Scots grandfather completes incredible 200-mile cycling fundraiser
A SUPER-FIT Scots grandfather has has just clocked up another 200-miles on his bike for charity.
Robert 'Uncle Bob' Taylor recently completed his 40th annual challenge around the Italian hills of Tuscany at the age of 80.
Glasgow man Bob has taken on the task of raising cash for The Benevolent Society of Scotland every year since 1985.
With a long career in the hospitality trade behind him, Bob toasted his success after crossing the finishing line in the small town of Barga on Thursday night.
Cycling since the age of 15, Bob has twice been named Scottish junior champion, and set the over-60 ten-mile Scottish cycle record in 2005.
He began fundraising for The Ben in 1985 with a ride from Pitlochry to Brighton. The charity supports individuals in the drinks industry with practical, financial, and emotional assistance.
Bob said: 'It then became a tradition and I love it – and now I am still keeping fit for and with our Tour of Tuscany.
'It's exciting to see cultures connecting in this way and long may it continue. There are 10 of us, eight Scottish cyclists and two Italian cyclists who live in Tuscany.
'Italy is a cycling country and the drivers give great respect.
'The roads are perfect for the cycling. This special event is close to my heart as I've built up a brilliant relationship with the Italians in the hospitality trade. To visit their homeland is a special moment for me personally.'
Bob's arrival in Barga comes after the local mayor signed a friendship agreement with Glasgow last year. Bob says he has no plans to slow down, and is now working towards beating the over-80s ten-mile Scottish cycle record, after his over 60s record was recently beaten.
The record stands at 25 minutes and 30 seconds. He told Glasgow Live: 'I keep fit, I have always been conscious to look after myself, everything in moderation; food and drink etc.
'I've trained five days a week for many years. Twenty years ago I broke the 10-mile Scottish cycle record while cycling with the Glasgow Wheelies, it was great fun to put myself under pressure.
'Am I proud? I'm grateful – I've only been able to do this due to the help and support I've received over the years. Cycling is a unique sport so I've been blessed.'
Former president of The Ben charity Warren Paul helped organise the challenge. Warren, who organises the Italian Awards, is closely involved in many major links between the countries and is passionate about introducing Scots to the joys of Italy. He said: 'The Italian Awards were created to recognise excellence in the Scottish Italian community. We are delighted to be able to support this event, taking place in many of the Italian Scots' homeland.
'I am passionate about bringing Scotland and Italy even closer together – the links between the two are incredible and very natural, so it feels right to help the connections grow and deepen. The mayor of Barga signed a friendship agreement with Glasgow last year and this reinforces the special links Scotland has with Italy.
'Uncle Bob is a legend in Scottish hospitality and The Ben are a charity very close to my heart – I am proud to be their former president – so this felt like an opportunity to bring charities in each country together too for a great cause.'
The cycling challenge was supported by the charity Italian Scotland. Ronnie Convery, President of Italian Scotland, said: 'As the official charity of the Italian community in Scotland, we are delighted to support the charity cycling event taking place in our beloved land this month through the hills of Tuscany for The Ben.
'The Italian community has a deeply-felt link to the hospitality industry in Scotland. So many of our families migrated from the little hill towns near Florence, Lucca, Rome and Naples to this land of opportunity over a century ago in search of a better life and set about bringing their cuisine, their welcoming spirit and their ethos of hard work to Scottish consumers.
'As the generations pass, the support given to current and former employees of the hospitality industry in Scotland is ever more appreciated by the members and friends of the Italian community.
'For that reason, we are proud to make our own donation to the Benevolent Society of Scotland - a sincere 'grazie' to the charity for all it has done, and continues to do to support those in need.'
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