temporary closure due to COVID-19
keeping everyone safe
as of mid-March, ABI postponed all classes through mid-May, in order to pro-actively address the current health pandemic. all spring students have been or will be transferred to future dates, and any necessary changes going forward will be communicated in as timely a manner as possible.
it is of utmost importance and concern that student and community health is paramount, and so all precautions and measures to assure this are being taken.
soon, additional dates will be added to make up for some of the classes that had to be taken off the spring schedule, and an announcement will be made via the mailing list and social media, as well as listed here on the site.
a letter posted to the ABI facebook page has a little more detail about the current situation.
please feel free to email appalachianbicycleinstitute@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.
stay safe, everyone, and we look forward to seeing you this summer for all your bicycle mechanic education needs!
-Jenny Kallista
Welcome
Appalachian Bicycle Institute was born from the love of bicycles and the love of teaching. With well over 20 years of experience as a professional bicycle mechanic, and over 16 years of teaching bicycle mechanics classes, I have greatly enjoyed helping people learn how their bikes work, and how to keep them working well. My school is designed to demystify bicycle mechanics, so the student will feel confident, competent, and happy with their bicycle. Whether the student is a home mechanic trying to keep up his own bikes, or a professional mechanic seeking to improve on her skill set, ABI has classes for everyone.
Located in beautiful Western North Carolina, the school sits happily among organic gardens, and beautiful long-distance views. I invite you to come out and enjoy the relaxed environment while cultivating a skill set that will serve you well. Many classes are offered on weekends to fit into many lifestyles, and priced to fit most budgets. My endeavor is to enrich your cycling experience and your life in a unique way. I look forward to seeing you!
Jenny Kallista
founder, instructor
Appalachian Bicycle Institute
Asheville, North Carolina
appalachianbicycleinstitute@gmail.com
828-712-6612
a bit about ABI
Jenny Kallista, head instructor
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
accumulated professional shop employment since 1992
BSE Certification, 2004 Barnett Bicycle Institute
2014 USAC WOODUL RACE MECHANIC CLINIC
Park Tool Tech Summit 2011 & 2013
SRAM Technical University, 2007, 2011, 2018
Official Team Mechanic for Ironman Races 2011-2013
2012 Mechanic for ROGER C. PEACE PARACYCLING TEAM
TREK University
Specialized University
Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo, Magura, Rock Shox, FOX,
Enduro Bearings, FSA, Rotor, SR Suntour, Cane Creek, Mavic,
and many other manufacturer-specific trainings
Development and implementation of the
Level One Mechanics Certification Program for the PBMA
Currently serving on the Board of Directors of the
Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association
TEACHING BICYCLE MECHANICS SINCE 2003:
Outdoor Program Bicycle Class, Garrett College, Maryland
Asheville School Bike Club
UNCA Asheville Bike Club
U of SC Bicycle Shop Program
Asheville Women’s Prestige-Subaru Racing Team
Pure Velo Women's Race Team
Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, NC
Asheville Mountain Sports Festival
+ COUNTLESS BIKE SHOP CLASSES
Served as race technician for many local camps and races including famed Blue Ridge Adventures’ ORAMM & SWANK65.
Conceived and co-sponsored the WNC Bike Expo 2010, featuring local shops, manufacturers, and seminars on bicycle topics.
a little more about me, Jenny
I fell in love with bikes very early in my life (I was 4 when I learned to ride a bike). My papa taught me how to fix a flat tire when I was 8 years old. He also taught me how to keep my little bike running well. I rode my bike everywhere! I am 100% Czech, and love the bike culture there...everyone rides. I have a degree in philosophy from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, my hometown.
Asheville, NC beckoned to me in 1997 to come take advantage of the beautiful mountain landscape and to pursue glass art. I worked as a professional furnace glassblower and also as a professional welder and steel sculptor in my early years in WNC.
These days in addition to my passion for bicycles, I have been pursuing ceramics, gardening, birding, travel, and adventure motorcycling for fun. My dogs Louisa and Ruby are constant companions who love being out on the trails as much as I do.
Having written many articles for various bicycle-oriented magazines over the years, and as a founder and board member of the Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association, I enjoy working towards developing professional bicycle mechanics in every way possible.
classes in development
With technical training at the heart of ABI, classes are always in development... if there's something you'd like to see offered, let us know!
Some classes we have in mind:
-All About Dropper Posts
-Electronic Shift Systems
-E-Bike Tech
-Old School Tech/Restorations
-Campagnolo Tech
-Total BMX
-Touring Primer/Rescue Tactics
-Paracycling Special Tech
-Women Only Class
-Shop Ethics/Employee Prep
-Essential Fit