Hello again, welcome to another edition of Waughy’s Word!

You may remember a short while ago I mentioned that, along with three friends, I had planned to cycle the Coast to Coast route.  I am always keen to prove that, as a cycling shop, we practise what we preach.  We aren’t just a bike shop – we are riders too. The Coast to Coast route is 136 miles long, from Cumbria to Sunderland, and usually takes three days to complete.  In a moment of madness, one of my oldest friends and I decided to do it over the course of one day!  Once the plan had come to fruition, his son and nephew opted to come along for the ride.

Our team consisted of me, John Atkinson, who I have been friends with for 30 plus years, his son Andrew and nephew Jonathan.  Both of the younger lads were new to cycling, so this would be an even bigger challenge for them!
On Saturday 18th July, the day after a torrential downpour, we set off in a private bus to Workington. We left mid afternoon, and arrived at 7pm due to the adverse weather conditions.  After a supper of pasta (and just a few ales!), we went to bed relatively early.

We rose at 6am ready to leave at 7am.  Fortunately, it was dry with a roaring tailwind! The main problems we encountered were punctures- we had ten along the way! However, we were able to stop at Keswick where a friend, who owns a bike shop, was able to help with our tyres.
The team cracked on until 1pm when we stopped for lunch at the Hartside Top cafe in the Pennines. Unfortunately, John went off course and rode an extra ten miles!  When he finally arrived at Hartside, he was worn out!  We set off again and rode to Alston, but he was unable to carry on and needed a lift home.

The remaining three of us kept on going through punctures, hills, hunger and tiredness.  It reached the point where we were sharing inner tubes and energy bars just to get home!
We arrived at Seaburn at 9pm, tired but happy.  Even after the exploits of my younger days, I was totally overwhelmed by the fantastic day.  Previously, we would advise people doing the Coast to Coast ride on what to wear, what to take and so on, but now I have done it I can actually give a good account of what to expect.  And I was actually knocked for six at how hilly and challenging it was!

M. Steel Cycles are proud to announce that we now have our own M. Steels team, consisting of six riders, who have already taken part in cycle races and mountain bike races.  The idea behind our team isn’t to set out to win anything, but to be seen riding out and about.  We have jerseys in our team colours, which are available to buy in store.  If you see our riders out cycling, show your support by giving them a beep or a wave.
Last but by no means least, I would like to give a special mention to one of M. Steel’s employees, Alan Tuddenham, who gave up a Saturday to raise money for a very worthy cause.  On Saturday 1st August, Alan completed a static cycle ride at the Asda store in Benton for the Chris Lucas Trust, raising money for cancer research.  The Trust was set up by the parents of a teenager who sadly succumbed to the disease in 2000, aged just 18 years old.  Beginning at 7am, Alan cycled for 11 hours covering 200 miles, and finished just after 6pm.  With the donations of kind-hearted shoppers, Alan raised £1000 for the charity.  As an employer, and a friend I am very proud of Alan’s achievement.
Here at M. Steel cycles, we are proud to cater to a variety of cyclists, from the enthusiastic amateur to the professional, and provide a range of services including cycle safety checks and repairs.  We are also happy to give advice to fitness enthusiasts.

If you want to have a chat about anything bike-related, then pop into our store! The address is 6-10 Bowsden Terrace, South Gosforth, NE3 1RX or call us on 0191 2851251. We are also available on the internet at www.msteelcycles.co.uk and on Facebook!  Add us as a friend for all the latest news and updates from the M. Steel Cycles camp!
Until next time, happy riding!
Joe Waugh

As the annual Christmas shopping frenzy reaches a peak, one Newcastle store has predicted that this year’s must-have, topping the lists for adults and children, could be an old favourite.

Joe Waugh of M. Steel Cycles in South Gosforth, has seen an interest in cycling build over the year, which could mean that a shiny new bicycle tops some individual’s Christmas lists for the first time since they were children. And for those who are eternally difficult to buy for, Joe thinks a bicycle could be the answer.

