MBO Score. What Are They?

MBO Score are primarily offroad events, the use of Mountain Bikes is the prefered bicycle choice. They use Ordnance Survey mapping as the base map, many quality events add additional map information to aid competitors in decision making.

Competitors are given a pre-printed map with 20 to 30 control sites of varying point value positioned alongside bridleways, byways or forestry trails.

Depending on the event, between 2 and 7 hours are allowed to visit as many control sites as possible in order to maximise the points total, making route choice and navigational skills a high priority.

The winner is the competitor with the highest score. Penaties are deducted for returning late.

A good overview of the terrain gleaned from the map and a flexible strategy are skills required to maximise your efforts for points.

Control sites are identified by red / white / orange markers, each of which carries an electronic punch, to provide proof of visit.

Bike O

These are the  same format as MBO Score but primarily road events, many competitors use road or cross bikes.

Mapping

MBO Score events usually use Ordnance Survey mapping. Many organisers add extra markings and information to ensure the competitors have the detail required to navigate quickly to the control location.

Standard Format or SAF (Small Area Format)?

By default ALL events are Standard Format unless specifically stated otherwise. All the controls are live at the start and finish of the event. You get one map with ALL controls marked on it, you have free choice which controls to visit in your chosen sequence.

Small Area Format (SAF) has two sets on controls marked on one map (Blue and Red controls). You choose to either start on Blue or Red, you continue on your chosen colour until you decide to switch to the second colour controls. At this point you can only collect your second choice controls until you finish the event. This style of event allows small but otherwise excellent areas to be used for longer events. Again a good overview of the terrain gleaned from the map and a flexible strategy are skills required to maximise your efforts for points.

Tie Break

In the event of a tie, the winner will be determined, in order of preference, by considering the following.

1. The competitor(s) that have visited the most of the highest scoring checkpoints (returning within the time limit).

2. The competitor(s) that have visited the most checkpoints (returning within the time limit).

3. The competitor(s) who started earliest.

Classes

In many classes, solo riders and teams of two compete against each other. All classes are related to the age of the competitors, so you are competing against your peers unless you enter the M21 or W21 classes which are open to anybody.

An Ebike category is available for any one wishing to ride an EBike. All ages compete together in the same class but this will be reviewed as and when deman increases significantly. 

All classes are included at the discretion of the event organiser.