Free Hub Cycle Club meets twice a week on Mondays and Fridays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and pairs each child with a 'mechanic mentor' who teaches them various maintenance skills for their bikes.

The maintenance-free claims continue to be tossed about by many retailers, salespeople, builders, remodelers and so forth. I know better when I hear them, and possibly you do, too. Decks get dirty.