The appeal of cycling seems to have climbed steadily throughout 2009, judging by the shoppers coming through the doors at M. Steels and enquiries received via their website. Sales have risen throughout the year, and despite the recession biting, the annual summer sale saw an impressive rise on 2008 figures of 52 per cent.

“I think the rising interest in cycling has been fuelled by two key factors this year- the recession, which has meant that this economic way to complete short journeys has been particularly attractive to many, and the government’s ‘Change4life’ campaign raising awareness of the need to get active.” Joe explains.

A poll run on the M. Steels website confirms that since the advent of the Change4life initiative, 21% of respondents had taken up cycling as an activity they could easily incorporate into everyday life, with the aim of improving their overall health. Joe is keen to highlight this to those considering making changes in their own lives, but admits that he has a very specific preference about the type of bicycle to secure a space under the Christmas tree this year. Joe and all his staff want to see people out riding in the fresh air; a pastime which they feel has more to recommend it long term to newly motivated fitness fans.

“I can’t see much point to these indoor stationary cycles that seem to end up gathering dust and the whole family’s washing year in year out once they’ve been used once or twice. There’s just very little incentive to keep using them- pedalling on the spot is so boring!

“A bike that isn’t fixed to the floor is the gift that keeps on giving as, when used correctly, it improves your wealth and your health! You can cut your petrol costs by getting where you need to on shorter trips under your own power and there may be much easier, faster routes available to you that aren’t accessible by car. The whole family can cycle together and have a day out, and for those who get really bitten by the bug, there’s local clubs, racing groups to join and different disciplines to try. There’s something for everyone.”

With cost being a factor for many families this winter, Joe is anxious to reassure that the price of a bicycle can be very reasonable indeed.

“There are definitely cycles available to fit every budget- it all depends on what you are looking for. If you want top of the range that’s great, but it may come with some features you are never going to need if you are only cycling in your neighbourhood and not looking to compete. Like buying a car though, it’s worth investing as much as you can. Good quality bikes, correctly maintained, will go on for years. Imagine the savings to be made on gym memberships in that time frame!”
Finally, Joe offers a word of comfort for those whose families may not be getting the less than subtle hints and planning to gift wrap a new two-wheeled metal steed.  The annual office spirit of goodwill could be a useful alternative resource.

“In the spirit of the season, of course, maybe it’s time to remind your employer about the shared benefits of the Governments Cycle to Work Scheme.  They get a healthier workforce, the environment gets a break and you get to pool any Christmas pounds and get a tax-free bike with just a little involvement from them – direct them to www.cyclescheme.co.uk for all the details”.

Anyone looking to explore their options this Christmas, even if they aren’t sure exactly what their family member will be looking for, is invited to contact the store for advice. For more information call Joe on 0191 285 1251 or visit the website at www.msteelcycles.co.uk.

Newcastle born Joe Waugh is a Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist and an Olympian. He also owns the extremely successful cycle shop M. Steel Cycles in South Gosforth. A family man and a workaholic, Joe has dedicated his life to cycling. Even after a near fatal car accident, Joe still makes time to get on his bike and enjoy the sights and sounds of the North East.

What inspires you to get up in the morning?

A)    Life in general, friends and wine, of course!

What makes you want to stay in bed?

A)    A promise!  The morning after the night before if I have been on the grog, but     usually nothing makes me want to stay in bed as I am normally up with the larks.

When you look in the mirror – who would you like to see?

A)    Lance Armstrong, preferably.  He is a truly inspirational guy.  Coming back to win     the Tour de France 7 times running after recovering from cancer is truly remarkable.

Where would be your special place to have breakfast?

A)    Anywhere my wife and family are.  I know it sounds cheesy, but family comes first     with me every time!

What is your most vivid childhood memory?

A)    Going out to buy my first bike having just passed my 11+ exam!

What can’t you do without?

A)    My bike, my wife and my kids… My wife Paula knows that it is in that order too!

Which is your favourite room in the house?

A)    I’ll be polite here and call it the little boys’ room, as this is where I can get     some peace and quiet and read my cycling magazines without being disturbed.

What was your first car – what do you drive now?

