What is Mountain Bike Orienteering?
MBO Score Event or Trailquest is a mountain bike event where you navigate to different checkpoints. Checkpoints have different values and will therefore make up your route choice. At each checkpoint, you punch your Sport-Ident dibber into the Control Box. This automatically records the time you made it there. At the end of the race, all the results are then downloaded and your score and checkpoints are printed out.
How fit do I need to be?
If you can do the red route at Glentress or XC route at Innerleithen then you will easily be able to compete. You should be able to cycle for 2 to 3 hours with the odd break. Route choice is up to you, so it will be as hard or easy as you want – look at the contours!
What sort of bike do I need?
You don’t need a spangly super light weight bike. Hardtails and full sussers are a good choice, racing bikes with slicks are not! Ensure the bike is working prior to event and that the tyres are blown up!
I can’t read a map, help!
It does help to be able to read a map but you will quickly learn how to navigate. The Ordance survey has a good guide at the following link. Also check out the British Orienteering website here
Can I enter with my Son/ Daughter as a Team?
Of course you can! There is a specific class called Generation (youths 12-17 & Adult 18+)
Can I use my GPS?
GPS are NOT allowed to be used as per the BMBO rules, it can however be used so that you can download your route and analyse it later on.
Why must I join as an associate member of the BMBO to enter an event?
It is free to join and covers you for any 3rd party liability or insurance claims in the unlikely event of an accident or claim caused during the event.
What is this sportident dibber thingy?
We’ve gone all high-tech and use the latest electronic timing devices. These are small plastic dibbers with a memory chip. At each checkpoint you “dib” into the control box. The dibber then records the time you entered and what checkpoint. All results are downloaded at the end and then a print out is given with the time you arrived at each checkpoint.
Any other questions?
Just drop us a quick note at info@trailquest-scotland.com and we will aim to reply back to you within 24 hours.