The annual October Odyssey event took place last weekend (18th/19th October), organised by NATO. 13 BL members took part in at least one of the days
Saturday was an urban event in Cramlington, a 1960s new town 7 miles north of Newcastle. The housing estates made an ideal place for urban orienteering as there was almost no traffic, apart from on the arterial roads which could be crossed at numerous underpasses. There was a complex network of pathways and roads between irregular buildings with small parking areas and grassy bits. Most courses included a very long (by urban standards) leg stretching most of the way across the map, with lots of decisions to be made both big and small scale. The route back from the finish to download was very unusual: 400m through a busy indoor shopping centre – the sort of place a lot of orienteers would normal do their best to avoid. It was sad to see that there were only 55 competitors at what was a great event.
Best BL results were from Stella, Karen and Christine G all of whom won their classes despite running up.
Sunday was a total contrast. The event was at Beanley Moor and Plantation, which some people will remember from the Compass Sport Cup Heat in 2023. Heavy rain and wind was forecast to arrive in the early afternoon so early starts were popular. The map had been updated since the previous event, and the majority of the moor was now covered with vertical green lines to show deep heather and/or bracken; it was definitely justified! Nevertheless the courses were enjoyable, with a mixture of terrain including woodland and some fast grazing land as well as the rough moor. On paper courses looked quite short, but actually gave suitable winning times.
Best BL results were on Short Green, won by Tricia, and Green where Stella and Christine K were second and third. Andy Lewsley also desrves a mention for being the Controller and spending a great many hours wading through heather. Attendance was slight better than Saturday, but there were still only 76 competitors, despite it being the NEOA Championships.
Saturday Results and Routegadget here
Sunday Results and Routegadget here
I can’t find any pictures from Cramlington, so here are some from the UK Urban League event in Stockport the week earlier, attended by a number of BL members.
(All photos Peter Cull)
Border Liners Orienteering Club 