Throughout Volunteer Week 2017, 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: Andrea Lockhart
Age: 50...ish!
Occupation: Production Planner in Pharmaceutical Company
Cycling Club: Johnstone Wheelers
Volunteering role(s): Director, commissaire
How long have you been volunteering in your role for? 18yrs
How did you get into volunteering?
DH MTB racing where my son raced. There was a need for more volunteers and I didn't want to be hanging around with nothing to do!
What are the benefits of volunteering?
Personally, huge rewards. Sense of achievement. Meeting fabulous people from all over the world. Interacting with riders, organisers, coaches, office staff and the board of directors at Scottish Cycling. Consultation on regulations. Integrating with many commissions. Being part of something much bigger. It's more than riding. More than racing. It's being a cog in a huge machine.
What has been your most memorable volunteering experience in cycling?
Delivering at Glasgow2014 Commonwealth Games. Delivering the UCI DH MTB Fort William World Cup. Delivering Revolution Track events. Dirt crits with kids. Watching youngsters develop and grow into world class performers.
Describe the perfect volunteer (without describing yourself!)
One who is willing and happy. Can think on their feet, quick reactions. Organised and punctual with correct equipment for the job if job function is known in advance. Pleasant. Patient. And will go the extra mile.
Advise someone who might want to volunteer in cycling.
Great bunch of people. You'll be instantly welcomed in whatever capacity you want to do. You may find a huge sense of achievement when a rider or others thank you for volunteering. Cycling is a volunteer delivered sport. Without the support if volunteers, there are no races. Come join the family. You may just get hooked. We look forward to welcoming you.
