“This whole lockdown period has definitely given a lot of people the ability to get out there and try it and get comfortable with it [cycling].” To see the centre of London almost car free was surreal during the peak of the lockdowns. But for me, like many other cyclists, this was an opportunity to reclaim London’s previously vehicle choked streets. So last May, I got myself a foldable bicycle, a Tern (I can recommend it) and discovered East Central Cycles, an independent bicycle shop in Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, which had one in stock. Visiting the shop, it soon became clear that the lockdown had completely changed the operation of the business. I caught up with Charlie, one of the four founders of the store, when I returned to get my bike serviced, and we grabbed a park bench for a chat. We chatted setting up the shop with four friends; competing against the big chains; hipsters and the custom bike trend; meeting the challenges of lockdown and the resurgence of cycling in London; and Charlie’s favourite areas of London including exploring its backstreets. If there was ever an episode to inspire you to get out and about on two-wheels this is it. Meet Charlie and East Central Cycles…   PLACES MENTIONED   East Central Cycles website: http://www.eastcentralcycles.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastcentralcycles   Exmouth Market: https://exmouth.london   Smithfield Market: http://www.smithfieldmarket.com   ABOUT MARRIOTT'S SIDE TRIPS   Website: https://www.marriottssidetrips.com   A quick way to find the latest episodes: https://www.marriottssidetrips.com/podcast   Instagram (my travel life, but rarely sunset shots): https://www.instagram.com/stephenrmarriott   Sign-up for the newsletter and grab a FREE Travel Checklist: http://eepurl.com/hxsQf1   If you have any questions, or comments please let us know what you think. Marriott always loves to hear from his listeners. You can reach him directly at: [email protected] Listen & Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts The show’s theme music is by Hanna and Julius, thank you. Thanks to Charlie and Spa Fields Park for hosting the podcast on 26/03/2021.