#WeVisit Bellville Cycles
Every day the relentless hustle and bustle of Voortrekker Road roars past Bellville Cycles at a furious pace. As one enters the compact shop, you can't help but be consumed by each nook and cranny - every inch coated in a texture that can only be developed over 39 years.
Bellville Cycles was started by Frederick 'Frede' Gouws way back in 1979. A keen amateur in his day, the shop has been his pride and joy for almost four decades.
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Frede's son Fanie Gouws (below) has been working at the shop's coalface for the past eight years. Four years ago he was handed the reigns by his pa, and now runs the shop's day-to-day operations with an eye for detail and a charming confidence that comes with growing up in Bellville ... it only takes a few seconds to understand that 'streetwise' is Fanie's middle name!
On the day of our visit, we asked Fanie if his pa was available to pop around and say hi ... "sorry guys, he's about to tee off on the 14th hole," was the answer! Frede's retirement has been well earned.
Inked to the gills, workshop manager Sydney Curnow has been wrenching at Bellville Cycles for the past 21 years. His intimidating appearance is in stark contrast to his warm nature, where he happily chats to us about his time at the shop, as well as his love for motorbikes.
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Deovine Vosloo and Arther Rossouw (pictured below taking his lunch) assist Sydney in the two demarcated workshop areas within the shop. They too, have characters that perfectly complement the nature of Bellville Cycles.
Sandra Oosthuizen is Fanie's aunt and has been working on and off at the shop for the past 20 years. Her bubbly smile and laugh engulf the shop, adding a breath of fresh air.
"That's from 19'voetsek"
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