In an effort to give readers/followers a look inside the team and its partners, we’re launching the occasional question and answer feature called “The Last 200 Meters.” The idea is to take a two minute interview and see what happens.

For our first installment we’re talking to Andy Tegge, a self-described “shop rat” at JB Cycle & Sport in Howard, Wisc. (JB is one of GVR’s partners). Andy is one of the guys who keeps our bikes in working condition and handles all sorts of special orders for exotic (and rather mundane) equipment.

Q) What’s the best thing about coming to work every day?

A) I’ve worked here five or six year. It’s not like a real job. I get to hang out in the shop, talk bikes all day, work on bikes and help people get set up with bikes. The best part is when people don’t even have a bike and you get them on a good, decent, bike-shop quality bike for the first time and they just fall in love with it.

Q) How much riding do you fit in during the summer?

A) Our busiest season is when I want to be out riding and really don’t have the time to ride. I’m here working on (customers) bikes when I want to be out riding just as much as them.

Q) Let’s talk about supporting your local bike shop. In the day and age of online commerce, how important is it for customers to give some love to the brick-and-mortar shops in their communities?

A) It’s very important. People are pretty loyal to their bike shop, too… they go to the people they trust.

We’re basically a community bike shop and get a lot of people from the area who are able to ride to the shop, get something done, and then ride home.

Q) What are some of the more common, correctable, maintenance issues you see on a regular basis?

A) Make sure tires are properly inflated before people go out for a ride. We see a lot of pinch-flats in here. And cleaning your bike. Simple things like that.

Q) Muttonchops, beard or mustache?

A) Mustache for sure. John (Sommers) is the mustache king.

Q) How about for you?

A) Beard. I’m just too lazy to shave.

Look at that, your two minutes are up.