I first threw a leg over a mountain bike back in 1995. It was a green chromoly Univega Alpina 506 with Manitou 3 Elastomer Forks. I loved it to bits ! Then moved on to a grey Proflex 856 Full Suspension with fluo-yellow Magura HS33 Hydraulic Rim brakes and I loved that even more ! Unfortunately I can't lay my hands on any photos of these two bikes at the moment

I'll keep looking.
Often in the company of my cousin Matt ('98 Orange O2) I was out 'larging it' in the Lakes, Y.Dales, Peaks, Scotland, N.Wales etc every single weekend without fail. Between '96 and '98 I rode every single mile of permissible bridleway in the Y.Dales, and maybe one or two that weren't entirely permissible also :wink: ....that's why I love the area so much today ! Even went to the French Alps several times. I competed in countless MTB endurance and orienteering events including the Polaris Challenge, YakTraks etc. I rode the Coast to Coast in 4 days and all 95 miles of the West Highland Way in 14 hours ......and No I wasn't married with kids then ! Several other bikes came and went until I bought the best bike I've ever had....a 1998 Klein Attitude Comp, a hand-made aluminium work of art that I equipped with all the best componentry I could afford. So nice and so light.
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A change of fortunes a few years back meant I sold it on (with those crappy pedals !)...still miss it now !
In 2007 I bought a 'fully loaded' silver Orange Patriot66 (recognise the name ? :wink: ).....love at first site again !
Unfortunately, just as I was getting accustomed to this new bike in 2008 I suffered a burst appendix with complications. This led to me having a 7 hour life saving operation, 2 months in hospital and was off work for more than 6 months in total. I've never been quite the same since. My immune and digestive systems are very poor and as a result life can be very difficult :x . Consequently I still have the Patriot66 now and try to get out on it when I feel well enough. I'll never sell this one !
This is me on my Patriot66 on the 2011 Tour de Ben Nevis, on what became my last 'hoorah' if you like. A favourite photo and memories of a great day and a great past-time that over the years I found all-consuming, deeply rewarding and I loved so much !
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