Orienteering Queensland
The Sunshine Orienteers Club Inc. is a small, not for profit, orienteering club based on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland. Our governing body is Orienteering Queensland. The area we encompass includes land between Bribie Island/Caboolture up to Noosa and out to Kilcoy.
Due to the nature of the terrain on the Sunshine Coast we predominately run Mountain Bike Orienteering events that are usually held in the Beerburrum State Forest or the Tewantin State Forest.
The sport of mountain bike orienteering (mtbo) is a combination of riding skills and navigation to find a number of checkpoints (controls) in bush terrrain, on tracks, trails and paths, using a specially prepared map. Orienteering is traditionally an individual sport but participation with a partner or in small groups is encouraged when participating at an mtbo event. We have had competitors aged from 5 years old up to 82 years ride and we promote this sport as suitable for individuals, families or groups of all ages and all levels of skill - or lack there of.....
All you need to participate is a mountain bike and a helmet. At each event we have volunteer club members available to assist newcomers and novices.
MTBO is also a great sport to use as cross training for Adventure Racing, Ironman, Rogaining and Hells Bells events.
All of our events are run by volunteers, and we are always keen for additional assistance. You can do as much or as little as you wish, at one event, or throughout the year. Speak to us at the next event or email Dawn Clarke on katti5@bigpond.net.au - Any assistance at an event , even for 1/2 hour, is greatly appreciated.
Our 'Wall of Fame' showcasing a few of our members - you don't have to ride a bike to be a member of our club, we welcome anyone with an interest in Orienteering.
Lynne & Hub Richard Penny Trevor Deb & Rowan Mike + friend
2012 Sunshine Coast 'Sport & Recreation' Australia Day Award recipient - Gordon Howitt
Gordon with his trophy and award - Gordon was nominated for this award by the Sunshine Orienteers Club Inc. for his contribution to foot orienteering and Mountain Bike Orienteering on the Sunshine Coast over the past 15 years. Gordon has competed at both state and national levels with his orienteering and this has helped hone his skills in being able to identify suitable areas for orienteering and then producing very high quality maps for both foot and bike orienteering, adventure racing, many Sunshine Coast schools maps and street maps.
Gordon, at 82 years of age, is still a competitive foot and mtbo orienteer. We should all aspire to be as fit at 82......
Gordon is still in demand today to produce maps, set course and craft wooden trophies for both orienteering and rogaining events.
It is always gratifying to see someone receive recognition for all their hard work and dedication especially when done on a voluntary basis for the benefit of others.
CONGRATULATIONS Gordon - you are a worthy winner
2011 Office Bearers
President: Dawn Clarke
Vice President: John Earls
Secretary: Michael Boreham
Treasurer: Gail Campbell
If you are interested in contributing to the sport of Mountain Bike Orienteering, please email Dawn Clarke on katti5@bigpond.net.au with your expression of interest, regarding support at our events or to volunteer for one of the above positions (including that of President).