Orienteering
According to the British
Orienteering Federation, "Orienteering is a challenging outdoor
adventure sport that exercises both the mind and the body. The aim is to
navigate in sequence between control points marked on a unique orienteering
map 
and
decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. It does
not matter how young, old or fit you are, as you can run, walk or jog the
course and progress at your own pace".
According to Rob, "Orienteering is a chance to run around getting all
muddy and lost in the woods without being told off by your mum".
Several club members are also active orienteers, if you fancy giving it
a go then you'll usually find someone to go along with and tell you what
to do. For a list of forthcoming events, see the BOF
fixtures list, or for a list limited to local events, Eborienteers.
Mountain Marathons
A bit 
like
orienteering, but on a much bigger scale! Most mountain marathons involve
two days in the hills, doing a long orienteering course each day and carrying
tent, camping gear, and food for Saturday night. Don't be put off by the
word 'marathon', although the Elite course are the same sort of length as
a traditional marathon (on each day - together with several thousand feet
of ascent and descent!), most events have several classes, usually including
categories for novices and walkers. Running up hills and sleeping in a tent
barely enough to fit one person in let alone two, are strictly optional!
The
main events
| 5-6 April |
The
Highlander |
Somewhere up near Inverness. Unusual
in that at the overnight camp, instead of huddling in a tent eating
dehydrated substances, there's a Ceilidh with food provided! Be prepared
for foul weather, though last year was apparently a heat wave. Entries
now open. |
| 3-5 May |
Great
Lakeland 3 Day |
100 miles over 3 days. But you don't
have to carry overnight gear, and the route generally follows ridges
and paths, so navigation is easy and there are very few bogs or long
traverses! Entries now open and limited to 50 |
| 7-8 June |
LAMM |
"The connoisseur's mountain marathon".
Somewhere in the Scottish Highlands, further vague details (eg how
far it is from Glasgow and Inverness) should be available soon - but
since last year it was near Tyndrum, this year it's likely to be in
the far north somewhere. |
| 5-6 July |
Saunders |
In the Lake District every year. Beer
can be bought at the mid camp. Entries now open. |
| 19-20 July |
The
Capricorn |
You don't have to carry camping gear
for this one, as you return to the event centre overnight. Somewhere
in northern England, location to be announced in the next few weeks.
Paper entries now open, online entries open shortly. |
| August? |
The
Phoenix |
Similar to the Capricorn but in the
Cheviots each year. It didn't take place last year but is supposed
to be back for 2008, dates still to be announced but normally August. |
| 20-21 September |
Mourne |
I don't know much about this other than
it's in Northern Ireland! Entries open in May. |
| 27-28 September |
RAB |
A new event last year. This year's is
in Northern England somewhere. All classes are 'score' courses, ie
you have a fixed time to visit as many checkpoints as possible. Entries
now open. |
| 25-26 October |
OMM |
The Original Mountain Marathon. 40 years
old and still going strong. Could be anywhere, region to be announced
when entries open in February or March. A mixture of line and score
courses |
Mountain Biking
There is a Mountain Bike Ride every
Saturday morning, the venue is normally decided on the preceeding Saturday.
These are cross country rides taking anything from 4 to 6 hours. They are
not particularly technical, but a helmet is mandatory, and are not recommended
for novices! Arrangements are usually made via an email list, contact Mike
if you want to be added.
During the summer, there are Thursday evening rides meeting lasting
2-3 hours. There are generally fewer broken bones on these rides and they
are normally suitable for novices.
Also, the YAC monthly trip meet usually includes a ride.
For more details about any of these, contact Andrew or Peter.
