March 31, 2013 saw Cycle King, located in Cowley Road, reduced to little more than ashes following the blaze. Those nearby reported witnessing the doors being blasted clear and flames as high as 15 feet above roof level, with the fire requiring those living near the shop to evacuate their houses.
The story has a happy ending though, with the business now returning to the address it has been located at since a move from Walton Street 12 years earlier. Like other local firms, Cycle King will be able to call on Oxford printing companies, both to help publicise its return and to provide poster and catalogue printing to showcase its brand new bikes.
Nicholas Thake, operations director, stated that he was glad to be able to move forward, saying:
“It’s been a tough year, but we are really happy to be back in the original shop.
“The extent of the damage was a huge shock. Everything was completely ruined.”
Cycle King has continued to operate over the last 12 months, having relocated to smaller premises in the same street while refurbishment took place, but now the popular store has returned to its rightful home.