Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Staff Profile: Michael Williams


It’s pretty cool that Century Cycles’ only grandpa on staff also has the nickname “Road Dog.” Michael Williams, 59, joined the Century Cycles team six years ago after retiring as a dairy manager at Tops grocery store. He lives in Oakwood Village with his wife, Carolyn, and they keep very busy with five grandchildren who are all under the age of 5.

Q: What do you like about working in a bike store?
A: It’s not as stressful. There are no expiration dates on bikes like there are on dairy products.

Q: How many bikes do you own?
A: Four, plus my wife rides and we have trailers for the grandkids. I also have a Harley motorcycle. I spend most of my time on two wheels.

Q: What’s your favorite trail or ride?
A: My buddies and I have a ride we do through the inner city, through downtown and along the Shoreway. We also rode around Lake Erie about four years ago. That was a real good time.

Q: What’s the best piece of cycling advice you’ve received?
A: If you’re riding in a pack, don’t watch the wheel of the bike in front of you -- watch the rider’s back.

Q: What’s the most frequent piece of cycling advice you give?
A: People tell me they want a bike that doesn’t hurt their butt. I tell them to spend more time in the saddle and their butts won’t hurt. They also say to me “You’re how old?! You can’t be that old!” I tell them that bicycles keep you young.

Q: What’s your favorite bicycle?
A: My Marin road bike.

Q: What was your first bicycle?
A: A big old Schwinn. It was red and gray.

Q: What do you like to drink after a long ride?
A: Coke or Pepsi.

1 comment:

  1. Seriously!? I was totally shocked to find out Michael's age! You gotta be kidding! My guess was that he was in his late 30s/early 40s. If cycling is truly the key to the fountain of youth, I want to age just like him!!! Damn. I did a double-take reading that. He's older than my dad!! (But not by much.)

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