Hoops Walton: Meet Dean
Hoops Walton: Meet Dean
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 on our blog here.
Sticking with Hoops Walton-on-Thames, let’s meet Dean! Mechanic Dean is a lifelong bicycle enthusiast that has been tinkering with bikes since day dot, and has spent much of his time in the trade in this very store. As well as being an excellent mechanic, he’s also an all-around great bloke and has lots of great cycling stories to share.
How did you get into cycling?
My love of cycling started when I was just 8 years old, riding BMX until I was about 16 or 17 – my grandad was always tinkering and fixing bikes, so it was always a case of when I would get into bikes rather than if! I got distracted by motorbikes for a while, but these days I’m back on the pedals. No motorbike, no car, I ride to and from work every day, rain or shine – it has become my primary mode of transportation once again and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
What has kept you cycling?
The sheer joy of riding on two wheels has kept me cycling all these years. Ever since I started working in bike shops at the age of 18, I've been fully immersed in the world of bicycles. I find genuine pleasure in working with and riding bikes, and at 46 years old, I still have the same enthusiasm I had when I started. I hope that I can say the same well into my 70s and beyond.
How did you get into the bike trade?
My journey into the bike trade actually began when I was working at Les Smith. While primarily dealing with car parts, the store eventually started getting involved in bike parts as well. One of my mates at the shop asked if I wanted to get involved in the bike side of the business, and the rest is history! I completed my Cytech qualifications by the time I was 20, and have worked in bike shops ever since. It was during that time that I first met Lee who was part of Hoops Velo, known as Walton Cycles back then, and I joined the team. I had a 10-year hiatus at another bike shop in Windsor in more of a managerial role, but I eventually found my way back to Hoops and haven’t looked back.
When did you join Hoops?
I joined Hoops in my early 20s. After a ten-year hiatus at another shop in Windsor, I returned to Walton and began working at Hoops again manning the workshop. I've been turning spanners here for quite a long time now, and I still love fixing bikes all the same!
What do you like most about working at Hoops?
Working at Hoops means I get to do what I love most – working with bikes! As the saying goes: ‘If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life’, and I’d say that rings true for me. I get to play with bikes all day, every day, and while I do occasionally have to scream at a few of them, going to work feels more like going to play for the day! Plus, seeing the satisfaction on customers' faces when they ride away with their perfectly tuned bike never gets old.
What would you do if you weren't in the cycling trade?
While I have a strong passion for bicycles, my love for motorcycles also runs deep. Everyone in my family is a biker, and I have many fond memories of my younger days when my dad taught me how to ride on the Kawasaki GPZ900 – I was hardly able to reach the gear pedal, but I had a lot of fun! It's a tough question, but if I weren't in the cycling trade, I could see myself as a paramedic. I've always been calm in stressful situations, and being a motorcycle paramedic would be an interesting path to explore. However, let's face it – I'll probably still be fixing bikes in reality. Who knows, maybe I'll just sit in a corner and go a bit mad!
Best day out on the bike?
My best day out on the bike takes me back to my BMX days. I vividly remember the thrill of learning to backflip to fakey over a period of two weeks after being inspired by some of my heroes (Matt Hoffman, Dennis McCoy and co.) when they came down to Spittlefields skatepark. I had my fair share of injuries along the way: seven hospital trips, four concussions, and three broken ribs. Giving up isn’t in my nature, so it was worth every hospital trip to eventually nail it!
Any exciting cycling events/adventures coming up?
I don't have anything specific planned for this year just yet, but last year I did head down to Cornwall for some cycling adventures. For me, it’s the perfect place to ride my bike in the UK – quiet roads, hard hills, you can just disappear and enjoy the outdoors! A mate of mine recently rode in Vietnam for four months, and that's something I'd love to experience – a once-in-a-lifetime ride. I'm not sure when I'll be able to do it, but it's definitely on my bucket list.
Current bike?
I’ve owned many bikes over the years, but right now I have a few in my collection, each with their own purpose. One of my most cherished bikes is a Haro Mirra 540 from 1994. It's a classic, and I've kept it in its original condition because it holds so many fond memories of time well spent on two wheels. I also have a Marin hardtail MTB that occasionally gets an airing for some off-road adventures, but not as often as I’d like! For my daily rides and any other kind of adventure, whether that’s weekend gravel adventures around the local lakes or riding to and fro work, I rely on my trusty army green (limited edition colour!) Genesis Croix de Fer. That bike has taken some abuse over the years but I absolutely love it – the only original components left on it are the frame and fork! You can’t go wrong with a steel frame, I’d take my Croix de Fer over a carbon alternative every day of the week.
Want to find out more about the team at Hoops? Check out our ‘Meet Lee’ blog 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!
