This year's MTBO Champs was held at Wondai with a Sprint around the township, the Middle distance at the Barambah Bush Caravan Park and the Long in McEuen state forest.
With 3 new maps by Geoff Peck and Craig Steffens riders had plenty or challenging tracks through suburbia, 2 golf courses, schools, showgrounds and bushland.
The Sprint kicked off on Saturday morning with courses by Stephen Hibbert and took riders through the township street network, parklands before entering the sportsground across the golf course and after a map change, through the school and showgrounds. You had to have one eye out for controls and the other looking to the local magpies who must have been tipped off to our presence and called in reinforcements! Unfortunately 2 controls turned off prematurely, giving riders a reminder on what to do in that situation... some passed the test!
The Middle distance stage was a short drive away, on an old trail network on private land. Michael and Janelle Schafer had courses designed that looped riders through the site with a map change on the 9th hole of the golf course. The walking tracks with numerous logs to cross tested some, the loose surfaces required concentration and the hill climbing drew plenty of comments at the download desk.
The Long distance stage was in the state forest adjoining Wondai township. It's trail network had been constructed by the South Burnett MTB Club and had plenty of single track, dips, bridges and long flowing sections for riders to enjoy. Having mapped the area, my courses ensured that there was always a short technical route to tempt riders to the next checkpoint. I'm not sure if it was the local Lions club BBQing or all the riders presence buy we attracted the attention of the local mayor, who dropped in to check out the action.
Thanks to the MTBO Club and Sunshine Orienteers Club volunteers who made the event happen.
There are now 2 MTBO's left in 2021, so here's hoping that no lockdowns get in the way.
