Hoops Walton: Meet Johannes
Hoops Walton: Meet Johannes
Hoops wouldn’t be what it is today without our fantastic team across our three stores, so in our ‘Meet’ series we’re going to introduce you to the people that make our cogs turn. If you haven’t seen our other ‘Meet The Team’ blog posts, check them out here.
Rounding out the team at Hoops Walton is Johannes. As an experienced, knowledgeable cyclist who’s always friendly and happy to share his expertise, he’s a real asset to the team. With many stories to share, let’s find out a little more about Johannes’ cycling story!
How did you get into cycling?
My journey on two wheels began when I got my first bike at just 2 years old. While I always loved bikes, cycling was primarily just a mode of transport for me. Fast forward to 2008/09, and that's when cycling evolved from a means of transport to a full-blown sport. It all started when a colleague of mine asked for some local routes to train for an upcoming Sportive – one thing led to another and somehow I ended up getting drafted into the event too. The rest is history!
What has kept you cycling?
Once I caught the cycling bug, there was no looking back. I’ve done a number of Sportives and Gran Fondos over the years and have always ridden with local cycling clubs. I was hooked, not just by the fitness aspect, but also by the camaraderie and friendships that cycling brings.
When did you join Hoops?
Unlike the other guys at Walton, while I’ve been into bikes pretty much my whole life, I haven’t always been in the bike trade. Being my local bike shop, Hoops Walton was always on my radar and when I was looking for a gap to fill, the bike shop just seemed like the perfect fit. I joined Hoops when I saw an advert in the window and haven’t looked back since!
What do you like most about working at Hoops?
Spending every day surrounded by bikes is pretty fantastic. I’m handy when it comes to working on bikes, but I spend most of my time on the shop floor interacting with customers and ensuring day-to-day operations are running smoothly. Advising people about something I'm so passionate about doesn’t feel like a job and there’s nothing more satisfying than helping our customers find their perfect bike. It's not like any old retail job; it's much more personable, and it’s great to have a set of clients who share my excitement for cycling.
What would you do if you weren’t in the cycling trade?
To be honest, I genuinely can't think of anything else I'd rather be doing. After working part-time for a while, I stayed on because I enjoyed being a part of the team so much. The interactions with customers, the conversations about bikes – it doesn't feel like work at all.
Best day out on the bike?
My best day on the bike was also one of the most challenging. It was the Oetztaler Cycling Marathon – a 238km behemoth through the breathtaking Austrian and Italian Alps. With over 5,500 meters of climbing, it was a true test of endurance. The final 1,800m climb after 180km had me questioning life choices, but the exhilaration and sense of accomplishment afterwards were unmatched. Persevering through the 30°C heat and conquering the mountains – you can’t beat that.
Any exciting cycling events/adventures coming up?
While I had plans for the Mallorca 312 event this year, an injury put a bit of a spanner in the works. However, it's still on my bucket list for the future. The Dolomites are another region I'm itching to explore – maybe as part of the Maratona dles Dolomites. Alpine trips, Gran Fondos, they're my passion. For the rest of the year, I'll be pretending I'm training up properly for these events!
Current bike?
My trusty steed is a Droessiger custom build. I’ve had it for several years now and it has served me very well. While it might not be the most modern machine with its rim brakes and climbing-centric design, I’ve never found it to be a bottleneck for better performances and it feels amazing to ride – up- and downhill. Ultimately it all comes down to my legs! I absolutely love this bike and I can’t see myself replacing it any time soon.
Want to find out more about the team at Hoops? Check out the rest of our 'Meet' blogs here, and keep an eye out for future editions. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay in the loop and be the first to know about any deals and offers!
