Cycle hire firm moves up a gear

Feb 9 2010 by Karen Dent, The Journal

A GULF War veteran’s business is picking up punters as more people opt for an active holiday.

Ian Rochester, who served as an Army avionics technician during the Gulf War, originally spotted a gap in the market for a cycle hire business five years ago, when guests staying at one of his holiday cottages made enquiries.

He started Pedal Power Cycle Hire in Amble with just 10 cycles and now has more than 40 of all shapes and sizes.

But the popularity of the Coast to Coast (C2C) 147-mile route from Tynemouth to Whitehaven and the 105-mile Hadrian’s Wall cycle ride have helped lift his business to another level.

In addition to hiring cycles, Mr Rochester also transports people, their bikes and luggage to the start and from the end of the two routes.

He said: “The cyclists all tell me that the logistics of organising transport to and from the start and finish are a nightmare.

“I take that all away by dropping them off at the right place at the right time and then taking their baggage to their overnight stops. I’m also a smiling face to greet and congratulate them at the end.

“In the summer months I may travel to Whitehaven or Bowness-on-Solway up to four times a week and it’s amazing just how many people you see dipping their rear wheels into the Irish Sea before starting the journey back to Tyneside.

“It is becoming increasingly popular for people of all abilities and many people are starting at a very young age.”

An estimated 12,000 cyclists complete the C2C route annually.