Some people can run for the sake of it. Some need to take a dog, or an ipod. But me, I like a map. Getting involved in rogaining (the sport of cross-country navigation) and/or orienteering (the sport of running and navigating) could get you fit without realising it. And then give you motivation to sit down to study.
What are Rogaining and Orienteering?
Rogaining and orienteering are sports where competitors are given a map and have to navigate to as many checkpoints as possible. Rogaines last 2-24 hours, usually in the bush (“the sport of cross-country navigation”), and teams of 2-5 can be organised in the club. Orienteering events usually shorter (1 hour), with individuals competing – but you tend to make friends from within and outside the club. Most events are on foot, but sometimes events for bikes or other modes are organised. Also, pubgaines are a mix of the two, plus holding checkpoints at pubs!
It’s fun, held in a friendly atmosphere, a way to practice map reading skills, and get some exercise. Yes, you’ll get lost – that’s where the fun comes in! You get to experience different suburbs of Melbourne, and some great Victorian countryside. Rogaining skills will assist in many other parts of the club, especially Bush Search and Rescue. Oh, you also get an awesome meal for finishing a rogaine: the much celebrated cheese toasties.
You don’t need to know much, as you’ll learn along the way. You can learn about maps, using a compass, and how much you are capable of. It’s great fun, and you’ll find things to laugh about, when you get lost, and when your in-car satnav tells you “turn left into Yarra River”. (Who’d trust those things?). So if you’ve ever been told to get lost, it means to go rogaining or orienteering.
How to get involved:
Monday Nights: Street Orienteering
There’s street orienteering every Monday evening somewhere around Melbourne’s suburbs. Each 
week has a different map, and you’ll be running/walking through back streets with about 50+ people of all ages and fitness levels. Each week, we meet up at campus at approximately 6pm, and head out to the course. The course runs for an hour from 7-8pm, so you’ll be back at Monash by 8:30pm.
- Clothes: Bring running clothes and running shoes.
- Light: Now we’re heading into winter, the sun sets too early, so is a good idea to bring a headlamp or very good torch – we’ve discovered Melbourne streets can be quite dark and you’ll need it to read your map (unless you have unnatural night vision like James).
- Money: You’ll need and $4 for entry, plus some transport money (petrol or public transport).
Weekends: Bush Roaines
About every month, on a weekend, there is 
a rogaine – usually 6 or more hours in the bush. We can organize teams in the club. These fantastic events are run by the Victorian Rogaining Association, so there will be a hundred (or more) other people to keep MBOC members company. All levels of fitness/map reading skills are welcome – this is a very friendly event.
To bring:
- Bushwalking/running clothes
- Rain coat (who knows the weather?)
- A plastic sleeve (to put your map in if it rains)
- Compass (for navigating with)
- a pencil and highlighter for planning your route
- First aid kit (one per team)
- Food & water for the 6 hours
- Plate, Bowl, Cup & Cutlery if you want to awesome food offered when you finish!
- Money: VRA Membership ($5 new members), Event Entry ($27) & petrol/transport
Upcoming Events:
- 27 Apr: Talarook
- 25/26 May: Daylesford
- 20 Jul: Heathcote
- 17/18 Aug
Links:
Victorian Rogaining Association: http://vra.rogaine.asn.au/
Park & Street Orienteering: http://www.vicorienteering.asn.au/parkstreet/
Monday Fixtures: http://www.vicorienteering.asn.au/gfolder/parkstreet/southern/upcoming.html
Rogaining Rep: Eamon Lai
Contact: rogaining@mboc.org.au