Arthur_S    Ian_A   Ian_F    Keith_G    Steve_B    Steve_W   Stewart_J

    Terry_H    Tim B    Mick H    Chris_D   Chris_K    Ian_B    Steve_D

The top few were the new "regulars" during the back end of 2007 and I may have missed the odd one out. You need to make four appearances to get on the Ride List. Unfortunately stuff got in the way of core members Jason K and John W towards the end of the summer, and Andy S was always erratic anyway due to his competitive streak, so our shape began to change a little, and so did our riding habits to some extent. Gone were weekend after weekend of crazy trekking away to the Seven Stanes, Yorkshire and the Lake District to be replaced by a mixture of local routes and the odd treat to the aforementioned hotspots. Derek T, who graduated from literally "bog standard" XC with another group has probably been the biggest miss after his bout of physical misfortune but I hope he can get back out soon and recover some of his feel for the bike he loves so much. We were just getting him to the point of being "at one with the machine" when he hit problems, although it always amazed us how he managed so well anyway.

What all this proves, if any proof were needed, is that you can't rely on anybody all of the time, and you're probably wise never to try, so early plans to provide our group with various bits of useful kit, organise trips to exotic places and other fancy ideas just haven't materialised, more's the pity. We'll plod on doing what we do. There were about 50 e-mail enquiries from prospective new members since launching NMBC in June/July and about 30 have ridden with us at least once. Our mention in MBR magazine 2 months ago (absolutely out of the blue) got us a few more enquiries at the worst time of year for attracting people out of their TV recliners. I don't know if it would be sensible to advertise, but I'm conscious of the fact that not everyone uses e-mail or even has a computer yet, so it may not be fair on other potential riders not to let them know we exist. As usual, I would welcome your thoughts.

One part of the last 12 months I will remember with pride is the number of fellow MTB souls who have graciously offered their share of travel expenses. So I haven't totally lost all faith in human nature. If you're not aware, I'll carry anyone anywhere without charge, as I'm going myself anyway so it's no big deal to me. However, it seems I may not be totally "normal" in having this attitude, so it would be wise to enquire of others you may have to depend on as they can't all do what I do, and I appreciate that fact.  But heartfelt thanks to those who have offered.

Another dead pleasing part of 2007 was coming across Terry H, and later his old riding pal Dave. These two are my own age, so I'm not just riding with you kiddiwinkies any more! Not only that, but they're Old School Hard Core and will take on just about anything on the trail, much like the old Gollum. They also have a vast knowledge of riding spots and have probably ridden everything except aircraft carrier decks. Or maybe...

And I have to give a special mention to Kay W, who braved the male-dominated hobby we love to try her hand with us. She's a great sport and although she may be just a fair weather rider (that didn't work, she got cold and drowned with us anyway!) I hope we see her back again when Spring approaches.

And I can't let 2007 go without a mention for Ian F. He was introduced by our Ambassador, Keith G, as they worked in the same place last year. The stand-out thing about young Ian is that he hails from York, yet still joins us as often as he can, wherever we seem to be going! He's another great sport, super fast and as I've mentioned elsewhere (see ride diary) he's pretty scary to watch in action.

Newest recruit Steve B was poured from the  same mould as Ian with a super turn of speed, amply demonstrated on our recent run in Guisborough Woods. Like Terry H and a few more he's done some hard riding in Marathon type events and is another who'll give most thing a go out on the trail. To the point of near suicide! He's also another traveller putting in plenty of miles to join us whenever he can.

Harking back to past rides, and the mention of Derek above, I must confess that many of the rides I participated in with that "other group" were superb, and unforgettable. Others were ruined by stubbornness and a certain lack of concern. BUT they're a great bunch of lads and I wish them well for 2008. I've no doubt our paths will cross as they almost did once or twice already out in the wilds and I look forward to renewing a few not-so-old acquaintances. Happy New Year Reivers.

If you would like a "personalised Page" on Team MidAirCrisis, scribble something if you're not PC literate, or create it with software if you are, and I'll happily oblige if you are a regular member. Pictures welcome as are bike details and life histories.

Above all, GET ON YOUR BIKE IN 2008, preferably with us and let's have a great year's (mainly) off-roading.