in praise of....

[dellzeqq]

 

[Fab Foodie]

I see the light!

 

[mmmmartin]

The only man in the world who can drive a van in rain all day, look after 38 cyclists with food, water amd even brew them tea, then sort 120 items of luggage owned by 38 people to the correct six places of accommodation without a single mistake, and on less than six hours sleep do it all again the next day. Without ever losing his temper despite being presented with some pretty daft requests. Mind you, 30 years of dealing with children probably helped. The only qualification I can think of that would be better would be a psychiatrist. Because everyone inThe Fridays is mad, except me, of course.

 

[mmmmartin]

By the way, who's the fat bloke in the Fridays shirt behind him?
And while we're at it, why - and how - is Adrian looking so relaxed?

 

[StuartG]

On the seventh day came a man in a white van and all was delivered to IV19 1JX.
And his disciples followed him to the end of the world ...

Thanks Ian. You are a true god.

 

[Sketchley]

Only one fat bloke in that picture... Looking at that I must be mad trying to get up those hills if I lost a few stone they would be a lot easier. Still if cycling 600 miles in 8 days results in 1/2 stone gain my current plan needs revision.....

Ian you're awesome and a star for putting up with us lot.

 

[dellzeqq]

Ian told me that he was the man for the job. And...oh, yes, he was the man for the job. As in The Man for The Job.

With Ian around I knew I could just kick back on the logistics and worry about the road. At every stage he had a plan, and it was a good plan. As time went by and people became more and more tired his calming influence became more and more valuable. You loved the way he sorted the luggage, but I loved the way he said 'no (Simon) the best way to do this is......'. And it was - the best way, that is.

Thanks, Ian

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Weight limits and a ban on bags you can carry corpses in might have made the man's life a little easier.

But there is no doubt he is a 5* guy.

And Adrian owes me money

 

[srw]

Packing sensibly might have made his life easier - as might a one bag per person limit, rather than trying to fit clothes for two into one big bag. As, for that matter, might his choosing something sensible to do for his holiday rather than drive 1500 miles.

Ian the Van - we salute you. Even if you have found the light in a clipboard.

Especially for the Tain anecdote.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

The key word on that shirt is?

Johnny?

 

[Mice]

......Ian62. Simply the best. You made the ride what it was. Your kindness, patience, unbelievable flexibility and enthusiasm was faultless. I will never, ever forget my cup of tea outside that church. Nor will I forget how sympathetic and kind you were when I was truly ground down in Newtonmore. Your cheering waves as I wheezed up hills, your camera lens as you crouched down to take our photos en route. The van flashing its lights at me as you made your way in the mist to Dornoch Bridge. Your gentle and meticulous luggage management. Not once did I worry about where my luggage was. The Tripod on the Scottish Border and at John OGroats. The volumes of bananas, water and enthusiasm every single moment of every single day. You are awesome. There must be whole aspects to your trip that we know nothing about. Petrol prices, receipts, parking, road signs and speed restrictions. Windscreen wipers, moronic drivers, miles and miles of white lines. But we only asked about our luggage and which hotel.

If I could rewind the clock I would make sure I was always in Reception when you arrived. If the van had a garmin it would have and should have given us a daily reminder of how many pieces and kg of luggage were moved, where the labels were, where the hotels were, how early your day started and how late it finished whilst you were working around what we were doing. You are right up there in the Star of the FNRttC. Thank you Ian62. Truly.

I had a little look at my pics and found a couple that possibly sum up what you saw all week and others that sum up how we saw you.

Mice

 

[StuAff]

Ian, thank you for everything. A great effort, performed with good humour in often trying circumstances. You made life much easier for all of us, and we won't forget it.

 

[marafi]

A very a good bike i'm guessing where was this?

 

[redcard]

..
And while we're at it, why - and how - is Adrian looking so relaxed?

Not sure who Adrian is, but if it's the dude in white then he appears to be defying the laws of physics by remaining upright

 

[rvw]

Can only add my thanks, for all the support and cheer and hard work - Ian, you're a star! (And also add my apologies for the horribly big bag. When everything got chucked out to be washed there was far too much which hadn't been warn at all).

Enjoy the Scotch. You deserve it.