Lakes MBO August Newsletter
You couldn't have asked for better conditions for Event number 3 in the Lakes MBO series 2026. After a wet week the sun came out, the wind dropped and the trails were running beautifully. The Community and Heritage Centre in Ravenstonedale proved to be an ideal location for exploring the low lying fells North of the Howgills. Our first fear that the map area was not large enough at 1:25k was unfounded as a lot of zig zagging around was needed to clear the area. Taking into account the multitude of gates, 3 hours was just about the right duration. Lots of remarks were made about the gates but overall they did not detract from a grand day out judging from the many positive comments received at the end. The area can provide tricky navigation as the local farmers are not fussy about where they create tracks with their quad bikes. You were warned about the possibility of extra unmapped  tracks but we hope that extra fences that we mapped for you helped avoid any major difficulties. 

Well done to Mike Hayward on his E-Bike for making the top score of 540, just pipping Tom Gibbs by a solitary point. Claire Riley riding with Dave Cowgill was top female with Astrid Gibbs providing the best solo performance.

www.bmbo.org.uk for results

Following on in September you have the opportunity to enjoy a double delight of the fells in the North of Lakeland. A first for Lakes MBO, we are hoping that you will be tempted to come and stay for the whole weekend. 

We have lined up two very contrasting days of cycling for you. 

Saturday 26th. Bruce Wilkinson will take you around the back of Skiddaw to explore the beautiful but rarely visited fells surrounding Caldbeck. You will have 4 hours to enjoy the small lanes and bridleways that make up the pastoral scenery tucked away out of sight from most tourists.

Sunday 27th. Sam Huddlestone has planned a 4 hour course starting from Threlkeld.This will give you a chance to tackle some Lakeland Classics and get the flavour of some real mountain scenery.

Hopefully you will come, visit and stay to enjoy this double dose of great cycling. There is not going to be a single event centre for this weekend but there are many campsites and other forms of accommodation available in the area.

Look on the BMBO website for more details or email mbolakes@gmail.com if you have any questions. 

See you there,
Tony Brand-Barker