Sprint Motorcycle Spares customers wish 'true gent' Colwyn a happy retirement

And bikers have been sharing their memories of Ruskin Motorcycles and Sprint Motorcyle Spares in Belle Vue ahead of Colwyn's last day at work on September 29.

The Wakefield Express reported last week that Colwyn, 75, is set to close the family business he has run for 49 years.

He started out at Ruskin Motorcycles on Doncaster Road in March 1977.

Colwyn ran that shop for five years before he bought business partner Norman Mr Brown out in 1982.

He changed the name to Sprint Motorcycles and relocated the business to the current shop on Clarion Street off Doncaster Road in 1985.

More than 300 people have commented on Colwyn's retirement story on the Express Facebook page.

Chris Chalkley wrote: "Col was a legend in the motorbike spares and parts world. He played big part in my biking days 1980 onwards.

"Thanks for your services col over my younger biking days the holy grail of bike shops Rip Ruskins it will always be that to me."

Richard Holland wrote: "Wishing you a happy retirement Col. Like many here I was a customer initially of Ruskin and then Sprint… you guys never let me down and Wakey will be a poorer place without without you."

Robert Underwood wrote: "Loved the shop! Colwyn is a true gent, and a wealth of knowledge. Gutted the sprints closing. A proper little gem of a shop.. enjoy your retirement col and thankyou for the service over the years."

Steve Perkins wrote: "Such a shame. Top fella. Always had the things I needed at a great price. Enjoy your retirement Col."

Brendan Greaves wrote: "A Great shop and great service. Will definitely be missed. Happy retirement."

Gareth Yates wrote: "Thank you for your service. As a lad you gave me help, spares and that touch of old school that is quickly disappearing today. All the very best and enjoy your free time."

Colwyn wrote on the Sprint Motorcycle Spares Facebook page: "As you have all heard I am closing the shop for the final time on the 29th of September at 5pm.

"It's been lovely to hear all of your fond memories of the bike shop on the Wakefield Express article.

"It's been our pleasure to serve you all for all these years but unfortunately it must come to an end... retirement is calling.

"From Tuesday the 1st of September every in stock item will be discounted, the more you buy, the bigger the discount. So come in and stock up on those essentials whilst you still can.

"Everything must go, but once it's gone it's gone as I'm no longer replenishing stock."

Colwyn plans to spend his retirement travelling and rebuilding classic 1960s and 1970s bikes, including a 1967 Suzuki 80.