80 riders turned up for our first event of 2012 – a record for a Saturday morning event. Thanks to Andy Gibbs for planning an excellent course, the Jefferson Arms for an excellent event centre and Jens Strain for his usual high standard of mapping. Everyone seemed to enjoy their rides despite the wind. Although it’s a very flat area with ahigh pointof 20 metres there were some excellent tracks and quiet country lanes. Thorganby was on the edge of the competition area so quite a few riders were late back but the leaders got it right again.

I enjoyed my ride but unfortunately tried to get across the indistinct bridleway between 28 and 14 so 2 punctures and a 400m muddy carry proved to be a poor route choice. However, I decided not to try to get over to the old railway line and rode through the picturesque Escrick Park Estate instead. Quite a few extra tracks in there so we may ask to go back next year using a 1-25000 map.

Congratulations to the category winners and here are their routes

Andy Conn Overall winner with 399 points

I decided at the start that I wanted to go to the south west of the map because there seemed to be many 30 pointers there.  So straight there without messing around with in and outs to small value controls. Then up the west side of the map and then worry about getting back when the minutes were getting short. 

so…5 23 2 12 19 26 15 30 21 11 20 10 29 22 17 27 9 24 14 28

(should have gone to 18 first and ignored 5 but didn’t want to  have a muddy bike early in the day;  only 300m on a bridleway at Thornhill Farm?  A poor excuse I know….)

Martin & Max Vesty Generation winners and 3^rd overall with 335 points in 26 miles

I didn’t have to ease off too much for Max except for the bits into the wind when he couldn’t get enough shelter from the wind. Route terrain worked out well for us.
We set off with a rough plan to go for the nearby 30 pointer at 28 (via 7 farmhouse) and then swing south and across A19 get as much as possible go north and come back. However, riding into the wind so much we decided to change plans on the hoof and carry on heading North via Escrick Park, via 3, 25, and exit at 13. We then wanted to get the northerly 30pointer so headed towards Wheldrake, picking up 14,24 and 8 at Wheldrake. Then looped back to 9 to get to 30 pointer at 27. We then headed to A19 and Deighton. We had planned to go for 17 but decided time was getting on after last months event oversight regarding time, we decided to miss that one and went straight for 22. Then down the fast trail path to get 29 and 26. Quick trip to church in Riccall to pick up 15 then across A19 again to head home. Picked up 19, then into the lovely looking Skipwith common area to pick up 12 and 2. Another religious moment pausing at Skipwith church for 23. Then up round that lane and we hoped to go for 18 for 20 points but Max’s 13 year old legs were now beginning to tire from the fast pace. We therefore went back via 5 not wanting to risk any more bridleways slowing us down, making it back to base bang on cue in 120mins and none extra (this time!).

We’ve got 2 events next month. Our usual Saturday morning 2 hour MBO Score event at Bullamoor near Northallerton planned by John Dixon on Saturday 18^th Feb and a Medium MBO (Fixed route) event at Gilling Woods near Easingwold planned by Andrew Windrum on Sunday 19^th.

Hope to see you at one or both of them.

Steve Willis

Here are today’s results and comments to follow tomorrow Thorganby results

A message from Steve, who’s in France at the moment:

“Happy New Year! Hope you had a good break and are looking forward to getting back on your bikes. If you have entered this Saturday’s event at Thorganby there is a map reserved for you. I haven’t acknowledged receipt because I am still in the Alps. If you haven’t entered then please go on line or send an email. Don’t forget to join BMBO first free of charge on line. Hope to see you at the Jefferson Arms. Steve”

At least the weather forecast suggests it be a little warmer by the weekend!

Happy New Year!

A quick reminder that the next event is next Saturday, the 21st, at Thorganby near York. Details are on the Events page, where you’ll also find details of the Gilling MBO event on Sunday 19th February.

