This column is running in our monthly print magazines, and will now be a regular feature. We've popped it online too so no one misses out!
Forging ahead
The oldest bicycle shop in the world, Pearson Cycles in Sutton, Surrey is going strong after 155 years.
Recognised by Guinness World Records, Pearson opened in 1860 and trades from the same premises today. Co-owners, Guy and William, are the fifth generation of Pearsons. The shop was launched by the brothers’ great, great-grandfather, Thomas, a blacksmith who relocated from Cobham to Sutton as it grew as a staging town between London and the south coast. He originally opened a forge, but found that, as the bicycle became a more established means of transport, more of his work was dedicated to bike maintenance.
The shop was passed down the bloodline until Guy and William got the wheels turning on some business expansion in 2012. The brothers laugh: “We have a slow roll out programme; a store every 150 years!”
They sited their new shop in East Sheen because, as Guy says, “South-west London is a cycling mecca.” With a café, in-house repairs, physiotherapy, massage and a bespoke fitting service, the East Sheen shop has outstripped the Sutton premises in terms of profit.
Guy explains: “Because we inherited the Sutton shop, it was difficult to change, but given a blank canvas, this was the concept we came up with.”
The brothers have six children between them, so no doubt Pearson Cycles will be around for many years to come.
Social in St. Margarets
If you like socialising as much as you like cycling, we’ve found the perfect club for you. The newly launched St Margarets Cycling Club (SMCC) has a more informal feel than some of the other local clubs, welcoming cyclists of all abilities and ages as well as holding social events. Rides depart from St Margarets Pub and Dining Room at 8.30am on Sundays and there are usually two different groups to choose from. Opt for a serious 30-40 mile ride or a shorter, more social ride of 20 miles or so. Both routes include coffee and cake stops and always end up back at the pub. Membership is £20 per annum. For details, email the Club Secretary at: michaeljameshorsley@hotmail.com.
Five for Ride London Surrey
Are you up for the cycling challenge of 2015 and want to make a difference to people affected by cancer?
The Mulberry Centre, which provides practical and emotional support for anyone affected by cancer, has five charity places for Ride London Surrey on Sunday, August 2 – 100 miles in nine hours. If you are interested in cycling as a team or as an individual in aid of the Centre, please contact Gurpreet Keila at gurpreet.keila@themulberrycentre.co.uk or call 020 8321 6300. Alternatively, visit http://themulberrycentre.co.uk for an application form. Hurry places are likely to go fast!
Richmond's historic cycling route
With the distance being around 19km, the difficulty being moderate and a few cafes along the way, this route is perfect for a scenic day out!
This circular cycle takes in 17th- and 18th-century landmarks. From Richmond Station head south to Richmond Park and White Lodge (King George I’s hunting lodge). Ride on to Ham House and go over the bridge at Teddington Lock to Walpole’s Strawberry Hill House. Head back towards Richmond via Orleans House Gallery and Marble Hill House. Continue along the riverside path back to Richmond.
