Pentlands Pursuit 2019 - Scottish Mountain Bike Orienteering - Sat 15th June

For the second year, I am running a Scottish Mountain Bike Orienteering (SMBO) race.

The beauty of these events is that, due to the fact that you decide upon your own route, they are suitable for all ages and abilities.
Whether you just fancy a short, easy pootle around some paths and tracks you may never have explored before, or you want to push yourself to the very edge of your abilities at the exciting, highly competitive top end. You can ride as hard and as far as you want.

Also, route choice is more important than pure speed, so if you aren't the fastest rider, you can compete by making good route decisions!

The aim of these events is to collect as many points as you can and return to the start/finish before your time (3 hours) runs out.
At the start you will be given a map with checkpoints marked on it. These are worth different points depending on how far/difficult they are to get to. You just need to find your way to your choice of checkpoints, by any route you choose, collect the points and then return to be potentially showered in prizes and praise.

Oh...when you've done racing there will be tea/coffee and cake as well!

You will need:
-bike (Suitable for off-road, doesn’t need to be fancy just serviceable and reliable)
-helmet
-bike repair tools, inner tube etc.
-whistle – (BMBO Rules) plus a Cycle Bell is encouraged
-Food and water for duration of the event.
-a sense of adventure.
A lot of people use map boards on their bikes, but whilst they save precious time, they aren't necessary to take part.

More information about what these events involve

This event will take place in the Pentland hills just on the edge of Edinburgh on Saturday the 15th of June.
It will take you into the Pentland hills regional park. Encompassing a stunning range of medium sized hills with a surprising diversity of track roads and paths.

Note: This regional park, surrounding paths and tracks are for anyone to use. You MUST respect other users on the course! Anyone who drops rubbish, fights dog walkers, or doesn't show consideration while passing others won't get any cake and will be forced to hand over permanent ownership of their bike to the organisers.
Try to avoid the hospital, the newspapers and jail. If you do end up in jail, establish dominance quickly.

FAQs

You can sign up here

Here are the details (subject to change):

Event Address:
Ogston Hall,
Main Street,
Balerno
EH14 7EH

Directions to Event Centre:

The event centre is in Ogston Hall in Balerno.
This is beside Balerno Parish Church. The entrance can be found opposite Scotmid which is on the Main Street.

From the A70, take the main road into Balerno (Bridge Road). Continue to the roundabout and take the first exit to the left. There is some limited parking at the library on the first left. Or you can park on the roadside nearby. The hall itself is just 50-100 metres further on just after the road turns a corner to the right.

Update: There are roadworks right outside the hall at the moment. These are likely to remain on the 15th. There is a carpark beside Scotmid, across the road from the Ogston Hall, another carpark at the top of the pedestrianised Main Street and there is also on street parking round about. The road outside immediately outside the Church and halls have double yellow lines but there are plenty residential streets which would mean a short walk/ride to the hall.

There is limited parking at the library car park nearby. Also, I believe the roads nearby is free of parking restrictions.

Registration Opens: 9am
Registration Closes: 10am
Start Time from: 9.30am
Start Closes: 11am