Girlsbike2 Dorking first opened its doors in July 2006, in the middle of scorching temperatures and blazing sunshine – difficult to imagine weather like that in the middle of January I know!
Owned by sisters Alison Self and Hilary Lucas, the shop specialises in providing female motorcyclists with a large clothing range within a relaxed and welcoming environment. The sisters provide quality clothing cut specifically for women and aim to source as wide a range of sizes as possible – from a size 6 in some products to a size 26 in others. They also make a point of stocking those hard to find products, like short leg length trousers and small crash helmets. Hilary comments, ‘We’re not quite like traditional bike shops. So often, women come into the shop wearing men’s bike clothing, and are amazed that we have so many women’s specific clothes that they can actually try on.’ Customers are also surprised by the Wall of Fame in the toilet too! ‘We encourage customers to send us photos of themselves with the bikes they ride, whether as pillion or riders’, explains Alison, ‘with the aim of celebrating what a diverse and clever bunch of women we are!’
Alison & Hilary are themselves motorcyclists, one as rider and the other as pillion, having both been heavily influenced by their elder brother who raced bikes during the 70’s. Hence their picture of Barry Sheene hanging on the wall! Their staff too are all keen motorcyclists, and between them the team at GB2 Dorking have experience ranging from track to touring, off-road to commuting. They therefore understand the demands made on clothing in a range of different situations and are best placed to give honest, practical advice about what will best meet their customers’ needs.
As well as advocating safety with regard to clothing, GB2 Dorking is also active in promoting continued rider training. In conjunction with the local Police, women only Bike Safe courses are run from the shop throughout the year. These have proved really popular with customers who want the benefit of additional instruction but prefer a less testosterone fuelled day! The bacon sandwiches for breakfast and the cake at the end of the day are just an added bonus!
Participation in events is also important to Hilary & Alison. They are involved with the yearly Toy Run to Tadworth Hospital in December, organised by the local Box Hill Forum. Next year, Alison will be leading a women’s group ride as part of the D-Day Ride, in aid of Aspire. If you fancy a fundraising trip to France, join up at
www.gbriders.com.
Girlsbike2 Dorking…..More than just a bike clothing shop!
I want to go faster, I want to go faster..
