Iain McLay (testudograeca)

That would be fitting Chris. Iain had the tool to do "everything" to a bike. He puts my modest collection to shame.

That really is awful news. I only recognise the name from bm, but its obvious from the posts here and the details of his funeral that iain was a fine human being.

It's only a thought, but perhaps stw would allow an auction for some of the bits for sale? Not necessarily easy, but it might help to get a good price for the bigger stuff without using evilbay.

As per many posts already, v decent bloke. Bought a couple of bits from him, and always went to pick them up as his garage was a joy to behold. Thoughts to his family

I only remember the name from his posts on here and never had any dealings with him, but it's awful to hear such news of any fellow STWer. My condolences to his family.

That totally sucks. I was another happy classifieds user, having bought some rims from Iain in the past.

Maybe, given the interesting collection of bikes and kit he owned, the "auction" should go on the front page instead of the classifieds?

Sorry to hear this. The username testudograeca I remember from the old STW forum. I went on a silly kents ride some years ago so may have met him as well.
RIP.

I am going to deal with the bikes first as much as possible, with tools, lights, wheels and spares after that. At the moment I'll stick with the classifieds section with guide prices, and if people wish to make offers publicly or privately by email then I will go from there.

Nicolai Helius CC (Rohloff specific) and Moots Ti Psychlo-X YBB complete bikes are likely to appear first. Both mint.

Awful news, always seemed like one of the good guys. I'll look out for the sales. Least we can do.

Very sad. Nothing will really give consolation to the family, but hope we on here can do our bit to help.

So sorry to hear that. I exchanged bits and cash with Iain over the years and he was one of the folk that you're glad came onto places like STW. Sound & honest.

Thoughts to his family.

To give you an insight in to the sort of guy Iain was, let me tell you what happened a few years ago.

Sillykents went to Scotland on a biking trip and on the second day one of us had a crash entering the EWOK village at Glentress. Carls ankle was certainly broken and whilst the rest of us were flapping about, Iain calmly took charge in organising the ambulance, reassuring Carl, and phoning his wife (a paramedic) for expert advice is how to treat Carl. We had borrowed a jacket from some lads to keep Carl warm, and arranged to give it back to them at the trail centre. However by the time we got back to the car park, the lads had long gone. But Iain had told the lads they would get their jacket back that day. So when we got home and everyone else was exhausted and crashed out on the sofas, Iain did a 100 mile round trip to return the jacket, because that was the right thing to do, and he always did the right thing.

Just an example of the sort of guy he was. I really miss him.

whys it always the decent good guys that have to leave us? ive onyl lost a few people i know who were close to me but ive heard and met a lot of folk who've lost really decent people….seems very wrong!

condolences to the family and his mates…..

That's terrible. I bought a set of wheels from him 3-4years ago, he was a cracking chap.

If another vehicle was involved I hope they get the scum responsible for his death.

It would seem there was: http://www.policememorial.org.uk/NationalRoll/2009/NPORH_2009.htm

Iain Stuart McLay

Police Sergeant
Metropolitan Police
Died 2 November 2009, aged 42

Fatally injured while travelling to report for duty in the early morning
when his motorcyle was involved in a road traffic collision at Lewisham.

Iain was appointed in February 1986 and was attached to the Specialist Crime Directorate Intelligence Bureau having previously served with the Territorial Support Group.
He is survived by his wife and daughter aged 22 months; his parents and brother.

Condolances to his family.

Reading that page is very moving. The Police still risk their lives for the rest of us.

I remember his posts too. Tragic news.

Please send my sincere condolence to Iain's family.

A very nice guy who I got the chance to communicate with via email on everything Rohloff. Also bought few items from him.

I can still remember clearly me ogling his On-One Tibred with sub-fork on his website.

RIP.

Very sad news, RIP.

That police memorial site is thought-provoking and moving too.

It is great that so many of you knew Iain to one extent or another. Boris's story sounds typical of him. I recall going on a mtb day-trip to France with Iain during which my rear mech imploded. He cheerily rigged up a very effective repair whilst simultaneously taking the pi55 out of me for having too many gears (he was on his Rohloffed Thorn Enduro).

I had coffee with him at his favourite Portugese cafe in Maidstone a few days before he died, and although he had a lot going on in his life with family, work and a house extension he was always interested in what other people were doing and willing to give up time to help with anything. I miss him and bitterly regret not making more time to go riding with him.

Iain on the left:

Please pass on my condolences to his family. Very nice person to do buisness with.

Really sad news, RIP Iain and condolences to his family. Only dealt with Iain on classifieds but seemed like a thoroughly decent bloke and was clearly anxious to make sure I was happy in our dealings, which were flawless.

sutts – please point his family to this thread when you think the time is right, hopefully it will be some small comfort that he is missed in some way by many people in here.

Nicolai is now on the classifieds with pics.

Iain you'll be sadly missed mate. My condolences to his wife and little one

Iain's wife Natalie read through this thread last night and asked me to thank everyone for their kind comments about Iain.

Some of his lights, bars, headsets and other bits will be coming up on the classifieds soon.

Very sad, had plenty of dealings with Iain over the years & tbh was wondering where he was. Thanks for posting this.

Only just spotted this 🙁 – I remember Iain's posts well. Sad news . . . RIP. Condolences to all his family.

😥

Iain was my uncle, and every now and again I come on this thread just to read over the nice things you have all said about him. It’s really good to know that he touched and impacted so many people’s lives, even in a small way.
It’s comforting that everyone remembers him in such a fond way. He was always very appreciative of his friends that he met over this.
He was such an astounding man and always made time for others. He is sorely missed by many.

Sad to see this bought up again, but not in a negative way, sometimes you just need reminding that life is precious & not to be trifled with.
We all take a risk to a greater or lesser extent. I’m glad it brings you solace ST, bikers are generally a really nice bunch that you can turn to if needed.
Remember him well.

Yeah, very true.
So I can tell, it’s really nice to see how everyone remembers him. Thank you 2U2R

Hi ST. I still miss Iain a lot, can’t believe over a year has gone by.

🙁

I knew I recognised the name .. I bought some Marzocchi Marathons from him in 2006 – They are still on my bike now.

Decent chap.

Missed the original thread, my apologies.

Was never fortunate enough to have met Iain, however I did chat with him a few times on the phone whilst buying some of his kit. Came across as a genuine nice guy, friendly, helpful.

My condolences to his family, it’s never easy losing a loved one, seems especially more poignant this time of year 🙁 🙁 🙁

RIP Iain

Must have missed this originally, very sad to hear. Just to add my story…

I bought my first ‘decent’ bike from Iain, a brand new GT Zaskar Race – very nice light frame. He spent a while chatting to me and asked my plans for it and then took the time to face the BB and head tubes for me using tools from his immaculate workshop!

Nice guy, very sorry to hear this.

I cant believe I missed this thread. I had dealings with Iain. One of the most honest & totally sound STW folk I’ve ever come across. Really was, & absolute gent.
One year on I hope his Wife & little one are doing ok. Bless them.

Hi Sutts,
Didn’t realise you’d posted to me, but I’m the same. I still think of him every day, and can’t believe that it’s been almost a year and a half already.