"The member made me an attractive offer"

Of course, in this job you meet people from all walks of life - some of whom are rich or famous, or both. But whoever our members are, they are all very grateful when we turn up. And sometimes they can be rather generous with their appreciation.

Take the time I turned up to change a tyre on a rather expensive car for example. The owner, who was smartly and very expensively dressed, was pleased to see me, but also seemed to be rather embarrassed.

After greeting each other, he suddenly said "I know whet you're thinking. Rich guy with flash car and he can't even change a tyre. But the truth is, I've got a very important meeting to go to and I can't afford to get my suit or my hands dirty." I assured him that I wasn't thinking that at all. He was an AA Member and it was my duty to help him to the best of my ability.

This seemed to break the ice and we chatted away as I got on with changing his wheel. Somehow the conversation got onto the subject of bicycles and I mentioned that I was in training for a triathlon. This seemed to really interest him and he asked me what make of bike I had, which I told him. He then asked me what bike I would like to have. At this I laughed, "Well I'd love a Bianchi, but they're way out of my league." He then dropped his bombshell. It turned out that he was a bicycle manufacturer and he also had the sole franchise for Bianchi UK.

It was then that he made me an offer I couldn't refuse. "Look." he said. "I'm really grateful to you for helping me out, and obviously I can't give you a Bianchi for nothing. But here's my card. Have a think of which bike you like and then call me and I'll make sure you get a really good discount."

Naturally I was over the moon. And I'm still thinking and still saving up!

Tony Rich, AA Patrol