I've been in the cycle trade since I was 16, and a racing cyclist since I was 17.
I learned to be a mechanic thanks to some really great guys who took pity on my ignorance & it's to them I owe my time in this most friendly and accommodating of trades.
I have worked in America, spent a lot of time in "Old Europe", met wonderful people who have been amazingly generous with their time and knowledge. In effect I have served a very long apprenticeship that is still ongoing today, so although the only formal qualification in this field I have, is as a UCI Level 3 mechanic (one of only 2 registered in the UK), I can sit at a table with engineers and make sensible contributions to the discussion, even if I am *only* a mechanic.
Cycling as a sport and pastime has been an amazing journey for me - thanks to cycling, I have been to some very dark places in my soul, I have been uplifted beyond what I thought possible ... I have seen incredibly beautiful things and met people who have become lifelong friends.
Cycling is my passion, it's in my blood and I want to share it.