ROB BOWEN is a force of nature, and it would be impossible not to be swept along by his passions – for the outdoors in general and for bikes and all things cycling in particular.
He grew up on a farm in Mapledurham and still describes being out in the local woods as his happy place. He now owns AW Cycles in the row of shops on Henley Road at the top of Donkin Hill.
He first started working there in 2005 as a Saturday boy and, over the years, undertook most jobs in the shop. When the old owner wanted to give up in 2016, he leapt at the chance to take over the business. Nine years later, he sees the shop as a community hub, sharing his passion to get people back onto bikes and giving them the opportunity to come in and learn how to do their own repairs, as much as selling new bikes.
AW Cycles has been a main sponsor of Sonning Common’s On Your Bike initiative since its inception. The ride this year is on Sunday 8 June, and Rob would love to see you there, getting out in the fresh air and enjoying a bike ride.
How long have you lived in RG4?
Rob has lived locally all his life and loves being part of the local community.
Where are your favourite places to eat, drink and shop in our area?
For a man who is a self-confessed adrenaline junkie, he loves nothing more than taking time out one day a week to spend with his baby daughter – taking life at her pace.
How do you think we can be eco-friendlier here?
Rob would love to see more people cycling in Reading but sees road safely and the high numbers of bike thefts as the main barriers that need to be resolved.
How would you strengthen our sense of community?
He believes that a sense of community comes from a shared space to follow a passion and would love to see a community space in Reading that brings people together, similar to Adrenaline Alley in Corby.
If you could bring anything here, such as an event, experience or a shop, what would it be?
He would love to build a pump track like the one at Longbarn Lane Recreation Ground, in south Reading, somewhere north of the river for local people to enjoy.
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