Large Turnout

There was a large turnout of Orienteers to the event held in the Northern section of Lyell Forest on Saturday. The courses set by Charles Brownridge were cleverly designed to challenge the fields in subtle gullies and ridges. Although much of the area was open and quite runnable, there were some patches heavily colonised by Chinese broom making it more difficult to spot control markers from a distance, and calling for accurate navigation. Competitors on Course 1 had 2km length leg which allowed for a range of route choices.

The most popular Course on the day was the 5.4km course with 23 competitors, featuring the ‘Battle of the Camerons’ which saw dad, Andrew being pipped by son Jimmy by less than a minute. With 16 year old Jimmy now an accomplished Orienteer, it could be a sign of the future for Andrew. Jenny Bourne from Ballarat came in third on this course. The shortest course was a little longer than usual but this proved no obstacle to Isobel and Hugo Byrne who completed the course in just under 20 minutes.

Orienteering is a great way to get fit, experience the Bendigo bushland and tune up your navigation skills. There is always someone on hand to assist any newcomers at every event.

Next week’s event is the Ironman at Morton Ridge near Eaglehawk.

Results and HERE Splits are HERE Check how you are going in the overall standings. Best 11 of 20 scores to count

Next weeks course setter, Leisha Maggs, approaches the Finish

Heather Jones