The Man Behind Our Bikes: Abram Mahoney

Born in Miami Florida, Adventure South NZ's bike mechanic Abram Mahoney is committed to making sure our bikes go out on trips in tip top shape.

Abram moved to Christchurch last August with his wife and we've loved having him and his infectious laugh in the depot. Having raced mountain bikes all over the world, including the 'Origin of Trails in Cape Town',  Abram knows his way around a bike and he treats ours as he would his own.

He also enjoys spending time in the kitchen and the office staff are always hanging out for the next batch of pecan pie or apple crumble

When did you first start riding bikes ?

I grew up around bikes from a young age. My brother's and I would go around the neighborhood every summer and find bikes that people were throwing away on the street. We'd gather all the bikes, pull them apart and then put them together to build one good bike out of all the parts in our garage at home. I guess that's when I got my first taste of the world of bike mechanics too.

Aside from spending a lot of time down in the depot, what is your main role?

My job is to keep all the bikes in top condition. We have over 200 mountain bikes, road bikes, electric bikes and hybrid bikes in our fleet so it's a big job. When bikes come back from a trip I give them a full tune up and get them ready to go out on the next one - which can sometimes be a tight turnaround. I also order in new parts if we need them and make sure our guests have the right bike in the right size when they turn up for a trip.

We have over 200 mountain bikes, road bikes, electric bikes and hybrid bikes in our fleet so it's a big job.

What's your favourite part about your job?

Knowing that I've played a part in making someones once in a life-time cycling trip in New Zealand a reality is such an incredible feeling. I get to meet people from all over the world and it's always so great to hear the stories from their trip with us.

What do you do when you're not riding or fixing bikes?

I'm really into music so when i'm not on my bike I love playing the guitar. You'll always find me listening to music whilst working down in the depot as well. Aside from that i'm also big fan of cooking and I love baking cookies & pecan pie - basically all the sweet stuff!

Do you have a favourite NZ trail to ride?

I haven't really had the chance to explore as many trails as i'd like to in NZ yet. I competed in a race in Nelson late last year but I've been really enjoying the local trails at the Christchurch Adventure Park recently. If you are a keen mountain biker you should definitely check it out!
 

What's one bit of advice you could give to Adventure South NZ cyclists?

Don't be afraid to bring your own saddle or pedals to fit on our bikes - if it works for you at home, bring it with you. The most important thing is that you're comfortable on the bike. That's not to say the saddles and pedals we have aren't sufficient!