I grew up in the 60/70’s and still find myself drawn back to that era, when bikes were cool, exciting and simple, starting out on a funky moped before progressing through the ranks to bigger, faster but not always better bikes, cutting my teeth on old triumphs, smoking two strokes, customs… basically anything with two wheels.
We all like to follow our dreams and 2017 culminated in the opening of Union Road Moto-Velo, enabling me to combine my passion for building restoration and all things motorbike. Born out of the last 40+ years of riding, travelling and messing about on motorcycles made me want to create an area where people could, buy or rent a bike, find some interesting clothing, relax and have a coffee or stay a few days in our accommodation geared to the needs of those who ride anything with two wheels, all without the hard sell or corporate blandness.
When not riding I conduct my business at The Beer Engine in Newton St. Cyres, where I have been known to hold forth on my other favorite topics of Exeter Chiefs, food and beer – I am a simple man.
My first involvement with motorbikes came when I met Neil, I’ll gloss over a brief teenage encounter with a NSU! Neil was, and still is obsessed with bikes so I had no choice but to join in . A few years as pillion showed me I’m not one to hand over control so I did my test and began riding.
Over the years I’ve had a Sportster, Fatboy and ended on a lovely little bonny. These days though my bike of choice doesn’t have an engine. I’m a fair weather cyclist. I love the comradeship and genuine friendship of the cycling and biking fraternity which had brought us lasting friendships, and I am enjoying meeting more in the rooms and coffee shop.
Bikes Bikes Bikes, if I’m honest I prefer shoes, but when all you hear is about bikes one day you realise if you can’t beat them you might as well join them. Although I’ve done a bit of riding here, in Europe and Africa in the past, these days I’m happy either pootling about in my ’62 split screen camper or ’82 mini cooper, hanging out at the shop and hearing your stories or at home with my mutt Reggie
I moved to Devon via Dubai, Milan and Paris, and my absolute passion is travel, if you have somewhere to discover I need to hear about it!
I fell in love with the world of motorcycling at a very young and influential age, watching and listing to the local rockers riding their British cafe racers. It was the golden era of motorcycling in the UK and at this time in history I was working as a motorcycle mechanic in the big smoke and immersing myself in the biker culture 100%. I got my nickname because I rode a Harley Davidson Sportster which at that time (70’s) was not a common motorcycle on the UK roads.
Many years later I became a teacher of Design & Technology where I was able to advance my skills in design and engineering eventually becoming the head of a large department of teachers where my management and organisation abilities were utilised every day.
After 20 years of teaching, I have now semi-retired and have joined the excellent team at Union Road Moto Velo and loving every minute.
For 35 years I had a career as a book designer and manager, followed by a role within the aviation industry. I am also a qualified foot health practitioner.
My love of bikes began in the mid-eighties when I rode pillion on a BSA Goldstar – I was hooked! I have been the proud owner of a Honda, a Ducati Monster and a Triumph Bobber – so when this position became available it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss – bikes, coffee and good company – dream job!
Hi, I’m Matt. Having driven a desk designing websites and printed material for 10+ years, my mind (and waistline) needed a change of scenery. With a long held enthusiasm for Moto’s – especially Bobbers and Flat Trackers, URMV is a perfect fit with plenty of opportunities to chat all things bike related.
Also a keen photographer, you’ll quite likely see me with camera (or iPhone these days) in hand when I have a moment or two free, and I frequently contribute images to the URMV website and social media channels. So if you rock up on an interesting bike – you might just get featured too…