Blue skies and a crisp frost underfoot greeted entrants to the 28th (approximately) MMM at the Dusty Miller in Mytholmroyd. Organiser Dave Collins had laid out his 21 controls for this 3-hour score event over a wide-ranging triangle between Low Brown Knoll to the north, Stoodley Pike to the southwest and “the other” Crow Hill to the southeast. This popular event is what you make it, from a gentle wander around the lower slopes, a day out with the kids, a chance to explore new corners of the valley, or an eyeballs out against-the-clock frenzied dash.
Could anyone get all 21? Well, Tod Harriers’ Chris Goddard came close, nailing 20 for a clear victory and taking home the trophy for the 5th time. Tod’s Pauline May and Zoe Dijkman picked up the prize for first pair, while Giles Bailey and Jim Harris were top-scoring men’s pair and John Allen and Kirsty Patten the best mixed pair, Calder Valley’s Tamsin Cooke was first woman. Lee McCluskey bagged the coveted Golden Pigeon trophy, awarded for the contestant who enjoys the day so much they rather miss the point of the whole 3-hour deadline…
After the finish, contestants retired to the Dusty Miller for a well-earned pie, peas and a pint and the inevitable comparing of notes and route choices. Thanks to Dave for organising a great day.
Report by Duncan Cannon