Event Details
Club: | Midlands MBO |
Event Name: | Dadlington Bike O. King Richards Revenge. |
Date: | 26/02/17 |
Format: | Bike O |
Mapping: | Ordnance Survey |
Time Limit: | 3 |
National League: | - |
League: | Midlands MBO Winter Bike O Series (Round of ) |
Electronic Punch: | No |
Event Report
With the snowdrops flowering and early daffodils beginning to show there was an air of expectant Spring in the quiet lanes and nearby gardens to greet the riders on this second event on the increasingly popular Lanequest three event series. Using the historic undulating landscape of the Stoke Vales that saw the Battle of Bosworth Field bring an end to the Wars of the Roses in 1485, the battle this time would be to conquer the ever strengthening wind which would prove to be a challenge in route choices and direction of travel, especially on the uphill finish to Dadlington.
Early starters may have had a slight advantage but conditions were dry and mild for all as the 30 checkpoints, offering a total of 585 points, presented the challenge. Many of last years first time riders returned to bring a record entry of 54 which with pairs, meant a total turn out of 63 competitors. With something on offer for all level of competitor, irrespective of experience, the village hall was a hive of activity until the departure of the final competitor.
The eventual result proved to be extremely close. Last years winner Mark Rowley, M50, just came out on top but only after penalty points were taken into account. Second placed Kevin Horsley actually had a higher points tally of 485 but after the time penalty adjustments cost him 15 points his final score was reduced to 470 against Marks 476. It could hardly have been closer. John Wilton was a strong third on 446.
Kevins ride, which covered over 85 km won him the M40 category ahead of Phillip Randle who was 4th placed overall with 443. Leading female was Sheila Pearce W40 and 13th overall with 355, with Lisa Welbourne X50 on 332 and 18th overall, and Clare De Faye W60 19th on 320.
Other categories were also competitive with winners being Paul Edwards M21, Anne Nicholson W21, Michael Skivington M60, Roger De Faye M70 and Roger Pullin and Jill Stocks X60.
Local promotion and word of mouth ensured a strong entry from the host villages of Stoke Golding and Dadlington. Local bragging rights went to Dadlington father and son pairing of John and Robert Whitehead, scoring a highly competitive 332 to finish 18th.
With the enthusiasm of the competitors and much appreciated comments afterwards, organisers Geoff Ford and Bernard Lamb were pleased that the event proved popular and helped to showcase the area and bring the sport to new entrants.
Judging by the enthusiasm for a chat and riders comparing scores and routes after the ride, the refreshments and home made cakes were also a great success. Many thanks must go to Gill Lamb for baking the cakes and organising the catering with Hillary Ford, and greatly helped by Jane Ninness on the day. Their hard work led to donations for the food raising an amazing total of £144.95. This together with other funds raised will be donated to a Leukaemia charity.
With many newcomers to the event talking of entering the next Lanequest and trying out a Trailquest in future the promotion of the sport in this area would appear to have been a success on several levels.