About Me

My name is Donovan Johnson and my goal is to share my excitement and love for mountain biking with you! As a college sophomore at Auburn University, my mountain biking journey began as an escape from the stresses of school. I had a Trek hardtail, a gift from my parents for commuting to and from classes, that I would take to Chewacla State Park. Upon graduation, I moved to Birmingham and was immediately challenged at Oak Mountain State Park. I purchased a new bike and invested in clinics from my dear friend, Lon Cullen. Lon shared in my excitement as I began to do things on a bike that I never thought myself capable, a joy I now get to share with my own classes. It was all downhill from there (no pun intended) as I continued taking lessons from instructors across the southeast. Upon moving to Huntsville in 2020, my desire to teach became a reality as Lon began teaching me his own techniques as an instructor and sending clients my way. I started Southeast Shreds and received incredible encouragement and investment from HAMR (Huntsville-Area Mountain Bike Riders) along my journey to receiving my PMBIA Level 1 Certification in Hendersonville, NC and my PMBIA Level 2 Air Certification in Bentonville, AR.