Remembering Neal

Neal Doggett 1961-2025 (AKA Snoop Dog)

When I was asked to write a few words about Neal for the newsletter, I was really honoured and jumped at the chance, now sitting here in front of my computer I look up and ask Neal for help and direction in doing so, his reply…...” just be yourself and write about our friendship, how hard can it be”. I’m no writer, so there will be grammatical errors and bad spelling in this, but what I will write is about our friendship and my memories of Neal.

Neal died doing what he loved best, riding his bike. Neal was also a triathlete, duathlete, mountain biker, road cyclist and racing cyclist, skier, and also a lover of nature, whisky and luxury cars and bikes (not necessarily in that order) I could go on but the list would be endless. Most people will remember Neal as a stalwart attender of the Saturday morning chain gangs, and the Tuesday night chain gangs. Rain or shine and howling winds, you could always count on Neal to turn up in any weather, afterwards when asked how the ride was? He would always reply with his familiar catchphrase “it wasn’t as bad as it looked”. He just loved riding his bike. As anyone who has ever ridden with Neal, he was always a smooth and safe steady wheel to be on.

I knew of Neal when he used to race bikes back in the 90’s and into 2000 and beyond, I didn’t know him personally back then, just that we were rivals racing against each other on the Scottish cycling scene. It wasn’t until about 2007 when I really got to know Neal through my wife Jennifer who is best friends with Francesca. Going out and socialising with Neal was only when we realised that we raced against each other, reliving our racing days through rose tinted glasses, talking about tyre pressures and gear ratios, finishing in the bunch at certain races with certain riders was always a topic of conversation. Having got to know Neal over the years I can honestly say that he was like a brother to me. Every comment and kind word that you have heard about Neal since he passed away could not be truer. He was the kindest, most helpful, most loving friend anyone could wish for. He would always find time for his friends, phone you up out of the blue to see how you are doing, always take an interest in your life. For that I will miss him dearly, and try myself to be more Neal in my life.

Neal was married to Francesca Osowska, an amazing dad to Emily and Hannah who he always talked fondly of, and a loving brother of Andrew and Jill, whom he also adored.

When Neal wasn’t riding his bike, he was very into his Hi-fi and vinyl records and just loved listening to music. As a close friend of Neal, I was lucky enough to see and listen to Neal’s music set up, all I can say is it was his pride and joy, and it sounded amazing. Just like his bikes he always strived and wanted the best of everything. As most of his bikes were kitted out with top end Campagnolo, his Hi-fi set up was top end as well. On many an evening whilst being entertained at Neal and Francesca’s the night always seemed to end up in the music room listening to Neal’s latest albums.

Not only did he have good taste in bikes and music, but like any man he loved his food, beer, wine and whisky. If you were ever out for dinner with Neal, you would always hand him the wine list, he would always pick just the right wines to have with the meal. He was like your own personal sommelier. Fine food, fine wines and proper man chat, it was always a good night out with Neal and something that I will dearly miss, thankfully I have very good memories of our time together to hold onto.

A lasting memory I have of Neal is when the four of us were skiing in Cervinia, as men do, we always opt for the hardest and fastest runs we could find, even though they are way beyond our capabilities you have to try these things out, right! I think I was easily led by Neal in the skiing department, anyway on this particular day Neal found this black run which looked quite good, Francesca and Jen decided to opt out, even though they are better skiers than we were. Once committed on this run you could feel how fast and technical it was, all I can remember was a feeling of sheer speed. At the bottom when we eventually stopped, we both exchanged our thrill and excitement of the Run. We both had skiing apps at the time and looked up to see how fast and how far we had gone, to our astonishment we had both reached 95 kmh. Now I can’t remember who suggested it, but in a moment of madness it was decided to do the run again and try and get over 100kmh. Sure enough, apps at the ready and ready to go again we launched ourselves down this black run, trying to race each other and gaining speed, passing other skiers like they were standing still, legs and knees bumping through the body over the snow, I felt like Donald Campbell in Bluebird going for the land speed record. After what seemed like a kilometer of snow ploughing to bring ourselves to a stop, we were literally crying with laughter and joy, shaking trying to get our gloves of to reveal the scores on the doors in the app, heart pounding. We did it…103 kmh. At that point we decided we didn’t need to prove ourselves any more, just to find the girls and tell them our story of triumph.

There are many stories I could share of Neal, but that is one I remember fondly as we were like two little boys again seeking out adventure. I can still picture Neal’s face with tears of joy and laughter, and that will never leave me.

Neal was a very private person and didn’t share much of his past with people, but not to go into too much detail Neal was a soldier at an early age in life and fought in the Falklands war, which I think personally is what shaped him into the gentleman he became. A wonderful husband, dad and best friend to many people. He was caring, kind, loyal and such a nice person to be around. To be honest, he wouldn’t light up the room as soon as he entered, he brought a different kind of presence, a presence that is hard to put into words, but knowing that he was there brought a sense of happiness. Always easy to talk to and always up to date with current affairs, and of course “The Archers”.

I could write so much more about Neal but it would probably turn into a book, and plus I’m not very good at this, but it’s the least I could do in memory for my friend. And, if you see me out and about on the rides, I’m happy to chat.

I hope you all remember Neal as fondly as I do, as he truly was one of the good guys. I’m sure everyone has their stories and memories of, Neal, and I would encourage you to share them on the rides and in the cafés. I will never forget Neal, he enriched my life in so many ways, and for that I will be eternally grateful. So, writing this memory about him brings me great comfort.

Andy