TRANSPORT

Once again transport is available BUT MAY BE LIMITED. There is no problem with the bikes as we can squeeze hundreds onto our trailer (ok, A FEW), but we may need more body transport,  so if you have a car with seats it would be great if you could have it on standby, otherwise it could be left outside Terry's at Holystone or Asda's car park 'til you get back. If you use your car, the fuel costs can be shared, most people are only too willing to cough up a quid or so. PLEASE get in touch before Sunday if you can in case we need to lay on extra trucks. Tell me if you're coming. terry@midaircrisis.org.uk

NOTE! THERE'S ALWAYS A RISK OF BIKE DAMAGE WITH THEM STACKED AGAINST EACH OTHER, AND KEITH NOTICED SOME ON HIS BIKE A WHILE AGO. ONE OF ANDY'S BIKES COPPED IT A FEW YEARS BACK ASWELL. AND BRIAN'S. AND JASON'S. MINE ARE WRECKED, BUT I'M A SOLDIER AND THEY ARE MY TANKS. THEY STILL FIRE OK AND RIDE OVER ANYTHING. ALL I CAN SUGGEST IS THAT YOU BRING SOMETHING TO WRAP YOUR DELICATES IN WHILE THEY'RE ON THE TRAILER IF YOU'RE THAT WAY INCLINED. WE (I) TRY TO TAKE REASONABLE CARE DURING TRANSPORTATION.

I do have plans to convert the trailer to a reliable and SAFE form of transport for your bikes - give me time please - although with only five seats in the van there's less need now than before. And of course we can cruise legally at 70mph which is a bonus. Or a worry.

DON'T get the idea I don't care, I do. But short of putting each bike in a box of cotton wool - or fitting loony roof racks like Derek's that stop you driving under bridges, I'm afraid you run the risk of damage. We just can't accept any responsibility for this, Otherwise the whole thing stops. Dead. There will always be those without transport, and I want the Club available to all, not just the privileged car driving majority. Just as the rocks at Kielder can hardly be blamed if they do your bike any damage. If they don't, you're not trying. My bikes are no ornaments - they're just tools. If you get distracted worrying about damage, you won't enjoy your riding as much as you should. Mountain bikes are disposable items. I know a cycle club that may suit you better. Here endeth the lesson.