[Event] Northern Farms MTB Orienteering

[MTBorienteering]

Event Name: Northern Farms MTB Orienteering
When: 8 September 2013
Where: Northern Farm, Gauteng
Category: MTB

Mountain Bike Orienteering (MTBO) – is a discipline of orienteering. Instead of running around on foot, competitors riding mountain bikes use a map to navigate from point-to-point (on a completely unmarked route).

 

 

 

MTBO – maps and navigation

 

Maps used for MTBO events are usually at a scale of 1:15,000 or 1:20,000. Trails and tracks are marked on mountain bike orienteering maps based on their riding difficulty, with four classifications: easy, slow, difficult and impossible to ride. Also, obstacles that require a dismount are usually marked on the map.

 

So what do you need?

 

• Mountain bike, shoes and usual spares
• Helmet – as with all mountain bike races, helmets are compulsory! No helmet, no ride.
• Map holder or map board (recommended, but not compulsory!) – attached to the bike handlebars makes it possible to view the map at high speed without stopping
• Map – provided by the event organiser, at the start line.
• Compass (recommended, but not compulsory!) – helps you to move fast… in the right direction!
• Hydration – hydration packs / water bottles definitely recommended, especially for longer events. Remember that it takes longer to do a MTB O event than the same distance marked route – because navigating and thinking takes time (according to your experience and ability).

Times:

 

 

Registration: 08:30 to 09:30

Starts: 09:00 to 10:00 (MTBO is not a mass start like a normal MTB event, individual starts are at 2 minute intervals)

Courses Close: 12:00

Prize-giving: ±12:00 (or as soon as everyone has finished)

Courses:

- Long Course: ± 20km, 60-70 min winning time

- Medium Course: ± 12km, 50-60 min winning time

- Short Course: ± 6km, 30-40 min winning time – ideal for kids

 

 

Entry Fees:

Tickets to enter Northern Farm (R30) can be purchased online at www.webtickets.co.za (recommended) or at the farm - the guard at the gate will direct you to the ticket office. R30 entry to Northern Farms is NOT included in the race entry fee listed below.

 

Race entry fees (all fees to be paid in cash on the day):

Seniors (21+): R50

Juniors: R30

Groups (2 or 3 people): R80

Hire of electronic timing chip/ card for orienteering control punching: R10

 

Online entries can be done at: http://www.orienteeringonline.net/CompetitionBasicInfo.aspx?CompetitionID=1227

 

 

Go to Event Page

[Warren911]

This sounds like fun. Would this event be ok for a real beginner in orienteering? Where would one get a map board?

Edited August 14, 2013 by Warren911

[MTBorienteering]

It sure is lots of fun! It will be no problem for beginners. Its like reading a street map, just on trails and tracks!

 

Details of the Mapdec local importer are on this page: http://www.orienteering.co.za/event-calendar/mountain-bike-orienteering/

 

Also, have a look at this YouTube video (made by an SA local), how to make a MTB mapboard:

 

Map-boards are not compulsory, but are a huge help!

[Warren911]

Thanks, nice local video to make a mapboard!!!

[MTBorienteering]

Get your entries in and come and experience something completely new on an MTB! Entries are also available on the day.

 

 

[MTBorienteering]

Hope to see many new faces at the MTBO race at Northern Farms on Sunday!! Entry to Northern Farms is not included in the race entry fee. Race entry fee is only R50, payable at registration. R30 for Northern Farm entry, pre-paid via Webtickets or at the gate. Registration on the day is accepted, get there by 8:00 for registration, starts will be from 9.