NORMAN Tebbit's career advice in the 80s may not have been as widely off the mark as many of us first thought.
Cycle courier Al Pollock is a case in point. ''At school in Ayr I did not have a clue what I wanted to do but I was very interested in guitar-making. I did an HNC in Instrument Making and Repair at Anniesland College in Glasgow.''
Unfortunately there were very few jobs available in this area, so after a job-searching mission in the US, Al came home and then literally got on his bike.
''I had always been very interested in cycling and applied to a courier company for a job. At Christmas I switched to another company, which has been a good move.''
Al enjoys his job. ''It is good fun but can be quite dangerous. You have to keep your wits about you - dodging pedestrians and the aggressive motorists. There is a natural animosity between cyclists and motorists and the developing feud can become quite childish.''
On Glasgow's city roads five days a week on his mountain bike, Al covers around 40 to 50 miles each day.
''Everything seems urgent these days. I have to deliver important letters and packages to solicitors, banks and newspaper offices.
''I have my own bike but I am supplied with a radio. When I get a call I normally have to deliver within half an hour. Usually I can manage but punctures happen, which sets the day back.''
According to Al, Glasgow is not as large as it seems. ''On a bike I can cover Glasgow from east to west in about half an hour. Pedal power should not be underestimated - it is a wonderful feeling overcoming a big rush-hour traffic jam in Bath Street.
''And it certainly keeps you fit. For this job you need a great deal of stamina, but if you work hard enough a decent living can be made.''
From important legal documents to toilet rolls, Al has been asked to deliver a variety of packages. ''I am always amused when I am urgently dispatched to collect some office worker's lunch.''
New cycle paths in the town do not seem to impress cyclists. ''Most of us feel it is really just a waste of a tin of red paint.
''Many have been put down where we don't really need them - we still have to negotiate heavy traffic.''
Carole Hughes
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