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'lets Go To Land's End Tonight'

Watching Ben pass Taunton yesterday Angie and I decided to get up at about 2am to get to Lands End to greet Ben and his team.

We caught Ben at one of the few single carraige way parts of the A30. A very good natured traffic jam at 4am, Angie shouting well done Ben out of the window and cars honking in appreciation.

Reaching Lands End we found lots of cars in the car park, one included Brian, Jake and Adam from our Taunton branch. A short sleep and then the excitement built, the camper arrived and with the sun just begining to light the eastern sky Ben came charging (30mph!!) round the final bend lights blazzing, down the final slope under the arches to finish with a new world record time for Le Jogle.

Wow what an emotional scene,what an unbelievable achievement, the superlatives exhausted, human endurance pushed way beyond it's intended limits by the power of thought!

Publication Date: 27/08/2010 10:03:23

Touch Line Cheering Ben Rockett

I have spent the whole day monitoring Ben's progress. The BBC phoned to follow up and I have kept in touch with the shops and Russell Coles.

Angie and I were going to wave Ben on at the Worlds End on the A38, I was having an afternoon nap when Alex phoned to say his girlfriend Lynsey was at Wellington Road with lots of others cheering Ben on.

Frantic rush to our position and then excitement as we waited, you could tell they were coming because the traffic out of Taunton was obviously being held up. I could see the group rising up by our neighbours Sheppys Cider and we were ready.

No sooner were they apon us than they were gone! Ben recognised me, said hello Paul and pushed on. I am very relieved that he is alert enough to be that responsive.

Phew what a hero. I am now thinking about what we can do to raise more money for the Cardiac Risk in the Young, Ben's chosen charity.

Publication Date: 26/08/2010 21:00:49

Ben Rockett For Superman

My children like Super Heroes, you know the Marvel Comic ones.

Well now there is a real life one who comes from Taunton and is riding one of our bikes, Mr Ben Rockett.

Ben is past Hereford and we should see him later this afternoon in Taunton. If you visit our Bridgwater shop this afternoon and there are no staff they will be on the A38 cheering the hero on.

Publication Date: 26/08/2010 10:01:05

Ben Rockett Back In England

Ben is nearly back to Carlisle.
We are all watching his progress, happy when he's moving, worried when the signals stopped. Friends are phoning, speculating on his well being and all wondering how he is able to keep going!

Publication Date: 25/08/2010 10:59:00

Rockett Man's Halfway

Publication Date: 23/08/2010 21:57:26

Amazing Deals On Giant, Gary Fisher & Trek Bikes

Publication Date: 22/08/2010 11:49:02

Ben On Target

Just gone 4.30pm and Ben Rockett is already passed Taunton and heading for Bridgwater.

Richard and Russel have riden from Bridgwater to meet him and ride with him past Bridgwater. Not keen on the staff bunking off early but this is a one off!!!!

Publication Date: 21/08/2010 16:43:40

Good Luck Ben

Publication Date: 21/08/2010 09:54:37

Thanks A Lot

For a birthday treat we hired a boat for the day at Dartmouth. Tony who owns and runs the boat Falcon 2 was great fun and we enjoyed the sea air, the local history and the wild life.
http://www.dartboat.com/skipper.htm

The idea was for me to relax, unwind and forget The Bicycle Chain for a day. Objective achieved, we are home it's 8pm, we are thinking of a chinese to save any effort and the phone rings........... it's the alarm company someone is breaking into the Taunton store.

I worry about the criminals we have these days. It's still broad daylight, we have very sophisticated alarms and expensive locks. They damage the door, spoil my evening, cost me money to restore everything for what NOTHING.

Still in the words of Forrest Gump, sh1t happens

Publication Date: 05/08/2010 18:20:00

Why Do We Sell Trek Bikes, Part 2

Publication Date: 05/08/2010 18:12:25

Why Do We Sell Trek Bikes, Part 1

A long time ago I talked to Trek about selling their bikes, probably nearly 13 year ago. I got on well with Nigel the rep who was being promoted and new rep Tom from California.

