Supported by

  Photos of the Sprint and Long Distance competitions:

Australian MTBO Sprint Photos - by Troy Merchant 

 Australian MTBO Long Distance Photos - by Troy Merchant

Results:

Sprint (Nelson):    Results    Splits

Long (Caroline Forest):    Results    Splits

Middle (Mount Richmond):    Results    Splits

Event Reports:

OASA report:    John Williams

Report from Blake Gordon (Victoria):

Participant Reports:    David West

Report from Kay Haarsma (SA):

On behalf of all the riders can I express my thanks to all the South Aussies involved in organising and running the carnival at Nelson and thereabouts. Not just to el supremo Andrew Slattery, but Jenny (I cant ride a bike) Casanova the controller, the unflappable OHOC twins Michelle Chamalaun and Jenny Bourne on all things computer/ money / social, all the course setters and vetters and the likes of Jan & Rob Hillyard, John Such and others who gave of their time and didnt even get to ride to keep warm.

Three different areas, all controls in the right places, most people staying in the one motel, two days of riding without rain - what more could one ask in the middle of winter? How about a Sunday evening 3 course meal with 130 in attendance, complete with warm fire, a photo slide show, and 2 lots of presentations done in good time!! Add 30 New Zealanders to the mix and it was probably the best MTBO Aus Champs ever.  That was the opinion expressed to me many times. Well done OASA and the MTBO committee.

Kay Haarsma 

 

 
   
   

Preview video of Mountain Bike Orienteering in the Limestone Coast - Prepared by Lee Merchant (Course Setter)

 
   
   

Races

The Championships will be contested over three distances; sprint, middle and long. Riders may also participate in pairs or groups.

The schedule for races over the weekend will be:
Saturday 6th June (afternoon)    -      Australian Short Distance Championships         
 Starts from 2:00pm

Sunday 7th June (morning)         -      Australian Long Distance Championships           Starts from 10:00am

Monday 8th June (morning)         -      Australian Middle Distance Championships        Starts from 10:00am

Start times are posted in the latest news article.

Venue and Terrain

The three areas are located within 1hrs drive of Mt Gambier. All three areas are outstanding MBO terrain, mostly flat to undulating and have a dense network vehicular tracks and 4wd tracks. Single tracks are also found connecting between the main network of tracks. Tracks are generally fast riding due to the firm limestone base although there are numerous variations in track speed due to moderate sand. Vegetation includes native bushland and pine plantations. The three maps are being specially prepared by Andrew Slattery (MTBO WOC mapper).

 
   
   

MTB-O 2009 Australian Champs update

Recently Andrew and Lee made a field trip to Mt Gambier to begin planning for the MTB-O events. We have identified three great MTB-O areas with different terrain to be experienced on each of the days. Details of the exact location of the events will be released close to the event, however here is an insight.

Day 1 : Aus Champs Short (Afternoon Start) Set in a picturesque tourist destination, this area will be fun fun fun! Some roads, 4WD tracks and single tracks. Little climb, but plenty of quick navigation required. This event will be close to some major scenic attractions - just minutes away by car or bike. After the event take the time to explore these nearby attractions before and after the event.

Day 2: Aus Champs Long Located in gently undulating pine forest, fast fast tracks, no climb, but toss in some native forest with strength sapping sandy tracks, some scenic single tracks and some technical fine navigation. As the area is fast riding ….expect a long ride! There will be onsite facilities including catering topped off by great scenery. Use the afternoon to explore the course setters secret fishing hot spots.

 Day 3: Aus Champs Middle distance And just when you thought you had your navigation under control…..Andrew found a piece of forest that resembles a mangled spiders web……lots of tracks……..some fast some slow…. Some will test your sand skills………….Course setter Bruce should challenge the best in this mature, dark and very scary forest. Catering will be at the event.

If you have a spare hour we recommend a ride around the Blue Lake and surrounding lakes using the special MTB track. Just below the tower are two challenging down hill tracks for the brave! A good pre-breaky or midnight ride, takes about a hour to do the loop.

Download your entry form today from and get your accommodation booked early as this is a busy holiday period for Mt Gambier.

 More details and photos to follow!

Lee Merchant

 
   
   

Map Specifications

The maps have been prepared to the IOF standard for MTB-O maps with the exception that we are using the Australian 2 x 4 track grading system. Tracks are greater than 1.5 metres wide. Paths are less than 1.5 metres wide. Speeds are mapped on the basis of how fast an elite rider can pass along the tracks. For these races competitors should note we have made the speed of tracks and paths consistent, i.e. the speed on a long dash track should be the same as the speed on a long dash path. All grading was prepared in dry weather. All tracks will be slower in wet weather.

The basis for the speed of the tracks is:

Fast: little or no restriction to the speed which a rider can proceed.

Moderate: generally good riding with some reduction in speed and a requirement to keep an eye on where you are going to avoid obstacles such as stones, rocks, ruts, etc.

Slow: sufficient obstacles to require the rider to pick lines to avoid obstacles. Consistently rocky, rutted or sandy. Skilled, fit riders should be able to ride almost always. Less skilled and fit riders may have to dismount.

Difficult: a technical track/path which may require the rider to dismount. Skilled, fit riders may be able to ride without dismounting. For this competition, Difficult grade usually means bad ruts, loose and rough surface or sand.

The IOF standard has been used for showing the clarity of track junctions where the lines of the two tracks join it means a distinct junction. If the lines of the two tracks do not join each other it means an indistinct track junction.

 
   
   

Tourism & Accommodation 

The event centre is Mount Gambier.

The City of Mount Gambier is located mid way between Adelaide and Melbourne, just within the border of South Australia. The city is built around the slopes of an extinct volcano crater which is home to the famous Blue Lake.

Accommodation should be booked in the Limestone Coast Region. (Events <1hr from Mount Gambier - directions to events will be released closer to the event)

Information about Mt Gambier and the Limestone Coast Region can be found on the Mount Gambier Tourism website: www.mountgambiertourism.com.au

The Lady Nelson Visitor and Discovery Centre has a large range of infomation relating to vistors needs. Staff can help you out with planning accommodation, how to get there and what to see and do while you are at the Carnival.

Why not make a holiday out of the carnival and take some time to really appreciate the numerous attractions the region has to offer!

"THE LADY NELSON"
VISITOR & DISCOVERY CENTRE
Jubilee Highway East
(PO Box 56)
MOUNT GAMBIER 5290

South Australia
Telephone: (+61) 08 8724 9750
Facsimile: (+61) 08 8723 2833
Toll Free: 1800 087 187

theladynelson@mountgambier.sa.gov.au

Images of the Limestone Coast by Lee Merchant (Click pictures to enlarge)


























 
   
   

Punching System

The SportIdent electronic punching system will be used at check points for all races. If you do not own a SportIdent stick, units will be available for hire.

 
   
   

Organising Team

 Organiser  Andrew Slattery
 Course Setters

 Lee Merchant, Brett Merchant, Heinz Leuenberger, Bruce Greenhalgh

 Controller  Jenny Casanova
 Course Vetter  Steve Sullivan
 Entries Coordinator  Jennie Bourne
 SportIdent  Michelle Chamalaun
 Mapper  Andrew Slattery

                                                                                                                                                     

 

 

 

  

 


Join the 2009 Australian MTB-O Championships email list to receive updates and new information:

Send an email to mtbo@oasa.asn.au and you will be added to the list


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