About your coach
Nic Johnson – racing, riding and coaching history
Two decades of high-level racing, ten years of coaching and 23 years in the cycling industry – now focusing on making your ride better.
These days it is all about the ‘smiles per hour’.
Schedule your ride →
Qualifications
- GSMBC L2 Advanced
- Adventure Activities Accredited
- Wellington based
The riding story
From downhill racing to trail flow
I started racing at 20 and went straight into downhill, finishing with a best result of 3rd Pro Elite woman in New Zealand and plans to head onto the North American circuit. A serious back injury put a stop to that, so I moved to road racing for the next decade, culminating in racing at World Cup level on the road, with short stints on the track and at XC.
Since then my focus has been trail riding, plus 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 previous day job of 23 years in the cycling industry means I stay up to date with the latest bike and gear advances, so I can give solid advice on pretty much everything ‘bike’.
My goal is to give you the skills you need to enjoy your riding more.
Equipped with the best techniques, you build confidence, feel in control, and get the ‘wow’ and ‘yuss’ factor back in your riding.
- All levels welcome – from first time on dirt to grade 5 technical riding.
- Understanding, not just copying – I explain the ‘why’ behind every technique.
- Safety first – accredited, audited and first aid current.
- Always more to learn – for you and for me.
Qualifications
The highest qualified MTB coach in Wellington
I am a WorkSafe Adventure Activities Accredited coaching business, current in Pre-Hospital Emergency Care first aid, with almost a decade of coaching under my belt.
I work with riders of all skill levels. I love helping beginners gain confidence on grade 2/3 trails, while also helping experienced riders master the technical challenges of cornering, jumping, drops and trail speed.
Credentials
- L2 Advanced GSMBC coaching qualification
- NZ Certificate in Outdoor Leadership (Instruction L5) in Mountain Biking
- Outdoor PHEC first aid (5 day Pre-Hospital Emergency Care)
- WorkSafe Adventure Activities Accredited, externally audited
- 10 years coaching experience
- 20 years of high-level racing and riding
Off the clock
Personal life
I have lived in Wellington since moving here for university in ‘97. I live in Rongotai with my wife Chris and our big fluffy old huntaway, Tug.
Recent adventures include mountain biking the Paparoa and Old Ghost Road, cycle touring from Taumarunui to Masterton on gravel bikes, the Molesworth and Rainbow, and riding all around Taiwan. Next up will be heading into Chile and Patagonia, down the Carretera Austral (Route 7) – a remote, spectacular 1,240-kilometre (770-mile) highway winding through rural Chilean Patagonia from Puerto Montt down to Villa O’Higgins.
Current favourite trails: 491 in Wainuiomata, Topa Topa in Miramar and Unhinged near St Arnaud.
Let’s go riding
Book a group skills course or a private lesson and get more smiles per hour.