Last summer I shared a train journey from Edinburgh with Alasdair MacLennan, the president of Scottish Cycling, where he regaled me with a series of mesmeric and jaw-dropping stories about his time in the sport.

Alasdair could arguably write a book many times over on his epic adventures in the world of cycling. Here he shares some of those wonderful tales.

How old were you when you learned to ride a bike?

I can't remember exactly but around three or four. Because both my parents were cyclists there were bikes of all shapes and sizes in the shed including a bicycle sidecar which I still own to this day.

What are your earliest memories of cycling?

Riding with my pals to either the river or the beach at Findhorn for a swim. In the winter we cycled to the new swimming pool at RAF Kinloss. When I joined Forres Cycling Club in 1969 there was Sunday club runs complete with saddlebag and Primus stove to make the tea.

We used to stay in youth hostels all around Scotland and the collection of stamps in your membership card became a badge of honour.

During the school holidays we used to cycle to and from all the cycling festival and rallies around the country with Caithness, Dundee and Crieff being three examples.

What was your first bike?

Other than the normal children's bikes, my first real bike with full-sized wheels was a Geo Elrick hand-me-down road bike from my dad.

No gears but with fixed wheel - my dad said - to teach me how to pedal properly. I also owned an E&S Worrell track bike, obviously also with a fixed wheel.

I only moved onto gears when I entered my first schoolboy road race in 1971. Elrick and Worrell were custom framebuilders from Stirling and Hamilton respectively during the 1950s and 60s.

My first ever new bike was a custom-built Flying Scot track bike. Jackie Potter in Rattrays was a friend of the family so I got a good discount. It cost me £29 rather than the advertised £45.

What kind of bike do you own now?

One of my best pals in the sport is Terry Dolan so all my current bikes are from his range. I have a functional Dolan Prefissio winter bike with Shimano 105, a shiny Dolan custom carbon job with Campagnolo Super Record for summer days, and a custom-built Dolan MTB.

I also still have a tandem built by Terry for my late dad and I after my father became blind in the late 1990s. Every couple of years Terry looks at my bike, sees the depreciation and sends me a nice shiny new model in an attempt to try and embarrass me into going out more.

How would you describe your cycling style?

These days I explain it as "riding slowly for Scotland".

Who is your favourite cyclist?

In the past, it was Eddy Merckx as I grew up in the generation when he dominated the world but in the modern era I think it is Marianne Vos for being a champion across all disciplines and the dignified manner in which she promotes women's cycling.

What is your motto on the bike?

Even if you can't now be the part, at least try and look it.

All-time ultimate cycling moment?

There is too many to mention them all. Highlights include managing a team of amateurs to win the Milk Race with Ireland in 1992. To this day I have bragging rights over Brian Smith.

Managing teams at the Olympics in 1992 and 1996. Witnessing firsthand the achievements of Chris Hoy, Craig MacLean, Ross Edgar, Stephen Roche, Sean Kelly, Greg Lemond, David Millar, the Athertons et al and managing all our Commonwealth successes over the past 20 years fills me with pride.

And, of course, the modern revolution in world cycling where Britain now leads the way with Cav, Wiggo, Froomie and G [Geraint Thomas] leading the charge. As someone who grew up in the sport in a different generation, I sometimes still feel that I have to pinch myself that all this is happening

What is your favourite route?

Again too many to mention. Mostly on the west coast and islands of Scotland each with their own unique characteristics, but a special one is from Anniesland to Aberfoyle, over the Duke's Pass and round Loch Katrine. Over the years we have done this many, many times but the day of the Royal Wedding in 1981 was pretty special: scorching weather, great company and the route almost completely to ourselves. Almost perfect.

What is top of your cycling bucket list?

Less meetings and more time spent on the bike.

Describe your next big adventure?

I'm off to work on the Aviva Women's Tour from June 17-21. I even forewent the Giro d'Italia in Northern Ireland last year to help women's tour organiser Guy Elliott out with the inaugural edition. I enjoyed it so much I'm going back for more. After that it's France for a family holiday taking in a wee bike race, the Tour of Britain and then the World Road Cycling Championships in Richmond, Virginia.

How has owning a bike changed your life?

Other than family, it has been and still is a major part of my life. But it's still only sport, so has to be kept in perspective.

I'm extremely lucky that my involvement in cycling has allowed me to travel the world and experience all sorts of cultures and personalities. Nothing is truer than travel broadening the mind.

What is your top cycling tip?

Mudguards in the winter. This is Scotland after all.