Trail Head People
John Thomsen, founder


John charging in-click here

Age: 64 in '06

Ridin' since... 1947

What I like most about riding... Lets me challenge myself & keep fit. Therapeutic & tranquil -lets me age-regress and get my priorities straight.

Where I mostly like to ride is... Nisene Marks-Wilder-The Demo

Bikes in my quiver... S/W “Enduro”, Yeti “ASR-SL”, carbon “Roubaix Comp Triple”, classic ‘91 “Breezer”, Look “Team Replica”, Honda 1000cc SuperHawk.

The one I ride most is my... S-Works Enduro and I train on my Roubaix

Because... They’re both light, quick and dialed for me & my style

My next bike will be a... the new carbon XC sled from either Specialized or Ibis.


What I like most about working at Trail Head... I have the finest crew of highly skilled mechanics and tech support pros on the planet - Our core ridership of committed and passionate riders and racers – yeah, and lots of recreational riders, as well - All continue to amaze me with their goodness and enthusiasm and support. Mostly I love working with my son, Lars – learning from him and watching him grow.

The neatest thing about having riders as customers... They recognize and value our efforts to build and service a better bike, that we have “whatever they need” in stock for upgrades, and and treat their bikes like our own. The cases of beer and cookies and brownies are ALWAYS a super plus, and their fotos and videos encourage and inspire us and our customers.


I'm best known by my customers as... “The Old Guy”. The founder, elder statesman.

School/Family/Personal background... BA in Music from San Jose State. My wife, Priscilla, & I ride everywhere together. She's my best friend. I taught a dozen years - Did real estate another dozen,-retired and sailed & motor yachted some 25,000 miles with my wife and children before opening Trail Head. Still sing with the Symphony and conduct the women in rehearsal. Still play guitar – learning Todd Snyder’s licks, just now.


One last thing... I still race & ride pretty much everyday. I'm a connoisseur of Cabs and Zins. No plans to open Trail Head 2, 3, 4 ... Just want to be the premier shop for people who care about doin’ stuff like we do it! I don’t think it gets a whole lot better than that.


E-mail John at john@trailheadcyclery.com