A COUPLE who love sport have quit top jobs to open a unique fitness centre where people can meet, shop, eat and chat.
Husband and wife Kay and Craig Tierney have opened a new cycling hub beside Tatton Park in Knutsford.
Apus Peak offers a community space to encourage everyone to get active with an indoor cycle class, maintenance workshop, are range of the latest bike clothing and accessories, yoga studio and cafe.
Cycling enthusiasts Kay and Craig Tierney welcome everyone from people getting on a bike for the first time to professionals
Kay, 37, a former hotel commercial director, said: "We are both keen sports people and after spending so much more time cycling out in the fresh air with our family during lockdown, it didn't feel right to go back to the industries were in before.
"We just has a spark. We've put all our passion and love into this instead and it has been absolutely brilliant.
"I came from hospitality which I love and just want to make people feel comfortable around sport."
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Craig, 49, a former operations director, said: "It has been a lot of hard work but the energy within the place is absolutely fantastic."
Craig and Kay Tierney are keen to encourage everyone to become more active
The pair have teamed up with five passionate cyclists to run the pioneering venture.
Kay said: "It's not just cycling, it's about mindful wellbeing.
"It doesn't matter if you want to walk one mile or cycle 100, there is space for everyone. People should never feel uncomfortable within their own achievement."
Niamh Tierney having fun on a ski slope
Mum and baby groups, social rides, demonstration talks, a bike club and run talk run weekly jogs are among regular events.
The world's most cutting edge fit system for cyclists, the Guru Bike Experience, matches people to the perfect bike for their size and ability.
The Tierney children, Oliver, Aaron, Harry and Niamh at the window of Apus Peak before it opened
Craig said: "Everyone is different. This allows you to ride for longer without any aches or pains. The incredible thing about this system is that you can get the ultimate position for your comfort.
"It is used by British Cycling for their training programmes."
The couple, from Lymm, have four children, Oliver, 13, Aaron, 10, Harry, nine, and Niamh, and seven, want families to feel at home in the hub.
The sports loving Tierney children, Oliver, 13, Aaron, 10, Harry, nine and Niamh, seven
Roasted artisan coffee, woodfired pizza, cakes and ice cream served in the cafe create a convivial atmosphere,
Kay said: "It is vibrant and fun. We are very lucky we have got our own skills and embrace new ideas.
"The biggest challenge is who's cooking tea, not work."
The couple transformed the old Laura Ashley building in Tatton Street with support from property developer Bruntwood Works.
The hub only opened a few months ago and has already attracted people from as far as Yorkshire, Wales and Lancashire.
Charlotte Wild, head of retail and leisure from Bruntwood Works, said: "Wellbeing and sustainability are both at the heart of Bruntword Works and so we’re delighted to be able to support this brilliant new business, help get it off the ground and add so much to the town.
“As well as bringing something unique and innovative to the high street, it’s wonderful that Kay and Craig’s vision is also helping the community to stay active and supporting health and wellbeing for everyone."
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