About Solow
Founded in 2023, SOLOW began its rather unexpected journey from what started as a casual idea between two friends chatting on a random winter night — and somehow turned into reality.
It all began with a conversation between myself (Mikey) and Calbear (Callum Gale). He shared his idea for creating a safe space where people struggling with their mental health could talk openly and vent without judgement. That sparked my suggestion: why not combine that concept with a car club? A community built around both cars and wellbeing, linking his “room” idea with something people already love.
And then came the name: SOLOW. A playful nod to the car world — because every car enthusiast knows what “so low” usually refers to — but also a meaningful reflection of how people can feel mentally. A blend of passion and purpose, all wrapped into one.
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We decided to put up a post: 5th March, 7pm, Bourne End Industrial Estate. We thought a handful of people might show up and it would be a small, wholesome little meet… oh, how wrong I was. Around 50–60 cars rolled in, and that was the moment we realised something special had begun.
From there, the club naturally grew into a regular local meet — every first Sunday, same place, same time.
Then things really took off. Clothing started to develop, club stands became a thing, we began hosting coffee mornings with other businesses… and now, here we are, with our own brand, website, and trade stands. Not bad for an idea born on a cold winter night.
SOLOW has grown into something I could never have imagined. I say “I” because the man who began this journey with me is no longer here. Calbear passed away, leaving heartbreak across the entire car scene. He was as loved as a person could be — a true icon, the kind of guy who made everyone smile just by turning up.
Losing him was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced. For a moment, it made me want to walk away from everything. But I always come back to the same thought: SOLOW is as much his as it is mine. Continuing this journey is my way of keeping him with me, honouring what we built together, and making him proud.
Hannah (from The Daisy Project) stepped up early in SOLOW’s journey and has been one of the biggest reasons we’re where we are today. You might know her from her awesome bagged Ibiza, or from the brilliantly structured messages you receive on our Instagram account.
With Hannah by my side, Calbear with me in spirit, and the many partners SOLOW has gained along the way, our aim is simple: to build a growing community where people can enjoy themselves, feel free, and feel comfortable at every single one of our events.
Our members often tell us how much the club has helped them, and hearing that is what keeps us going. Knowing the impact SOLOW has on people makes every meet, every message, and every late night worth it. This club has become our life — and what an incredible one it’s been so far.
Thank you all for helping turn this dream into reality.
#feelingsolow