A record entry of 66 riders took part in last night’s event in a glorious weather. Waiting at the finish line for you all to return, and staring up into the beautiful Lorton Valley was good for soul. While you were chasing around the lanes looking for controls I doubt you had time to appreciate your surrounds but drinks on the hotel lawn afterwards gave you chance to savour the delights.

Having used this area many times before, it is difficult to come up with something new. However a new venue and a frantic search for some unused finger posts seems to have satisfied your needs for the evening. The Hundith Hill Hotel provided a superb setting and made us all very welcome. As well as managing to feed a bunch of hungry cyclists evidenced by the fact that, as we disappeared into the night to collect controls, many of you were still relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere.

Well done to Tom Gibbs who only narrowly kept his wheel in front of Alex Reed. He is coming for your Tom! Fiona Wright added another win to her tally. Dave Cowgill & Claire Riley were top Mixed, Ray Morriss first E Biker and James & Jessica Moore first Generation team.

A reminder of the BMBO rules - Going off the map is not allowed.

It was noted that a number of you went off the map along Low Road and through Cockermouth. A quick look at the Split times reveals who these people may be.

Part of the decision to move the venue from Cockermouth this year came from traffic safety concerns raised by riders last year. It was not anticipated that some riders may still cut through and perhaps, in hindsight, the town should have been marked out of bounds. Going off the map is unfair though because it favours those with local knowledge.

You know who you are. Please do not do it again.

On a more positive note it is only a week before the next event. This is from a new venue in a totally new area to ABC. A quick trip along the A66 to Greystoke and the Boot & Shoe Inn. The entries are open NOW so please do not leave it until Tuesday morning to grovel and ask for a late entry. We need time to get the maps printed.

We are looking forward to seeing you all there.