AVA Magazine - September 22

AVA |September 2022 19
New AVA Member|
Tyred n Cranky
Aileen Longino
AVA Development Officer
specialising in Social Enterprise
We are delighted to feature one of our
newest AVA members and innovative
Social Enterprise, Tyred n Cranky in this
edition of the AVA Magazine, working with them
to spread the word of what they do. In this age of
‘make do and mend’ they are Aberdeenshire’s
answer to the ‘The Repair Shop’, and great fun
to work with.
Tyred n Cranky are a Community Interest
Company (CIC), bike and cycling social
enterprise set up by two long term cycling
enthusiasts in the North East of Scotland. Based
essentially near Huntly but operating on a mobile
model, Tim & Darren hope to bring something
unique and fitting to the area. Having both
been cyclists for many years, their interests span
road, touring, bike packing, mountain biking,
commuting, and riding with their young families
too - making their skills and experience broad
reaching.
So far since they were incorporated in January
as a CIC, they have brought a one-off pop-up
bike shop to small rural communities with no such
facilities nearby. They offer mobile bike servicing,
and Dr Bike services working with the likes of
Outfit Moray, Cycling UK, and are currently in
discussions with Love to Ride. Tyred n Cranky don’t
plan to stop there though, with a portable bike
track at their disposal, and plenty of enthusiasm
to promote all things cycling for everyone in the
local area, it might not be long before you see
them at an event near you.
Tim says, “We’re both passionate about not
only cycling, but about where we live and
the cycling facilities and infrastructure that’s
around us. Although this is growing, there are still
many gaps and opportunities, and plenty more
folk that could enjoy the benefits of cycling for
whatever purpose in this beautiful part of the
country.”
Darren added “At Tyred n Cranky we are
responding to the changing economic situation,
over the last few years bikes have grown in
popularity, but bike shops have either closed or
do not exist especially in the smaller and more
rural towns and villages where car use is at its
highest; being deliberately uncomplicated we
can respond quickly and uniquely and adapt
to the emerging needs of the area.”
We wish Tyred n Cranky every success for
the future! Find out how you can get Tyred n
Cranky involved in your community by emailing
tyredncranky@gmail.com find them on
Facebook at Tyred n Cranky.