The GreaseMonKey

My name is Benji Johnson and I’m a greasemonkey, gearhead, car guy, or whatever other term you’d like to apply to those who enjoy vehicles.

I’m a family man (established 2006); my wife and I have four kids (boy, girl, boy, boy) who are often hanging around the cars with me, curious about what’s going on and willing to lend a hand. They come in handy whenever brakes need bleeding or wheels need to be taken off/put back on.

For a day job, I’m an Engineer in the metal casting industry and have had the opportunity to work on numerous vehicle related casting projects: supercharger housings, engine blocks, cylinder heads, pistons, front covers, control arms, knuckles, brake rotors, calipers, etc.

My first vehicle was a 1977 Jeep J-10.  With my Dad’s help I restored the body, installed a 4 inch SkyJacker lift and swapped out the 258 I-6 for a 360 V8.  It was a good truck and served me well.

Prior to living in the Chicago suburbs I used to enjoy casual serene rides on ATVs.  cough cough. 

The fastest I’ve legally driven a car is 157mph, in a Peugeot RCZ R, while in Germany on their good ‘ol public roads.  Gotta love the round white signs with 5 diagonal black lines (that means no speed limit).

Cycling, in its many forms and disciplines, has always been a part of my life.  My goal each week is to ride at least 50 miles; but between work, weather, other tasks or a puking kid the night before, I don’t always make it.  I try to take my kids out mountain biking each Sunday afternoon following church.  In the winter they don’t fare so well on the snowy trails but I’m able to take the fat bike out on occasion.

Well, that’s a little bit about me.