Sutherland's GroveSun 02 February, 2025
Local level event
Explanation of Event levels
Local events are usually low key and in the 'localised' area, ideal for newcomers to try the sport and Activities are non competitive events used for training and coaching, aimed at members of the club, but they can attract people from neighbouring clubs, and are often ideal for newcomers to try the sport. Regional events attract participants from around the local Region, National events are high quality competitions that will attract people from far away, Major events are Major Events such as a British Championships.
Results
Report
Another successful EckO event. We had to postpone this event (a first Bike-O/ Foot-O for us) last year - horrible weather forecast and hardly any entries). But Sunday attracted around thirty odd competitors, plus accompanying friends and parents; so, getting on for fifty folk orienteering.
Thanks to planner/organiser John for updating the map; checking control sites; testing downhill bike routes; planning courses; setting controls; helping at registration/download; and control collection. Thank you, John.
Alan
Pre Event Info
This event will offer two courses on foot which keep to the tracks and trails or a mountain bike score course (collect as many points as you can in one hour).
Location Info
Near: Barcaldine Lat,Lng: 56.52839,-5.31062 OS Grid Ref: NM965421 Postcode: PA37 1SQ
Open an interactive map in:
GoogleMap -
Streetmap (OS 50k)
OpenStreetMap -
BingMap (OS 50k)
Directions / Parking
Sutherland's Grove parking area, off the A828 north of Barcaldine. Forestry and Land Scotland have a parking charge. Please pay this as it helps fund FLS activities locally. You are also encouraged to car share or cycle to the event.
Map / Terrain
The map is a mixture of forestry woodland, some dense, some open; occasional pockets of deciduous trees; and felled areas (best avoided). There is an extensive network of tracks and paths.
Registration and Start times
Registration: from 10.30
Start times: 11.00 - 12.00
Mountain bike event: 1 hour time limit
Foot orienteering courses close: 14.00
Course Information
General
This event offers the chance to try either orienteering on foot or on mountain bike. We will be offering two foot courses which keep to the tracks and trails and a mountain bike score course (collect as many points as you can in one hour).
Course Information Foot Orienteering
- Short Trail Run – 3.0km
- Long Trail Run – 6.7km
Please note the long trail run includes a small river crossing and both courses include some short steep paths. These courses are not suitable for buggies. Stout shoes with good grips or studs are advisable.
Course Information Mountain Bike Orienteering
This will be a score event. Competitors will have 1 hour to visit as many controls as possible (in any order). Controls score different points - 10 points for easy/nearby controls; 50 points for difficult/distant controls. There is a penalty (ten points per minute) for exceeding 60 minutes; so a watch/GPS device/etc is essential to avoid incurring penalty points.
Competitors must follow the Off-road Cycling Code, particularly:
- by passing walkers and horse riders slowly and courteously
- by closing all gates (even if half open), by not climbing walls / hedges.
- You must not enter any Out of Bounds areas or tracks during an event, penalty disqualification.
- The use of footpaths, private tracks or out of bounds areas will result in disqualification from the event.
- Ride with the aim to leave no trace, by avoiding skidding.
The following equipment should be carried:
- Compulsory – Helmet
- Recommended – Map, Compass, Waterproof Top, First Aid Kit, Whistle, Watch, Phone
Competitors must offer help to other competitors who are injured or in need of assistance. Compensation for time lost will be at the discretion of the organisers.
If a control is missing or located in the wrong place, do not waste time looking for it. Notify the organiser at the end of the event. If this is confirmed, you will be credited with the points.
You MUST report to the finish, even if you retire.
Entry Details
Entry Details Foot Orienteering
Juniors (under 21): £4
Seniors: £6 (SOA/BOA members); £7 (non members)
Entry Details Mountain Bike Orienteering
The mountain bike course is registered with British Mountain Bike Orienteering (BMBO) and requires riders to be either a BMBO member or to complete a Day Rider form (available on the day).
Juniors (under 21): £4
Seniors: £6 (BMBO members); £7 (Day Riders)
How to enter
We very much prefer online entry and payment of entry fees.
Please email info@ecko.org.uk with the following details for each competitor:
- Name
- Club
- Age Group (M14, W35 etc; or give year of birth)
- Course/Discipline (e.g. Bike; Foot/Long)
- Dibber number (we will allocate a club dibber for those who don't have their own).
- Payment method (bank transfer or cash)
Bank details:
Account name: Loch Eck Orienteers
Sort code: 87-43-62
Account number: 75376768
Cash payment should be placed in a labelled envelope and handed in at registration.
Entry on the day is possible, but we print only a few extra maps for each course and so there is a risk you won't get your preferred course.
Dog restrictions
Well-behaved, under control dogs are welcome, but please clean up after.
Facilities
There are no facilities at Sutherland's Grove. Nearest facilities are Racer Cafe (Barcaldine),
Miscellaneous
Sutherland's Grove is well used by walkers, dog walkers, runners, and cyclists. Please respect these fellow users.
Contacts / Officials
Organiser/Planner – John McLuckie 07803 987647 secretary@ecko.org.uk