Snapper Chick Awarded BIMBO Prize

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BY: Janet Burroughes

Published: 30th August, 2011

I'm not sure whether it's even allowed to report on a non-XCRacer event in this blog.  However, I couldn't resist telling you, and everyone else I've met this week, about my first mountain biking trophy.  Last Sunday we raced in the BMBO, (British Mountain Bike Orienteering not BIMBO!), South Devon event at Marldon, near Totnes.

 

Not a very auspicious start as we drove into Marldon, taking a wrong turn, up a long 25% gradient hill, that the car struggled to squeeze through.  Note to self, don't start the race up that hill! 

 

Registration, setup in a village hall with all mod cons (not a porta loo in sight!), was a chance for a friendly chat with the enthusiastic mountain bikers who run the events.  Then time to grab a full coloured map, provided in a handy clear plastic case, and race about looking for check points.  There is a choice of the 3 hour competitive or 2 hour family (children not essential) events solo or in pairs.  We did the 3 hour pairs event.

 

I'll spare you a pedal stoke by pedal stroke account of our race.  High points were some super human map reading skills by my team mate, Matt; my typically over competitive decision to attempt even the most remote checkpoints and most importantly some fantastic trails.  The local knowledge of the organisers certainly shows in the quality of the tracks they choose to hide check points on.  The puddle up to my knees, whilst on my bike, and some very slippery, wet rocks were merely minor inconveniences in 35km of quiet lanes and well hidden single track around the South Hams.  I was very pleased to find every check point, for the first time, and get back with 7 minutes to spare, thus avoiding penalties.  The winning pair, and previous race champions, Richard & Will Kromhout, managed it just 2 minutes quicker.  Okay, so we actually came second, the trophy was for being the fastest women and the only woman to clear the course.  No need to dwell on such technicalities with an excellent course and friendly well organised event.  There was even a tea urn to make tea and coffee (free of charge) on finishing the race. 

 

The next event is at the very popular race venue of Woodbury Common on 11^th September, details at:  http://www.bmbo.org.uk/calendar/details.php?event_id=237.  Highly recommended, unless perhpas you are one of those riders who have to ask directions on marked cross country courses, so why not come along and give it a try?  I'll be far too busy trying to stay on my bike, whilst not getting lost, to stick a camera in your face, promise!  No such luck at the Circus of Dirt, SW Championships this weekend.  Snapper Chick will be on photographic duty as usual.

 

See you there,

 

Snapper Chick