Well, it seems like no time at all since I submitted my last report, and again, the words 'copy deadline' are looming frightfully close. I hope you've al! had a good summer, and that you rallied & partied to your heart's content-

For this issue, I'll begin by briefly explaining the slight change to my post. Jim Meredith, our former Rep's Liaison Officer, had found that in recent months, an ever-increasing amount of his time was being taken up by the demands of his other job as Web Master. Because of this, he decided to 'pass on the hat', as it were, thus enabling him to concentrate on the web site, as well as his unofficial role as general all-round technical whiz and Mr Fixit,

It wasn't long after this that Rick asked me if I would take on the Rep's Liaison in addition to my existing Club Liaison duties - Needless to say, my reply was in the affirmative (to which Rick's priceless comment was, "well, that's his social life buggered!"); the post was ratified at the AGM in June, and since then, it's been all go. I'd like to thank Jim for doing an excellent job prior to me, and for setting up a pretty impressive working system. His will be hard shoes to fill.

The AGM itself was a very interesting and enjoyable weekend for me, and was only marred by a dodgy reaction I had to my prescribed medication on the day. This reached its culmination when I headed to my tent after the meeting for a much-needed lie down, only to see none other than our patron Mark 0'Shea dismounting from his bike. We shook hands and he said he was looking for Gren: This was the moment when I pointed towards the main doors, mumbled something completely incoherent and shambled off in the opposite direction (then woke up two hours later shouting, "bloody hell, it was Mark 0'Shea!"). So, if you're reading this Mark, my profound apologies, and I confess to being the zombie type thing that was haunting the car park on Saturday afternoon.

Anyway, enough of this frivolity; let's get down to it. On the clubs front, it's been a brilliant time. In July, we were invited to take the stall to Stalybridge MCC's Annual Bike Show, followed by the Radcliffe Bike Show the following weekend. We had a great time at both events, and more importantly, we were able to give out plenty of information and advice to those who needed it, which is what it's all about- The Radcliffe show was organised by the Crusaders MCC, in association with the Radcliffe Lions, and fifty per cent of the profits were donated to the NABD. The follow-up came a few weeks later when Byrnie (NABD Treasurer) and I took a trip up to the Crusaders meeting at the Waggon and Horses in Bury for the cheque presentation. This was one of the best evenings I've had yet on NABD business. A photographer from the Radcliffe Times attended, along with Howard Jolly from 100% Biker, So, many thanks and huge respect to Den, Daz and the crew from Stalybridge MCC, and to Lemmy, Bikeress, Ezri, Hedgerow, Krissa, PC and the rest of the Crusaders, People like these are the salt of the earth.

The promising trend for new club affiliations has continued this quarter. We're joined by Lazer MC from London, Sad Bastards MCC. Solent MCC and Wild Geese MCC from Greater Manchester. Welcome to the NABD one and all.

So, finally on to the all-new Rep's Liaison part.

I'm pleased to say that right from I the start of the job, I've had enquiries from several members who are all interested in the possibility of volunteering their services. We also have three new Reps to introduce: John Dean, who is taking over as Shropshire Rep, John Lance is our new North Wiltshire Rep, and Bob Lippit has took the post of Assistant Somerset Rep, working alongside Clive Kidby (Scruff), Contact details are in the back of the magazine as normal. Nice to have you all on board chaps. It's been hard work getting up to scratch on this side of things, but the rest of the committee have been very supportive, and I've had some invaluable help from Saff, her daughter Isabella, my daughter Amy and my eldest nephew Sean (after all, roping in 'the clan' is a time-honoured NABD tradition). The only areas where potential volunteers are still a bit thin on the ground is in Northern England, and Scotland, so If anyone in these parts fancies doing their bit for the association, you can write to me via the national office or the website, and I'll get back to you with some information.

Although there's still a deluge of stuff going on at the moment, I'll leave it there for now, or we'll be here for ever! Enjoy the end of the season and take care of yourselves. Until next time; I'm off to play 'round and round the ring road in the NABD van.'

Ride safe and free always.

Gaz