http://www.bmbo.org.uk/

Looking at a local one to me – never done one before – any good?

Yes, loads. Generally good events. Which one are you thinking of?

Yeah, done a few in the past. always enjoyed them, but not the best at map reading, so spent a lot of time lost!

The South Dartmoor one @ South Brent – be good to do it in a group?

I used to be in the Scouts & Done D of E etc so map reading / compas use not too bad.

They are fun, chilled out events, that don’t cost much and get you to ride trails you might not normally go for.
However,its not really a race, unless you can nav! MTBO has way harder nav than trailquest (which are genrally os maps), it don’t matter how quick you can ride if your going the wrong way……. I organised one a few years ago and took great pleasure in seeing a certain “Mr Fleeman, of road fame” get his ass handed to him by people of 50+ years who haddent gone over 20mph. It really puts folks on an even field…
Enjoy,,,,,,,,,,,,

MTBO has way harder nav than trailquest (which are genrally os maps)

Except the event foxyrider is looking at doing is “MTBO score” – ie much the same as what used to be called trailquests (now there’s a geeky name if ever I’ve heard one – hence the rebrand).

Sorry I don’t know much about that event – I’m sure it will be fun though, so long as you can navigate.

I think I can 😉

My background before starting navigational racing (bike, foot, ski etc.) was scouts and DofE, so I’m sure you’ll be fine 🙂

I’ve only done trailquests, which are the same as BMBO score events.
There’s no set route. Nobody gets to all the control points in the time allowed, so it’s down to you to pick a route that visits as many as possible.
A map board is pretty much essential, you don’t want to keep stopping to get the map out of your pocket.
You’ll need a watch, or some other means of knowing how much time you’ve got left.
Other than that, just turn up and enjoy it.

I got a map clear wallet – I guess I could put a board in it and then have it on the bars?

Hey we’re doing well, 10 posts in and no snide remarks about beards or Marins.The ‘my niche is better than yours’ crowd must still be in bed.

True FOG – very civilised so far 😉 LOL

Mapboard definitely recommended – traditional DIY method involves correx sheet (as used in “for sale” signs) zip tied to your bars – though I’m sure google should find you some instructions.

Marin’s ha ha luv it!
It was that old skool full suss one with the different colored rear triangle that was dubbed the “trailquesters favorite” , name that bike?

Mount Vision they all had them back in the day. I felt left out on my Giant XTC.

I had a Mount Vision (actually still have – really must get round to building it back up and flogging on for the pennies it’s probably worth now).

My mate and I both have had mount visions as well 🙂

I’ve never had a mount vision but I’ve done a few trailquests – really good fun and can be very competetive too.

“Nobody gets to all the control points in the time allowed, so it’s down to you to pick a route that visits as many as possible.”

Sometimes it does happen