G!RO Cycles

 
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Community

COMMUNITY. JORDAN ADDISON OF G!RO CYCLES

"The person that walks through our door is more valuable than the money they are going to spend."

When planning and preparing to open the doors of G!RO back in 2013, this mantra was the heartbeat behind everything, and is central to the core of who we are and why we exist. The initial idea for G!RO was simply to have a place where riders could meet up early … of course this changed and evolved (and still is), but Community has been our central focus from Day 1. 

We've known Nick and supported his endeavours over the years leading to this AFGO project (in fact as I write this, he is in the middle of his 4382 km ride), and he asked me to write a short piece about G!RO and community. I'm currently sat in the cafe and I look up to see filled tables with customers from all walks of life. Some riders, some local residents, some local employees & a couple of dogs. I'm struck and reminded just what this space - and many other coffee shops like it - means to the customers who frequent here, the community that makes up G!RO. In truth, the reality is that Coffee we make & the Food we serve is actually a secondary reason for people coming to a coffee shop. An important reason yes and one we try to do well, but actually why our customers are there maybe for a meeting with colleagues, or a catch up with friends, or meeting for a ride, or just to get a bit of calm away from the daily norm. People say the high street is dead. But as I look around here today, that couldn't be further from the truth. It's the individuals that make it what it is, and it's those individuals that we have tried to value over all else. Relational, not transactional. Whilst the spending profile of the high street has changed in recent years, the role that the high street can and does play in the lives of people is still very much alive. The High Street is dead. Long live the High Street. 

That's the beauty of community. It can be fostered and nurtured anywhere. And that's also the beauty of cycling. A sport that seems to flourish in community. A sport that means so much to an Individual, that it can seemingly take over people, dedicating countless hours of their life each week to it; which more often translates to flourishing groups of riders weaving themselves through local lanes and climbs together as one...and of course the all important coffee stop has become an integral part of this tribal ritual. That's why we opened our doors and why we exist. To champion this community of individuals who have found common ground on a passion that they love. It has been a real joy to see G!RO become a part of people's weekly rituals. Rain or shine the guys and girls come through the doors, each one can be from vastly different backgrounds and careers, yet each one chooses to be a part of their community and all that comes with it. Beautiful. 

But significantly its impact on individuals can be profound. We've witnessed many occasions where people have found support, friendship and care through this community. One such person (who will remain nameless) started out by coming to the cafe regularly on Sunday afternoons on his own, without a bike. After a few weeks of conversation and a little encouragement he decided to join one of our weekly rides. In fact the first week, he mistakenly joined the wrong group made up of local ex pros from which he was promptly dropped not too far from Esher. Thankfully he came back!! Week after week he came back & became a familiar and regular face in our local community here for years after. Then out of the blue, he pulled me over to have a quick chat. He then went on to explain that prior to joining the rides he had been going through a very dark and low period in his life, where he wasn't sure he would get out of it. But it was the rides, the community and the strong friendships that formed out of it, that helped pulled him through and onto a new, exciting and positive trajectory in his life. It was very special to hear this from him as it seemed to make all the stresses and trials of running a business worthwhile. 

But the truth is, all we did was open our doors. But that was enough. That was enough to facilitate a basis for friendship and support, that thankfully was enough to see him through a challenging time. I'm very thankful he is still around. 

Likewise I'm very thankful that Nick is still around. And I'm very pleased that G!RO can support and play a small role in what he is doing. The bold step he has taken to speak openly of his journey is having a great impact. The rides and other events he is doing through The AFGO Project and his role as a Movember ambassador are a real example, and the message is certainly getting out there. But I appreciate that he is also just as - if not more - passionate about the simple truth that it doesn’t take much to ask “Are You OK?”. And the countless hours spent on bikes and in coffee shops allow for a perfect vessel to facilitate those conversations and relationships. And to me that is the essence of community. Placing value on the individuals that make up any community where truth, honesty and openness can flourish & be championed. The reality is we may not be ok, but that community will always have your back.

Jordan Addison G!RO Cycles.

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