The 2026 season got off to a blustery start with rain showers and gusty winds. Most people managed a dry ride but a few unlucky late starters got a bit of a drenching!

Dean village hall was the venue for our first ever event 13 years ago. Despite the fact that most of you wouldn’t remember that far back we chose to take you in a completely different direction this time. To try and give variety we put the bulk of the controls around the top of the map to tempt you towards Distington and Moresby. This area is normally the terrain for the faster riders trying to clear the course so we thought it would be good for some more of you see some new roads. What many didn’t appreciate was how steep the hills are dropping down towards the A595. What goes down has to come up again! We did warn you that there was a sting in the tail.

Well done all and we hope your legs were not feeling too rusty after a long cool winter.

Results are, as always, on the BMBO website which can be visited by clicking the link

Apologies for the lack of results on the night.

This caused some tense moments as I thought that I would not be able to provide results at all for a time. Many thanks to Alan Hartley for being my knight in shining armour, more accurately dripping waterproofs, who was able to point me at that elusive unticked box buried deep in the software. This prevented me from having time for a chat with many of you. We can catch up at the next event.

Lost property - a pair of long fingered gloves were left behind. Email if they are yours and you will be reunited!

The Next Event - Allonby 27th May

The area around Allonby has been used many times but we have a brand new venue. The new Driftwood cafe is opening especially for us and will be serving food and drink. So, a bit of respite from the hills as Allonby, for those who do not know it, is a much flatter area. Beware of the coastal winds which can be a be hindrance when you are rushing to get back.

Palace Cycles of Carlisle have very generously offered to sponsor the series again and will be providing prize vouchers for the lucky league winners. Why pop in and top up on spares or book that vital service that you have been putting off! Remember that it is your best three results that count in the league.