Colin had become attached to Ryton Adventure Club, based in a little village a few miles up-river from Newcastle. It's now all but defunct after the very sad stroke suffered by our great friend, Ernie Brodrick, MBE, an ex-army retiree who organised loads of charity functions including walking, abseiling, canoeing, climbing and of course cycling. There were many beneficiaries of Ernie's fundraising over the years, with the Macmillan Nurses being the last to receive direct support. Thankfully Ernie survived his stroke and still gets out to support us whenever he can.

The club held annual Coast to Coast bike rides from Whitehaven to Tynemouth and Sunderland, and Reivers rides to and from the same destinations but diverting through Kielder Forest rather than south through Consett. There were also a few Six Castles, and Coast & Castles rides and many others, staying at Youth Hostels and Barns. As people lost interest, a few of us splintered off to do our own thing, and we've enjoyed some great bike rides and camaraderie over the last few years.

Have you Killed A BIKE THIEF TODAY?

 Keep watching and if you fancy a ride out with us, drop us a line here: bailout@midaircrisis.org.uk