The Backstory
Circa 2020 - The COVID era. Newly relocated from Perth, Western Australia to stunning Brisbane, Queensland with a shiny new gig as an IT Service Management Specialist, and my family right beside me. If you asked me if I ever thought of owning a bicycle, let alone ride said bike, I would have thought you "two sandwiches short of a picnic". Why? Well, I was heading to an early grave. Morbidly obese, struggling with a severely compromised left leg from an old motorcycle accident, my comfort zone was the coach (NOT Zone 2) and a free flow of hops to rival any pub.
And then... I decided that enough was enough!
Circa 2024, I delved into the science of sports performance & nutrition. I chose cycling as the modality best suited for my messed-up left leg and commenced a wholesale reset. Some of the numbers I am proud of that occurred during that 12-month period was to go from 136kg to 79kg, RHR in the high 60's to 38 Bpm, and VO2MAX of "DAMN!" to a reasonable 52.
It all started with a goal. On day 1, I committed to ride the full Tour de Brisbane within that 12-month period. Yes, Mt. Cootha and all.
Well...11 months later, on the 13th of April 2025 I did it!
The Present
Having always been good with technical and mechanical pursuits and fueled by my passion for cycling, I decided to focus on the mechanical performance side of cycling. I view each bike as a "work of art" that needs to be optimized and cared for. I owe cycling my life, so it's paying it forward in the best way.
I established waxandchains to share my passion and provide the same quality of workmanship to my fellow cyclists.
Apart from tuning and optimising, we aim to stock a curated, hand-picked list of brands. Only the "best in class" components. Which probably makes waxandchains more off a boutique store, than a hypermarket. But with that, you get the personal touch - we invest in your cycling journey or race preparation.
Looking ahead
Have you ever seen a rich bike mechanic? Neither have I. What I do hope to pursue is a small purposeful and focused service that provides top-shelf workmanship and products.
Will I ever give up my day job? Well, who knows. As long as my focus remains on quality of service and the love and passion for these "works of art", that will be enough.
