Event Details
Club: | Midlands MBO |
Event Name: | Dadlington, Two Counties Challenge |
Date: | 25/02/18 |
Format: | Bike O |
Mapping: | Ordnance Survey |
Time Limit: | 3 hrs |
National League: | - |
League: | Midlands MBO Winter Bike O Series (Round of ) |
Electronic Punch: | No |
Event Report
With the sun rising into a clear blue sky on Sunday morning there was an expectant air of competitors being able to enjoy a great late winters day ride using the quiet lanes on this third annual event from the popular Dadlington venue. Combining the historic undulating landscape of the south-west part of Leicestershire and south-east Warwickshire, the Two Counties Challenge proved to be just that. //
//With the early morning frost clearing, conditions were dry, sunny but cold for all riders as the 30 checkpoints, offering a total of 545 points, presenting the challenge. With many east to west lanes proving to be a challenge for route selection it was anticipated that no one would clear this course. The easterly breeze was bound to be a factor in route choice. Many of previous years first time riders returned to bring a healthy entry which with pairs, meant a total turn out of 55 competitors. With something on offer for all level of competitor, irrespective of experience, the village hall was a hive of activity with several first time riders trying the sport.//
//It was particularly pleasing to see a strong entry in the W21 Class with 8 riders. The eventual winners here were Gemma Foley and Rebecca Hearn scoring 255, just pipping Dawn Brettell and Rachel Hull on 250.//
//The overall result also proved to be close. With Mark Rowley having won twice from Dadlington not competing this time there was going to be a new winner. Riding a cyclo cross bike the ever competitive Ian Cartwright, M50, came out on top scoring 405 choosing to ignore the eastern most side of the area in completing his total in exactly 3 hours. Ian visited 22 check points in that time. Second placed Andy Smith, M40, posted 395 but after the time penalty adjustments cost him 4 points his final score was reduced to 391. Phil Upton was a strong third on 380. Having cleared the course in his previous Midlands event, this time Nick Calkin had to settle for fourth place with 370.//
// Leading female could not be closer with Sheila Pearce W40 with 316, being placed above Anne Nicholson, (also 316) only by the fact that she started 3 minutes earlier.//
//Other category winners included Will Dixon M21, (335), Dennis Jaques M60, (315), Ruth Fisher and Jane White W60, Justina Bajorinaite and Adam Kesterton X21 and Roger Pullin and Jill Stocks X60.//
//Local promotion again ensured a strong entry from the host villages of Stoke Golding and Dadlington. Local bragging rights went to Stoke's father and son pairing of Rob and Lee Gaskin scoring a highly competitive 270 at their first attempt at the sport.//
//Once again with the enthusiasm of the competitors and much appreciated comments afterwards, organisers Geoff Ford and Bernard Lamb were pleased that the event proved popular and helped to showcase the area and bring the sport to new entrants. Thanks are also due to Phil Thursby who after competing in the event and suffering a mechanical, helped bring back the check points.//
//The refreshments and home made cakes were also a great success. Many thanks must go to Gill Lamb for baking the cakes and organising the catering with Jane Ninness, and greatly helped by Hillary Ford, (who also compiled the scores) and Doreen Rose on the day. Their hard work helped to raise funds which will be donated to the historic churches of Dadlington and Stoke Golding.//
//Hopefully the success of this event will help to promote the Midland's other events with several riders saying they will enter the next event in March. What cannot be guaranteed is another 9.2 hours of unbroken sunshine!//
//Bernard Lamb