Brian Rybak, has always had a curiosity for mechanics and tools. As a child, he could be found tinkering in his father's tool box and assembling his new toys without any instructions. As he grew from assembling toys to riding bikes around the neighborhood, he realized that he had developed an additional passion....cycling. By the age of 13 he was riding his BMX bike daily. Around the age of 15, Brian discovered a more artistic form of biking known as "flatland" BMX. He viewed flatland as both a fascination and a challenge. Brian began competing in local BMX flatland competitions the very same year he started riding his flatland BMX bike. Riding flatland bikes in the mid-1980s, riders were developing new tricks that were never seen before. The BMX bikes weren't built in a manner to facilitate the tricks that were being created. Therefore, each rider had to also become a bike mechanic. Brian excelled in both bike mechanics as well as developing & executing new flatland tricks. That remained Brian's passion for over 2 decades. Everything he did related to flatland somehow. Among other BMX adventures, he assisted his friends in the planning and construction of Chenga World 1. Brian has also been featured in BMX magazines such as Ride BMX and Props Video Magazine. He has traveled the country competing in various flatland competitions, even achieving 4th place in the pro-class at an X Games qualifying competition in Woodward, PA. Years later, Brian has expanded his cycling preferences. Now, he enjoys riding road bikes, mountain bikes, and competes in local cyclocross races. Though he has not given up BMX flatland, as he rides his flatland bike a few times every year and enjoys his annual "flatland reunions" at Chenga World. Brian is a certified bicycle mechanic. He holds certification from USA Cycling in the area of Race Mechanics since 2007. He also is a certified bicycle fitter since 2012. Kate enjoys riding her bike regularly in the Metro Parks and rides her trainer in the winter months. Over the years, Brian has shared his knowledge and passion for riding with Kate and their 3 children, making Gear Up Velo a true family business. Brian provides expert, certified mechanics, professional expertise, & sales while Kate handles sales and manages the business side of the shop. For the last 25 years, Brian has worked at 3 local bike shops. It has been his lifelong career. It only made sense that the next chapter in his life would lead him to opening his own bike shop. When Brian & Kate saw that the owner of Independence Bike Shoppe was looking to retire, they jumped at the chance to be a part of Independence history...which is where Kate grew up. Rest assured that you are leaving your bike in expert hands. You can trust that your new bike purchase will be handled in an individualized and professional manner. Brian and Kate are eager to provide Independence and the surrounding communities with a wide selection of bicycles, bicycle accessories, as well as quality bicycle repair work and bicycle fitting services. Welcome to Gear Up Velo, where your service is tailored to fit your unique style.