Wednesday, April 24, 2024
HomeNuggetsOn the Way to the Scottish TTT 2009

On the Way to the Scottish TTT 2009

-

I’ve achieved an ambition today – I’m sitting in John Anderson’s Six Million Dollar Man pick up truck on my way to the Scottish TTT 2009.

Scottish TTT 2009
John Anderson with his wagon.

John and I are up front, unfortunately we don’t have Daisy Duke in the back; just an out of sorts Dave Martin – never mind.

We’re en route the TTT champs at Bishopton, last week I was aboard a shop team car, which has got me to thinking about bike shops.

When I was a young cyclist in Kirkcaldy the bike shop was run by chain smoking legend, Boyd Arnott – Boyd built not a bad wheel on his day. Most other situations were dealt with using a large ball and peen hammer, as I recall.

Then I moved on – Sandy Gilchrist Cycles; one day there’ll be a ‘Gilchrist Hall’ built at Abbeyhill to commemorate the great philanthropist – well, maybe not!

It’s a fine morning for a race – I’m having to keep John right on the navigation front – these Borders guys get a bit confused north of Leadburn.

Ah well!

Ed Hood
Ed Hood
Ed's been involved in cycling for over 50 years. In that time he's been a successful time triallist, a team manager and a sponsor of several teams and clubs. He's also a respected and successful coach and during the winter months was often working in the cabins at the Six Days for some of the world's top riders. Ed remains a massive fan of the sport and couples his extensive contacts with an inexhaustible enthusiasm for the minutiae and the history of our sport. In February 2023 however, our dear friend and beloved colleague Ed suffered a devastating stroke and faces an uncertain future; Ed has lost his ability to speak, to read, and has lost movement on the right side of his body. He's working with speech and physical therapists on rehabilitation, but all strokes are different and each patient responds differently, so unfortunately recovery is one day at a time. Ed ran his own business installing windows, and will probably not be able to work again. Please consider joining us to make a contribution to Ed's GoFundMe page to help stabilise and secure his future.