Jonah Lee

At around 14, I began riding bikes with my cousin. I rode a fully rigid Hardrock, and Hillendale Park was our playground. Soon after, I started mowing lawns so I could buy a nicer bike. My parents thought I was crazy but respected my desire.

After progressing past what my second bike could do, I started trying to repair my bikes myself. No matter the number of YouTube videos, I was a cycle of trying to fix, visit the shop, and break something again. Mowing lawns wasn’t supporting the money I was spending so I figured I should look for a Job.

My second bike came from Shenandoah Bicycle, and immediately I was welcomed into the lifestyle. I was encouraged to learn more about bikes and keep trying to fix my own stuff. It took over a year before they gave in, and I got an interview, not sitting at a table, but riding bikes up a mountain.

I was welcomed into my first day at the shop, outfitted in a horse head and biking bibs, and treated like family. Since then I have progressed in my skills as a mechanic, coworker, and smoothie blender.

Biking is a way for me to identify myself, meet people, and feel like I belong. Getting out for a ride is a way to relieve stress and have a good time. It also creates a stronger relationships. I ride with my cousin! Rides with buddies will always be a part of my life, and I could not be more thankful for the opportunity to work at my dream job.