Cycling has been in my blood since I was a child, having always had a bike for as long as I can remember. It really however became a real passion of mine around 2009, when I was a bit overweight and unfit and went on a health kick, I brought the trusty bike out of retirement and got myself into shape.

It was then I realised how much enjoyment I got from it, and quickly upgraded to a new mountain bike, so I could explore the hills and dales that we have around us here in Douglas, but soon I was traveling further on road, so with that came a road bike and so the journey and the collection of bikes began.

With cycling comes maintenance and being a hands-on kind of guy from a young age, I did my own. I suppose this came from growing up, breaking things, and learning how to fix them and put them back together. Recently, prior to opening the shop, I completed training courses learning new techniques, how to do jobs correctly, and the important part, torquing nuts and bolts.

We currently live in a throwaway society, which applies to everything. Cars on PCP deals which get changed every three years or so, which are perfectly serviceable. To mobile phones, where we are tempted by deals on newer models with some minor upgrades.

Cycling is the same, and it is not everyone has the disposable income to purchase the latest carbon fibre model, and indeed, that may not suit their needs anyway. I want to see old bikes being repurposed rather than going into landfill and see people out enjoying the beautiful landscape while getting fit like I did.

In addition to that, there wasn’t a bike repairer in the area, so with my vision for sustainable cycling, the Cycle Worx was born in 2022.

Recycling plays a big part in the shop. All packaging is either recycled where possible or reused. All metal goes to authorised scrap merchants to be recycled. Tyres and tubes have been stored until I recently got on board with a recycling scheme for them, and bikes get repurposed where possible, and if not economically possible, they are broken for parts, which often get reused in upcycling other bikes.

My love for the Douglas Valley is great, having stayed here almost all of my life. We are blessed with beautiful hills, great roads and tracks for cycling, as well as paths for walking too. I want to see people coming into the village, visiting other local businesses, using, and enjoying the wonderful landscape, whilst getting fitter. 

The ethos of The Cycle Worx is to provide good quality service and advice to all who come into the shop, supply quality preloved bikes at a competitive price, with the environment at heart, making cycling accessible for more people to enjoy.