Riders pitch in to save popular Bedford hangout

A biking destination in Bedfordshire has launched a crowdfunder after coronavirus forced them to shut.

Boyds of Bedford was opened by husband and wife team Tom and Jessica Answer in 2018, originally sharing space with their other business. After stocking up on bits for bikers, as well as hosting countless motorcycle meets, they expanded to a new, larger premises in Stagsden in January of this year.

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Unfortunately, no sooner had they opened when the coronavirus pandemic forced them to close again. The shop reopened in July and things were going well but sadly, it was too little too late, as the pandemic also affected their primary business of suit hire for weddings, which shared the new location.

With no real option to continue, the couple were forced to close the shop in September and it looked like Boyds was over. However, the big-hearted local biking community has had other ideas and stepped in.

“We always wanted to bring Boyds back but we never thought it would be possible,” says Tom. “But messages of support and offers of funds from the community made us realise it could be possible.”

If they hit their goal of £10,000 the plan is to restart Boyds as a travelling stand, they can take to trade shows as well as a new monthly meet up they have in the works.

Rewards are plentiful for donors too, with everything from sticker packs for a fiver, to T-shirts for £30, right up to a one-on-one screen printing workshop for £220. For more info visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/bring-boyds-back.