Easter Sunday brings mountain bikers with maps to the tranquil village of Walkerburn in the Scottish Borders for the start of the Mountain Bike Orienteering Scottish Summer League.
The aim of mountain bike orienteering is to collect points by navigating through forest tracks and roads within a fixed time limit. Each checkpoint is worth different points with higher value checkpoints being up hills or further away from the event centre. Electronic dibbers are used to “punch” each checkpoint and that records the time and the score for download at the end.
There has been a resurgence of this sport in the last few years says Andy McLennan, the organiser of the Scottish Summer Series. “It’s cheap and open to all ages and abilities. Everyone gets the same map with the same checkpoints with Families and elite bikes competing on the same course. All that is required is a mountain bike, a map and a sense of adventure.”
Andy stated “anybody can cycle from A to B, I believe that mountain bike orienteering challenges both your brain and your brawn. You constantly need to assess your position, speed and re-evaluate your tactics throughout the event. It’s the thinking man’s mountain biking.” He also believes that more women should take up the challenge and prove that they too can read maps and that men are not always right.
The first event will be held at the Walkerburn Rugby Club on the 4 April. There will be hot food and beverages available (alcoholic for the less competitive reader) and communal showers. The Walkerburn congregation will also be there in the morning to welcome the bikers and hopefully join in the activities.
More information can be found online at www.trailquest-scotland.com. Entry starts from £8 for juniors and £15 for pairs.
