We returned to Mabie Forest for the first time for a number of years to hold the Long MTBO Champs. The build up was a bit touch and go as the Forestry decided to close the forest for operations until the beginning of November without telling us. After a few frantic phone calls we were assured that the event could go ahead but it was not until the Thursday morning that I received the final green light for Saturday's event.

Being a long course the emphasis was to be on route choice rather than fine technical navigation. The one way trails helped rather than hindered in this respect as it really made riders think and read the map carefully to determine the optimum routes.
Apologies for the one or two mapping errors which resulted from the recent forestry work. It is surprising how many small changes took place in the three weeks between finalising the map and setting out the controls. Hopefully the new drainage ditches coming down from control 105 did not cause too many near misses.

Thank you for the many positive comments received both on the day and via Facebook. It really makes all the difference to an organiser.

Congratulations to all of the class winners but special congrats to Charlie Somers Cocks and Ian Nixon who became the 2019 champions.

By the time you read this the Drumlanrig event will have taken place but the final event in the 2019 series will be at Cannock Chase on the 24th November. It is best 2 from 3 to determine the overall 2019 Champions. Get your entries in soon!
Tony & Angela