Team

Our team
Meet the crew that makes ForTheRiders tick (in order of employment):

Michael

I'm Michael and I started ForTheRiders many years ago, trading from a tiny room under my parent's house. Certainly nice to have a big new store to play in. My mates call me Tomac - it's a long story! I've been riding since I was 10 and now ride mostly XC. My favourite local trails are at Gap Creek, and I've ridden trails in NZ and Whistler - both awesome! When I'm not working or riding, I'm a big fan of grabbing a burger and bundy with mates. I'm married to Jenny and I've just started studying a Ministry degree part-time. My last holiday was to Cambodia, Nepal, India and Japan - all cool places. I'm looking forward to making it back to New Zealand next!

Tim

Hi there! I'm Tim, or Timmy. I tend to ride everything that I can get my hands on! My favourite bike is still my Blur XC as it rails like a downhill bike but climbs like a mountain goat! I try and race all the local XC's, Marathon's and Downhill's. My very understanding wife is Mel. My favourite XC/AM riding is in NZ but locally I love the trails at Castle Hill. My best downhill riding memories are from Mont Sainte Anne in Quebec Canada for the sheer speed and roughness! I still love Bundy Rum and strongly object to anything related to coffee. I'm very keen to get into more enduro/super D style events too.

Liam

Hi my name is Liam and I'm an alcoholic. You may remember me from shows like Highway Patrol... HA HA! kidding. I've been with ForTheRiders for nearly 4 years. I have been on a bike since I was 4 and racing downhill MTB for about 5 years now. My favourite local DH tracks would have to be Toowoomba, Illinbah and Kenilworth, and not in that order. I have ridden in Whistler, Canada and even raced the Mont Sainte Anne and Bromont World Cups. Mont Sainte Anne is easily my favourite DH track to date! I listen to pretty heavy music (all of the stuff Timmy hates!) and When I'm not in the shop or riding, I like a bit of a drink with mates and my new found interest... sliding cars!

Josh

I’m Josh (also known as Shwaa). I first started riding mountain bikes when I was 12 and from haven’t stopped since - not even braking my hip will stop me riding and racing! When I’m not working I’m usually catching up with mates or playing some bball. I love snow boarding and this year will be the 3rd year in a row, it’s great to travel (I’ve been to NZ and China) and do something different. You’ll find me out racing on my new Santa Cruz Blur, doing 24 hr solos (was stoked to place 6th in U23's solo at 2010 24hr World Champs, Mt Stromlo). It’s a massive buzz that I get out of these enduro races, aiming for new personal bests. Feel free to ask me any questions about your bike. or racing 24's if you’re a little crazy!

Aaron

My name's Aaron, but occasionally people call me Ron. These days I ride mainly XC and DH, but if I had more time I'd be digging trails or at the skatepark. Having plenty of bikes is cool but I need for a bigger garage! When I'm not in the workshop at ForTheRiders, I'm running NSDynamics, keeping everyone's forks and shocks in check. When I'm not working on bikes, I'm cruising in my Valiant or having beers with mates. I've ridden America, Canada, NZ and the UK, and heaps in Europe - Morzine in the French Alps is my favourite, where I raced the Mega Avalanche 4 times. Highly recommended! I just got back from getting married in Thailand though so the next trip could be a while away. Anyway, enough about me - gotta go service some Boxxers!

Matt

Hi guys my name is Mat, the boys call me Tapey. I've been riding since I was 8, starting out as a roady where I raced at a state level and won a couple of state champs. Then I saw the light and switched to DH MTB, racing til I was 23 and achieving 3rd in Elite Mens National DH series. Now I'm older and wiser I ride xc, placing 4th in the 2010 Elite mens state champs. I love riding XC in Bunya state forest and Red Woods (NZ). I've been a bike mechanic for 14 years and joined ForTheRiders because I'm passionate about MTB and want to work with people who give something back and love the sport as much as I do. Most of my time is spent working, riding and with family, but when I get the time I love drifting my Supra.

Jesse

I'm Jesse (or Jess-dog, not really sure how that one came about), I've been working at ForTheRiders since the start of 2011 (how could you say no to a shop with beer on tap!). I attempt to ride and race anything that has two wheels and pedals, be it cross country, road, bmx or downhill. Riding has seen me travel to New Zealand, Canada and up and down the east coast of Australia multiple times. If I'm not working or out riding I'm usually trying to catch up on my second favorite hobby - sleeping. I'm hoping to keep adding to the mix by racing more disciplines throughout the year.

Ryan

Hey! I’m Ryan, or commonly known around FTR as “Ruzza”. I’ve not long started at FortheRiders and I couldn’t be happier!... I love to race my bike, I currently race 4x at a national level, and in 2011 I raced two world cup rounds In Scotland and Austria! I’m aiming to make the Australian Team this year (2012) to head back to Austria and race for Australia! I also ride XC, BMX, Downhill and love to hit up some Dirt Jumps when I can. If you don’t find me either at work on out on the trails...you’ll probably find me out on a Dance Floor nearby tearing it up!