THE owner of a new bike shop opening in Wellington has said it won’t just be another “run of the mill” store.

Darren Bowden, 51, is opening Apple County Cycles on Saturday, March 23, t the Westpark light industrial estate.

Based in Unit 11, Block B - which formerly played host to his old company Rimblades which he sold to a competitor - Mr Bowden said he wanted to build a community around the business.

Speaking to the Wellington Weekly ahead of the official opening, Mr Bowden explained that as a keen cyclist, he wanted to bring a new perspective to the age-old bike shop formula. He said: “We are trying to create a community around it so it is more than just a shop. We will be providing lessons on the Quantocks, monthly organised rides, starter packages - we have lots planned, this isn’t just a run of the mill business.”

Mr Bowden said as a keen cyclist himself, he wants to make the store the kind of place he would buy items from himself. He said: “I thought, what would I want from a bike shop? I tried to look at it from a different perspective, in our shop the bikes will be displayed like cars in a showroom, with room to walk around withnformation clearly signposted.”

Mr Bowden, who lives near Taunton and has been trading in Wellington for over a decade, said the store would sell a range of bikes, including BMXs, mountain bikes and electric bikes. He added it would also provide repair services, via an on-site workshop and mechanic. He said: “I was a BMX’er as a kid and I started mountain biking in my 40s. So I thought to do something with my knowledge and passion and bring something new to the scene.”

It comes after Mr Bowden’s previous business, which he ran from the site, was sold after 13 years. He said: “Cycling is my hobby, so I thought I would open up a bike shop.”

An opening event to celebrate the new business is set to take place from 11am to 3pm on Saturday.