Come rain or shine, the annual Bottle Lake Forest Park Orienteering Day will go ahead on Sunday 21 February. There will be no cancellation or postponement.
With a two-hour sliding start time, organisers are calling on the public to experience the challenge and fun of orienteering while keeping the weather as an essential element in the experience.
Courses vary for beginners through to challenging and participants can start anytime from 10am to noon to compete in navigating the course in the quickest time. The Christchurch City Council event, which is run in partnership with the Peninsula and Plains Orienteering Club, finishes at 2pm.
"If you have ever lost your way in the woods, or wondered how you paddled up that blind bay, or couldn't see your way in a whiteout, or discovered your GPS was malfunctioning, it is time to brush up on your orienteering skills," says John Filsell, Manager Recreation and Sports. "Avoid such pitfalls by learning how to use a map and compass with confidence. These navigation skills are a great asset for anyone but particularly so for the adventurous."
The Orienteering Day is being promoted city-wide and we are hoping to attract 2000 plus participants of all ages and abilities, says Mr Filsell.
Orienteering at Bottle Lake involves navigating the forest park on either foot or mountain bike. Participants will be provided with a map and offered complimentary fruit and free water and sunscreen. It is recommended to bring a water bottle and a compass.
The Peninsula and Plains Orienteers plan the courses through the forest and assist budding orienteers. The club will be running a follow-on event on Sunday 14 March at McLeans Island. There will be a cost involved in participating in that event.
Members of Canterbury Mountain Bike Club will be at Bottle Lake to provide practical tips for mountain bikers.
The Bottle Lake Forest Park Orienteering Day is supported by the Christchurch City Council Recreation and Sports Unit, Canterbury Mountain Bike Club, High Country Outdoors, Classic Hits 97.7fm, Hellers Tasty Meats and the Cancer Society.