Time has passed Nigel is the top man at Trek UK, very well thought of by the parent company, and Tom is head of UK customer services. If things are not right or we are in need of help I have a pretty direct line straight to the top.

For example we sold a bike that we have in stock and cannot find, it happens. Trek have sold out for the model year but Tom found me one and our customer received the bike he wanted.

Publication Date: 24/07/2010 18:26:25

A Proper Saturday

We love busy days and we have had one today, the branches reported it was a touch too busy at times. Sorry if we kept you waiting at all.

Now you may be suprised to learn but to a man (Denise was on a day off) I think all my staff enjoy the buzz of great days. They love selling bikes, all sorts of bikes, talking to customers and showing off our wares!

Today has ranged from a Raleigh Trike to a Trek Madone, with lots of interesting bits in between. Who knows if we have done a good enough job our trike customer may be returning for a Madone in 20 years time!

Publication Date: 24/07/2010 18:10:55

It's Electric

Publication Date: 17/07/2010 15:52:07

Time Flies

Publication Date: 17/07/2010 15:31:40

Pashley City

Publication Date: 27/03/2010 13:37:42

Happy Endings

Publication Date: 05/03/2010 11:19:16

Find Us On Facebook

Publication Date: 28/01/2010 17:35:24

Another Nights Sleep Ruined

Publication Date: 23/01/2010 07:00:14

The 2010 Dunkery Dash

Publication Date: 21/01/2010 17:35:16

Scam Website

Publication Date: 14/10/2009 15:09:00

The Ride To Work Scheme

Publication Date: 10/09/2009 12:47:09

Staff Vacancies

I cannot believe how much it costs to place this advertisment in the jobs section of the Somerset County Gazette. For the price of the advert I could sell you a superb bicycle that would last for years! We give up to life-time warranty on some manufacturers products. When i asked what success I could expect from our advert I received no guanrantees at all.

We have no vacancies at present but I always welcome CVs because you never know.

Publication Date: 30/07/2009 14:53:16

Dave's Tandem

Publication Date: 01/07/2009 08:46:18

Weston Criterium Race

Full details of the race results are on www.britishcycling.org and go to results. Rather than priase the riders skills I would like to mention the organisers without whom no event can take place. Hayden, Martin, Colin and everyone at North Somerset Cycling Development Squad deserve a big thank you. The first event is always very stressful and lessons will always be learned.

The result was a resounding success and hopefully it will be repeated next year.

What did I do, only put up some sponsorship money and handed out the trophies. I know it's a hard life running a bicycle business but someones got to do it!

Paul

Publication Date: 15/04/2009 18:28:36

Electric Cycling

How good is the new Giant electric PAS (power assisted)? In my opinion very good and I know from trying it in a real world situation.

I rode the bike from my Bridgwater shop to my Taunton branch and did the return journey a week later. I admit my cycling is limited these days and I thought this would be a true test. The distance is about 12 miles and took 55 mins and 51 mins this compares to 20/25 mins in the van. Russel who builds many of our bikes and cycles all the time takes 40/45 mins to do the trip in commuting mode.

I was never out of breath and maintained a good pace all the time even into a very strong head wind. The future of commuting and keeping fit adding only 30mins each way.

Compared to riding my son Alex's old racer 5 miles to collect my van after being serviced, the electric bike was heaven. On the racer I was out of the seat up hills, out of breath and changing gears constantly.

Having been in the electric market since the start I certainly can help with product knowledge.

Publication Date: 17/03/2009 12:43:19

British Cycling Recognised At Bbc Awards

Well done to Chris Hoy and the rest of the British Cycling Team! BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Chris Hoy. Team of the Year, Britain's Olympic Cycling Team. Coach of the Year, David Brailsford.

Thanks for everything you have done to raise the profile of cycle sport in the UK, you are all true ambassadors! From all the Staff at the The Bicycle Chain

Publication Date: 16/12/2008 14:21:49

Soggy Bottom

Below is Tim's report from Soggy Bottom event. Whilst Tim is always enthusiastic he really enjoyed this one !

