What a fantastic turnout for this years Rocket. As the first event of the new season (2018) we have set the bar pretty high with 84 entries (17 on the day) . Having the National League prize giving and BMBO AGM obviously added to the numbers but Cannock Chase is always a prime location for all things mountain biking.

We had a very good pre-entry and I didn't really expect the numbers who entered on the day. We just had exactly the right number of maps and control descriptions as it happens so it was fortunate a couple of pre-entries didn't make it.

By the time of the first start the weather had improved greatly although it was very sticky out there after all the rain. I had planned the controls to utilise the western side of the Chase in the main with a couple in the centre and the obvious route down the eastern side. The Tough 10 put pay to a couple of controls in the middle so last minute changes were needed.

We have to hold are hands up control 26 being in the wrong place. I collected it in today and there is no doubt so sorry about that, I know after over 25 years competing that it's a sicken-er when that happens. On the plus side we didn't lose any controls and all but one of the tapes were recovered too.

Anyway as far as I can tell the majority enjoyed the challenge of a complex, and I hope you agree, beautiful area at this time of year.
I must thank the small army of helpers, I have come to rely on each year, who are all either family or personal friends. None are really connected with the sport to any great extent so I am extremely lucky to have them by my side.

Congratulations must go to Ifor who had a storming event although it was Mr Houlihan who come closest to what I felt was the perfect route. By taking the Eastern route a great deal of distance, with fairly little climb, gets you off to a good start. Starting from Etching Hill we followed the same route when putting out controls on Saturday.

We were fortunate to have a number of newcomers who, I hope, will take part in future events, we tried to make them feel welcome.
So thanks to everyone for coming and helping make the event a success.

Hope to see as many of you as possible at Loughborough.

Dave Tipper - Organiser