Thank you for the ride
Our final issue is set to roll off the presses, but our online adventures are just getting up to speed – see you on the web!
It feels weird writing this, but after 26 years and 334 issues, this copy of mbr you’re holding in your hands will be the last. Although there are many of you loyal readers out there, the dramatic rise in print, paper, and distribution costs in the last year has made producing the physical magazine unsustainable.
I’ve been here for 270 of those issues, and at the helm for 101. But like any great journey, the stats only tell a fraction of the story. It’s the experiences and the people I’ve met along the way that really stand out. And in the same way that every amazing trail is full of ups and downs, there has been plenty of hard work, and a fair bit of stress, but the good times and the buzz have been ample reward.
At the risk of sounding like one of those cringy awards speeches, there are many people I’d like to thank for their help creating the magazine over the years. Not least staff members Alan Muldoon, Jamie Darlow, and Ben Smith. Then there are all the contributors, former colleagues and previous editors; you’ve all played your part in making mbr a brand that’s deeply embedded in mountain biking culture.
And, of course, I’d like to thank you, the reader, for all your support over the years buying the magazine. Whether a casual reader or devoted subscriber, it’s been wonderful having you along for the ride. But wait, as one path ends, another one begins, and for mbr an exciting new chapter is just starting. Alan, Jamie, and I will now be concentrating our efforts on producing the same great content entirely online, both at mbr. co.uk and on our Youtube channel @ mbrmagazine. Expect more of the best testing, advice, and insight in the business, with weekly videos and daily news. It’s an exciting new direction for us – we’d be stoked to have you along.