The Biker ‘Unemployable’ was the word used to describe Roger at the end of an honours degree course in Business Studies, and the tutor’s assessment has proved to be true. A passion for all things vehicular, especially if graced with only two or three wheels, led to a career as a self-employed motorcycle instructor, at a time when the training industry was completely unregulated.

This dedication to helping young riders led to a the creation of Cyclecraft Motorcycle Training in 1981, a business that has gone from strength to strength, and has now moved to Durston Elms, giving a range of services to the rider and car driver that are second to none. Instructor turned garage-owner, this bike-nut, restless and impatient for an impeccable standard of service, is still probably unemployable.

The Busy Body Welcome to our technical department… Chris Small, a one-man service centre who is never really happy unless all the ramps are full, with more cars waiting; workshop manager, mechanic, expert in customer care; an engineering genius in a sometimes mediocre world. Chris has been at Durston Elms since serving his apprenticeship over 22 years ago.
It is rumoured that when the garage changed hands, the present owners didn’t realise that they had inherited a mechanic until the Monday morning when the workshop was unlocked, and Chris was discovered underneath a Volvo, eager to finish the car for a customer and oblivious to the upheaval of the change-over.

The Boss Anyone who has brought up on a farm on the edge of rugged Dartmoor learns to take the rough with the smooth, and with such a background, Lindsay is the ever-optimistic hub of the many and diverse activities at Durston Elms.   Car and motorcycle instructor, petrol pump attendant and village shop keeper, but mainly administrator and record keeper, this Harley-riding ‘Hell’s Babe’ has that unique ability to keep cool and remain smiling when all those around are losing their heads – thankfully.

And finally…. The Brawn Ebène and Acajou, the twin sisters in total control of security at Durston Elms, are big, butch and bossy, and covered in hair …. as you would expect from Alsation/Rottweiller crosses.