Mountain Bike Ride
Alone
For the first time in a few years I found myself able to enter a mountain bike orienteering event, something we did regularly a few years ago. This event took place from Kildale, so I could rely on local knowledge to get me round. For those who have never had a go, a number of control points are spread about the countryside, each having a points value from 5-30 points depending on how easy or difficult they are to reach. An electronic “dibber” is supplied which is inserted into the control box to record the visit, at the start the dibber is inserted into a start box and inserted again at the finish to record the participants time, this event was three hours and minutes over the allotted time are punished by points deductions. As soon as the start box is dibbed, a map is issued with all the control points marked, then you can plot your route - in my case, maximum points for minimum effort. I am a process operator - it’s in my nature to be bone idle. Big hills and muddy bridleways were eschewed in favour of a leisurely amble round the moors above Guisborough Forest. The recent wet weather has regressed the tracks to winter conditions, muddy and slippy, low cloud and mist on the hilltops and temperatures more akin to March than June.
This event was part of a league, really keen riders enter all events in the series with a view to gaining a total score at the end of the year. Most ride race-ready hardtails featuring some sort of handlebar mounted platform to hold the map, so they do not have to drag it from their pockets to check progress. Unlike me who kept having to stop, pull crumpled map from pocket, pull reading glasses from another pocket, don glasses, glasses steam up instantly, remove glasses, find handkerchief, clean glasses, put glasses back on, find next control point, memorise route to control point, replace glasses and map, remount bike, ride to next control point and repeat, trying not to get in the way of more serious competitors. Despite many people obviously trying for maximum points, flinging themselves breathlessly at the control points before speeding off - it’s all very good-natured with plenty of chatting and friendly banter.
My own efforts were not too spectacular, 200 points from a maximum of 525 placing me near the bottom of my class (M50 - I know, you can’t believe it, me in the over 50’s) and, to be honest, just about every other class. Probably a lot to do with finishing with 25 minutes still to go - must invest in a watch for the next event. If you have never tried MBO give it a go, it brings another dimension to going for a bike ride. All I need is a watch, a map holder and laser eye surgery plus a bit more effort and 250 points might be possible.
Details of events can be found on the BMBO website, you can join for free as a day rider if you only plan on doing the occasional event.
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