Phil1 Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 Bit of a nostalgia post, but I remember fondly going with my dad in the 90s and to different bike shops, one of the main ones being in Shipley near Bradford. The place was always teaming on a Saturday afternoon with people going there just to catch up and have a wander around, no real intention of buying anything as such. It was that busy that they had a chuck wagon there just to feed people. Obviously the place itself never batted an eyelid about the amount of footfall and lack of spending as it would now and again bring some purchases and looking busy was still a good thing. It seems to me as times gone on that there seems to be much fewer independent bike shops about, they all seem to be big warehouse type places now. And am I right in saying that Saturday afternoon social sessions seem to have massively dwindled? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Davey Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 I just happened to stall (I was hoping to stop properly) at Reiten in Glemsford, Essex. They had a few guys outside drinking coffee, and although I was in a hurry, I did end up chatting. I did leave thinking it was a nice place with a great atmosphere on a Friday afternoon. A week later I took my bike to Frank's Motorcycles (near Colchester) that was buzzing with people going back and forth, and I sat in their café for breakfast whilst people stood chatting with coffee. A brilliant independent shop, with some stunning classic machines, I reckon they should be featured in tour guides 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiddlesticks Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 Sometimes pop in to Millennium in St. Helens - similar sort of vibe & cafe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Westerly Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 Fowlers in Bristol and Riders both have cafes in house and in the summer folks sit outside and gawp at each others bikes. Wouldn't go there just for the craic but if you're passing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
husoi Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 There is a shop in Edinburgh that even organise ride outs at weekends. In a time where we're always several days late for everything, it's no surprise that time for a wee chat is now something from the past. Was back alive at the beginning of the charging stations for EVs where while you wait you would chat with the guy on the next station. That's gone too.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyrider Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 several years ago i used to go to T& D motorcycles in leyland lancs on a saturday afternoon as i new the mechanics there , i was there for a few hours talking and looking at the bikes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mississippi Bullfrog Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 4 hours ago, Fiddlesticks said: Sometimes pop in to Millennium in St. Helens - similar sort of vibe & cafe. I haven't been there in years. I bought a bikes there back in the late 90's when I dropped in for a brew and wander round and found something I liked. It was an expensive cuppa. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty07 Posted March 13 Share Posted March 13 On 12/03/2024 at 12:05, Phil1 said: Bit of a nostalgia post, but I remember fondly going with my dad in the 90s and to different bike shops, one of the main ones being in Shipley near Bradford. The place was always teaming on a Saturday afternoon with people going there just to catch up and have a wander around, no real intention of buying anything as such. It was that busy that they had a chuck wagon there just to feed people. Obviously the place itself never batted an eyelid about the amount of footfall and lack of spending as it would now and again bring some purchases and looking busy was still a good thing. It seems to me as times gone on that there seems to be much fewer independent bike shops about, they all seem to be big warehouse type places now. And am I right in saying that Saturday afternoon social sessions seem to have massively dwindled? Hey Phil1 Do you still live in Yorkshire? Do you go for ride outs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil1 Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 Yep, still live in Yorkshire. Those were the days when I was too young to drive/ride, but I'd often go pillion or in the car. Got my own bike now, but it's been out of use for about 18 months due to a busy family life. It's ready for its MOT though now so hoping to get out and about again this year. Be nice to get back out to the devils bridge, hawes, seaways etc. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trooper74 Posted March 17 Share Posted March 17 J&S at Doncaster has a nice cafe and a good crowd at weekends … CMC at Clay Cross has a busy cafe even during the week ….. both worth a visit … Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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