'Finished 12th out of 60 ,Tony was 30th it was very wet and muddy but it was the same for all of us .It was 4 laps for us as we were in the veteran catorgory (over 40 lol) but was well pleased with my result ,there are 2 rounds left to do Jan 18 2009 & March 20 2009.

cheers boss

Tim Carke
Team Captain
Bicycle Chain Endurance Team
photo team member Anthony Jennings

Publication Date: 06/12/2008 12:32:39

Bridgwater's November Rideout

Cheddar Gorge Loop November 16th (96K)

Everybody arrived on time at the Bridgwater store for a 10 o’clock start. The weather was dry, overcast and reasonably mild. Unfortunately it did not stay that way for long and shortly into the ride we were treated to a steady shower of rain that lasted about 20 minutes, however this was all the wet stuff we were going to get and the remainder of the ride was dry, well I say dry, the roads were obviously still wet and greasy.

With the help of a tailwind we made good progress to Cheddar Gorge where we stopped for a coffee and some cake. Until now the only drama we had was a puncture,  Mike picked one up a few miles into the ride, he fixed it and was back on the bike in record time. The going was a little more challenging after our cake stop, not only were we all a little heavier but we had the wind in our face and the route got lumpier! Mark picked up a puncture with only 7 miles to go, it was at this point I realised he was on a “fixie”,  hats off to him, you would never have known!

We all got back to the store in one piece, everybody seemed to have enjoyed the ride. We had some coffee waiting for us and Raleigh had kindly given us some sample packs of High 5 energy gels and drink, to replace all that lost energy. Thanks to everyone that turned up and made the rideout so enjoyable, thanks also to Russ Coles for planning the route and Phil at Raleigh UK for the sample packs of High 5. Hopefully we will be organising a ride a month so keep checking our website www.bicyclechain.co.uk or join our Facebook page and become a fan!

Regards Richard

Publication Date: 04/12/2008 16:36:02

Hospital Food

Always be careful what you wish for!

I was only thinking how good it would be to have some time away from work to plan for the future. Little did I know how my wish would come true but not as I had hoped.

On the 1st of October I was rushed from Bridgwater hospital to Musgrove Park, Taunton's hospital with a suspected heart attack. After a week I was allowed home only to be remitted two days later with the same pains. My stay on the coronory care ward was superb as was my visits to Bridwater A&E and Taunton twice. My heart was given a clean bill of health but sent home with pluresy.

A few days back at work and I was in agony again, re-admitted to hospital this time on ward 2. At last my problem was found, gall stones, an infection of the pancreas and a really nasty gall bladder.

Yet another change of ward, Sheppard, a quick operation to remove dodgy gall bladder and home at last on 31st October.

I would like to thank every member of the medical staff I met and who's professional care was wonderful. The NHS that I saw was full of deicated and motivated people!

Publication Date: 05/11/2008 19:33:49

Cyclo Cross Meeting

On Sunday 14th September we supported a round of the South West Cyclo Cross championship at Wellington. Mark Deakin of the Somerset Road Club organised the event which attracted around 80 riders.

This was the first time the event has been run and the feedback from riders was excellent. Great course, great organisation and not a bad burger van!

I decided to support the event by giving away a Giant Defy race bike in a prize draw. Anyone who entered the race would enter the draw. I picked the number from the bin and the bike was won by Stan Finch from Holcombe Rogus. Entering the race was a last minute decision, a 2nd place in the youth race on a mountain bike and winning a race bike, a very good day Stan! Prehaps we have found another star of the future.

Senior race winner Lee Williams, from Wales riding for Abergavenny RC, rode a superb race.

Publication Date: 16/09/2008 11:51:45

Staff Members Activities

Naturally all our staff cycle, some more than others, and Adam from our Weston shop has been doing some Duathlons recently at the Castle Combe race circuit.

