Many thanks to everyone who attended the Kenilworth Caper on 24th August. We had a total of 40 entries which we were pleasantly surprised with as we only had about 25 at the end of the discounted entry day the Sunday before, followed by an influx the following week, which meant we had to get another print run done.

A first at organising and planning an MBO event for us (although we have done lots of foot-O previously) and we opted for a 1:25k OS format (scaled to 1:28k) with highlighted bridleways and permitted routes. We also mapped Hay Wood using MTBO track speed standards as a taster for that type of event. We also went with using SI units with red and white tape at waist/head height - which we had positive feedback on. We put out 35 checkpoints which we suspected couldn’t be cleared in 3hrs due to a potential optimum route of 89km. We did about 10hrs of reconnaissance time, 4hrs of mapping/course setting and 3hrs each setting checkpoints - all enjoyable and welcome additions to the weekly ride totals.

It was great to see a few new faces at the event. Special kudos to Stuart Mackay who unfortunately went to a HQ in Kenilworth then cycled to Rowington, gathered himself, did the event with a very respectable 13th place on 490 points and cycled home, totting up ~90km and says he wants to do it again! Top 3 on the day were Jason Howell and Sam Morris on 600 points and only separated by 18 seconds. Kevin Horsley came home in 3rd with 576 points.

I haven’t had a chance to work out the final accounts yet but suspect the donation to Midlands Air Ambulance will be in the region of £300.

Many thanks again to all supported the event, Jeff and Phil for helping with the event setup/IT, Rowington Village hall, and my son Rupert for making tea and coffee for everyone.