Mountain biker opens bicycle repair on the Drum Industrial Estate

Joe Young, from Washington, set up Cycle Refuge North East in January and offers repairs and servicing for all kinds of pedal bikes and e-bikes.

Based on the Drum Industrial Estate, the business is a “labour of love” for Joe, who started racing at the age of 11, and has competed in downhill and Enduro competitions across Europe.

Initially travelling with his parents, who would service and fix his bikes at events, Joe learned how to repair and work on his own bikes which eventually led to him working in the cycling industry.

After spending more than a decade working for others, he is now taking on his “biggest challenge” to date with the launch of Cycle Refuge North, which he says will help him continue doing what he loves by giving him the flexibility to fit his work around his riding.

He said: “My Dad used to do all the mechanical stuff for me when I started riding and then slowly, I learned from him and went from there. I got my first job in the industry and over the nine years that I was there I progressed to become the head mechanic, but I always wanted to go it alone and set up my own business.

“After that, I went to work for a friend’s business in Birtley and then I took the decision and I haven’t looked back.”

Joe has been ‘blown away’ by the support he has received not only from friends and fellow mountain bikers, but from riders of all cycling disciplines across the North East.

“So far it’s been mega,” he said, “it’s been a lot busier than I thought it would be. I have ridden most of my life, so I was confident I’d know enough people who ride in the region to help me get going, but the reception from the wider public has blown me away.

“Just through word of mouth and social media, I’ve had dozens of people come into the shop for servicing and repairs and it just seems to be gathering momentum day by day. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Joe worked with the North East BIC and their business support team.

He said: “They really went in-depth when talking me through the actual financial side of things and explaining how to run a business.

“I was quite nervous about it all at first, as it was a totally alien concept to me, but they really put me at ease. It was a huge relief just knowing I was working with the right people who could help me out.

“Sometimes I felt overwhelmed by the concept of the business side of it all and thought about throwing in the towel and quitting on my ambitions, but the staff at the BIC were there each step of the way to keep me on track.”

Cycle Refuge North East is located at unit 8C, Drum Industrial Estate, Chester-le-Street, DH2 1SS.

Visit Cycle Refuge North East’s Instagram page.