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John Tzinberg

John Tzinberg

Great name, isn’t it?

At first hearing I thought it must be a national chain, the name is that good. It brings to mind the transcendence of cycling, the delusion of never ending downhills, heavenly gear and the cult of spandex.

I’m scheduled to meet John at his shop on campus at UC Irvine; I arrive before he does and observe the steady stream of students and their bikes needing repair. The two mechanics must feel like they’re working in the bicycle equivalent of a fast-food restaurant — the bikes just keep on coming. Many are repaired in just a few minutes and more than a couple are waved off when asked, “how much?” It’s a long way to the next closest bike repair shop and these students need to get to class.

Finally, John arrives. I feel like I have a good idea as to what’s going on, so I can concentrate on the man. He had a paper route as a kid, the beginning of his riding career. Today he leads a lot of local rides with serious road bike riders. And he’s well connected in the community — he served on the 2009-10 Newport Beach Bike Safety Task Force; that’s where we first met. Today he’s sponsoring the OC Gran Fondo on October 8th. (I’m signed up.)

Of course, there’s a lot more to John’s story…

Need repairs? Bring your bike to Bike Religion, on campus at UC Irvine

This Post Has 3 Comments

  1. Pretty sure he is the one and same .. I went to school with John at Crows Nest Boys High (before it closed) finishing in 1984 and am friends with him on Facebook too… you’ll find him on Facebook or even his shop will have email

  2. Hi. I am wondering if this John Tzinberg is the one who lived in Australia in his teens.I flatted with him at Naremburn NSW Sydney while he trained to be a policeman. I have been trying to find him for ages as I am sure that I owe him money for late rent. John went to Northside Baptist Church, as did I. His first car was a bit up “bug”. Is this the same John Tzinberg?
    I was Corylanne Vandyke but have since married hence the change in surname.
    Any info would be helpful. Thank you

  3. Hi. I am wondering if this John Tzinberg is the one who lived in Australia in his teens.I flatted with him at Naremburn NSW Sydney while he trained to be a policeman. I have been trying to find him for ages as I am sure that I owe him money for late rent. John went to Northside Baptist Church, as did I. His first car was a bit up “bug”. Is this the same John Tzinberg?
    I was Corylanne Vandyke but have since married hence the change in surname.
    Any info would be helpful. Thank you

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