An 80-year-old cyclist says he is ‘devastated’ after the bike he has ridden for 20 years - nicknamed Ed - was stolen in Stowmarket.
Brian Rowson, from Harleston, left his beloved bike outside Stowmarket library on Friday, October 13, for five minutes while he popped inside, and when he came out it was gone.
The retired teacher is a keen cyclist and thinks he must have ridden at least 40,000 miles on his ‘favourite bike’.
He is such a fan of travelling on two wheels, to mark his 75th birthday he cycled 2,200 miles around England – raising £8,000 for the Stowmarket Lions and the British Heart Foundation.
Mr Rowson described the bike as his ‘most prized possession’.
“I have had that bike for 20 years,” he said.
“I have rebuilt it two or three times and its is just perfect for me.
“It is the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden.
“It is devastating it has been taken.
“The bike was originally built for racing.
“I no longer race but still use it as a day bike because it is so nice and quick.
“It is my absolute favourite.
“I would have thought I have cycled 40,000 miles at least on that bike.
“When you sit on a bicycle for that long you almost become part of the bike.
“I left it outside the library and I had only left it there for five minutes.
“99 times out of 100 I would have locked it up, I lock it up most times when I am out.
“I feel such a fool.”
According to Mr Rowson, the bike is a one-off and cannot be replaced as the manufacturer has retired.
It was originally an Edison bike but has been heavily modified to fit Mr Rowson’s frame and riding style.
“Too many of the parts can no longer be obtained, the bike is unrepeatable,” he said.
“It is a one of a kind.
“I cannot go back to the manufacturer to get another one because he has retired and gone out of business.
“I am desperate to get it back.”
A spokeswoman for Suffolk police confirmed they had received a report that the bike had been stolen from outside Stowmarket library and that enquiries were continuing.
If you see the bike, call Suffolk police on 101 or Mr Rowson on 01449 737031.
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