1x10 Interview - Davie Graham
1. Can you introduce yourself and let our readers know a little bit about you?
I'm Davie Graham, and my Jammy name is “The big Furryman from the Island of Mull”. I race in the Vet 40s (still), and I organise the two day extravaganza at Glengorm, it's the tenth year of it this year ;-)
2. How long have you been involved in cyclocross?
Been involved in cyclocross since about 2003-ish, helped set up the cyclocross association when we started to co-ordinate all the races and work with Scottish Cycling to improve the scene in Scotland.
3. What got you into the sport in the first place?
I remember watching it on Grandstand on a Saturday afternoon one time and immediately going out on my Chopper and trying it out, these thoughts then lay dormant for about 25 years when I saw an article in the Herald about it, I still didn’t bite, I waited until the following year when I happened across the 3 Peaks Race. Monday morning I was on the phone ordering my first cross frame.
4. Can you remember the first CX race you went to, and how did it go?
That season I didn’t manage to get to any of the races, the internet was only new and finding them was still a bit of a black art, but I did enter the Scottish Champs at Auchentoshan. First corner fell off. Got up laughing like a drain and knew I’d found the sport for me. I wasn’t last but it must have been mighty close.
5. What's the craziest thing you've seen at a cross race?
The craziest thing I have seen at a race I think is the complete nonsense of Christmas trees chasing down elfs who are being chased by reindeer trying to outrun Santas. Yup the Santacross World Championships are a bit silly.
6. What's the most embarrassing thing you've done at a race, on or off the bike?
One of the many embarrassing things I’ve done is come off at the descent at Auchentoshan. I was wearing my white skinsuit, white gloves and helmet at the time. Now all grey ;-)
7. Do you have a favourite course, either to ride, or to spectate?
My favourite course to ride is Irvine. My favourite coarse person is Jon McComisky and my favourite course to spectate is Mull as I’ve not had a chance to ride it for a few years now.
8. Are there any riders you particularly admire?
I admire all the folk that turn up week in week out, who with no chance of winning make the scene in Scotland. They do this by helping out without needing to be asked, talking to newcomers, making folk feel welcome and not taking themselves too seriously. We can’t all have natural athletic ability but we can all be nice to each other.
9. Any particular highlights from last season?
Racing at Knockburn for the first time, I had never been there before enjoyed the course and the craic. And then when Jammy took unwell there was not one bit of dissension, no complaining, folk asking what they could do. That really brought it home to me how good a sport we have.
10. Finally, what are you looking forward to most this season?
I’m looking forward to seeing old friends, making some new ones and trying hard not to be last skinsuit at any of the races!! #allthegearnoidea
