HIGHLANDS MOUNTAIN BIKE ORIENTEERING
Sat. October 19, 2024
10 am Start
Highlands Nordic, Duntroon
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2024 Results
Come join us for a fun Mountain Bike Orienteering race at the Highlands Cluster. This is a rare opportunity to ride this private bike trail network that is normally only open to Collingwood Offroad Cycling Club (CORC) members or participants at special events.
Mountain bike orienteering (MTBO) events are an exciting mix of biking and navigation. If you can read a trail map and you have some mountain biking experience, you're ready to give it a try! Canada has never sent a team to the World Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships or the World Masters Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships. Will we discover a future superstar?
SO... HOW DOES MOUNTAIN BIKE ORIENTEERING WORK?
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At the start, each competitor will receive a map showing locations around the Highlands Cluster where flags (controls) have been placed. Riders will visit these controls in numerical order, trying to choose the fastest route between them. Control flags will be placed along trails - at bends, junctions and other obvious features - or along private roads on the property or in open areas. It will help if you can tell the difference between a hilly trail (lots of contour lines) vs. a flat trail, but if you're accustomed to trail maps, that's the main skill you will need.
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Riders must stay on trails, roads, parking lots, maintained grass or other open areas. Bushwhacking through forests or overgrown meadows is not permitted. Riders must use only the race map provided and (optionally) a compass to navigate.
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We will be using the electronic SportIdent (SI) timing system to record racers' visits to each control. We can rent you an SI timing card if you don't own one. A time trial format will be used where racers start individually at short intervals. This allows you to choose your own route.
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Novice, Intermediate and Advanced courses will be offered.
MEETING LOCATION
Highlands Nordic Chalet, 1182 Concession 10 S, Clearview Township, Duntroon, ON L0M 1H0
TERRAIN
The Highlands Cluster is hilly, rocky Niagara Escarpment terrain with a well-established ski trail network and a growing network of mountain bike trails. Most of the trails run through mature deciduous or coniferous forest, and there is some open land around the Highlands Nordic ski chalet.
COURSES AND CATEGORIES:
All courses will be point-to-point. For safety, participants will be required to return within 2 hours of their start, whether or not they have completed their course. This is an individual event but participants with less experience are welcome to ride together if they register on the same course.
We'll provide more details on each course closer to the event. If you decide to switch to a different course, just email us.
NOVICE COURSE
This course is suitable for novice mountain bikers of all ages. Because it is escarpment terrain, riders will encounter some roots and rocks. This course will be shorter and have less climbing than the other courses.
Categories: Juniors (Under 18), Adults (18+)
INTERMEDIATE COURSE
This course is suitable for adults with intermediate mountain biking skills who are comfortable riding in hilly terrain with roots and rocks.
Categories: Junior Women (Under 18), Junior Open (Under 18), Adult Women, Adult Open, Masters Women (50+), Masters Open (50+)
ADVANCED COURSE
This course requires similar biking skills to the Intermediate Course but will be a longer distance.
Categories: Junior Women (Under 18), Junior Open (Under 18), Adult Women, Adult Open, Masters Women (50+), Masters Open (50+)
Notes
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A Participant's age for this event is their age on December 31, 2024.
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Participants aged 12 and under must ride with an adult.
REGISTRATION
Please register online in advance to reserve a map for your desired event. We won't be able to accept entries on the day of the event. **Note that registration closes on Thursday, October 17 at 11:59 pm.**
WAIVER
Before you participate in any Dontgetlost Adventure Running event, you'll need to sign our Waiver. A Parent or Guardian must sign the Waiver for any participant who will be under the age of 18 on the day of an event. Thank you!
Sign the Minor Waiver (Parent or Guardian)
ENTRY FEES
NORMAL
By October 15
ADULT: $30
JUNIOR: $15
LATE
By October 17
ADULT: $40
JUNIOR: $20
Entry fee includes a copy of the race map, access to the Highlands Nordic Chalet, refreshments and a 2024 DontGetLost Adventure Running membership to cover race insurance.
It does not include the online transaction charge or HST.
FACILITIES
We have rented space inside the Chalet so changerooms and washrooms will be available.
SCHEDULE
9:00-9:35: Participant Check-in at the Chalet
9:45: Course Planner Briefing
Walk to Start location a short distance from the Chalet.
10:00: Interval Starts
All participants must be back at the Finish no later than 2 hours after their start.
11:30-1:00 Light refreshments in the Chalet
REQUIRED GEAR
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Mountain Bike
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Helmet
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Whistle
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Appropriate clothing for the conditions
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Watch or other time keeping device (e.g. phone)
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SportIdent Timing Card (rentals available)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED GEAR
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Basic Compass
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Cell phone - not to be used for navigation except in an emergency
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Water, snacks - there won't be an aid station on course
Experienced mountain bike orienteers often use a specialized bike map holder on their handlebars. You don't need one for this event but please come prepared with some plan for carrying your map, which will be in a plastic sleeve. Some people stick the map in their jersey pocket and pull it out to look at it. Others attach their map to their handlebars, pin it to their clothing, or tuck it under the bottom of their bike shorts or inside their jersey. It's up to you but test your idea and be sure to ride safely.
CONTACT
Amber Panchyshyn
Thank you to OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS!
