Volunteer Awards 2019 Finalist - Robin Alderslowe, Wheels of Fleet Community Cycling Club

From his toddler days of riding a bike, Robin, now 13 years old, is an enthusiastic cyclist and environmental activist who loves experiencing nature with his many bicycle adventures. Living in south-west Scotland, Robin completes the daily 20-mile round trip to school from his home in Gatehouse of Fleet to Kirkcudbright Academy on his mountain bike. Apart from days of frost or transporting his bagpipes to school, Robin comments on how his concentration and energy is so much better following a bike ride, rather than sitting on the school bus. He always has a story to share of stopping to hear the skylarks, the overflying red kites or the stunning views of the Galloway hills and coastline.

Robin's parents are very proud when they hear regularly from people in the community how inspiring it is to see this young man 'do the school run on his bike'. Many comment on how he always waves at passing traffic and many of the farm workers comment on how Robin will pull into allow the tractors to pass or likewise they will do the same for him.

He went on his first cycling/camping adventure when he was six, and from there he has cycled the Great Glen (Inverness to Fort William), the NCN number 4 in south Wales, and the NCN number 7 Galloway to Glasgow amongst many others. 

Along with bike rides with the local youth group and helping out at the Wheels of Fleet bike project, including their local Big Bike Revival events, Robin continues to encourage so many around him to get on their bikes to help with general fitness and, of course, enjoying the wonderful natural environment.