Jacqui from the Local Rag talks to Dirk De Ruysscher the sole owner and operator of Raglan’s local bike shop, Cyclery Raglan. The business offers bike repairs, bike rentals as well as bike and part sales.
When did you start the Cyclery and what motivated you to provide this for the community?
I started the business 16 years ago, operating from a garage on Stewart Street. About 6 years later I moved to an empty converted shed at 10 Bankart Street opposite where Four Square is now located.
It was basically a jump into the deep end. I worked as a bicycle mechanic in Hamilton and got really tired of the daily commute. So decided to give it a go setting up my own shop and provide bike repairs for the community.
How has your business changed over the years?
Quite a bit. When I started, I had just $1000 in my pocket. The local Westpac declined me for a business loan, so I just went with what I had. I secured a few accounts with suppliers so I could purchase the most common accessories and parts and only had to pay for them a month later.
I remember my first customer walking up the driveway to get his bike fixed. Still grateful to Johnny from Raglan Lawns for trusting me.
Paying my bills on time gave me more and more credibility with my suppliers and slowly I was able to stock some good quality bike brands.
Very proud on being named “A real cyclist’s bike shop” in the Classic NZ Cycle Trails guide.
What challenges have you faced and what have you done to diversify?
Where do I start, haha. Running a small business in a small town is already a challenge on its own.
Specifically winter time can be daunting. So I figured that I needed something apart from bike repairs.
I was given the opportunity to take over the printer machine from the video store and one of the local locksmiths traded me his key cutting machine for some bike repairs. So for the last 5 years I have been offering printing, laminating and key cutting services. This has been a very good move.
It helps pay for the rent during the more quiet tourist months. It is surprising in this digital age that paper still has a place. But I am very grateful for that.
I have been victim of a few burglaries over the years, so that always sets you back a bit but you have got to bounce back from that.
Alongside running your business you have also been instrumental in creating community events like the iconic Karioi Classic. You provide ongoing volunteering in the community. Can you tell us about what this involves currently and why it’s important to you?
My endless passion for cycling and meeting up with Lisa Thomson brought me to organising the Karioi Classic for 13 years. The event definitely put Raglan on the cycling map.
I have also been involved with the Raglan Fire Brigade for almost 15 years now. It always has been a young boy’s dream to be a firefighter, but I basically joined the brigade to serve this community and say thanks for the support that has been given to my business.
I currently have the rank of senior station officer and am involved with the management part of the brigade.
You also were involved in the development of the bike tracks. How are these going, and are there plans for further developments?
The mountain bike tracks are still going well. I believe they are a nice asset for Raglan.
The trails won’t be further developed in the pine area as there is no room and more trails also means more maintenance.
We have been in talks with WDC and the Community Board about linking the trails through the Wainui Reserve with the Wainui Bush Reserve as it will give the safe cycling options in Raglan a real boost.
Who should people with a passion for mountain biking get in touch with, who want to connect with others?
People can join the Raglan Mountainbiking Club.
Just come and see me at my shop and I can sign you up.
How do people get in touch ?
Just come and pay a visit at 10 Bankart Street.
Or give me a friendly call on 021 2380818 or email your print files to cycleryraglan@gmail.com.
