Kyle Strachan : Outdoor Coach

Kyle Strachan owns and runs businesses whose primary focus is getting people active and getting them outside, regardless of their current fitness levels, all abilities are welcome.  

Tailwind Adventures, helps anyone looking to plan an outdoor adventure the inspiration, advice, training, and equipment to make it happen.   

His other two businesses are both bike related.  Bloomfield Bikes is like a traditional bike shop except it's mobile and comes to you.  Whereas Park Tool School Scotland shows individuals, schools, clubs and community groups enjoy how to fix their own bikes.

As a proud but slightly hectic daddy, Kyle's morning mantra is 'milk, hair, toast, teeth, shoes, face, helmet, gloves, go!'  If he is coaching riders he always does plenty of planning the night before, checking routes, the weather and rider information.  'With a ride though, there's always a benefit to staying flexible', he tells me, 'it's more fun that way.'

Kyle's so committed to cycling and the environment that he cycles with his kids to school rather than hopping in the car.  With the kids taken care of, Kyle either heads straight out to a school or to meet riders or goes back home to repair bikes in his workshop.

Kyle lives with his family in Abernethy, but when he's not working he likes to head into Perth to eat good, healthy food.  'It's usually but not always veggie.  Our favourite places are Tabla, Willowgate and Provender Brown.  In Bridge of Earn, I love The Roost and I love the Pillars of Hercules organic cafe in Falkland.  Great coffee made with love is also a must.' 

After a hard day's work, Kyle likes to relax with a bike ride in Pitmedden and then cuddle up with his family on the couch to watch either some really good or really bad tv.  We find out more in today's Workdays and Weekends interview.

Tell us the weirdest / funniest thing that has ever happened to you at work?

I’m a lucky guy and I know it.  I’ve had a lot of weird and funny jobs.  I sat down in my new base once, after many days travelling, only to have my lunch stolen by a monkey. I spent 218 nights in a tent in one year. I’ve taken off in many more planes than I’ve landed in. I’ve been stung by a scorpion and I've driven along a frozen river for many miles, convinced it was a road.

What signals the start of your days off?

A day off often but not always starts slowly with several coffees, a long lie and endless domestic chores.  This is followed by food out, coffees out and playing with the kids outside at the beach or possibly biking in a forest.  Then a picnic, and hopefully, some sunshine!

What might people be surprised to know about you?

I was the first person to boogie board down the White Nile.

What is at the top of your bucket list?

I’d like to show my kids round some of the amazing places I’ve been and let them learn from how other people interact with the world around them. I’d like to help people open their own eyes and hearts and learn about their own potential and how to unlock it.

What is the worst job you’ve ever had?

All jobs have their ups and downs, life is a rollercoaster ride. Even my worst jobs have had good bits. The worst times have been when I’ve felt ignored, bullied or made to feel that I don’t belong.  Even during those times I absorbed information and saw it as an opportunity. Not easy, but still do-able. Feeling that your time is being wasted is tough though.

Who or what inspires you?

People who survive and achieve things despite challenging circumstances and overcome adversity and discrimination. Examples range from limbless kids living on the streets on Nairobi to Earnest Shackleton.  Any recovered addict, single parents, empathic business people, refugees, people who get in the way of harm,
some athletes. People who keep going.

Tell us about the day you’d love to live again?

Playing on the beach with our girls, flying kites, getting really muddy, picnics, creating 'things' together, camping, the kids first good ski run and eating homely food together after a great day outside.

What’s the best part about your job?

Very often, people just need a different approach, a bit of space and time, a kind ear and some support. I love being able to give them that wee boost to help unlock the confidence that is already within. Knowledge conquers fear. All of these are fairly regular features in my work. I’m self-employed which comes with its own challenges but being your own boss is incredibly rewarding and extremely motivating. It’s not for everyone but I’d recommend trying it.

Complete this sentence; the best things in life are….

Free; cuddles, smiles, holding hands, fresh air, space, a heartbeat, family, sleep, laughter and good memories.