Two men, two bikes and a Help for Heroes
A local bike shop owner has certainly got a lot to smile about at the moment, and quite
a gruelling task to think about.
Gary Coulson who runs Freedom Cycles in Lichfield, is not only celebrating their first
anniversary, but they have also won a prestigious award and been mentioned in the
national cycling magazine, Cycling Weekly.
"I think people thought I was mad starting my own business when we were going through one
of the worst recessions in years" says Gary "but cycling has always been a passion of mine and I just thought, well let's just do it." Gary, who used to work at Tempest Ford in Lichfield, has been surprised how well his first year has gone.
"I can't believe that we have been going a year, it has gone so fast, but every day I get a buzz out of coming to work and meeting fellow enthusiasts." Freedom Cycles has just won an award from Cycle Life being named Best New Partner for 2009. "Cycling is becoming really popular again, and more and more families are going out at weekends together on
bike rides."
As well as winning an award the shop has also been mentioned in Cycling Weekly, which Gary is ecstatic about "I couldn't believe it when we were mentioned in the magazine, Cycling Weekly is THE national magazine for enthusiasts, and to have a letter printed praising the shop is just brilliant." And if all this wasn't enough Gary and his friend Rich are cycling to Poland on behalf of Help for Heroes. "We cycled to Aberystwyth last year and raised
£800, this year we are looking to raise £5000" Gary and Rich are setting off on June 19th, two men, two bikes and all their kit for a 12 day bike ride to Poland.
If you are looking for family cycles then Freedom Cycles carries all the latest models from Raleigh, Diamondback, M-Trax, and Corratec. Ladies cycles, mountain bikes, touring bikes, full carbon road bikes, and a full range for children of all ages.
If you would like to sponsor Gary and Rich on their bike ride for Help for Heroes then contact them on 01543 411633, email them at info@freedomcycles.co.uk or visit them by the Bus Station, Birmingham Road, in the centre of Lichfield.