A)    Simca 1501 S and Mercedes C220 with a private number plate: W900 JOE.  Give me     a wave if you see me out and about!

What in the North East would you like to change?

A)    The weather, I’d make every day a sunny day. I’d also love to be able to help the     unemployment situation.  It’s sad that there are so many people unemployed in the     region.

What in the North East would you never want to change?

A)    The people.  Without a doubt the North Easterners’ are some of the friendliest     people in the world.

What would you do with a spare £1 million?

A)    That’s simple – retire.

Where in the North East is your favourite place to eat?

A)    Cafe Bangla, Bangladeshi Restaurant in East Boldon, where I live.  The best     curry’s in the region, that’s for sure.  The owner, Ali Hussain is a great guy too and     always makes us feel so welcome – nothing is too much trouble.

What makes you hopping mad?

A)    Parking tickets.

What makes you smile?

A)    Other people being happy and doing a worthwhile job.  And, my family again, of     course.

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?

A)    My wife of nearly 34 years, Paula.

Who would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?

A)    The cyclist, Tommy Simpson who unfortunately died in 1967.  Sir Ernest     Shackleton,     Skipper of the Endurance that got stuck in the Antarctic in 1914 and who heroically     saved all his men on board.  Debbie Harry, the absolute     gorgeous and charismatic     singer, the genius that is Stephen Hawkins, Neil Armstrong, first man on the moon     and finally Jackie Marston from JAM Marketing because she was doing this interview     and said she would write nasty things about me if I didn’t invite her too.

What is your favourite piece of music?

A)    George Harrisons’ My Sweet Lord

What do you hope to get done before the end of the day?

A)    This interview would be good!

Which of your achievements makes you most proud?

A)    Winning Gold Medal for Great Britain, representing Great Britain at the Olympics     and     my lovely family.

What sends you to sleep?

A)    Radio 2.

What is your worst nightmare?

A)    Losing the one thing that I treasure the most; my family.

What would you wish your epitaph to be?

A)    Joe Waugh – He was nice to everyone!

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

Hi there, welcome to another Waughy’s Word with me, Joe Waugh!

Bike Week is a national event that comes every year to highlight the various benefits of cycling. Whether these are social, environmental or economic, the advantages that cycling has over other modes of transportation or hobbies, are often overlooked. It’s a great time for keen cyclists, weekend hobby riders or those who haven’t rode for years to get on their bikes and have some fun!

The camaraderie aspect of cycling has always been something which has made cycling stand out above other sports or hobbies, for me. Whether you compete or simply ride for fun, there is a social aspect to cycling that I personally feel is very hard to beat.  A friend of mine has asked me to join him in a two-man race at the end of April – No this is not the biggest come-back in history since Take That, but hopefully will be a great deal of fun.

Cycling has been a major part of my life for many years, as regular readers will know. From starting out having fun with my friends and family, to competing in the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics and finally owning an independent bike shop, I’ve never lost the love for the sport. I think one of the main reasons for this is the friendship element that you get with cycling, which is absent from most other sports and hobbies. The emphasis on competition and one-upmanship is almost none existent when you’re out having a ride with your mates or family members. This may already make it preferable to you and that’s without mentioning how great exercise it is, how good it is for the environment and how it can save you a bob or two!

In fact, if you needed evidence that cycling really does change your general health, then you should not look any further than me.  Since January I have been cycling to work three to four times a week, which as I live in East Boldon, is a healthy cycle for someone of my age and fitness.  At first it was quite hard, however I have persevered with it and am now a lot fitter, have saved a fortune in petrol and, this is the best bit, have lost an amazing two stone in weight, without dieting!

As far as family activities go, cycling is unbeatable! It’s a sad state affairs, in my opinion, that a lot of people’s idea of a weekend treat is traipsing around a shopping centre or sitting in front of the television all day. Now that the weather is finally brightening up a bit, why not round up the family, get some fresh air, spend quality time together and most of all have a whole lot of fun?! There are some fantastic cycling routes across the North East which will take you to some amazing views and unspoilt areas of the region. Surely this is better than some busy, stuffy shopping mall and it will definitely get those feel good endorphins pumping through your veins!

