Here’s a post from our most recent, and first Scotland based, ambassador, John. He’s a passionate member of a Senior Leadership Team and cyclist of many disciplines, grab a coffee and see why he teaches and rides
- what’s your current teaching position/subject:
I am Principal Teacher (in Scotland it’s the rung of the SLT below DHT) and have a Primary3/4 class.
- what’s your current focus in education?
Getting to Friday! I joke. I’m learning to use a play based pedagogy in my class with my pupils and also a new concept called fluid maths. I am running CPD classes for my staff in using hard and software, coding and ICT in general with and for pupils… plus any chance I get I play with LEGO!
- how does riding help you?
Fitness first and foremost but it’s my mental break from the world where life is reduced to the simplicity of just getting from A to B.
Riding helps me to continue to defy expectations for what’s possible for a 45 year old!
- why did you apply to be an ambassador/what would you like to do as an ambassador?
I want to engage with other teacher cyclists firstly to get the world commuting where possible. It’s the best brain loosener in the morning and chill out zone post work. It’s also great to ride with people who don’t bring out the old tropes about teachers holiday and understand the mental drain the job can bring.
- what do you think is special about TCC?
That we show that we are more than stampers, folders, pens, textbooks and brown jackets with leather elbow patches. Our job defines us but let’s take charge of what that definition is!
- what are your current bike(s) and dream bike:
I have… wait for it
Giant TCR Advanced 1 – Electric Blue (Good Summer Bike)
Giant Contend AR 1 – Dark Blue (Commuter and Winter bike)
Giant Advanced 29er Pro Red White and Black (MTB)
Giant TCR 2012 model Black (Turbo Bike)
Planet X Tempest Titanium Silver (Gravel Days Out)
Kinesis GX Race Aubergine (Gravel Racer)
Dawes Folding Bike Black (My grampa left me it and I do the kids cycle training on it)
Dream bike would be a custom built do everything titanium gravel bike from a bespoke manufacturer like Enigma or Van Nicholas/.
- what’s your best cycling achievement or memory?
I have completed the Dirty Reiver 200km Gravel Ride twice plus rode the (mostly off road) John Muir Trail Coast to Coast, 215km in a day. Toughest ride ever was completing the Fred Whitton Challenge in the Lake District. The Hardknott pass at 90 miles in is tough!
- what’s your best teaching achievement or memory?
Cycling related but it was winning the SUSTRANS led Big Pedal (now Big Walk and Wheel) as Scottish champions in 2012 and 2013 and being full UK champion in 2013. The provost for the authority gave me the councils award for excellence that year.
- do you have a golden tip for teaching and/or cycling?
Go with the flow. You never know where a day can take you. There will be highs (hills) and lows (punctures) but the aim is always to get home safe and happy.
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