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Last Minute Information
Please drive slowly on the West Wallsend to Killingworth road. The recent rain has resulted in the road being very potholed in a number of areas whether approaching from either direction.
Parking will be only on the Eastern side of the gravel road, towards the top of the hill, roughly half-way between West Wallsend and Killingworth. Not at the substation as previously advertised.
The assembly area is in the large powerline clearing. Follow the tracks west, approximately, 100m from the parking.
The safety briefing will begin at 10am. The competition area is undulating with a large number of tracks. The forest is still quite wet in the lower areas.
Punching will be using the pin punches located on the top of each control stand. There are many control stands in the forest. Competitors must ensure the check the control codes (located on the top of the stands) and punch the correct control stands for their course, and in the correct punch box.
The course finish is at the Finish Tent, where your time will be recorded. Those competing as pairs must remain together at all times.
A reminder that competitors and helpers will need to bring all their own food and drinks for the day.
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44th Orienteering Championships
The Range (near Killingworth)
Tuesday, 9 Aug 2022
For more information - Click here
LAST MINUTE UPDATE - Click here
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NOY7 - Sugarloaf North
28 Aug 2022
Click here for more details. Click here to Pre-Enter.
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Date: Sunday, 28 Aug 2022.
Start times: 9:30-11:30 am Course Closure: 1 pm
New map: Sugarloaf North. 1:10 000 scale with 5 metre contour interval. Base map from Hamish Mackie and fieldwork/cartography by Ian Dempsey.
Terrain: In the northern foothills of Mt. Sugarloaf, this section of the Sugarloaf State Conservation Area is mostly undisturbed eucalypt forest. It has gently undulating to steep terrain with good parallel watercourse and subtle gully detail. There’s a small area of complex man-made landform features. Large areas of the map are fast run with passable slower vegetation in other places. There are small rock features throughout. However, long and medium hard courses have a leg through a band of large rock (5m boulders and cliffs). Tracks and power lines provide strong catching features.
Some tracks near the assembly have been ripped up which has effectively discouraged trail bikes. You may find the adjacent forest faster going than the track there. Areas of this map that are too steep for orienteering are shown with grey contour lines and an “area not mapped” note. On longer courses, you may encounter lawyer vine and leeches in sheltered areas.
Directions and parking: NOTE that parking will be on both sides of a section of George Booth Drive (80km/hr speed limit) about 4.5km north-west of Seahampton. Check the map below that shows safe turning points that should be used when you exit the event. If you overshoot the parking (it’s confined to about a 300m section on each side of the road), proceed to a safe turning point and park on the other side of the road when you return. Pink surveyor’s tape marks the start/end of parking sections. Park as far to the left side off the main road as you’re able. Take care when you cross the road to access assembly/return to your car.
Courses:
|
|
Length (km) |
Climb (m) |
No. controls |
Difficulty |
|
Very Easy |
2.1 |
60 |
9 |
Follows tracks and clearings/some streamered legs. |
|
Easy |
2.1 |
65 |
11 |
Most controls a short distance from the line feature. Some streamered legs. |
|
|
NOTE Easy and Very Easy have a 100m leg in the early part of their courses along the side of George Booth Drive. There’s an 8m cleared strip between the edge of the forest and the road on this leg. Please warn juniors about this and consider shadowing, if you think it necessary. |
|||
|
Short Moderate |
2.7 |
50 |
9 |
Many cross-country legs with strong catching features. |
|
Long Moderate |
3.9 |
85 |
14 |
|
|
Short Hard |
3.3 |
80 |
12 |
Difficult navigation requiring fine map-reading skill, compass bearings and route choice |
|
Medium Hard |
4.7 |
145 |
15 |
|
|
Long Hard |
6.3 |
250 |
18 |
|
Control descriptions are printed on the maps. If you'd like to have an additional copy - download them here - words or symbols.
Special map features: brown triangle = termite mound > 0.3m, green cross = stump/tree root mound > 1.5m, black circle = survey marker, black cross = wreckage.
Please help collect controls after the event.
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Click here for more details. Click here to Pre-Enter. RESULTS
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Training event on Sunday 24 July 2022.
Wallaroo Quarry off Italia Road
UPDATED Instructions:
Moderate / Hard runners (and walkers): One side of the map has a 4 km course that can easily be shortened on a map where all the tracks have been removed. There are 3 elements; One is compass training, one is following a line on the map and one is a few normal legs. For experienced runners the last 2 sections can be done without a compass.
On the flip side of the maps is a score courses that can be done either as a 20 min fast and furious score course (self timed and scored) or as a non timed training activity with suitable controls to your skill level. This map has the major tracks but not the trial bike tracks.
Assembly:
Due to the past heavy rain and the forecast for next week access has become a bit more complicated.
At the quarry. From the Pacific Highway turn L into Italia road. Follow Italia road for 3.5kms then turn R and follow Orienteering signs.
This road has, as of 17 July 2022, three puddles which makes it necessary to have a car with a bit of ground clearance. A 4WD ute or similar should have no problems, the road surface is hard gravel. There is some very limited parking on the Northern side of Italia Road 100m before the turn off. Best option if in doubt will be parking at Balickera Park. This would involve a 500m/800m walk/run to the assembly or we will operate a simple shuttle service. Further instruction will be published closer to the event.
FEES: $6 per person - first timers - FREE- Details
Date: Sunday 17th July 2022
Starts: 9:30-11:30 am Course Closure 1 pm
Map: Redgum Ridges 1:10 000
Assembly: 150m inside and east of the main gate. GPS: -32.98862, 151.50169
PLEASE CAR POOL DUE TO LIMITED PARKING (see important information below)
Directions
From M1 take the Toronto Exit (Palmers Rd) then head west twowards Freeman’s Waterhole. From Cessnock travel to Freemans Waterhole and turn left at the roundabout heading towards Toronto. The event is on the sounthern side 1.5km along Palmer’s Rd.
Give plently of indication when turning. It is a 90km per hour road.
Parking: Due to recent wet weather, there will be limited parking at the assembly and in the areas previously used west of the main gate. (15-20 cars). Some off road parking is located 1km west of the freeway junction (150m after the private road, and immediately after you cross the concrete bridge on the road). Turn left into a small parking area which may hold approximately 20-40 cars depending on weather. It is a 500m walk west to the assembly. Once full, vehicles will need to park on the southern side of the main road (Palmers Rd) well before, and well after the main gate. Park as far off the edge of the main road as possible and take extra care when opening doors. Please keep away from the main gate entrance as our landholders have requested access.
Another possiblity is to park at Freemans Waterhole, 1.5 kms west, and use it as your warm up and cool down run, or arrange to car pool from the Lake Maquarie Memorial Park at Ryhope (just east of the Freeway junction) where there is plenty of parking. Thank you for your help.
Courses: The start for all courses will be 50m east of the registration.
Hard Long - 6.4km, 200m climb, 19 controls (includes a spectator control before a final hill loop)
Hard Medium - 4.9km, 160m climb, 16 controls
Hard Short - 3.5km, 115m climb, 12 controls
Moderate Long - 4.0km, 85m climb, 15 controls
Moderate Short - 2.5km, 65m climb, 11 controls
Easy - 2.5km. 60m climb, 10 controls
Very Easy - 2.1km, 55m climb, 11 controls
Control Descriptions are printed on the maps. If you'd like to have an additional copy - download them here - words or symbols
Notes
- The Redgum Ridges map features intricate detail in watercourses and lower slopes, separated by steep ridges. Tracks are mostly restricted to the ridge lines. The bush is mostly open and very runnable in most parts.
- Some watercourses are deeply eroded with steep to vertical sides. These can be difficult to cross and be slippery.
- Derelict barbed wire fences parallel many of the tracks - some are marked with red tape.
- If heavy rain precedes the event some creeks may be difficult to cross.
- Leg protection is recommended.
- Some leeches have been found during setting and vetting.
- Trail bikes are active and there is an acess road through the course to a neighbours house (south from the main gate ) that most runners will cross or use during their course. Keep out of their way.
- Tree root mound symbol has been removed from this map. X = wreckage; O = survey post
- One streamer trail is shown on the relevant maps with pink/ purple dashes.
- No toilets at the event. Nearest at Freemans Waterhole.
Saftey Bearing: North to the main track
Acknowledgements: Thanks to State Forests and adjacent landholders the Sheedy and Cleary families for allowing us access. Thanks to Jenny and Erika Enderby for vetting the course.
At least 3 helpers are needed for parking, and 5 helpers are needed to collect controls.
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For those who have entered
these Events
(entries closed last Friday).
Saturday 9 July 2022 &
Sunday 10 July 2022
For more information - Click here
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“Contours and Compass” Training
Description:
The area is on the outskirts of Newcastle and is characterised by an intricate track network, complex water features, a major powerline, and mixed runnability. Like many areas, there are some features that are more liable to change over time (e.g., tracks, car wrecks, vegetation) than others (e.g., contours, rocks, major water features). The purpose of this training event is to practise using the reliable features to help navigate around the course, even when utilising the tracks!
Courses:
Easy, 2.1 km – Controls are on or close to tracks. Practise checking direction with your compass, and the shape of the land using the contours, rather than just relying on the tracks themselves.
Moderate, 3.4 km – Longer legs and harder control sites than Easy. Structure each leg carefully and make sure you have a clear attack point.
Hard Short, 3.6 km – Full difficulty and some low visibility areas. To sharpen focus on navigating by more reliable features (and compass), tracks have been removed from the map. Power pylons are also gone. A blank complete map is on the flip side, however, as a backup.
Hard Long, 5.8 km – Like Hard Short but with a map flip halfway and no blank complete map as backup. Some controls are in the greener areas in the north not visited by the other courses.
Each control is marked by a flag and an electronic (SportIdent) punching unit.
Control Descriptions:
WORDS or SYMBOLS
The start for all courses is 200 m from the assembly area. Follow the blue and white streamers.
Starts are from 9.30 – 11.30 am. Course closure at 1 pm.
Directions:
Head to Killingworth. In Killingworth turn north onto The Boulevarde that becomes Killingworth Rd. After about 1 km park carefully along the side of the road near the Transgrid substation. Note that there are numerous potholes on Killingworth Rd – drive slowly!
Safety:
The area is frequented by motorbikes and 4WDs. Give them a wide berth!
Safety bearing is south-east to Killingworth Rd and then back to the assembly area near the substation.
Planner:
Stephen Craig, 0447 166 281
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Date Sunday 26th June 2022
Starts 9:30-11:30 am Course Closure 1 pm
Map The Powerlines 1:10 000
Assembly Just North of the junction of Goulburn and Lismore Streets, Abermain. Follow a short trail from the street junction.
Directions From Freemans Drive
Continue from Freemans Drive on Leggetts Drive, turn left onto Lake Rd to Kearsley then continue straight on Allandale Rd which turns into Neath Rd. Follow Neath Rd to the end and turn right on Cessnock Rd. Turn left onto Goulburn St, Abermain and follow to the end (Lismore Street).
From Hunter Expressway
Take the Hart Rd exit and turn South west onto Hart Rd. Continue on Gingers Lane then turn left on Frame Dr. Turn right onto Lismore St, Abermain and follow until the junction of Goulburn St.
Parking Park along the bush side of Lismore St (nose in if there is space) preferably. You can also park further along Lismore St and Goulburn St. Avoid the fenced council works area.
Courses: The start for all courses will be 100m north of the registration. The finish for all courses will be 100m North West of the assembly area/registration. No toilets available near the start.
Hard Long - 6.9km, 80m climb, 20 controls
Hard Medium - 5.2km, 70m climb, 17 controls
Hard Short - 3.4km, 50m climb, 13 controls
Moderate Long - 3.4km, 50m climb, 15 controls
Moderate Short - 2.6km, 40m climb, 18 controls
Easy - 2.2km. 25m climb, 16 controls
Very Easy - 2.1km, 25m climb, 15 controls
Control Descriptions are printed on the maps. If you'd like to have an additional copy - download them here - words or symbols
Notes (a) The area has an extensive track network. Some low areas are wet and muddy though most tracks are dry except in a few places. There are some large erosion gullies with fallen trees at the edges so take care in those areas. There is some rubbish on the map which includes rusty corrugated iron, household appliances and car wrecks. The old rubbish tip is marked as Out Of Bounds and marked on the map with pink hatched lines - do not enter or cross this area (only Long Moderate and Hard courses go near this area). Very Easy and Easy Courses follow a dry watercourse for a short way.
(b) TRAIL BIKES and 4WD’s use the area. KEEP OUT OF THEIR WAY.
(c) The area does contain SPIKEY VEGETATION. Hard courses (mostly Hard Medium and Long) may wish to have full body cover (long pants and long sleeves).
(d) 1. Brown triangle represents small termite mounds. Meat- ant nests are NOT SHOWN.
- Prominent tree-root mounds are shown with a green X. There may be new unmapped tree root mounds due to a strong recent wind storm knocking over several large trees.
- Streamer trails are shown on relevant maps with pink/ purple dashes.
(e) At least 5 helpers are needed to collect controls at every event.
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Date: Sunday 19 June 2022
Starts: 9:30 - 11:30 am Course Close 1:00 pm
Map: Blue Gum Hills (central section) 1:7500 5m contours
Format: This will be a mixed format event with the emphasis on gaining knowledge from
more proficient orienteers by optionally having a “coach” accompany you on
course. They can either demonstrate the basics from map orientation and
interpretation through to route planning or alternately assist with any navigational
weak point you may have. This is aimed at both the newer orienteer and those that
may have been orienteering for some time but are still having some difficulties.
Additionally, the course planner will be available prior to your “run” to discuss your
course selection, proposed route and the terrain you will encounter and also again
post “run” to go over your course. Please contact the organiser to pre-register
your interest in either having or being a “coach” for this event.
Directions: Travel to Blue Gum Hills Regional Park Minmi. Pass through the main entrance.
Continue to the roundabout beyond the carpark where you will be directed through
a gate. From this point it is 800m to the assembly on a good gravel road, but it does
have drainage humps that may be difficult for low or long wheel based vehicles to
cross. Alternately park at the carpark and walk via the Heritage Trail or cycle in.
Courses:
| Very Easy | Select this basic orienteering course which follows tracks (or taped routes) if you are a novice or younger junior. |
1.4 km | 9 controls |
|
Easy |
Slightly harder than Very Easy - great for adult novices. | 1.3 km | 8 controls |
|
Progressive |
Select this if you are wanting to step up from Easy to Moderate courses or confident adult novice. Begins Very Easy and progresses to Moderate navigation on last few controls. |
1.7 km | 8 controls |
|
Score Course |
Choose your own adventure by visiting as many controls as you want in any order. Mostly Moderate level navigation with a few harder point features. |
3.2 km | (est) 16 controls |
Punching SI Units will be set to beacon mode but will not be turned on until the first person
inserts their SI stick.
Controls/flags will be a mixture of stands and hanging type.
Notes: Some minor tracks in the western part of the map are now less defined and marked
with blue/white tapes. Optional crossing points are indicated by blue/white tapes.
Safety: Full leggings are advised. Rolling under fences is the safest method of crossing.
Known mining subsidence is marked on map with pink dots but unmarked in field.
Cost: $6 with free entry to first timers.
Entries: Pre-entry preferred but there will be enter on day available. Click here
First-timers how to register & enter for free Click here
Water: Please supply all your own needs including on-course hydration.
Facilities: There are toilets, BBQs and a maze in the main park on the way in/out.
Contact: Geoff Peel 0422 471 353 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Bush Series 2022 Calendar.
| Date | Event | Location | Information | Results | ||
| 20/03/2022 | SL2 | Honeyeater Hideout | Click here | Eventor | ||
| 03/04/2022 | NOY1 | Hebburn Road | Click here | Eventor | ||
| 01/05/2022 | NOY2 | Fairley Dams | Click here | Eventor | ||
| 08/05/2022 | Pairs | Jesmond Park | Click here | Eventor | ||
| 22/05/2022 | Minor | Jigadee | Click here | Eventor | ||
| 29/05/2022 | NOY3 | Mining Mystery | Click here | Eventor | ||
| 05/06/2022 | Training | Heart Rate Hills | Click here | |||
| 19/06/2022 | Training | Blue Gums Hills | Click here | Eventor | ||
| 26/06/2022 | NOY4 | Abermain | Click here | Eventor | ||
| 03/07/2022 | Training | The Range - West Wallsend | Click here | Eventor | ||
| 17/07/2022 | NOY5 | Redgum Ridges | Click here | Eventor | ||
| 24/07/2022 | Training | Wallaroo | Click here | |||
| 31/07/2022 | Training | Rathmines | Click here | |||
| 07/08/2022 | NOY6 | Stockrington West | Click here | Eventor | ||
| 09/08/2022 | Hunter Schools | The Range | Click here | Eventor | ||
| 28/08/2022 | NOY7 | Sugarloaf North | Click here | Eventor | ||
| 18/09/2022 | NOY8/HVC | Stockrington West | Click here | Eventor |
Newcastle Orienteer of the Year (NOY) Series Standings - click here
Click here to learn more about Orienteering
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Newcastle Orienteering Club “Come & Try It” / Training Event
Date: Sunday 22 May 2022
Location: Awaba State Forest (near Freeman’s Waterhole)
Map “Jigadee Jog” 5m contour interval
1: 7 500 (Very Easy, Progressive & Moderate Courses),
1:10 000 (Moderate /Hard Courses).
Directions: From the NORTH: From the roundabout at Freemans Waterhole (intersection of Freemans Drive &
Palmers Rd) travel south on Freemans Drive for 2.8km. Turn right near the top of the hill into
Becks Road and drive 500m to the parking.
From the SOUTH: Exit the M1 motorway at the Freemans Drive/B82 exit and turn left towards
Kurri Kurri/Cessnock. After 500m turn left into Becks Road and drive 500m to the parking.
NOTE: BE ALERT FOR ORIENTEERS RUNNING ACROSS OR ALONG BECKS ROAD AND GIVE WAY.
PLEASE ADOPT A 30KMH SPEED LIMIT WHEN DRIVING ALONG BECKS ROAD.
Parking: Along the cleared area on the western side of the road, 70m past the assembly area (may not suit
low clearance vehicles) and along the power line ride which heads south from the bend in the
road, 150m past the assembly area.
Assembly: From the parking walk along cleared area on the western side of the road back to the assembly
area, just off Becks Road. Take care if crossing the road.
Start/Finish: The Start is up the hill 100m north of the Assembly. The Finish is adjacent to the Assembly area.
Start window 9:30am to 11:30am.
Course closure: 1:00pm (ensure you start in time to finish by course closure time).
Special Symbols T = tree root mound (non-standard symbol) O = man made feature X = car wreck
Entries: Pre-entry via Eventor preferred but there will be some Enter on Day available.
https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Events/Show/17475
If you are having trouble entering please contact us using the details below.
Fees: FREE TO FIRST TIMERS!
All other entries $6. Extra maps $5
Note: an entry can be a small group but includes only one map.
Courses:
Very Easy - 1.4km - Follows tracks, powerlines and a streamer trail through the bush. For
youngsters or as an introduction to the basics of orienteering for those with zero navigation or
bush experience.
Progressive (Very Easy/Easy/Moderate) - 2.5km - The first part of the course has Very Easy level
controls along tracks, powerlines and a streamer trail through the bush progressing to Easy level
controls near to tracks/fences. The later part of the course includes some basic cross country
navigation with some Moderate level controls. Recommended for first-timers.
Moderate - 2.5km - Requires basic cross country navigation. Mostly on the easier side of
Moderate level. A step up for those already confident on Easy level courses or those new to
orienteering but with some experience at map reading and off-track navigating.
Moderate/Hard Short - 3.4km - Mostly Moderate level. Some harder legs, mostly near the end.
Moderate/Hard Long - 5.1km - Earlier controls are mostly Moderate with harder controls in the
second half.**
( ** For the keen faster orienteers wanting to race there will be the option of a “reverse chasing”
handicap start on the Moderate/Hard Long with the slowest runners starting around 10:00am.
Handicaps will be determined by the organiser. Email the organiser (subject “Jigadee”) if you want
to take part. Entry will be at the organiser’s discretion (you will be expected to be able to run the
5.1km course in under 60mins).)
Control descriptions will be printed on the map and will also be available to print from Eventor.
Water: No water will be provided on the courses or at the assembly area. Please bring your own and
consider carrying water on the course.
Safety: The safety bearing is SOUTHEAST to the sealed roads (Beck Rd or Freemans Drive). Or if on a
Moderate/Hard course and have crossed Becks Rd then NORTH to Becks Road.
Results: Live results should be available at http://sportident.itsdamp.com (click on Live Results) and later
on Eventor.
Planner: Glenn Burgess.
Enquiries: Geoff Peel 0422 471 353 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Help with collecting controls following the event closure will be needed and very much appreciated.
- Details
Date Sunday 29th May Starts 9:30-11:30 am Course Closure 1 pm
Map Mining Mystery 1:7 500
Assembly Hebburn St, Pelaw Main. Assembly will near the railway station on the left after passing through the gate.
Directions From John Renshaw Drive
Turn left onto Railway St Kurri Kurri at the roundabout after passing McDonalds then after 350m turn left onto Stanford St. After 500m turn right onto Hebburn St and proceed for 500m through the gate. Parking and assembly will be on the left.
From Leggetts Drive
Turn left onto Hebburn St Pelaw Main and proceed for 500m through the gate. Parking and assembly will be on the left.
Courses: The start for all courses will be 150m W. of the registration. The Hard Long course will have a streamer trail leading away from the start.
Hard Long - 7.2km, 100m climb, 20c
Hard Medium - 5.3km, 70m climb, 14c
Hard Short - 3.3km, 50m climb, 10c
Moderate Long - 3.1km, 40m climb, 12c
Moderate Short - 2.1km, 20m climb, 10c
Easy - 1.8km. 20m climb, 13c
Very Easy - 1.6km, 10m climb, 11c
Control Descriptions are printed on the maps. If you'd like to have an additional copy - download them here - words or symbols
Notes (a) The area has an extensive track network. Low areas are very wet and muddy. There has been vegetation regrowth over most of the map with some heavily vegetated areas.
(b) TRAIL BIKES and 4WD’s use the area. KEEP OUT OF THEIR WAY.
(c) The area does contain SPIKEY VEGETATION.
(d) 1. Brown triangle represents small termite mounds.
- Prominent tree-root mounds are shown with a green X. Meat- ant nests are NOT SHOWN.
- Streamer trails are shown on relevant maps with pink/ purple dashes.
(e) At least 5 helpers are needed to collect controls at every event.
NEW INFORMATION:
There will be toilet facilities available.
There are large pieces of machinery around the assembly area. Please keep clear and keep children from climbing on them.
There is an area of mine subsidence marked with red and white tape in the field. Please avoid this area.
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2022 Newcastle Orienteering of the Year - Event 2 - O’Donnelltown
Date Sunday 1st May Starts 9:30-11:30 am
Map Fairley Dams 1:10 000
Assembly O'Donnelltown Rd, 300m past the overpass over the M1 Motorway. Parking on both sides of O'Donnelltown Rd.
Directions From the M1 Motorway Northbound
Take the George Booth Drive exit and turn right. At the next roundabout, turn right onto Carrington St and proceed through West Wallsend onto Railway St. Turn right onto O'Donnelltown Rd and proceed for 1km to the Overpass over the M1. The assembly area and parking are a further 300m ahead to the left.
From the M1 Motorway Southbound
Take the Newcastle exit onto Newcastle Link Rd. Turn right at the lights onto Cameron Park Drive and proceed 2km to the roundabout at George Booth Drive. Continue straight ahead onto Carrington St and proceed as above.
Courses Hard Long - 6.9km, 220m climb, 21c
Hard Medium - 5.2km, 160m climb, 19c
Hard Short - 3.8km, 120m climb, 12c
Moderate Long - 3.6km, 75m climb, 11c
Moderate Short - 2.6km, 60m climb, 8c
Easy - 2.2km. 60m climb, 9c
Very Easy - 1.8km, 40m climb, 10c
Control Descriptions are printed on the maps. If you'd like to have an additional copy - download them here - WORDS or SYMBOLS.
Notes Generally Open runnable forest with some denser vegetation around the main creek system adjacent to the assembly. Terrain is undulating with steeper sections including some cliff lines and rock detail for the Hard Courses on the side of one of the major spurs off Sugarloaf Range. There has been substantial regrowth of vegetation on the upper slopes of the map which limits visibility in some areas. The area is very wet and muddy generally from the extended periods of rain in the last few months. Full body cover recommended and be sure to check for leeches!
