At 6am this gloriously sunny morning (April 8), I walked to the Paddox Parade of shops to meet Alex Richardson, who owns Paddox Cycles.

The business began in 1962 trading in both cycles and auto parts.

It was then sold to Simon Brand, formerly a postie, who eventually passed it to Alex in November 2023 after a worrying period when potential closure was on the cards. Alex kept this independent retailer alive.

COVID changed people’s buying habits. So many bought from the shop during lockdowns that manufacturers went into over-drive and produced a crazy amount of stock.

Alex Richardson keeps on pedalling to keep Paddox Cycles in business and helping the community.

placeholder image — Alex Richardson keeps on pedalling to keep Paddox Cycles in business and helping the community.

The detrimental effect was that, post-pandemic, this was on offer at vastly reduced prices, harming the High Street.

It has taken Alex a while to get back on his feet/wheels….

He is a great advocate for cycling: he is a member of Rugby Racing Club (est. 1929), as he relishes every second of every second Sunday of the month, when the group meets at 8am and ride for pleasure and physical challenge; he promotes the time trials every Wednesday when keen riders aim to beat their personal best; his knowledge and experience qualify him to advise anyone from a novice to an expert.

What was most poignant for me was Alex’s understanding of the benefits of the activity to mental health and emotional well-being. Physical exertion, fresh air and being part of a community are vital to our lives.

Originally part of the haulage industry, Alex comprehends the awful feeling of separation experienced by fellow drivers and, unfortunately, has lost some friends to suicide.

So, he is determined to support the ‘Empty Chair’ charity this year. Hosts of these events wear an easily identifiable orange hoodie and welcome anyone interested in participating in the gathering – of any gender, ethnicity and level of social skills- to meet and feel comfortable to chat.

Loneliness is one of society’s biggest problems and Alex is doing his utmost to conquer this.

Please visit his shop. Apart from general servicing (including E-bikes), he sells brands such as Merida and Tiger, he deals with second-hand stock (some of which is shipped to Africa with the Re-Cycle charity to be reconditioned and help youngsters say goodbye to their long hike to school), all necessary items such as inner tubes and helmets are available.

An admirable ‘one-man-band’, Alex deals with deliveries, accounts, visiting customers, emails, reps from companies, and everything else!

Although brought up in an equine world in Yorkshire, he has put life and soul into this business and intends to expand and diversify, providing coffee for thirsty cyclists and taking on extra staff to help Paddox Cycles reach its true potential.

Local lad and well-known, committed cyclist, Ted McDaid, has been a faithful customer since 2023, when he brought in his team bike to be built by Alex.

He has since raced in Belgium, Spain, Tenerife and France, always prioritising Paddox Cycles for running repairs and upgrades.

You can join Ted in his support of Alex: The shop is located at 274a Hillmorton Road. Alternatively, you can call him on (01788) 576659 or search paddoxcycles.com