My journey with two wheels began when I was a kid, learning to ride under the guidance of my older brother. Those early days of wobbling, laughing, and finally finding balance are memories I still hold close. From then on, cycling became a part of my everyday life. I rode around my suburb for fun, for freedom, and eventually as my main way of getting to school all the way through high school.

At 16, I spent all my savings on my first road bike—a Hasa R2 aluminium frame with SRAM Apex 10‑speed. It wasn’t a high‑end machine, but it carried me through my teenage years and sparked something deeper. By 18, I was already fixing bikes, and that hands-on experience completely transformed my relationship with cycling. It wasn’t just about riding anymore; it drew me closer to the true heart of cycling – Connection.

While studying for my bachelor’s degree, I interned at one of the Big Four audit firms. For a moment, it seemed like that might be my future, especially with the expectations around me. But on the last day of my six‑month internship, I felt a strong resistance to the idea of spending my life in an office. I felt trapped, and I knew clearly that an office job wasn’t the life I wanted.

After graduating in 2016, I set out to see the world from a different perspective. I moved to New Zealand for a nine‑month working holiday, determined to explore the country not on foot, but on two wheels. It turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made, it opened a new path in my life and helped me discover my purpose and the lifestyle I truly wanted to pursue.

When I returned home, a close friend and fellow cyclist introduced me to J Cycle Garage (JCG). Through a twist of fate, I joined the team as a full‑time mechanic. JCG is a unique workshop dedicated solely to bicycle repair, including professional carbon repair and custom airbrushing.

Because the sole business of JCG is highly focused servicing and repairing, the owners a.k.a the mechanic are equipped with extremely high level of mechanical skill and deep knowledge on fixing things. The level of skill i was learning was at a rate of knots, I became good very quickly because not only because of their generosity to teach me, but most importantly they are kind enough to allow me to make as many mistake, they are anot afraid of me to break anything at all because deep down they know, they can fix it, all they want for me is to learn.

Because JCG focuses solely on servicing and repairing bicycles, the owners, who are also mechanics, possess an exceptionally high level of skill and a deep understanding of how to fix almost anything. The level of skill I was learning was at a rate of knots. I improved quickly not only because of their generosity in teaching me, but also because they gave me the freedom to make mistakes. They were never afraid of me breaking something, because deep down they knew they could fix it. What mattered most to them was that I learned, grew, and developed into a capable mechanic.

That being said, a good mechanic isn’t someone who never makes mistakes—it’s quite the opposite. Mistakes are part of learning, and they shape you into a better, more confident mechanic. I’m truly grateful to have been part of JCG’s journey, and even more grateful that JCG became such an important part of mine.

Now that I’ve begun a new chapter in Brisbane and founded Pedal Passion, the name serves as a reminder to myself that “without passion, there is no great art.” and to me, living our lives with purpose and authenticity is one of the greatest forms of art.

Rob's cycling passion started in Europe in mid '90s which makes him a "senior" rider as the time of this writing. He retired from small-time racing, but never stopped clocking in miles on the bike and relentlessly testing every piece of gear to make sure it meets the demands of local roads and trails. He joined Kin to bring a few decades of commercial experience.