Allerdale Bike Challenge 2022 – Final Report
Firstly, a big thank you to all who rode in the 2022 series – it wouldn’t happen without you and you all managed to navigate the lanes and roads of Allerdale without any major incidents.
The next thank you goes to the event hosts – James @ The Oddfellows Arms at Caldbeck, Adam of 4Play Cycles, Dave at Ennerdale Brewery, Colin from The Inn at the Bush in Kirkbride and last (but not least) Mark at Maes Tea Room in Uldale (who wore his MAES cycle shirt for the occasion).
As Amos sold Keswick Bikes earlier in the year, we wondered whether we would have any sponsors for the 2022 series. Biketreks stepped into the void and kindly supplied vouchers that can be used in any of their 3 shops – Keswick, Ings or Grizedale; so, another big thank you goes to Biketreks.
The weather druids were also kind to us again – ensuring that any rain clouds only shed their loads on the organisers when we were either setting or collecting controls. The weather also plays a part in the planning of any series. Many a grotty winter day is spent scouring maps for possible host venues and sizing up suitable A4 sized maps for the next series of events. Tony then applies himself to the computer graphics side of things whilst Angela bakes another batch of cakes and keeps the tea urn filled!
The entry numbers were high this year but the actual rider numbers were reduced by entrants contracting Covid and being unable to ride. We hope you all make full recoveries and would love to see you out riding again, either in ABC 2023 or there are 3 more off-road LMBO (Lakeland Mountain Bike Orienteering) events this year.
One of the LMBO events is fairly local being at Great Strickland just outside Penrith. This would be an ideal event for a first attempt at an MBO Score offroad. The small lanes and grassy Askham fells make for easy riding that could be tackled on a gravel bike or even a hybrid. We will happily point out the one or two rough sections so that you can avoid them. Why not give it a go? We promise you no rocky riding or bike carrying needed! The event is on Sunday 21st August so if the weather is good take a picnic too! Full details as always on www.bmbo.org.uk
Congratulations again to all prize-winners and to the overall league champions Tom Gibb and Fiona Wright. Full results can be found here League Table
2023 will be the 10th year of Allerdale Bike Challenge. If it’s a long cold winter, who knows what fiendish planning will happen. Equally, if anyone has any suggestions for event venues, areas or on how we can improve the events – please message us by e-mail allerdalebikechallenge@gmail.com or on Facebook.
Look forward to seeing you all again next year.
Angela & Tony