Bike Week runs from the 13th to 21st June with events across the country. Take a look at their website on www.bikeweek.org.uk and see if there are any events near you that you can take part in! Even if nothing on there takes your fancy, I hope I’ve persuaded a couple of you to discover, or rediscover, the sport that has meant so much to me for so many years!

Five reasons to get on your bike:

1. Over half of our car journeys are less than 5 miles – swapping them for an easy 30 minute bike ride can save you a small fortune in fuel costs
2. Cyclists live on average at least two years longer than non-cyclists and their fitness levels are equivalent to being ten years younger – so forget nip and tuck, think pedal and push!
3. Cycling is the ultimate family activity; it’s free, healthy, fun and encourages children to be independent
4. Cycling gets you out and about and you’re more likely to find that cute little delicatessen or beautiful park you never knew existed than when you’re cooped up in a car
5. In a hurry? During rush-hour, a bicycle is twice as fast as a car - good if you hate traffic jams! Even better, you won’t spend a penny on parking

If you want to have a chat about anything bike related, then pop into the store! The address is M. Steel Cycles, 6-10 Bowsden Terrace, South Gosforth, NE3 1RX or give us a call on 0191 285 1251.

We’re also available on the web at www.msteelcycles.co.uk and on Facebook! Add us as a friend for all the latest news and updates from the M. Steel Cycles camp!

Until next time, happy riding!

Hi, Joe Waugh here again!

We’re all feeling the pinch a little, aren’t we? My family and I have been making a few cut backs here and there at the moment, as have a lot of people I know. With the light at the end of the tunnel so far away, it looks we’re going to have to continue scrimping and saving where we can. I bet you can’t guess what my top tip for saving a bit of money is!

Those who read this blog every month will know I’m a self confessed cycling nut, but even I have neglected my bike a little bit in favour of the car in the past. With the ‘R-word’ looming, this has all had to change and I’m now cycling almost as much as I used to in the past. I’m feeling much better for it too! I’ve also managed to shed all of the weight I put on over Christmas, and more!  At least I’ve managed to find something positive out of this whole Credit Crunch debacle!

From chatting with some of our customers at M. Steel Cycles, I think quite a lot of people are blowing the dust off their bikes or looking to buy a new one to replace a few car journeys a week. As a fanatic, I’m obviously going to agree, though you’d be hard pushed not to see sense in their reasoning. Running a car can be so expensive. Tax, insurance, petrol, not to mention the money we have to fork out if something goes wrong with it – it can seem like there’s no end to the money that we shed for our four wheeled friend!

Public transport links in Newcastle are particularly good, with decent buses and trains as well as the Tyne and Wear Metro Service. Using public transport is another obvious way to save a few pennies. At M. Steel Cycles, we’ve just got a range of Brompton fold away bikes in stock which are perfect if you’re looking to combine cycling and public transport. These are the only bikes that are allowed on the Tyne and Wear Metro as they become so compact when you pack them away. They’re nifty little things and have almost cult following about them! We’re really happy to be stocking them as they add something completely different to the range of bikes we have at the shop.

I’ve mentioned it before but Cyclescheme is now more relevant than it ever has been. Cyclescheme allows you to get a tax free bike to use to ride to work. This can save you a pretty penny, as well as helping you to get fit and ease a bit of the traffic from the roads. The first step for companies who are interested in offering these discounted bikes to their staff need to register with Cyclescheme on their website, www.cyclescheme.co.uk. Then the staff members wanting a bike need to call into a shop, (preferably M. Steel), that runs the scheme. Once the bike they want is chosen, a voucher will be issued for you claim your bike. The price of the bike, minus the tax, will be deducted for the employee’s wages over a few months. You can use the bike immediately to ride to work and will all yours once the final payment as been made. There’s not been a better time so get on your bike, get fit and save a bit of money in the process!

