About Nic and Bikes – Racing and Riding History
I started racing when I was 20 and went straight into downhill, finishing up with a best result of 3rd Pro Elite woman in NZ and plans to head overseas onto the North American circuit. A serious back injury racing downhill put a stop to that, so I moved to road racing for the next decade culminating with racing at world cup level on the road and short stints on the track and XC racing. Since then my focus has been trail riding and the odd cameo at local enduro races.
Now, I am all about the ‘smiles per hour’ – playing as much as I can on the downhills and having fun. My day job in the cycling industry means I am up to date with all the latest advances, bike and gear changes. This means I provide great advice on pretty much everything ‘bike’.
My goal is to give you the skills you need to enjoy your riding more, ensuring you are equipped with the best techniques to build confidence, feel in control and have the ‘wow’ and ‘yuss’ factor in your riding!
I am a qualified mountain bike coach, am current in Pre-Hospital Emergency Care 1st Aid, and are the only Worksafe Adventure Activities Accredited coaching business legally operating (for adults) in Wellington, alongside W.O.R.D (for kids). Check out the link to see other providers in NZ.
I cover all types of riders from beginners to advanced. I love helping a beginner rider feel confident on grade 2/3’s all the way up to getting more advanced riders equipped to deal with the more technical aspects of cornering, jumping, drops and trail speed.
Thanks to Ashley Peters and Russ Garlick’s support, mentorship and encouragement, I have been involved with W.O.R.D and then Joyride as a mountain bike coach for the last seven years. The skills I have learnt through these two absolute champions and organisations have guided my coaching principles and techniques. I wouldn’t be doing this without them.
Personal Life
I have lived in Wellington since moving here for University in 1997. I live with my wife Chris and big fluffy old huntaway Tug, in Rongotai. Our last few adventures have included mountain biking over the Paparoa, Old Ghost Road, and cycle touring from Taumarunui to Masterton on gravel bikes, and recently all around Taiwan. We are currently planning our next trip which could be the Silk Road, Chile/Patagonia, South East Asia or Europe! My current favourite trails are 491 in Wainuiomata, and Unhinged near St Arnaud.
My Qualifications and Certifications
- I am NZQA level 5 qualified mountain bike coach. This is cool.
- I donate 1% of my revenue to invest in carbon removing technologies by being part of Stripe Climate. This is also pretty cool.
- I hold a current outdoor Pre Hospital Emergency Care 1st aid qualification. This is a big deal.
- Nic Johnson MTB Coach is the only Adventure Activities Accredited mountain bike coach in Wellington for adults. This is an even bigger deal and a legal requirement to accept payment for guiding and coaching on mountain bike trails in New Zealand. Check out the register for all Adventure Activity Accredited coaches in NZ.
Don’t settle for anything less than a qualified and certified, safety audited operation to look after you and your riding. Being an Adventure activities accredited operation means all my safety procedures, internal and external processes have been audited as being safe for you!
Your safety, enjoyment and being supported to learn in a environment that is absolutely the best practice in the outdoor industry is the minimum standard. Learn from a Pro! Doing Fun Safely!
Check out my courses, private lesson, workshop and online coaching pages to find something that might suit you.
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