Try MTBO and enjoy navigation at higher speed!
Upcoming ACT MTBO Events
Day | Date | Event | Distance |
---|---|---|---|
Thursday | 17-Oct-24 | Australian MTBO Carnival & Championships: Social Warm-Up Score Event, Bruce Ridge | |
Friday | 18-Oct-24 | Australian MTBO Carnival & Championships: MASS START, West Stromlo | |
Saturday | 19-Oct-24 | Australian MTBO Carnival & Championships: MIDDLE, Stringybark Hill | |
Saturday | 19-Oct-24 | Australian MTBO Carnival & Championships: SPRINT, Sutton Road Driving Center | Sprint |
Saturday | 19-Oct-24 | Australian MTBO Carnival PRESENTATIONS DINNER | Long |
Sunday | 20-Oct-24 | Australian MTBO Carnival & Championships: LONG, West Kowen | Long |
Wednesday | 18-Dec-24 | ACT Twilight MTBO: Gossan Hill + Come & Try MTBO | |
Saturday | 01-Mar-25 | ACT MTBO Series #1: TBA + Come & Try MTBO |
2024 Australian MTBO Championships and MTBO Carnival
The 2024 Australian MTBO Championships and MTBO Carnival will be held in Canberra from 17 to 20 October 2024.
Further information here
What is Mountain Bike Orienteering?
Mountain bike orienteering is an endurance sport attracting both orienteering and mountain bike enthusiasts. The most important orienteering skills needed are route choice and map memory. Confident bike handling and ability to cope with slopes both up and down is an absolute must for a top level athlete. As an environmental safeguard, competitors may not normally leave paths and tracks though it can exceptionally be permitted in some countries.
Mountain bike orienteering is one of the newer of the orienteering disciplines administered by the International Orienteering Federation. It started in the late 1980s at club level in countries where mountain biking was a popular outdoor sport. In 1997 national championships were run in 12 countries; 12 years later, in 2009, their numbers grew to 58.
World Championships in Mountain Bike Orienteering is organised every year attracting about 25 national teams. There is also a Junior MTBO WOC – our relay team has made the podium in past years.
How to get started with MTBO Video Tutorials
How to get started [1 of 3]
How to navigate [2 of 3]
Things you need to know [3 of 3]
Equipment
MAP: The map provided by the organiser is a special mountain bike orienteering map.
COMPASS: The compass is attached to the competitor’s arm or to the map holder. Optional.
MAP HOLDER: A map holder (map case) attached to the bike makes it possible to view the map at high speed without stopping. Beginners often start by putting the map in their pocket so a map holder is not essential. Map holders can also be hired.
HELMET: A hard helmet is compulsory.
BIKE: Competitors use robust mountain bikes. For safety reasons, the condition of the bike (e.g. brakes) is checked by the organiser before the start.
TOOLS: Competitors may carry tools and replace spare parts but may not seek or obtain help to carry out repairs.
WATER: Water is not provided on courses and you are encouraged to carry a water bottle on all but the short courses.
Resources
Guidelines for Organisers of ACT MTBO Events (Updated October 2017)
International Specification for MTB Orienteering Maps – IOF
Australian Rules and Guidelines for MTBO – Orienteering Australia
Handbook for MTBO Course Setting – Swedish Orienteering Federation, 2018
ACT MTBO History 1997 – 2022 (excel spreadsheet download)
Recent MTBO News
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10 Tips for Beginners Participating in Their First Mountain Bike Orienteering Carnival17 September 2024/0 Comments