The final event of the SLOW season saw a week of rain turning the trails around Chilworth into truly autumnal condition. However, knowledge of the local geology would help riders identify that the sandy trails to the south of the course map would be reasonably well drained, grippy and not as difficult riding as when they are dry, while the trails on the North Downs are on chalk and are likely to be slippery, muddy and slower to ride.

Sunday started dry but showers throughout the morning caused some riders to put on full waterproofs while others ventured out in lycra and braved the weather.

Riders found the controls on Blackheath difficult to find, it being a maze of tracks, going off at all angles, with no features to assure you that you are in the right place.

However, Mark Rowly seemed to have no navigation issues and rode a very impressive race to claim first place in the 3 hour SAF event with 406 points, visiting 18 of the 26 controls. Second was Ian Cartwright with 365 ahead of Ifor Powell with 340. Louise Oliver was the first woman home with 240 points.

In the 2 hour event, Simon Williamson was comfortably clear of the field to win with 237 points, a score which would have put him in the top half of the table in the 3 hour event!