By Joe Bachman
Multimedia Editor

STEVENS POINT — For Rolf Garthus and his wife Barb Garthus, it’s time to cycle off into the sunset.

Since 1974, Rolf Garthus has been the owner of well-known local destination for recumbent bicycles, tricycles, and accessories. However, after over four decades, Garthus will hand over the establishment to Breanna Vandehey, who recently managed the Sports Den out of Marshfield.

After stopping into the Hostel Shoppe one day, a brief conversation between Rolf and Vandehey turned into much more, as he made an offer she couldn’t refuse. According to the new owner, not too much will change aside from potential expansion of some products.

“One thing I do see us expanding is our traditional bike footprint here,” said Vandehey. “Stevens Point has a lot of cycling opportunities such as the Green Circle Trail, and the PASTA bike track — I think there’s a lot of opportunities to partner and expand.”

For Garthus, it was the right time, and the right person to take over.

“For the last ten years are so people have been asking us ‘when are you going to retire’?” joked Garthus.

Vandehey has worked as a consultant with Garthus in the past, so he very much believes that the business will be in the right hands.

“I’m really happy with what I see. She’s exceeded our expectations.”

The Hostel Shoppe is located at 3201 John Joanis Dr.