We recently donated a bike to support the great work done by the doctors in the Northern Oesophago Gastric Unit at Newcastle’s RVI. The bike will be used to auction and raise future funds for the unit. Though many people may not realise it, Oesophageal (gullet) cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the highest incidence of this disease in the world is in the North East of England and Scotland. The unit was set up by Dr. S Michael Griffin MD FRCS in 1989 and is now the largest of its kind in Western Europe. Cure rates are improving as a result of research into this type of cancer so constant support is needed for them to carry on the great work they do. Newcastle’s RVI are a big supporter of Cyclescheme so it was fitting they should receive something back from us.

Until next time, happy riding!

A local cycling shop has this week given away a bike to one lucky winner - worth £1000!

South Gosforth store M. Steel Cycles launched a competition last year and had leaflets sent out to houses across the North East. They also had competition forms in-store and handed them out at any exhibitions they took part in at the Metro Radio Arena, Eldon Square and the Metro Centre.

Out of the thousands of entries, the winner was Ian Wilkinson from Whickham, was selected at random and couldn’t believe his luck! He said, “When I read the email saying I had won, I thought it was spam! Then I remembered filling in the leaflet in M. Steel Cycles and realised it was genuine!

“To say I’m chuffed would be an understatement. I truly am over the moon”.

Ian could choose any of M. Steel Cycle’s bikes up to the value of £1000! He chose the Specialized FSR Comp Mountain Bike. “I went for the FSR because recently I sold my mountain bike so I could buy a road bike to ride to work. Now I’ve got the best of both worlds and I’ll be using my new bike every weekend!”

Shop owner Joe Waugh, himself an Olympian and Commonwealth Games Gold medallist said, “It couldn’t have gone to a better winner! He was extremely appreciative and as someone who already cycles, it’s great that it’ll be going to good use!

“In a time when people don’t have much money to spend, it feels good to give something back.”

The store has a long history in the North East. M. Steel Cycles was established in 1894 and has been a firm favourite with the local cycling community for many years. The store has recently moved premises to a state of the art shop now spreading over two floors, which is three times the size of the old one. It was opened in October 2008 by cycling convert and Geordie legend Alan Shearer.

Winner Ian Wilkinson

The region’s premier cycling shop is encouraging the people of the North East to get on their bikes over the festive period and beyond.

Joe Waugh, owner of M. Steel Cycles in South Gosforth, Newcastle is advocating the many benefits of cycling - and says Christmas and the New Year is the perfect time to start.

“The build up to Christmas, the day itself and New Year can be particularly stressful and those of us prone to bouts of anxiety and depression can really suffer,” he said.

“Getting out in the fresh air can really lift your mood and reduce feelings of stress and negativity,” said Joe, himself an ex-competitive cyclist who represented Great Britain in the Olympics and brought back a Gold Medal after competing in the Commonwealth Games in 1982.

But the benefits don’t stop there.  During the festivities, most of us are renowned for a spot of over indulging in food and alcohol - resulting in weight gain and feelings of sluggishness.

“A Christmas or New Year dinner with all the trimmings can end up being a whopping 950 calories” said Joe.

“Whilst I don’t want to sound like a party pooper, I do want to encourage people to combine their partying with a spot of exercise.   Cycling is great fun and can burn up to 600 calories per hour - and at least that way people won’t feel so bad in the New Year,” he said.

M. Steel Cycles is a family run business which has a long standing reputation in the North East.  They stock a wide range of cycles and cycling accessories to suit all budgets.  To view their range of products or to read more of Joe Waugh’s cycling facts and figures visit www.msteelcycles.co.uk.

Hi, Joe Here!

Last month I was honoured to be invited to an event in Harrogate by the Dave Rayner Fund. Dave was an extremely talented young cyclist from Yorkshire whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 27 in 1994. He was a professional cyclist and one of Britain’s top cyclists at that time. Not only that, he was a great guy and everyone’s friend. Despite his success and talent, he was not in the slightest bit cocky and was a real model of how a sportsman should be.

After his death, his friends and family set up the Dave Rayner Trust to raise money to send promising young cyclists abroad, to kick start their careers. This fund was set up way before the National Lottery invested money in cycling, which helped us win our Olympic medals. It really is a great cause in honour of a great man.

