The One Show Challenge Squad
A year in 20 photographs 18/20 – friends
Around the time I was establishing Skinny Tyres in 2009, a cycling friend and I also set up the Tay Titans Junior Cycling Club in Perth.
Learning skills and making friends
We wanted to start a club where young folk could learn skills, have fun cycling, and make new friends. I was a shy and introverted youth but when I discovered that I was good at cycling, it boosted my confidence in other areas of life. Likewise, it brought me out of my shell and I made new friends. As an adult, I wanted other young people to experience something similar and, importantly, have fun on a bike.
Although I stepped back from the club several years ago, it is still thriving thanks to the hard work and dedication of volunteers and parents. The club won the Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland club of the year in 2023 and many of its members race in various disciplines at all levels. It has even had an Olympian and World Champion rise up through its ranks as Tay Titans was the first cycling club that mountain biker Charlie Aldridge joined.
I am extremely proud of the achievements of the Tay Titans and to have been able to play a small part in its history. I am also grateful for all the friends I have made through the club and for all the times I have worked with them in other cycling arenas.
Today’s photo is of the Tay Titans coaches and friends who joined me on the BBC One Show Challenge Squad in November this year. I was tasked with creating a team to support Grace in her challenge. Choosing those team members from the experienced and competent coaches at the Tay Titans was easy and they rose to the challenge.
