA’s expansion.

The COBA programme has grown rapidly across schools and community groups, and this year he plans to get even more students involved.

“I’m encouraging those kids to also come in and help, and I want to encourage other people that are keen to learn about recycling and fixing up bikes.”

Around 60 donated bikes were restored in 2025, and the trust continued purchasing ex-rental bikes to pass on to families needing support.

Keep an eye out on the Facebook page for more details about the Saturday morning sessions, which will run from 9:30 until 11:30am.

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