• bath amphibians duathlon may 2008. 2mile run- 10mile bike- 2mile run 58min 14 sec
• bath amphibians duathlon june 2008. 2mile run- 10mile bike- 2mile run 54min 20 sec (top 20 bike time)
• bath amphibians monster duathlon 2008. 2mile run- 10mile bike- 2mile run- 10mile bike- 2mile run 1hour 40mins 32sec

Well done Adam.

Publication Date: 23/08/2008 11:49:42

Mountain Mayhem

For those who don't know Mountain Mayhem is a 24 hour off road race. It has taken place over the last few years and many riders go back every year as it is such a good event. www.mountainmayhem.org

The Bicycle Chain staff and customers have been well represented and this year our team was Captained by Tim Clarke who rode with team members Anthony Jennings, Mike Waterjohns and Shane Austin.

The team completed 21 laps in 24 hours 59 seconds and finished 35th in their category out of 249 entrants. There were a total of 500 teams entered in every category placing Tim and the guys in 67th place overall.

Well done to all the team for a fantasic result!

For those who do not know Tim he is tall, fit and the most enthusiatic and positive person I know. When Tim first competed at the event, then called the Red Bull after the sponsor, he returned with his enthusiasm level off the scale. Whether it was too many free products from the sponsor or the lack of sleep we do not know, but if his buzz at that time could have be bottled and sold someone would have made a fortune!!

Same again next year, I am pretty sure Tim's already put the date in his diary.

Publication Date: 09/07/2008 10:05:15

Inflation/deflation

Many consumer goods have deflated against the cost of living over the last 25 years. This is great for the consumer but it can be tough for the manufacturer and retailer if the cost of producing the goods is going up. For example an Indesit washing machine was £200 in 1980 and it is still £200 today but with many more features.

Now if you are able to look back at your pay packet in 1980 and compare it with now you will undoubtebly find that your wages have risen considerably. Looking at my 15 years in business I would say that wages have doubled in that time.

I started driving a car in 1970 the same year the first Raleigh Chopper was launched. It is interesting to note that since then petrol has increased approximately 17 times and the Chopper re-launched a couple of years ago has increased 6 times. I am sure the efficiency of petrol has improved, I know the Chopper is a much better built product and you used to get Green Shield Stamps with fuel!

The point is that bicycles are fantastic value for money. The quality now even on our lower priced options is very good so if you are returning to cycling to avoid the fuel prices dive in now because value may never be this good again.

Publication Date: 05/07/2008 09:51:04

Surprises

It never ceases to amaze me how when I step back and look at everything we sell each year so many things are the same. As an example last year we might have sold x many Raleigh Mollys and this year exactly the same again.

What also does not surprise me is how the sales each week of the three branches are wildly different. And yet this week all three were within the same few pounds of each other. The three towns of Bridgwater, Taunton and Weston are very different in size and demographics, so explain it I can't it's just one of those things.

As a family we had an eventful week with two visits to Musgrove Park Hospital A&E. Two head injuries, George our youngest fell off his BMX and James are next yougest very badly cut his head open jumping through a door. Spending Saturday night until the small hours in casualty is not much fun but the Doctor we saw was charming and the two nurses did a fine job of limiting the pain. Thank you.

Publication Date: 29/06/2008 11:27:09

Customer Service

I have tried never to bang on about what great service we give because it is not something that any business can 100% guarantee. Many years ago I worked for a large High Street chain where customer service was terrible. It was no one thing at fault but a combination of many. The business was forced to improve and went with a message of excellent service before the service had improved, dangerous ground which put a great deal of stress onto the shop floor worker.

I don't serve customers as much as when I first started but I know that some days I did not fire on all systems. How often have we all had a late night, row with a spouse etc and the last thing we feel able to do is to be nice to people.

So as a business we aim to please, we aim to not keep customers waiting, we aim for the highest standards of service. If we fail then I need to know and it is my responsibility to make sure we get it right next time.

If, as a customer, you feel my staff have given good service then it is vital that I do hear about that. I believe that praising staff for good service ensures good service in the future, a telling off often does not change behavior.

Publication Date: 13/06/2008 18:15:52

Welcome To The Bicycle Chain

Publication Date: 03/03/2008 10:35:24