Some people race to the finish.
Ernest Chao pays attention to the steps.

A longtime physiotherapist, bike fitter, and dedicated cyclist, Ernest is someone whose presence has quietly shaped the rhythm of our community, ride by ride, fit by fit, moment by moment.

We first met during my time working at Toyota, when I helped Ernest and his wife with their car purchase. A few months later, by pure coincidence, we crossed paths again, this time grinding up Mount Seymour on our bikes. That unexpected reunion became the start of a friendship rooted in movement, consistency, and shared values.

Ernest quickly became one of The Last Drop Cycling Club’s most active members and our very first sponsor. Since then, he’s grown into one of our ride leaders, leading long adventure rides and becoming the preferred bike fitter for many in our community. But his story isn’t just about cycling or career, it’s about how quiet service, when done with intention, can have a lasting impact.

How It All Started

Ernest’s journey into physiotherapy began with a single moment of clarity.
“When I was in high school, my grandmother fell down some stairs and broke her hip,” he recalls. “During her recovery, we had a physio come to our house to help her with rehab. That bought a lot of clarity, seeing someone help her get back on her feet. I knew I wanted to do that for others.”

Years later, after becoming a licensed physiotherapist, he began helping friends with bike-related issues, cleat positioning, posture, discomfort on long rides. “After some time, I thought to myself: Why don’t I just help set up people’s bikes for work?”

When the Routine Becomes a Signal

For over a decade, Ernest worked as a contracted physiotherapist under someone else’s banner. He had a stable caseload, a predictable routine, and the security that comes with repetition. But eventually, that rhythm began to dull.

“My career foundation was solid, the routine had set in, almost rhythmic and predictable, like a metronome. But with that stability came a creeping sense of stagnation. I began to crave a new kind of challenge.”

And so, he stepped out on his own. He founded EC Physiotherapy, where he could practice with more freedom, more creativity, and a deeper focus on care. “To elevate the quality of care the way I envisioned, I knew I had to take the leap and do things my own way.”

Progress, Without Hype

One of the most defining parts of Ernest’s story is how quietly he moves.
He’s not chasing scale. He’s not trying to “blow up.” Instead, he’s focused on showing up, again and again.

“I wish more people knew I didn’t have it all figured out when I started,” he says. “You don’t need to wait for perfect clarity, you just need to take the first step. That’s been a big part of my journey: learning as I go.”

His mantra?

“There are no problems. Only actions to be taken.”

Progress, to Ernest, isn’t about metrics or applause. It’s about freedom.

“The opportunity to embrace greater freedom, in every aspect of life. That’s progress.”

The Plain Pillars

Impact First
Ernest lives this one out fully.
From sponsoring cycling clubs and leading group rides, to offering free follow-ups after bike fits, to answering questions online, even for people who never become clients, he gives without expectation.

“It’s a long game, but it builds real trust.”

Identity is Earned
His favorite analogy? Gardening.

“You don’t garden thinking about the flower. You garden thinking about the soil, the water, the sunlight. The flower is a consequence.”

For Ernest, it’s the quiet reps, the daily showing up that shape identity.

Small Bets, Big Ideas
His bike fitting journey started with very little: a few sessions, a basic certification, and a willingness to learn. But by offering free follow-ups and obsessing over refinement, he grew it into a cornerstone of his practice.

“Those small bets helped me uncover what truly works and build confidence over time.”

The Middle of the Journey

When asked what it feels like to be in the middle, before the “big break”—Ernest is honest.

“It feels both uncertain and grounding. There’s no big spotlight yet. Just consistent effort, quiet wins, and a lot of patience.”

But he’s okay with that.
“If you’re truly offering something of value, people will talk about it. You don’t need to chase hype.”

Final Word

So what would he whisper to someone about to start their own thing?

“Starting is often the easy part—passion and excitement are at their peak. But it’s building momentum that truly demands time, energy, and consistency. There’s no secret formula, just showing up, again and again, even when it’s not glamorous.”

And that’s Ernest.
Not in it for the noise. Not rushing the process.
Just showing up with care, with skill, and with the patience to let the results follow.

Follow Ernest: @ernestchaophysio
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