Rapha Cycle Club Manchester
It's been a long time coming, but it has arrived. Rapha Cycle Club Manchester is now open. Clearly a lot of hard graft has gone into this launch, which was evident on the faces of the welcoming staff hosting the event.
I first heard that Rapha was coming to Manchester at the start of 2014 when Alex from Carhartt - a friend of Paul Rance's - told him to interview for a position at the shop. He got the job and the open date originally was early April, then it was put back to May and then it was hoped the shop would be open for the Tour de France in July.
It wasn't until a week before the opening I actually had a confirmed date, which was from from the horse's mouth so to speak, namely Alex Otterwell the new club Manager. He had dropped into the print studio where I work during the day to collect a print of one of Emily Mayes photographs. It was Friday when he told me the shop was still being fitted out, but it was to open on the following Thursday. I don't think he left that shop all week.
I wasn't sure who was invited, I didn't know if it was just family and friends or VIP's and I didn't expect anything myself. The Sunday before I had a bit of rare time to myself so I washed my bikes down, oiled my chains and greased my head sets. While I was doing this I got an unexpected call from Paul who didn't know I already knew it was opening on Thursday. He asked what I was doing on Thursday night? I wasn't doing anything. "Well you are now" he said. I said it's the opening isn't it? "Yep! I've got an invite for you but wont see you before Thursday so I'll put your name on the guest list at the door". Sweet!
It was a mad rush. I didn't have anything to wear, any of my books left from the ToB or business cards to hand out. I was pretty excited to say the least wondering who'd be there and who was going to open the Club. I designed some last minute stuff, got it printed and headed into Manchester.
It was a pretty cool place which had never even been on my radar, I know Manchester pretty well and knew this area but I didn't know about this hidden little spot behind St Anne's Church, I think it was a pretty good find.
It's smaller than expected on three floors. First floor is bike space, second is where all the action takes place: clothing, coffee/bar and wall mounted TV's for race coverage. Third floor is an exhibition space with a collection of photographs, currently exhibiting Theatres of Cross by Ben Ingham a photographer who has been with Rapha from its inception.
The camera came with me but I wanted to relax and enjoy the moment so I didn't stress about getting any great shots I just got what I got and lapped up the free food and beer, thanks Simon.
A lot of my friends were there and a lot of guys I've met out on the race scene too, so it was a great time to chat and catch up. I was introduced to a few people I knew but hadn't met before, Rich Salisbury introduced me to Allan Williams (Team Sky's head mechanic) who was there with Ollie Cookson. Paul introduced me to northern lad John Herrity, I didn't get to chat with Kristian House who probably thinks I'm stalking him as I end up taking at least one photograph of him every where I go. I overheard him say to John Herrity at ToB "who's that guy I see him everywhere", he'd had a few so probably for the best.
Paul Rance and Vinny (formerly of Harry Halls) manned the doors which was probably the best spot as inside was super hot with all those people in such a tiny space.
My good friend Matt Kendall was there too and the guys from Nowherefast.cc where I've posted some stories and emailed a million times but never met so it was good to put a face to a name. We had a long chat about work, ongoing projects, future projects and everything in between up in the gallery where I'm sure I'll get to chat with them again surrounded by my own photographs.
The night ended with a pint with Matt and the strangest chat with Clodge, Simon Mottram, Paul Rance, Allan Wiliams and Ollie.
I had a great night which was fairly successful I think.
Thanks Rapha
Find info on rides, events and more here: http://pages.rapha.cc/clubs/manchester