Ilja

Roadbike and Vespa riding Software-developer
from Traunstein in South Bavaria, Germany.
Welcome to the cyclepunks collective.

Tell us who you are Ilja

sWhats your Name?
→ Ilja

Where are you from ?
→ Traunstein in South Bavaria, near the lake Chiemsee and the mountains, Germany

What is the Skill you want to tell the people they could ask you for help with?
→ I work as a software developer in Munich. I am a father of two daughters who always stays calm.

What are your social accounts?
→ Instagram: Ilja_Fr and Strava: Ilja Frank.

What type of Bike Rider are you, what bikes are you Riding?
→ I ride everything that has two wheels. Especially my road bike, but i like also mountain bike or e-Bike. I also have a very old road bike (silver Peugeot from late 60s) that I converted to a one-gear bike

What other things you want to tell the world?
→ I founded a bike club (https://traunstein-bicycle-club.de/) with two friends in my hometown. It’s about doing more for cyclists in the city. We organize a slow roll across the city every month to attract more attention to cyclists. Like the Detroit Slow Roll.

The Interview

Is cycling your Passion or just a good way to commute?
→ I started cycling very early. When I was 7 I joined a racing club and also participated in small races. But was not very successful. Later it became more of a hobby, but I really enjoy my time on the bike. It helps me to have a balance to my daily work.
And I love to discover new routes in my home area.

I saw you’re also a big Fan of riding you Vespa, nice Machine, please tell us about it?
→ I already had a Vespa as a teenager and unfortunately I had to sell it for a car at the time. After over 20 years I have fulfilled a long dream and bought an old Vespa again. The feeling of freedom on it is unique. I prefer to take my wife to the lake in the evening and enjoy the sunset.

What’s your goal for this season?
→ I would like to buy a new road bike and am already busy looking. Otherwise cycle more than last year (2500 km).

What are you doing besides cycling?
→ Spend as much time as possible with my family. We go to the lake a lot to SUP or go hiking. In winter I go to the gym to stay fit. 

What’s the best Moment you ever had while riding your bike?
→ I got off my road bike last year with no specific goal. I found a beautiful lonely road near Salzburg. I then took my arms off the handlebars and stretched them out and just screamed the joy out. When it gets too stressful at work, I think of that moment.

Thanks a lot Ilja for telling us your cycling story and for being part of the cyclepunks collective, we would love to hear more stories of your adventures soon!

Ride On