Bike business is riding high

Throughout the campaign we aim to offer advice and tips, profile different types of cycling and how readers can get involved and throw the spotlight on mid Cheshire cyclists with a story to share, who we call our Pedal Power Ambassadors.

This week we feature a Northwich man who has turned his hobby into a way of life.

FOR a Norhwich triathlete, making a living out of his favourite sports has happened almost by accident.

Brian Dooley opened Sports and Outdoors, in Navigation Road, with his wife Carolyn in April.

The shop is almost a by-product of a thriving online business, which was set up two years ago and soon outgrew its original premises.

Brian, whose business background is wholesale caravan accessories, said: “I know the industry when it comes to the caravan and camping side so it makes sense to keep that but we wanted to try to add in other product areas to give us a stable business throughout the year.

“We thought about what sports myself and my wife have taken part in, I'm an ex-triathlete and she's an ex-runner, and our strap line is that Sports and Outdoors is run for enthusiasts by enthusiasts.

“That's what it's all about – we actually do these sports and use the products we sell.

“The online business went really really well and we outgrew our warehouse.

“I found this place purely by accident when I was out on a run and thought we could have an office, showroom and warehouse and it's more than big enough for our needs.

“The nice thing is that the online business covers the fixed overheads so the shop doesn't have to do anything but it has been a massive pleasant surprise the amount of business we've done through the shop.”

The couple, who have three children and live in London Road, have been overwhelmed by the interest in cycling.

Brian said: “We did tons of bikes through July and August, we were staggered by how many went through the shop, never mind online.

“We've sold lots and lots and lots of hybrid bikes.

“We've had a lot of people coming in thinking they want a mountain bike but coming out with a hybrid.

“We try to chat with people to find out what they want to use the bike for and where they're going to ride it.

“Do you really want to waste energy on a mountain bike with suspension but don't want something as aggressive as a road bike? There's a whole chunk in the middle that you'll enjoy and then the bike won't end up on eBay.

“We let people have a ride round on the bikes as well because you can't just sit on a bike in the shop, and if you buy the wrong bike you'll fall out of love with it and out of love with cycling."

Brian has enjoyed cycling since childhood, discovered running when he was at university then, like many runners, picked up too many injuries and returned to his bike.

He also enjoyed swimming and started taking part in triathlons, with alternating the three disciplines helping to reduce training injuries.

About three years ago he was also on the reserve list for the GB age group team, which would have seen him compete in the European age group championships in Holland.

But cycling remains his first love.

“Cycling is what I do more than anything else,” he said.

“It's just good fun.

“It's as hard as you want to make it.

“On a bike if you want to go out for a pootle you can do and if you want to go out and get your heart rate up you can do that as well, and all the bits in between.

“I cycle to work every day unless it's absolutely foul.

“We only live in London Road and when I have to bring the van in it's a nightmare, and going home I have to go all the way through the gyratory when I'm driving.

“On the bike it's much quicker and it's a blast of fresh air.”

Sports and Outdoors has also just been accepted as a Cycle to Work scheme retailer.

Brian said: “My advice to anyone starting out would be not to spend too much at the start, you just want a good quality bike.

“And go to a proper bike shop where they can give you advice on the right bike and the right size.”