Experts have handled an unusual delivery which has given a whole new meaning to the term “bicycle couriers”.
Staff members at Eagle Couriers were tasked with arranging a vital journey for three unusual motorised bicycles which will play a crucial role in the Commonwealth Games.
At first they were baffled when requested to shuttle a trio of “dernys” from Glasgow to Kent, until finding out the specialist bikes are vital to the track the race which first shot Sir Chris Hoy to stardom.
The three derny bikes will be used to set the pace for riders competing in the Kernin event at the velodrome, which forms part of Glasgow’s new showpiece Emirates Arena.
Jerry Stewart, managing director at Eagle Couriers, which is Scotland’s biggest independent courier company said: “Over the years we’ve delivered a wide range of weird and wonderful stuff – and these derny bikes certainly qualify.
“We were scratching our heads at first because none of us had heard of them before this. After 25 years in the business I’m still learning something new every day thanks to the variety of our work.
“Likewise it was great to know we’ve played a part in the build up to the Commonwealth Games and we’re all delighted the bikes have been safely delivered back to Glasgow in time for the games.
“We’ll all be sure to watch out for them on the TV this summer. I’m not sure I’ve ever watched the Kernin before, but I certainly won’t miss it now.”
EXPERIENCED HANDS
The 800 mile round trip for the derny bicycles was so that they could be fully serviced by Graham Bristow, one of the country’s leading derny bike mechanics who has also worked on bikes used in the London Olympic Games.
He said: “It’s a great honour to be able to work on the dernys that will be on display at one of the world’s greatest sporting events.
“The sport is a real spectacle and the derny bikes help add to the excitement of it all as they start slowly and then pick up the pace along with the nail-biting anticipation of the crowds.
“They create great suspense and thrill spectators as they watch the speed build knowing that after six laps the cyclists will be let loose where they then go on to complete the final two laps flat out, completing the final 200 metres, in around 10 seconds.
“My job was to make sure that the derny bikes were all in order and I’m confident now that they will shine in the global spotlight at the Commonwealth Games.”
The fast and furious event requires the derny bikes to set the pace for the first six laps around the velodrome, building up to a speed of around 50km/h.
Fearless cyclists must follow behind the bikes before they are let loose in the final two laps of the course, ensuring a gripping spectacle as they sprint for victory following the initial speed controlled start.
Eagle Couriers is Scotland’s biggest independent courier company has 20 members of operational staff across Scotland and a 100-strong team of couriers. It has its HQ in Bathgate, West Lothian and additional offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The company provides safe and quick logistics services to organisations across the private, public and third sectors as well as working directly with consumers and boasts a 3500 strong client base including the BBC, the Government Procurement Service and the NHS.
Further information on Eagle Couriers can be found at www.eaglecouriers.co.uk or on 0845 123 1230.
