Fairbanks Tall Timber Series: Simon Rakower:

The Fairbanks Tall Timbers series honors those who have served the Fairbanks community well. Join veteran newsman Robert Hannon as he interviews Simon Rakower. Simon is Fairbanks' very own bicycle expert! He grew up in New York and studied philosophy and linguistics at Columbia University. Upon graduation, he apprenticed with frame builder Francisco Cuevas, and returned to Columbia to study Chemistry. From there he went to Schwinn Mechanics School and later studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He became involved with The US Cycling Federation in 1987 when he attended their mechanic certification clinic as well as their coaching clinic in 1990. Since coming to Alaska, he has been the owner of Frameworks, All Weather Sports, and Wicked Wheels Fairbanks Technical Bicycle Services. He uses his technical prowess to develop and run a technical support program for Iditabike/Iditasport; designed and managed technical support programs for three Palotta Teamworks AIDS Vaccine Rides; developed and coached Junior Racing Cyclist Development Program, and he has taught bicycle repair clinics for bike shops, schools, UAF Outdoor program, UAF Summer Sessions & Lifelong Learning, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, scout groups, and other youth organizations.