You can find the full calendar on the All Events Calendar page, and if you would like to be on the mailing list (or even update your details if you’re on it already).

Thanks to Tim Patterson for planning an excellent course, Jens for another accurate map and the staff at the Scotts Arms for a warm welcome before and after the event. It was brilliant to see so many riders and the weather managed to stay dry (but cold) apart from one short shower. It was also great to see so many local riders at their first event so thanks to whoever spotted the information and encouraged their mates to join in.
I thoroughly enjoyed my ride apart from the soft bridleway between 27 and 22. Other riders had similar problems finishing via 22 and 7 when the best route was probably out and along the roads. The leading riders managed to work out when to go round via roads and when to use short sections of bridleway. There were a few mechanical problems and punctures as can be expected but at least my tyres didn’t go down until after I had finished.
There were some excellent scores most notably from some of the local newcomers and the Generation teams.
Congratulations to the winning riders in each category and here are their routes.
John Rawden M50 370 points
13 18 17 20 26 27 14 24 28 16 11 6 21 15 30 29 23
Tim Evans M40 364 points
7 12 23 29 9 30 25 19 10 18 17 20 26 14 28 24 27
Dave & Julie Sharpe X21 361 points
13 18 17 20 26 27 8 14 24 28 16 11 22 7 12 29 23
Nathan & Adrian Parker Gen 335 points
7 12 23 19 25 10 17 20 26 27 14 24 28 16 11 22 1
Alan Hartley M21 310 points
7 12 23 19 10 25 29 9 30 15 21 6 11 16 22 1 2 3 4 5
David Day M60 308 points
13 18 20 17 10 19 25 29 9 30 15 21 6 11 22 1 7
If there are any errors in the results please let me know
If you weren’t here is the map if you want to have a go in your own time.

Map of Sickinghall MBO

Unfortunately a couple of the descriptions were wrong as the control locations were moved at short notice but not the description sheet. I hope it didn’t spoil your ride. Also, 3 riders were seen using the footpath through Stockeld Grange to get to the railway line which was clearly marked out of bounds. This is illegal and doesn’t do our reputation any favours so I would appreciate an acknowledgement and an apology.
Our next event is at the Jefferson Arms at Thorganby south of York on Saturday 21st January so I hope you can make it. The highest features on the map are the railway bridges but there are plenty of bridleways so it’s up to you which type of bike to bring. I hope you can make it as Andy Gibbs has planned an excellent course which includes another disused railway line – my favourite type of bridleway in winter!!
Merry Christmas
Steve
PS We will be back from Samoens in time for the next event and our apartment is still available for a few weeks if you want to ski this winter.

Sicklinghall results 76 riders enjoyed the winter sunshine around Sicklinghall. Some incredible scores from younger and novice riders. Full report, winners’ routes  to follow on Sunday. Here’s the Sicklinghall map:

The temperature will drop to -3c tonight with some light scattered snow showers. It will be +1c at 9 am tomorrow morning rising to a balmy +3 by midday with sunny spells and a light southwesterly breeze. You are strongly advised to bring winter clothing – eg full leg tights, thermal tops, overshoes, winter gloves and a buff as well as your normal kit. Don’t forget to protect your tyres and bring 2 replacement tubes. 66 pre-entries so there are 14 spare maps for entry on the day. Hope to see you at the Scotts Arms, Sicklinghall.

We have had 38 pre-entries and Jens has already printed 50 maps so please enter online or by email before Thursday to guarantee a pre-marked map. Jens can print more maps if required but he needs a bit of notice. We will accept entries on the day as usual. Tim Patterson has planned an excellent course and there are more controls on bridleways than usual so mountain bikes will be more suitable than road bikes this month. It has been wet recently so the tracks will be muddy and the farmers often trim the hedges so you need to protect your tyres or/and bring spare tubes. Hopefully there won’t be too much snow to contend with as well but I will confirm that the event is on by posting an article on this page on Friday evening.