The annual event always attracts high profile guests of honour from the cycling world such as Eddie Murks, Miguel Indurain, Brian Robinson and even Sir Jimmy Saville, who attends every year! This years guest speak was Raymond Poulidor, the distinguished French cyclist who became the darling of the Tour de France as the ‘eternal second’, after finishing in second place a remarkable three times. With all of the former pro’s attending, many of whom I used to race with, it really was a treat for cycling fans and the event is another great indication of the rise of cycling as an important sport for Britain.

For more information on the Dave Rayner Fund please log on to: http://www.daveraynerfund.co.uk. Schemes like this need our support, to improve the profile of British sport as well as encouraging our kids to get out and be active.

How quickly has this year gone?! I think I say this every year but it seems like only a few weeks ago we were wishing each other a happy new year and now it’s almost Christmas! With our new M. Steel Cycles shop opening in South Gosforth, things have been so hectic that the time has just flown by. It’s all been worth it and if you’ve seen the new store, you’ll see why!  On that note, I would personally like to thank the legend that is Alan Shearer as well as the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress Councillors David and Margaret Wood for officially kicking off the proceedings.  Thanks guys, we all really appreciated it and everyone who attended thought the night went great.  (See some pictures here on our blog)

As it’s almost the New Year, we’ll be starting to think about New Years Resolutions. Getting healthier and keeping fit is many peoples goal but with cycling it is extremely achievable. Cutting out a few journeys by car is beneficial to you and the environment and so easy to do.  At M. Steel Cycles we also work in collaboration with Cycle Scheme (http://www.msteelcycles.co.uk/cycle-scheme/info_17.html) which gets people tax free bikes to ride to work which is perfect if you’re hoping to get in shape this New Year and can save you a pretty penny or two!

After the year I’ve had sorting out the new shop, I’m really looking forward to a relaxing Christmas with the family and having a beer or two! Whatever you have planned, I hope you have an enjoyable, stress-free Christmas and New Year!

Until next time, happy riding!

A local bike shop is celebrating the immense success of their VIP re-launch party, which was unveiled by one very special guest.

M. Steel Cycles, based in South Gosforth, last night threw a lavish bash to mark the opening of their new, state of the art premises. The party was attended by over 150 people, including Geordie legend Alan Shearer.

Owner Joe Waugh, who is an Olympian and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist himself, could not have been happier with the way the party went. He said, “I was so impressed with the turn-out and the place looked fantastic. We’re so happy with the new premises and the party was just the icing on the cake.”

M. Steel Cycles, which has been serving the cycling needs of the region since 1894, is a flagship store for bike manufacturers Specialized. They sponsored Alan Shearer in the Sport Relief Super Cycle challenge, when he teamed up with TV presenter Adrian Chiles to cycle 355 miles in 36 hours from Newcastle to London and raised an incredible £430,000 for Sport Relief.  The night raised an additional £205 for the charity.

Specialized also presented Alan with a new bike, as he now cycles up to four days a week. In his opening speech, Joe Waugh said to Alan, “Forget the caps, forget all the goals, forget all the accolades, you’re now my hero. You’ve discovered a real sport: cycling!”

The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress (Councillors David and Margaret Wood) were also honoured guests at the event along with supporters of M. Steel Cycles during its 114 year reign in the City.

Guests were treated to delicious food, provided by Boldon Farmhouse Pantry and were bowled over by balloonologists from It’s Time to Party. One particular work of art was a giant balloon Penny Farthing to represent M. Steel Cycles logo. They also presented Alan Shearer with a mini effigy of himself made entirely out of balloons, complete with his number nine shirt on his back and riding a bike!

The new two-floor superstore is situated just around the corner from the old one on Bowsden Terrace, South Gosforth. Owner Joe Waugh can hardly believe how much the shop has grown: “As a local independent store, we really feel like we’re one of the big boys! We can offer so much more than the larger stores and people have trusted us for decades.

Joe concluded, “The party was a complete success and Alan was a great sport - the perfect ambassador for cycling as a whole!”

Check out the video http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=pU6YE82haEI

Check out the gallery at http://blog.msteelcycles.co.uk/gallery/?album=2