First of all I’d like to say how heartening it has been seeing so many bums on bikes recently! We’ve been having the odd sunny day here and there which always helps but we’ve definitely seen an increase in people, especially families, popping into the shop. Our bike sales have gone bananas recently and, if I put my business hat on for a moment, it’s really made our move to the new shop worthwhile. It was always going to be a risk, especially with the economy as it is, but it seems to have been a really positive move for us. For a second I started to think maybe we should have gone bigger but greed doesn’t sell bikes, so we’re over the moon with where we are now!

You may be able to tell that I’m in quite a good mood at the moment! Mainly because I’m just getting ready to go on holiday! As much as I love the shop, it’s great to get away. I’m jetting away with some of the lads for, you guessed it, a cycling holiday! As the saying (that I just invented!) goes, you can take the boy out of M. Steel Cycles but you can’t take M. Steel Cycles out of the boy!

As we have done for six years running now, we’ll be flying off to the ‘Paradise Island’ itself - Majorca! The country is actually so suited for cycling. Obviously England has some really great spots to take your bike out for a spin, but it’s great to be able to spend a few hours on your bike in the sun, then come back and have a few beers with your mates! From a health aspect, I’m really looking forward to going as I’ve been spending so much more time on my bike recently than I have over the last few years. I’ve managed to shift two stone of weight so I don’t think the rest of the lads from Hadrian RT club will be able to keep up with me! After the hectic nature of the last year, I can’t wait to get away. Nothing beats good food, good drinks, good cycling and most of all, good mates!

I’m also feeling pretty chipper as I made in impromptu return to racing last week! My racing career ended officially in 1982 following the Commonwealth Games. I made a brief comeback in the 90s and competed in a few local competitions, but as the business started getting busier, the racing had to go on the backburner and I hung up my wheels. That was until I hopped back on my bike last week to take part in a 2 up time trial!

A friend of mine gave me a call as his partner was unable to make the race and asked if I’d consider stepping in. Initially I was going to say no but after giving it a little thought I decided, why not?! After my recent weight loss, I’m in the best shape I’ve been in for a while so decided to give it my best shot! This was definitely more of a test for me to see if I still had what it takes!

So I turned up on the Saturday morning, feeling strangely nervous for something which should seem so familiar to me! I did what I intended to do and gave it my best shot. My riding partner and I came 7th out of 35! I was over the moon with that result! It just goes to show that if you put in the effort and ride regularly, as I have been doing of late, you can challenge yourself to compete. The race lasted 42 minutes, which I think must have been the fastest comeback and retirement in history! Now I know that I still have it in me, I’ve no intention of competing again! Then again, never say never! Watch this space!

For anything cycling and fitness related, come have a chat with me or a member of the team at M. Steel Cycles! You can find us at 6-10 Bowsden Terrace, Gosforth, NE3 1RX or give us a call on 0191 285 1251.

Until next time, happy riding!

Joe Waugh