AN update on the status of the 50th anniversary of Rogaining has been provided by organisers, saying they are hoping for 200 to 300 entrants for the upcoming Victorian Rogaining Championships in Tallarook.
Community Liaison Neil Phillips said plans were in place for the event to be held September 25 and 26.
“To the numerous landowners who have generously offered their land as part of the 24-hour course, thank you all. We do not enter private property without landholder permission, and we make areas out-of-bounds if we cannot locate owners. Closer to the event we will outline any activities that might impact or inconvenience local landowners, or we can be contacted anytime to initiate queries. Members of the local community are welcome to enter one of the events or visit over the weekend to learn what goes on,” he said.
“With the initial course essentially set, Alaster Meehan and Paul Monks have made a strong start on the next stage of independently checking each control for accuracy and safety. Base camp setup will happen during the final week of September with the arrangement of tents, portaloos, catering facilities and the start/finish arrangements.
“On the Friday morning of the event, we expect most private cars to be using Ennis/Main Rd then Landscape and Gilmore Track to the start/finish location. We will have more details of what this might look like during our busiest 1-2 hour period. The post-event departures will be spread over many hours so much less busy.
“We are hoping for 200-300 entrants for our typical Victorian Rogaining Championships and numbers across the two-days might reach 450 counting those doing a shorter event and leaving on the Friday, plus our volunteers. Teams are of two or three and from ages of late teens to over 70s. Options are offered including a 6-hour, 15-hour and the 48th Victorian Rogaining Championships of 24 hours. Everyone will start at 12 noon and quickly separate on their own selected courses through State Forest, open farmland, some thicker bush and steeper country off the sides of the Tallarook Plateau. It is always surprising how quickly the rogainers disperse after the start as they follow their own preferred routes.
“There will be an award ceremony after midday Saturday then the cleaning and pack-up starts. The electronic controls are then collected, rubbish taken home and equipment retrieved.”
