Sports technician extraordinaire
Phil Duffy
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (May 25/01) - Whether it's winter sports like skiing and skating or summer activities like cycling, inline skating and rock climbing, sports equipment technician Bill Hill will ensure your gear operates smoothly.
Born in Montreal, Hill has been a Yellowknife resident for the past five years.
He has worked as the shop technician at Overlander Sports for two years.
Not just a weekend cyclist, this certified cycle technician uses his mountain bike as his main source of transportation.
"Since I am basically an outdoors type of person I thoroughly enjoy living in Yellowknife. Whether it's fishing, camping, canoeing, kayaking, or cycling, I can find outstanding locations practically right outside my front door," said Hill.
Hill also enjoys his job and the fun atmosphere at Overlander. When Hill goes out fishing, camping or cycling he is always accompanied by his best friend, Nika, a three-year-old sled dog.
This is the time of year when Hill is busy getting all those bicycles ready to roll for the spring season.
"I get a sense of satisfaction knowing that people whose bikes I have put together or repaired are riding a smooth running machine. This enables them to get the maximum amount of enjoyment out of their investment," said Hill.
"Aside from the occasional skate sharpening, this time of year my day is basically divided between repairing bikes and building bikes that come to our shop in boxes from the manufacturer," he said.
Hill has been a tai chi enthusiast for 27 years and an instructor for 10.
"I rent space from the local schools when I hold classes. It is a wonderful form of exercise and stress release," said the laid-back technician.
