We can’ t quite believe we’ ve been around for 30 years–or the progression we’ ve witnessed as mountain biking has grown up

Back around this time in 1988, US president Ronald Reagan was visiting the UK, the first Die Hard movie was released and the England team were about to be knocked out of a major football tournament… But all that paled into insignificance when the very first issue of MBUK went on sale! We can’t quite believe we’ve been knocking around for 30 years – or the progression we’ve witnessed as mountain biking has grown up and flourished during that time. In this issue, you’ll find a whole host of references to help chart that journey – the first being right up front on the cover, where we’ve paid tribute to our varying cover design over the years and perhaps the most iconic pro rider of our lifetime, Jason McRoy. We asked super-stylish downhiller Brendan Fairclough to replicate JMC’s X-up – albeit with a wider bar and no bar ends – and we reckon he’s done a pretty good job. Cheers Brendan!

Also look out for a whistle-stop tour of MBUK’s best bits from 30 years in print; an interview with Mint Sauce creator Jo Burt; mountain biking’s outrageous fashions; bike brands that are older than us on test; plus a Quantocks route from one of our first ever issues.

It’s not all about reminiscing, though. We’ve always been around to encourage new and old riders alike to have as much fun as possible on their bikes, so you’ll still find plenty of inspiration in this issue to have a great summer of riding.

Long may it continue!

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