It all started with a coach from the Soviet Union.
I had the opportunity to work as the women’s manager at the World University Games in Edmonton, Canada, shortly after graduating from college. One of my favourite college courses was “Sport under Communism.”
During the Games, I had the chance to speak directly to a coach from the Soviet Union in the velodrome’s infield. After numerous conversations about the power of sports to transcend politics, he said, “You need to come to my country!”
A few months later, I was invited to attend a race in Tbilisi, Georgia. This was the first time the United States Cycling Federation had been invited to compete in the Soviet Union. Excited, I called the USCF, which acknowledged receipt of the invitation, but they said, “You are not going.” “Why not?” I asked. The reply was, “Because you are a woman.”
At that moment, I decided to run for the United States Cycling Federation Board of Directors. I wanted to have a voice and ensure my experience would never happen again. I was successful, which marked the beginning of my career on various cycling boards.
My most significant legacy on “the other side of the pond” comes from being a founding member of the National Collegiate Cycling Association, which started collegiate cycling in the United States. Additionally, I was the first woman to manage a velodrome in the United States.
For eighteen years, I managed the Alkek Velodrome in Houston, Texas. In addition to running track sessions and races, I also managed a junior team. One of the riders, Lawson Craddock, went on to compete in the Tour de France, the Giro, and other major events. However, I am equally proud of the other team members who pursued successful careers as nurses, an airplane pilot, and a few chefs!
I still had more to contribute to the sport when I moved to Scotland. I ran for the Scottish Cycling Board and had the pleasure of serving as the first woman chair of Scottish Cycling. Now, I am honoured to be its first woman president. It has been quite a journey!
It’s been a rewarding journey that I’ve been fortunate to share with others. One of the highlights during my time has been attending the races and engaging with the organisers, officials, coaches, and riders. I am Scottish Cycling’s biggest supporter, and you can hear me cheering for every Scottish cyclist in the race!
I had mixed emotions as I decided to stay in the Tweed Valley to watch the 2023 UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships. The course, designed by Rab Wardell, was approved before his untimely passing. I remember sitting in a restaurant with Rab and others, discussing where the course would go to showcase the beauty and challenges of the valley. Sadly, Rab never got to hear the comments from the elite field stating that the course deserved the title of a World Championships.
Before the conclusion of the Mountain Bike Marathon, Scottish Cycling hosted the Race the Worlds finals in Glentress. I was thrilled to assist in presenting awards to the winners. I wondered if any of these riders would stand on the world championship podium again. The pride on the faces of their parents was unmistakable. Just as the tagline stated: the Power of the Bike.
A few days later, Scotland’s own Charlie Aldridge crossed the finish line to claim the title of U23 World Champion! The win was extra special because the Tweed Valley is our home and you can find Sandy and I riding in Glentress and across the Valley.
The President of Scottish Cycling represents the sport at different events and meetings. To this day, I still don’t know how or why, but I received an invitation from HRM King Charles and his wife, Camilla. On May 6, 2023, King Charles was presented with the “Honours of Scotland”, Britain’s oldest crown jewels. I was surprised to be joined in the crowd by Sean Murphy, KC, Scottish Cycling’s first Chair!
The upcoming Scottish Cycling AGM will mark my departure from Scottish Cycling after thirteen years, but not my departure from cycling! I am excited to support the growth of the Scottish Cycling Foundation. I look forward to hosting the Braveheart Cycling Fund dinner in October 2025 and helping with my local club, the Peebles Cycling Club. You may even see me riding the roads and trails in the Tweed Valley alongside Sandy.
I am passionate about advocating for, encouraging, and mentoring women to join committees, clubs, and boards and share their voices. Serving on various boards has been fulfilling and enjoyable for me. I have a few more stories to tell (ask me about meeting Eddy Merckx), but that may be for another time.
A massive thank you from everyone at Scottish Cycling to Kathy for her term on the board and as President. We look forward to working with Kathy in her new roles as a trustee of the Scottish Cycling Foundation.