Despite icy conditions following a sharp frost, 28 participants took part in this event on Dec 28. Riders arranged themselves into 9 teams, ranging from racing pairings, families, and couples ~ most of whom survived any conflict brought on by the ordeal. After an optional timed ‘prologue’ for bonus points, the teams set off to find the answers to various questions, with the aid of a detailed map and devious clues. They had 1 hour 40 minutes to get as many points as they could and be back on time. In contrast to previous years only one team suffered time penalties ~ I won’t divulge which team this was, but Lindsay’s Dad was third quickest on the prologue and gained some bonus points to help offset the penalties. Young Jonathon Sjolin was the quickest and Richard Lines second on the prologue.

After everyone had arrived safely back at base the answers were divulged over tea and mince-pies, amid much heckling and banter (mostly Big Steve) and eventually the results were declared. Steve Newman, ably assisted by Alan Trolove and James Cunningham scored 250 points, but they were topped by Richard Farrow and David Young on 280 points. Their prize was donated by Julian Colman ~ or rather his chickens ~ a dozen fresh eggs. Everyone does Easter Eggs ~ these were Christmas Eggs! I was pleased to reflect that all the clues were solved by at least one team, with the exception of one. This was one of only two that did not require visiting a map point. Race on turfed victor. I am sure someone out there is clever enough.