Mountain Bike Orienteering (MBO)

SLOW MBO run several events each year, usually on Sunday mornings. These are 2 or 3 hour MBO Score events on a bike, in the Surrey Hills, Hampshire, the Chilterns or South Downs. Events are run by SLOW in affiliation with the BMBO (British Mountain Bike Orienteering).

Events Calendar:2026
Event and Series Results:2026
Event Updates:Newsletter
Social:Facebook Group
Strava Club

What is an MBO Score event?

MBO Score is a fun and exciting form of orienteering on bikes. MBO Score uses standard 1:25,000 scale Ordnance Survey maps. Primarily off-road events, a mountain bike is the preferred choice, however gravel, hybrids and cross-bikes can also be used.
Depending on the event, between 2 and 5 hours are allowed to visit as many control points as possible in order to maximise the points total, making route choice and navigational skills a high priority. Penalties apply if a rider is late back. The penalty rate escalates for up to 30 minutes after which time all points are lost.

Events are public and are open to all abilities and ages from 12 upwards. Riders can enter as solo, pairs or a family team.

Where are the events held?

Events are held in various locations around the Southeast including the Surrey Hills, Chilterns or South Downs where sufficient space and interesting terrain is on offer. Event venues will usually be a pub, sports centre or village hall.

How does an event work?

Competitors are given a waterproof 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey map with control points of varying value positioned on bridleways, byways or forestry trails. You record your visit to each checkpoint using a phone based app MapRun which automatically detects and records your position.

What kit do I need?

Essential Equipment, apart from a bike!:

  • Bike helmet (preferably MIPS) – this is mandatory equipment
  • Whistle, first aid kit
  • Map board

Recommended Equipment:

  • Compass
  • Watch
  • Pen or highlighter (to mark your chosen route)
  • Waterproof

Try out a Course

If you want to try out a mountain bike orienteering course, there are several set up that you can ride at any time. Maps and details can be found on the Virtual Courses page. Most of the courses from events since 2023 are still available to ride. You can pick up maps for these at our regular events. You could also create your own course for friends or family.

How do I find a Teammate?

While you are welcome to race solo, we encourage pairs as a way of developing the sport and meeting new people. If you are looking for a teammate you can post on SLOW MBO Facebook Group, London & South East Adventure Racers Facebook Group or on the SLOW public Facebook page.

British Mountain Bike Orienteering (BMBO)

Our events are run in affiliation with the BMBO. We follow the BMBO rules for our events. Other local clubs also stage events and these along with ours form the BMBO National League. All BMBO events are open for anyone to take part.

London & South East Adventure Racers

L&SEAR are a local community with a shared interest in multi-sport racing including orienteering. While their focus is adventure racing, their members participate in everything from mountain marathons, trail running, kayaking, mountain bike and foot orienteering, climbing, sportives and more. Get in touch via London & South East Adventure Racers Facebook Group.