In a bike world full of pros and Joes, Kyle Johnson, is one of one. While speaking at an all-school assembly at Polson High overlooking the southern shores of Flathead Lake this spring, I introduced students to PPP: the power of purposeful passion. I went on to share my belief that it’s not happiness that should be our pursuit, but rather meaning, purpose and connection that represents a life lived well. Kyle Johnson is an exceptional human and bike mechanic extraordinaire who checks all these boxes.
Bike shops aren’t always the most welcoming place—in fact they’re often ripe with ego and sizing up of the congregation. It’s the head mechanic or shop manager that often sets the tone, so, when you find a good one, you hold on tight. A good bike mechanic is like a good doctor, you want to stay in their good grace.
When I think of my team that has helped me to stay upright on the bike, in that streamline in the water, and strong in the weight room, I think first and foremost of my wife and daughter, then of my physio’s, parents and next up, my trusted bike mechanic. I can’t tell you where he works, because this is an ode to Kyle, not a promotional piece for his shop, and as good as this guy is, and as many people as there are who already know it, his time and attention are already at a premium, and I don’t want The Secrets of Kyle Johnson to be fully revealed.
In the days leading up to my rendezvous with and attempt at the BC Bike Race, it was Kyle who dialed in the Spur (and it pedaled flawlessly for seven stages); before my trusty Transition’s first ride, it was Kyle who labored for hours on a custom wrap job; before my White Rim in a Day mission, it was Kyle who made sure the Spur was ready to go after seven stages of ripping and roaring on the sometimes janky trails of Penticton, BC; before taking on the Crusher In The Tushar, it was Kyle who labored over the Cutthroat, optimizing it’s gearing and getting it race ready for a diabolical day in the saddle.
If I were opening a bike shop, entering a Grand Tour, racing the World Cup, or taking on any other big and bike mechanic worthy endeavor, there’d be one human on my list. I’m just fortunate that this humble, kind, thoughtful, bloody brilliant, and talented bike mechanic, treats me like more than the ‘Joe’ that I am, responding to my texts, offering guidance and support, while making me feel like someone from his team, because he’s sure a key cog on mine.
WNbL, mwl