Well what a start to the 2019 Black Mountains MBO Season we had on Sunday. Before I talk more about the event I must make a special point of thanking my emergency helpers, on Friday I was prescribed some antibiotics and some very strong pain killers. These came with the normal GP warning not to drive or operate machinery, with this in mind I was a bit anxious about being out alone on my bike so I was contemplating a postponing the event. However before opting for this I thought I’d put a quick plea for help setting-up, with-in minutes Gill Stott, Ruth Pickvance and Bryan Elson and others had stepped up to the plate. I was able to formulate a plan for the three of them to place the CPs that would have taken time to do by foot and also shape it so they would not have unfair advantage. I set-off in the car and they each left with a small blown-up section of the map with 3 CPs and no values showing and by mid-afternoon we were all done and ready for you. Thank you so much for your help it was amazing!

This year I again decided to use both sides of the river, sending riders north of Crickhowell and offering CPs on the Llangattock escarpment. In addition to this I wanted to tie in a full circumnavigation of the Sugar Loaf, this accompanied with a 3 hour time limit would add an extra dimension to the route planning as a clearance was clearly off the table.

On the morning over 50 riders departed the HQ at Gilwern OEC in a light mist to be greeted with glorious autumn sunshine as they started to gain altitude, this then spread down to the whole valley leading to a beautiful days riding. Despite the glorious weather the ground was still pretty slippery and as briefed it was quite treacherous through the fallen leaves. Ian Cartwright took a tumble and broke a few spokes leading to a limp home and a very uncharacteristic position on the results sheet.

With everyone safely in the top places went to, Clare Dallimore (W21) 415 pts first Female and 4th overall, Michael Holloway (M21) 417pts 3rd, Harry Kingston (M21) 420 pts 2nd and Ifor Powell (M50) 438 pts in 1st.

The other class winners were, Huw Higgins-Worrell (Y18), Iwona Smidz (W40), Ro Cole (W50), Caroline Dallimore (W60), Simon Gittings (M40), Nick Dallimore (M60), Allan Shergold (M70), Anthony Bowmer (EB), Andy Goddard/Amanda Williams (Mixed).

Many thanks to everyone who stayed behind to congratulate the League WINNERS and enjoy the fantastic Chilli provided by Amanda and Verda, additional thanks also go to Lisa and Karen who stood in for Amanda whilst she was at a Swimathon in Abergavenny with E.

We collect £82.55 and the donation will go to local bridleway specific trail maintenance, I have had news that there is potential incursion onto the Bridleway at a house renovation up in the Grwyne Valley so I will mention this when I submit the payment.

Following the event I was also fortunate to know 5 riders had opted for the Event Helpers Discount, thank you Chris Porter, Chris Aldous, Jason Bennett, Ifor Powell & Ian Kennett who helped collect the CPs in.

Moving forward the remaining 2019 dates/areas have now been confirmed and are on the BMBO website, the precise HQ locations will follow. Have a great Christmas and see you on Sunday 20 January 2019 in the Forest of Dean as we re-launch our very popular Small Area Format (SAT) events for the winter season.

To both veteran and newer riders, it’s been another fantastic year thank you for all your support!

Siôn and the Black Mountains Planning Team