Kangaroos' Tales - November 2014

Thursday, 20 November 2014

President's Piece

Over the last two weekends we have had a chance to see BK MTBO in action, and I must say our members distinguished themselves in many ways.

We had close finishes by Angus Robinson and Tim Jackson, while other members took out podium results. We had members offering help right across all events, as well as a welcoming atmosphere, excellent courses and terrific maps. Over the four event we were every lucky with the weather, three good days and one a tad hot.

(Last Sunday the El Dorado map was partly affected by fire. Luckily we were one day ahead.)

Many club members have commented favourably on the whole concept of a double weekend program. Thanks to Eureka, Nillumbik and Albury Wodonga for their input and thanks for all your contributions.

John Sheahan
BK President

State MTBO Sprint Champs. Sat 1st Nov

This event was held on the fantastic Crystal Hill map on  the outskirts of Maryborough. This map offers riding and navigating challenges, and will no doubt have many returning next time for another crack at unlocking its navigational secrets. The standout result was in the Mens 17/20 class with Angus Robinson crossing the line 20 seconds ahead of Tim Jackson. Andrew Rowan and Tim Hatley also did particularly well coming first in M21A and M50 A respectively.

The Saturday night dinner at the Maryborough Golf Course restaurant was an ideal venue for an orienteering gathering.

3 hour score event. Sun 2nd Nov

Angus Robinson came home 6 seconds behind the overall winner, a really strong result, with Carolyn Jackson coming home first in the Womens Open. Tim Jackson finished 1min 14 sec. behind mum. Talk about nail biting finishes! Peter Cusworth finished first in the Super Vet, one place up on Tim Hatley who finished 10th overall.

John Gavens and Heather Leslie came first in the Supervet Mixed, while Liliya Gluschenko came first in the Womens Vet class.

Our two new members from Norway Even and Magnus Fossum tried this branch of the sport for the first time and pronounced themselves converted!

State Middle Distance Champs El Dorado Sat 9th Nov

Held on a terrific new map this was a great event set in the tin mining landscape.

The standout results in this competition  were again focused on Tim Jackson who finished in first place in the M17/20 class and Angus Robinson who came home  in second place.

In the W21 A division Carolyn Jackson finished in 2nd place ahead of Christine Raviart in third place. Andrew Rowan rode strongly to finish in 3rd place.

Long Distance Champs-Stanley Sun 10th Nov

The assembly area at Stanley was ideal for this event, providing good start and finish locations in close proximity. The courses were well set by Carolyn Jackson and catered well for the various levels of ability.

In this event in the M17/20 division Angus Robinson took out first place ahead of Tim Jackson.

Christine Raviart and Heather Leslie notched up 2nd placings while Peter Cusworth and Andrew Rowan  placed 3rd in their sections.

 All MTBO photos by Bill Vandenool

 BK members put their hands up

For those who wonder about the full picture of Bayside Kangaroos part in Victorian Orienteering, here is a snapshot.

Street Orienteering

Mondays: Annie and Bernie Holloway are in charge of the series. Andrew Baker does the results.

Tuesdays: Jenny and John Sheahan coordinate the Western events with Ken Moore.

On Thursdays Ewen Templeton is responsible for the Northern Series.

The Geelong series also on Thursday evenings is conducted by BK’s Alan Cooke, with the Gavens and Tania Elderkin providing back up assistance.

The Surf Coast series is conducted by BK members, who also happen to love the surf.

Coming Up

On Sunday November 30th we are presenting the Vic Sprint Championships at Geelong’s Deakin Uni. with all the tasks and organisation that this requires. Already we have people offering to help which is really great.

On Friday 5th December  there will be an OCAD night for absolute beginners at Helen Alexanders 7.30 sharp. Confirm with Helen 96465253 or John Sheahan 93973493. Depending on numbers we may be able to hold an advanced class as well.

On December 13th we can relax with our Club End Of Year Gathering and Club Presentations at the Dunbars in Carnegie, from mid-morning till early afternoon.

While all this is going on we are conducting our Summer Series events, as are other clubs.

We then move onto the very successful Summer MTBO program which is again being coordinated by the  Cusworths. The details are on the OVic website. The first event is at Westerfolds on Sat Jan 24th starting at 6.00pm.

So proudly wear your club singlet knowing that Bayside Kangaroos is playing its part in keeping Orienteering events happening.