Negative weather forecasting at it’s worst! We were expecting rain all day but it turned out to be a glorious evening for this, the most scenic of the events this year. As the Boot & Shoe was undergoing an unexpected last minute change of management we were expecting to be based in the carpark so with the forecast in mind we turned up with full waterproofs and a gazebo to protect us. We only found out at 2pm that the pub would be open for drinks which gave us the necessary dry, but unneeded, refuge. We hope that the lack of food did not disappoint you too much but the landlord has welcomed us back next year and promised a full menu!

The terrain south of the A66 has been screaming out as a possible area for a number of years but the lack of a suitable venue and the dangers of crossing the A66 has always put us off. Having plucked up the courage to have a go, we came up with the idea of a Time Out to cross the A66. Often used in linear events I wasn’t quite sure how it would work in a score event. It meant a lot of manual adjustment to the scores but it seemed to work well and no reports of any mishaps with lorries etc! Having decided on the format we now had access to a whole area of unused roads and some of the best scenery you could wish for. Did I forget to mention the one or hills as well? Judging from the comments received we think we have been forgiven for those!

Well done Tom Gibbs for being the only person to clear the course this week. 57km and over 1000m of climbing in 2 hours is no mean feat!

A very strong ride by Kate Charles put her into 5th place overall. There is always a good battle for top woman in the league but this year with only one event remaining there are only 7 pts separating the top 4 women. It is all there to fight for at Uldale. Well done Kate, Caitlin, Isobel and Fiona…who will it be?

The Time Out adjusted results are on the link below. Apologies for #15 not showing up in the results on the night but all is now fixed.

We would love to hear you feedback about this and any other event. It really helps us improve our events and we are looking for new ideas. Leave your comments on our facebook page

The Next Event - Uldale 24th June

A return to Mae’s Tea Room this year for the grand finale to the 13th series of the Allerdale Bike Challenge. We are having a week off so your should all be well rested for the hills around the Northern fells on the 24th!

The event will be followed by the prize giving so please hang around and enjoy the social atmosphere while tucking into some of the food and drink that Mark and his team will have on offer. You may well be taking home a prize too!

Entries are now open so please enter as soon as possible.

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.

If you are feeling withdrawal symptoms by having a week off, then why not have a go at an off road event. Along Tom Gibbs, we are organising a MBO Score event from Witherslack near Grange over Sands. This will be a 3 hour 30 minute event using the small lanes and bridleways east of Windermere. Nothing too technical so it is a good opportunity to try an off road event.

As always enter via the bmbo.org.uk website

Looking forward to seeing you

Tony & Angela.