Three years ago, Stewart made a bold lifestyle change. After years in automotive manufacturing, long hours were taking their toll, so he stepped away to spend more time with his family and their two dogs, Bruce and Indy. With a new focus on wellbeing and work-life balance, he turned his hobby of bike maintenance into a business, B&I Cycles - named after the dogs. What started as a converted double garage in Smeeth is now a busy and well-equipped workshop serving cyclists from across Ashford and beyond.
Stewart said: "We're now a busy workshop helping riders of all ages and abilities. Servicing is what we do most - our full service involves stripping the bike right back and rebuilding it to make sure everything is running smoothly and safely. It can also help spot issues early on, saving people from costly damage further down the line. Bikes don't have warning lights like cars, so regular maintenance is key."
Stewart sees more riders hit the roads and trails when the weather improves, but he's keen to help people stay consistent year-round. For those new to cycling and looking to purchase a good all-rounder, he recommends a gravel bike.
"They're more versatile than road bikes, the tyres are wider and more hard-wearing, which makes them ideal for commuters, family riders, or those just looking to enjoy a bit of everything. I had a client take their gravel bike on a 408km endurance event, The Great Escapade, which really shows how capable they are.
"There are some good entry-level bikes on the market, for example, the Trek Domane, Van Rysel GRVL AF2, Ribble Endurance AL and the Specialized Allez. If budget's an issue, a good second-hand bike can be a great option, but it's always worth checking it over before you commit as sometimes the works needed can cost the same again as the bike. It's a good idea to get some advice if you're not sure, and I'm happy to help with that.
"My go-to recommendations for bike shopping include local retailers like Activ Cycles in Ashford and Folkestone, and Ribble in Bluewater. I'd also suggest checking if your employer offers a cycle-to-work scheme; It's a great way to make cycling more affordable, you can spread the cost and often get good discounts on bikes and gear.
"It would be great for more people to ditch the car and travel more by bike, but I acknowledge the challenges cyclists face on the roads and I hope for more mutual respect between riders and drivers. It's really daunting for a lot of people. Some drivers don't give enough space and try to rush cyclists, and that can be intimidating but at the same time, not all cyclists ride with courtesy either. If everyone showed a bit more car and awareness, we'd all get along better. It would definately help more people feel confident enough to get on their bikes."
When Stewart isn't in the workshop, you'll find him out cycling, favouring the outskirts of Ashford to avoid the town's heavier traffic. He recommends Victoria Park for local leisure rides on its set cycle paths and often heads to Rye or Hythe for a change of scenery. He's completed London to Paris in 24 hours and also tackled Mount Teide in Tenerife, Spain's highest peak. He also regularly rides with the local triathlon club (Ashford Tri-club) for group rides, starting at the Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford.
"For anyone considering taking up cycling, my advice is to go for it! From a safety point of view, clean your chain regularly, it'll make riding so much smoother and if you can learn to change an inner tube, it'll really boost your confidence. You'll feel more independent and won't need to worry so much about punctures cutting your ride short."