22/07/2025
Can we have a chat?
The Bikery will close at the end of August. It’s time for a pause — for breath, for space, for grief to be felt instead of outrun.
Losing Ian has devastated me. He was my partner in every way — in love, in life, in NorthRoad. He built this place with his whole heart, and I was lucky enough to be beside him.
In his final months, when I became his arms and legs, and in the months since, I’ve learned more than I ever thought I could; about bikes, about people, about strength, about love. I won’t waste that knowledge. Or Ian’s legacy. (I’m working on the term Bike Concierge…)
But I need time. To catch up with myself. To figure out what comes next.
NorthRoad needed Ian full-time. And I’m a part-time Drama teacher, still trying to find my way without him.
Ian and I were lucky to be surrounded by amazing people. Mark is one of those people. So servicing of NorthRoad bikes will still be available by someone who knows them inside and out — I’ll be Mark’s booking secretary and he’ll be working his quiet magic from our home workshops. We’re going to sort a website and when that’s ready I’ll let you know.
If you’d like to come in for one last coffee, please do — between now and the end of August. I’d love to see you.
And I’ll still be here. Still on Instagram and Facebook. Still cheering you on. Still loving your adventures. Please keep sharing your rides, your builds, your stories. You’ve been part of this from the start — and you’ve held me up more than you know.
This isn’t the end. It’s just a pause.
We’ll be back.
When the next version of this story is ready to be written.
Jane x