A Saunter Along The Clyde

Bike arrived just after 1.00pm, unboxed everything checked and tightened and offski with the boy. Managed some 19.1 miles mainly walkway paths which were a tad technical in places and as I wasn't quite au faux with bike set up I tried to steer clear of the technical parts and watched as the lad went for it on every descent and hit every tree root, drop and trail features he could. Ended up seriously mucky and bikes were caked but that's what they are for. Washed and lubed up ready for next jaunt, won't be tomorrow as my rear end feels like it has been 'tampered' with and not in a good way!

Kyle is eighteen and in his first year of an accountancy degree at uni. A real gentle, kind and intelligent young man who has respect for people with not the slightest hint of arrogance. I remember him coming to Lady V and myself about three years ago visibly upset and had made a decision to stop socialising with a group of friends from the village we stayed in at the time. These lads were taking a route in life getting smashed at the weekend with alcohol and some of them starting to dabble with drugs, we had a discussion with him that whatever decision he made we would support. I was proud of him that day, he chose what was right for him and us if I care to be honest. He lost old friends, made new friends with like minded interests, guitars, music, computers and hasn't looked back. I'm proud of the young man he has turned into. 

'I was once like you are now
And I know that it's not easy
To be calm when you've found
Something going on
But take your time, think a lot
Think of everything you've got
For you will still be here tomorrow
But your dreams may not'


Islam Yusuf