Storm Ashley provided a very memorable end to the 2024 season. The forecast looked horrible. Was this the MetOffice being over pessimistic again or would it really be as bad as they predicted? Being the last event of the season we really did not want to cancel so a look at the map that Ed Knight had planned, suggested that removal of a few controls would keep riders from going too high. Hopefully this would avoid the worst of the weather conditions. Shortening the time limit also meant riders would not be overstretching themselves. As it turned out the strongest winds never coincided with the heaviest rain which made life a bit easier. Unfortunately the torrential overnight rain had made a few stream crossings very serious. The day before and when collecting controls on the Monday they were no problem at all. It just highlights how prepared you have to be when dealing with mountain weather.

In the end 35 hardy souls warily ventured out and we are pleased to say, all made it back intact apart from big grins on their faces. It appears that they enjoyed it!

A huge thanks to Ed Knight for planning a course that made good use of the terrain. Apologies for control 26 which was lower down the path than the map suggested and cost time to those approaching from above. Those that did not find it have been credited with the points.

Well done to Tom Gibbs and Angela Brand-Barker for winning their categories. Also an excellent ride from MBO Score novices Becky Scott and Chris Naylor to take the Mixed category. Ray Morriss, made a rapid comeback from his tumble at Selside to win the EBike category. Well done to all.

As this was the last event we all retired to Wilf’s Cafe to warm up, dry out and award the series prizes.

The series was once again supported by Wheelbase Cycles who kindly provided the prize vouchers. A particularly big thankyou to James, who took pity on us, and shifted the store around so that we could move the registration indoors.

The full list of winners can be seen on the results link but a big congratulations to Angela, Tom and Ray who were also overall winners.

The Mixed category was a tight race until the last event when Andrew & Rachel Slattery stretched their lead over Dave Cowgill & Claire Riley.

It is really rewarding for us as organisers to see new riders come along and have a go. It is even nicer when they come back again and again. Craig & Kirstine Baillie and Debbie Halliwell have all really impressed us with their enthusiasm in this, their first year of MBO Score, and left with the Mixed and Women’s Ebike prizes respectively.

A massive thankyou to all of the planners this year who have provided the challenges to keep you all entertained. We couldn’t do it without you.

Once we have paid all of the bills and done the sums we will be inviting the organisers to nominate their chosen charities and be making donations on your behalf.

Finally a huge well done to all of the riders this year and thankyou for supporting the series. We hope that you will all come back and see us again next year.

Tony & Angela