Andy Ibbott, CSS

[CAPP0]

Anyone watching "Employable Me" on BBC1? The first person on was "Andy" who had a massive stroke, and as soon as he was on I said to MrsC, I'd give him a job. He came across so well. I was pretty shocked when they started talking about his past and it turned out it's Andy Ibbott who used to be head honcho (I think?) at CSS. They showed him running sessions pre-stroke and I immediately recognised him; hell, I'm sure I have certificates signed by him somewhere.

Incredible, and incredibly sad, how your life can just change so dramatically for one event.

[trickywoo]

Exactly my thoughts.

18 years he was boss at css and Mcn road tester before that.

My fil is in a similar situation but 10+ years older. It’s a cruel thing to happen at any age but especially when there should be lots of life left to enjoy.

All the best to him, seems to have a great attitude.

[IanUAE]

He prior to CSS one of the staff writers at Fast Bikes magazine and he used to race in club championships.

[podman]

I do remember his column in FB mag as well,
Id wondered why he had stopped it, now I know why, as you say, you never know whats around the corner, ill have to watch the programme.

[dibblecorse]

Awesome individual is Mr Ibbott, he has done so much to challenge his condition, he is a great guy and coached Thomas Luthi to his world championship, coached Leon Camier extensively and I'm fortunate enough to call him a friend.

[thatdude]

As I watched that programme, one question kept circling in my mind: Why was Andy Ibbott, a once highly respected journalist and technical riding instructor, struggling to find employment following his stroke?

I did wonder if, given the fact he cannot ride any more, he had turned his back on motorcycles. It seemed to me that he was / is still passionate about them though.

It was very sad to see someone who was so highly respected struggling to find any employment, and prepared to do anything - ANYTHING - just to feel useful.

A very interesting programme though and I look forward to watching the future episodes.

[magooagain]

Interesting program and Andy obviously has lots to offer,I also can't understand why he he isn't still in bike industry.

[obscene]

Gave it watch a few hours ago. I'd be surprised if he isn't inundated with people in the motorcycle industry offering him a job. Least I'd hope they will as the passion is clearly there.

[dibblecorse]

obscene said:

Gave it watch a few hours ago. I'd be surprised if he isn't inundated with people in the motorcycle industry offering him a job. Least I'd hope they will as the passion is clearly there.

The industry is well aware of Andy, aware of his challenges and have not stepped up, he still has many industry connects but truth be told they have let one of their own down badly, compare this to Michael Bonney, ex MD Orange Mountain Bikes who the whole industry stuck behind after his own devastating life changing accident and now consults within the industry even though he is paralysed from the neck down and lives with the aid of a breathing tube.

Two truly inspirational humans treated exceptionally differently by their industries, I admire both men equally, and their mental strength is truly astonishing.

[Biker's Nemesis]

Such a shame to hear about Andy.

Once you have a life changing disability it's the exception not the rule that find employemet.

[poo at Paul's]

dibblecorse said:

The industry is well aware of Andy, aware of his challenges and have not stepped up, he still has many industry connects but truth be told they have let one of their own down badly, compare this to Michael Bonney, ex MD Orange Mountain Bikes who the whole industry stuck behind after his own devastating life changing accident and now consults within the industry even though he is paralysed from the neck down and lives with the aid of a breathing tube.

Two truly inspirational humans treated exceptionally differently by their industries, I admire both men equally, and their mental strength is truly astonishing.

Can he or does he follow bikesport still? You'd think with his insight into the top riders that he has worked with, he'd be able to do some freelance pieces and get them picked up by the sporting press?

[hebegb]

dibblecorse said:

The industry is well aware of Andy, aware of his challenges and have not stepped up, he still has many industry connects but truth be told they have let one of their own down badly, compare this to Michael Bonney, ex MD Orange Mountain Bikes who the whole industry stuck behind after his own devastating life changing accident and now consults within the industry even though he is paralysed from the neck down and lives with the aid of a breathing tube.

Two truly inspirational humans treated exceptionally differently by their industries, I admire both men equally, and their mental strength is truly astonishing.

I found it a very uncomfortable watch .
I suddenly realised who it was just before his name was used and I was shocked , having briefly met and been in his very engaging company for a couple of days ( I was not doing CSS) , but very much aware of his redoubtable prowess in the motorcycle coaching world , world renowned no less , I too struggled with the question I was asking myself , but was actually voiced by my wife beside me “ why did the biking world and the company he previously served as MD to , let it come to this ..?”

I could not answer and it remains to be answered . Failed is the right word - I am appalled by the fact he was applying for cleaning jobs ( all credit for that ) when he can offer so much inspiration and insight into people’s lives due to his accomplishments and endeavours ( not just walking and talking again but competing in the Marathon des Sables ) amongst other fundraising activities ...
Lamentable .
I wish him all the luck in the world and similarly anybody confronted with huge hurdles suddenly and meeting them head on , not giving up and stopping .
Good on him.

[Biker's Nemesis]

Like most things in life, no one really cares unless its close to home, plenty of lip service but not much action from employers in Private or Public sectors unless its washing dishes etc.

I wish Mr Ibbott the very best from my heart.

[podman]

He was on the local news last night and it appears he has now got a job, good news.

[kurt535]

Just picked up on this post. Really saddened to read what I have. Just had a look at his Linked in page:

I am a Stroke Survivor!! But, do lets that put you off!
In 2017 I am going to do the MDS Marathon des Sables. That is 7 marathon in 6 days in the sahara desert. In a hot, average 40 to 50 degrees in 90 percent humid heat.. I have roped 2 other people to "Look after me" in the humid heat.Jon and Rob with help from Rory.
So, I am looking for sponsorship(s) to help getting running and walking to a stage I will complete! The is 1 year and 3 months to get ready.
0784 300 5565'

What a man. Strokes scar the crap out of me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iFuUOX7aak

Edited by kurt535 on Thursday 30th November 00:03

[robinh73]

I didn't see the original programme when aired, but caught a clip of it on tinternet. I always remember him in his coaching roles and in the media too, such a talent and from what I can gather a thoroughly decent and likeable chap. It really brought a lump to the throat and why he has been overlooked in his job hunt is beyond me. I truly wish him all the luck in the world going forward and hope that this is a positive new chapter in his life.

[Se7enheaven]

I do wish Andy all the best for the future.
The frustration that he must have to deal with on a daily basis is incomprehensible to me to be honest.

[Chicken Chaser]

Watched this after seeing this thread. I wanted to do CSS years ago and never got the chance, but remember watching videos with Andy Ibott in. I cannot believe that the industry has not taken on his skills, even from a business sense which he clearly possesses. If I was in the position of employing people, I'd give him a job. I Wish him all the best.

[kurt535]

its pretty obvious his skill set is miles above many people selling m/c mags and papers - having him write articles for them would be a bonus to their sometimes utterly benign content....am thinking in particular of PB which i loved until they caved in to go down the more commercial route to up sales (unless thats reversed in the last few years?)

[Chicken Chaser]

He is on twitter now by the looks of things @akibbott should send him words of encouragement.