The Rituals of a Bike Mechanic - Behind the Workshop Door at Flyup 417
Before the noise of the park begins, before the tools come out or grease touches skin, there is a quiet moment that sets the tone.
It always starts with coffee.
"I’ll grab my coffee, check the system, and see what’s in store for the day."
It is not just about preparation. It is about grounding. A pause before the action.
Creating Space Before the Chaos
Every mechanic needs a way to claim their space. For this one, it starts with a simple act.
"I usually flip the no entry sign across the workshop door. It gives me space to set up and know I won’t be distracted."
That moment matters. It marks the transition from outside world to workshop world.
And once inside, what signals the beginning of the day?
"The sound of me opening my top drawer in the morning. That’s when it really feels like I’m back."
Letting the Work Set the Pace
You might expect a routine, something structured and repeatable. But that is not how things work here.
"I definitely let the bikes set the rhythm. If you try to plan a routine in the workshop, it just doesn’t work."
Every day brings different problems. Every repair has its own personality. The pace is set by the bikes and what they need.
Trying to Find Order
A bike park workshop is not a calm place. Cables, bolts and broken chains are a constant presence.
"I check the job board first thing to see what’s coming, but honestly, trying to bring order to a workshop like this is much easier said than done."
Some days flow. Others fight back. That is part of what makes the work so alive.
Satisfaction in the Details
Is the job ever meditative?
"No."
The answer is clear. This is not about zen.
But there is something deeply satisfying in getting it right.
"I’m a bit of a perfectionist. When you get the bolt just right, when the torque wrench clicks, that’s a good moment."
This attention to detail carries through to the bikes he loves most.
"I enjoy working on British-built steel hardtails. Anything strong, simple and built to last."
Escape on Two Wheels
For some, riding is about pushing limits. For him, it is something else entirely.
"Riding is my way of escaping. I go out, have fun, laugh with friends. That’s what it’s about."
It is not about chasing speed or fitness. It is about freedom.
The Truth About Dirty Bikes
There is one thing he always notices, and it frustrates him every time.
"Nobody cleans their bike properly. And it really affects how it rides."
It might seem like a small detail, but it makes all the difference. A clean bike rides better. It feels better. It lasts longer.
From Repairs to Rescues
Working at a bike park means seeing bikes in every possible state of disrepair. Some fixes go beyond standard workshop work.
"A lot of what we do here feels more like a rescue than a repair. Especially on race days."
He is not just fixing bikes. He is salvaging rides, saving laps and keeping people rolling.
A Workshop Mascot
There are no lucky charms. No superstitions. Except for one.
"I have a stuffed otter that I keep in the workshop. That’s my nickname, the Otter."
It sits there quietly while the day unfolds. A reminder of personality in a place full of parts.
Music, Madness and the Dream Build
The soundtrack is not a surprise.
"Metal. That’s the only proper option in a workshop."
And if he had the chance to build the most unnecessary but beautiful bike just for the sake of it?
"Picture an American chopper. Now make it fifteen times the length. Completely ridiculous. Just cool."
Because sometimes doing something wild is reason enough.
Do Bikes Tell Stories?
Every bike that rolls through the workshop has been somewhere. But does that mean it has a story?
"Bikes are probably a bit over the whole story thing. Nine times out of ten, they are the main character anyway."
And maybe that is the beauty of it. Each bike already knows its role. It does not need to say anything. It just needs someone to keep it going.
This is the story of a mechanic at Flyup 417.
It is not a manual or a checklist.
It is a ritual. A rhythm. A way of life in the workshop.
Check it out!
