Enduro Mountain Biking accessible to all
So you noticed the dearth of posts. It isn't that we haven't been heavily involved in mountain biking, its just that riding hasn't figured very much.
Cyclic Navigator #4 is next weekend (Sunday 29th November to be exact) and we have been preparing since Saturday 7th March. Every 'free' weekend has been devoted to field work for the map and/or cartography. So anything beyond a very local ride or a ride in pursuit of fieldwork (most done by GPS in a 4WD) has been almost nought. The mapping is over and this weekend was organisational which is just as well given the welcome rain. 40mm since Friday eve as I write early Sunday.
Until now, extreme heat and/or fire danger were looming as potnetial causes of a postponement but given more rain is forecast for later in the week, we are breathing easier as are the entrants.
And so I ask, why aren't you entered? This isn't a masochist's event. It doesn't require advanced technical skills. You don't even need to stay out 4 hours or 6. It certainly does help to be able to read a map but if you are comfortable with VicRoads maps and even Melway, you should be fine.
Entrants have ranged from 12 through to – well let's just say over 80ish, eh Joyce and Graham. Mountain biking ability has ranged from recent to expert. Fitness from average to superb.
Pair up. And larger groups can ride together anyway in this event. Price is very reasonable compared to commercial events thanks to volunteers 'funding' through their work. Profits go to development of junior orienteering and the last year over $1,000 went that way.
And what a challenge! Saying in the saddle, finding checkpoints, building up your score and having a barrel of fun. The broad smiles as people finish, even in our atrocious weather of 2 years ago, says it all.
And you get something else out of it. A waterproof map that has more tracks and roads than any other map available – many more even than the renowned CFA maps. So you can come back at any time and explore further in this great mountain biking area.
The event area encompasses part of the Great Dividing Trail's multi-use Wallaby Track (previously Federation Track). There is a high value checkpoint on an interesting part of the trail. 4 or 6 hours in this even will stand you in good stead for riding all (Daylesford – Buninyong, about 12 hours for an average rider like me) or sections such as Daylesford – Creswick, Creswick – Ballarat.
I've gotta go – picking up more event equipment from Russell Bourke a fellow Eureka orienteer as he passes through Daylesford this morning. These volunteers are great!
See you out there – entries close online Tuesday evening. Unless someone else in the club picks it up we will take a break from teh event next year and look at staging it every 2nd year. So do it now. www.cyclicnavigator.mapsport.net.au