Throughout Volunteer Week 2016, Scottish Cycling will be showcasing some of the volunteers that work on cycling events across the country. There is more to cycling than getting on a bike and the fantastic work done by Scottish Cycling's 184 affiliated clubs and volunteers each and every week does not go unnoticed. We couldn't do any of it without you!
Name: Wayne Roberts
Age: 49
Occupation: Company Director – Training and Consultancy
Cycling Club: Kinross Cycling Club
Volunteering role(s): Timekeeper
How long have you been volunteering in your role for?
I have been volunteering as a timekeeper now for 2 years.
How did you get into volunteering?
I have been a keen cyclist for many years and decided to join Kinross Cycling Club. They are a very friendly club and I was soon getting involved in helping out at our club TT events as a marshall and starter. I also volunteered to help with our own Sportive that we organise once a year, which attracts over 750 entries, so there are always plenty of opportunities to get involved in some capacity!
I started to concentrate on the timekeeper role as this was something that interested me. I attended the course organised by Scottish Cycling and was soon carrying out the role of chief timekeeper for the club. I have since passed the course and have found it to be very worthwhile. The TT scene both in our cub and across Scotland is well supported and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. I have also now taken on th role of Secretary of the club, so must be a glutten for punishment.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
For me, the benefit is that I am able to put back something into the sport that I enjoy and feel as though I am contributing for the wider good.
Volunteering at club level is great as I have no interest in taking part in TT’s myself, but being involved on the timekeeping side allows me to support those that do. It’s also a very rewarding watching some of the juniors and younger (fitter!) members progress and go on to compete at National level, join works sponsored teams and compete across country. Seeing them do well, is a great reward.
What has been your most memorable volunteering experience in cycling?
For me, completing the assistant timekeepers course has been a great achievement, I feel it is a great recognition for the effort that is put in. It means now that I can support the club in a recognised way and learn from the pitfalls as my skills develop! I also feel part of the wider cycling community in Scotland now and would like to go on and help keep time at national events.
Describe the perfect volunteer (without describing yourself!)
For me, the perfect volunteer is someone who fully understands the need of the role that they are looking to volunteer for. They are able to suggest and follow through on their ideas and support others. Someone who understand that volunteering helps you to gain a lot of skills and experiences that can benefit other areas of your life and visa versa, volunteers have life skills that they can bring to the table that will benefit their club.
Advise someone who might want to volunteer in cycling
Join a club! This is the best way to get into cycling and volunteering. You will find plenty of opportunities to volunteer either occasionally or on a more regular basis. Clubs are always looking for people to come forward and help out and you will never be stuck for things to do. There is also a great network of support through SC and the courses that they run, from marshalling, timekeeping, coaching/instructing and through to Commissaire training, there are some great opportunities to get involved in the national scene.
The cycling scene in Scotland is very well connected and supported. You will feel that almost everyone knows each other and there is a great community spirit.
For more volunteer stories please see here:
