A much better day for the second introductory MTBO and numbers more than doubled. Publicity thanks to the Upper Hutt Leader, email lists run by Shane Ross and Marco Renalli, and of course our own steadily growing list brought over 50 individuals to Totara Park. A rough assessment is that half were kids.
Whereas the courses last time were close to the river, planner Gavin Scott had Harcourt Park and California Park to use this time. And the curving streets and connecting walkways of the surrounding suburbs also gave some route choices. In an ideal world those barriers on the lanes and sets of steps would all be marked with a "obstacle" symbol so you could weigh up whether the short-cut was truly short or not. But the map isn't quite "finished" from a biking point of view. And it's always changing, some new boulders appeared on the riverbank since the courses were set:-))
Thanks to all those who gave advice, whether about the map, or how to make a mapholder, etc. John and Chris de Roo were there again, and Ray Nicholson picked up most of the controls.
Results
Course 1 1.5km pretty well in sight of the start, untimed
Though rain discouraged attendance, OHV's first MTBO beginner event explored the tracks on the riverbank between Melling and Kennedy-Good bridges. Hard to believe this was our first promo in 8 years, and lots of you said you had friends or family that would be interested. Simple mapholders were available for a nominal fee.
Jim Sutherland and Michael Wood found heaps of little tracks in the willows, one of which was being created or should that be extended as the event was in progress. There was even a three-way route choice (see left)!
Graeme Silcock, Magnus Bengtsson and Lisa Walker attended as coaches. John and Christine de Roo, MTBOers from way back excelled by bringing the greatest number of newcomers and rode with them round both courses. John and Chris were orienteering by bike (including tandem) even before we called it MTBO!
Click on pics for bigger versions (by Gavin Scott). On the left John de Roo is helping Hannah Barnes; in the middle Aidan Chipp shows off his $1 mapholder; and on the right Peter and Martine Barnes orientate themselves before the start.
Results
Course 1 1.5km pretty well in sight of the start, untimed