Cycle Clinic, behind the Pamper Rooms, 10 Church Street
Ruddington is an interesting place full of quirky surprises. We have a fascinating past, unusual buildings (often hidden), colourful characters, famous cats (Wilbur) and an array of independent shops. Not forgetting all the fun events we have on our own doorstep!
When the Tour of Britain came racing through Ruddington last year, we celebrated by decorating our historic village with images of the event’s iconic yellow smiley face: a symbol of good times and positivity for some, and for others, an unmistakable symbol of rave culture! Either way, our historic village certainly looked interesting that day and what a good time everyone had.
Local cycle enthusiast, Austin Hayes, now proudly hangs one of these smiley face flags in his new Cycle Clinic workshop. Hidden away on Church Street behind his sister’s popular beauty salon, The Pamper Room, you can find Austin expertly repairing all kinds of bike, from road to mountain bikes.
He offers an array of services from puncture repairs right up to full bike builds, starting from £12. Austin’s hours work around you and he even offers a flexible (and free!) pick-up and collect service to Ruddington residents – handy if you can’t pedal to his workshop.
We asked Austin a few questions to find out more.
Q: How did you get into repairing bikes?
A: I work in the printing industry; however bikes are my passion. I’ve been cycling for over 20 years and have been repairing them for professionals for a long time, so I’m very happy to now have my own workshop. I’ve had years of experience working with all types of bike.
Q: How did you stumble across this hidden workshop?
A: It was an old outhouse (Ruddington is full of them) and was converted into a beauty therapy room before it was left empty and became my workshop. It’s behind my sister’s salon, The Pamper Rooms.
Q: What plans do you have for the business?
A: My first step is to let locals know I’m here, hiding away behind the salon! Hopefully residents will begin to notice and get to hear about me. I’ve got a few creative ideas up my sleeve so watch this space! I’m also keen to get involved with the community and champion the idea of repairing bikes rather than buying new ones as the “throwaway culture” isn’t good for anyone. Cycling is a great activity to get the family involved with, so I’m offering free junior safety checks. I’d love to see the business grow so I can realise bigger dreams.
Q: Tell us more!
A: I’d like to open a hub/workshop for cyclists who also want to stop for an artisan coffee and cake. There a few successful businesses combining cycling with coffee dotted around the country and I think it’s time Nottingham had one. We have great cycle paths around here and lots of cyclists come through. Cyclists love a good coffee and cake! I also have plans to do organised rides for locals, so please get in touch if this is of interest.
Q: What do you like to do in Ruddington?
A: We have loads of great pubs; I like The Frame-breakers and The Ruddington Arms…also a group of us go for bike rides around the area as we have some lovely countryside. I’m a big fan of Ruddington Village Market and you may see me there very soon.
Thanks Austin! We like the sound of your plans and we’ll follow you closely to hear more about the rides you have planned. Ruddington wishes you all the best!
To book a repair appointment, call Austin on 07790 032 110. For more information you can visit www.cycleclinics.com or email cycleclinics75@gmail.com.
Sarah Godfrey