"It's been a hell of a ride!" End of an era for Bikers Jersey

Thursday 05 September 2024

One of the island's largest motorcycle dealers is closing after more than two decades at the heart of the local biking community.

Geoff Habin and Owen Lewis, the driving force behind Bikers Jersey in Georgetown, are preparing to shut their doors by the end of this month.

Set up by Mr Habin in 1998, Bikers was originally located in "modest" premise in Cheapside.

Mr Lewis joined in 2003, just a couple of years before the relocation to Georgetown Garage and its 2,500 sq-ft showroom.

Pictured: Bikers Jersey will be closing by the end of this month.

"We've very much built the business between us," explained Mr Habin.

"It's gone very well. We've had a great time – I like to think that we have a good reputation, generally," he said, adding that Jersey had "a very active biking community".

With their current lease at the site coming to a close, Mr Habin – who turned 70 last year – will be retiring, while Mr Lewis – who will turn 60 next month – is looking at his options elsewhere, potentially remaining within the biking industry.

Pictured: Bikers Jersey has been in business for more than two decades.

Mr Habin said that the response from the biking community had been "very humbling".

"There's a few times in the last week where I've been quite almost tearful, by the way people have reacted.

"Just saying 'thank you, you're part of the community, you've been looking after everybody for 26 years, we've enjoyed it, we're gonna miss you'."

He added that he was grateful to everyone who had supported the business over the years.

Pictured: Mr Habin (left) and Mr Lewis on the showroom floor.

"To use a biking term, it's been a hell of a ride," said Mr Habin.

"My biggest thanks is to Owen, because it has taken two of us."

Mr Lewis said: "I took on a job that effectively turned a passion for riding bikes into a career."

Reflecting on the public reaction to the closure, he added: "They [our clients] start off as customers and rapidly become friends.

"We get a lot of people who will come in for a coffee and a chat.

"It's nice to get that relationship developing with people and there's a lot of people we will both be keeping in touch with."

He added that Bikers was keen to ensure "continuity" for customers and had worked with other shops in the island around the transfer of franchises.