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, located primarily in the Surrey Hills and sometimes in the Chilterns or South Downs. Events are run by SLOW in affiliation with the BMBO (British Mountain Bike Orienteering).
| Current Series: | 2023  | BMBO |
| Results/League: | 2023 Events&League | 2023 Events |
| Social: | Facebook Group  | Strava Club |
| Event Updates: | Newsletter | Facebook (public)  |
| Virtual Courses: | MapRun | Create your own |
What is an MBO Score Event?
MBO Score is a fun and exciting form of orienteering on bikes. Unlike MTBO which uses specialist maps, MBO Score uses regular 1:25,000 scale Ordnance Survey maps which are more familiar to most people. 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 7 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.
Events are public and are open to all abilities and ages from 10 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 where sufficient space and interesting terrain is on offer. Event venues will usually be a pub, sports centre or village hall.
What does the map look like?
Competitors are given a pre-printed 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey map with around 24 control points of varying point value positioned on bridleways, byways or forestry trails.
What kit do I need?
Essential Equipment:
- Bike! (if you are interested in taking part and don’t have a bike, please post on our Facebook wall here and someone may be able to help. Rental bikes are also available from a number of locations near race venues & we will post info when possible)
- Bike helmet – this is mandatory equipment
- Whistle, first aid kit
Recommended Equipment:
- Compass
- Watch
- Pen or highlighter (to mark your chosen route)
- Waterproof
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.
What is the cost?
| Adult Day Rider | £10 In advance / £12 EOD |
|---|---|
| BMBO / SLOW Members | £8 In advance / £10 EOD |
| Under 21 | £5 In advance / £6 EOD |