Royal Albert Cycling Club

admin · Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 11:56 pm Post subject: Drivers and Pilots Needed

With the advent of Aileen joining the Club, it would be good if we could have a pool of members who could (a) collect and return Aileen to and from Glasgow when she is able to join us on Club runs and (b) act as her pilot on these days.

With Aileen�s sights firmly set on London 2012 I reckon that it�s about time that this auldy was semi-retired from the job of pilot! Some members have kindly said they would be interested in assisting Aileen and the Club in this way and I would now invite them and anyone else to add their names to the list.

This is what our club life is all about - a need arises in one area and is instantly met by another.

If you have never ridden a tandem, there could be a feeling of trepidation, especially when you could be �carrying such a precious cargo� as Aileen McGlynn!

However, fear not. A good bike handler should be ok, and don�t forget that Aileen herself is an expert stoker and can read the pilot! The main areas for special attention are balance when starting, stopping, cornering; and communication and bunch riding. I would propose to pass on tips about these and arrange practice sessions with me on the back (which will be strange for me!) once we can get Aileen�s tandem over to Larkhall on a semi-permanent basis (thanks to Craig for providing space for it).

And then there�s the fantastic feeling of exhilaration when charging along the flats, flying down the descents�and struggling to keep up with the bunch on the climbs! But most of all, it�s about helping someone else�in this case a very special person indeed.

Please post to add your name to the list of members who would be prepared to act as driver for Aileen in order to allow her to join us on Club runs, and/or add your name to the list of members who would be prepared to act as pilot.

For example:
Jim � driver/pilot,
Joe - driver only
Bob - pilot only

Thank you. Very Happy

Dennis

Derek Hamilton · Joined: 06 Feb 2008 Posts: 637 Location: Bargeddie

Dennis, I will help out as a pilot, as long as you give me some practice! If the tandem would fit in my estate car with the seats down, I could collect Aileen also. Where about in Glasgow does she live?

admin · Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 8:10 pm Post subject:

Thanks for that, Derek. Aileen lives on the south west side of Glasgow, not far from the M77, but she will be in Manchester till March, so we can't actually do anything yet. I just wanted the driver/pilot pools set up so we can jump into action when she comes back.

Come March, it is expected that the tandem will be brought over to Larkhall and kept at Craig's work at Strutherhill. Once that happens, we can have the practice sessions for volunteer pilots. Then, whenever Aileen can join us on a run, the idea is that a volunteer driver in the pool who is available can collect her and take her back, and a volunteer pilot who is available can ride with her.

I've started a list of volunteers who can be called upon, which can be seen at the bottom of the 'Club Members' page on the website.

The idea is that Aileen can get in touch with people on the list when she wants to come over, to see if they are available.

Dennis

Derek Hamilton · Joined: 06 Feb 2008 Posts: 637 Location: Bargeddie

...... that's miles away! Laughing

Cheers Dennis, Derek

admin · Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 9:21 pm Post subject:

I know, I've done it for years. But it's worth it! Smile