Noob on the scene !

Jason.Watkins
Jason.Watkins Posts: 2
edited February 2009 in Campaign
Hey all - my name is Jason. I am planning a move to the UK in the summer and am trying to gather information and network with fellow cyclists. I am looking at the London area since I feel a city will be easier to find work in. I have had nothing but a positive experience with cycling in the past, and am looking forward to meeting people in a country where the sport is so big. I have owned an independent bicycle dealership for 6 years, been a mechanic for 10 years, and ridden and raced bikes my whole life. With the great role cycling has played in my life I am seeking information on bike shops, distributors, races, mechanic roles, anything cycling. Where are the places to live that may have many people to ride and train with? Also, any legal issues? Should I seek a certain type of work visa? Any info will be appreciated - I need it all.

Comments

  • OffTheBackAdam
    OffTheBackAdam Posts: 1,869
    As you've probably noticed, we're now officially ( We natives noticed this quite some time back) in a recession.
    Jobs are going left, right & centre, so competition for any work is quite fierce.
    You don't say where you currently live, so we really can't advise as to visa requirements, contact you local British Consulate for that.
    Since about a quarter of the UK population lives in the London area, you'll find plenty of cyclists, but the cost of living is high.
    For real cycling country, it's got to be Nottinghamshire. Access to the flatlands of Lincolnshire and the hills of Derbyshire & Yorkshire.
    Other points.
    The weather's shit!
    Cyclists tend to get treated as vermin by both pedestrians & motorists.
    Xenophobia's on the up, especially if you're American.
    We're not too keen on Aussies at the minute either, they keep beating our cricket & rugby teams stupid.
    Remember that you are an Englishman and thus have won first prize in the lottery of life.
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    OffTheBackAdam wrote:
    they keep beating our cricket & rugby teams stupid.

    No they don't we beat them in November at the Rugby.
    I like bikes...

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  • TheStone
    TheStone Posts: 2,291
    It's not a good time to be looking for work in London.
    Probably be ok in 5-10 years.
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  • teagar
    teagar Posts: 2,100
    Try not to get put off by OffTheBackAdam! Not everyone is like him in the UK.
    Note: the above post is an opinion and not fact. It might be a lie.
  • Nuggs
    Nuggs Posts: 1,804
    teagar wrote:
    Try not to get put off by OffTheBackAdam! Not everyone is like him in the UK.
    What realists?
  • teagar
    teagar Posts: 2,100
    Nuggs wrote:
    teagar wrote:
    Try not to get put off by OffTheBackAdam! Not everyone is like him in the UK.
    What realists?

    I was thinking more generally unfriendly.

    "We natives". :evil: What's that all about? Seriously.

    Clearly the guy's made a big decision to move to the UK, which isn't easy, so you then go and tell him how rubbish it is? C'mon guys. There's saying how it is and then there's being a d*ck. Be helpful - don't just use it as a vehicle to vent you frustration.

    It's like someone spending an awful lot of money on a brand new bike, and then telling them that they've bought the wrong one. Not cool.
    Note: the above post is an opinion and not fact. It might be a lie.
  • Nuggs
    Nuggs Posts: 1,804
    teagar wrote:
    There's saying how it is and then there's being a d*ck.
    :lol:

    It's a fine line...
  • Stewie Griffin
    Stewie Griffin Posts: 4,330
    I think the fact he posted a week and a half ago and hasnt been back suggests to me he is rethinking his decision.

    The only advice I would give you is that you come across as a nice enough fellow and are therefore unsuitable for selling bikes in London. However, Im sure that any large chain will send you on a course to enable you to look down your nose with a smug superiority at anyone who asks you for help. I would start working on your "Can you not see that Im busy with this cup of tea" look before you come over, you will be asked to prove that you can do this during your interview :wink: .

    Go for it, I wish I had the Plums to upsticks and live somewhere else.

    Finally we dont call it the UK, we call it England :lol:
  • teagar
    teagar Posts: 2,100
    Stewie Griffin wrote:
    I think the fact he posted a week and a half ago and hasnt been back suggests to me he is rethinking his decision.

    The only advice I would give you is that you come across as a nice enough fellow and are therefore unsuitable for selling bikes in London. However, Im sure that any large chain will send you on a course to enable you to look down your nose with a smug superiority at anyone who asks you for help. I would start working on your "Can you not see that Im busy with this cup of tea" look before you come over, you will be asked to prove that you can do this during your interview :wink: .

    Go for it, I wish I had the Plums to upsticks and live somewhere else.

    Finally we dont call it the UK, we call it England :lol:

    Speak for yourself. I call it the UK. :)
    Note: the above post is an opinion and not fact. It might be a lie.
  • Gavin Gilbert
    Gavin Gilbert Posts: 4,019
    teagar wrote:
    Nuggs wrote:
    teagar wrote:
    Try not to get put off by OffTheBackAdam! Not everyone is like him in the UK.
    What realists?

    I was thinking more generally unfriendly.

    "We natives". :evil: What's that all about? Seriously.

    Search through his posts and you'll find The Vulcan has clear facist* leanings. He even believes what he reads in The Torygraph :lol: Sadly, there are lots and lots of people link him in the UK.

    * that's the classical Spengler-Nietzschen type, not the monobrow Nazi model. Mind you, he lives in Lincolnshire so the chances are he shags his sister :wink:

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