Normally, the opening of a new bike shop would be a largely “so what?” occurrence. But this is a little different. For a start, the business in question, Noah’s Ark, has been around for, well, ever, having opened its shop in Chalford in the Cotswolds what must be about a thousand years ago.

So, we’re not talking about a new business, but we are talking about a new shop. For Noah’s Ark has moved its bike shop down the road to new premises at Bourne Mills. And they’re quite some premises…

Noah’s bought the Bourne Mills complex in December 2005. The sizable site, accessed via a bridge over the canal, holds a load of buildings. The main one is now the home of the bike shop (as well as repair shop for bikes and snowboards), offices and mail order department.

That’s not the good bit, though, impressive though the building is. It’s the plans for the rest of the site that are really interesting. Taking advantage of the nearby countryside and nearby cycle trails, there’ll be a hire shop, the scope of which will be considerably extended thanks to the imminent re-opening of the canal.

The hire centre building will also house a coffee shop, changing facilities and showers. But that’s still not the best bit. The best bit is that Noah’s Ark will have its own on-site trails in the extensive grounds. And not just trails, but dirt jumps, North Shore sections and an observed trials course. Which certainly beats a couple of laps of the car park for a test ride.

All of that is in the future, but the shop itself is open right now. More details at www.noahsark.co.uk.