Thanks to everyone who came. Everyone seemed to enjoy it with most trying the second harder course. Some of you may sleep soundly tonight as that was quite a distance. You should all have no problems with the short course at our next event, Foots Cray Meadows on November 14, or even the middle course at Foots Cray, which will be a little bit harder than today’s long course, but it’s still an open parkland area to help develop your skills.

Most people wanted to go straight out on the long course without waiting for a handicap chase, so we didn’t do this format in the end. It probably suits more experienced orienteers and runners rather than families/scouts.

It takes a lot of organisation to put on an orienteering event so unfortunately DFOK can’t put on an event for you every week. However there is normally an event once or twice a week within 45 minutes drive of Bexley, if not hosted by us, by our neighbouring clubs. See the south east orienteering website http://www.seoa.org.uk for a full list. Many events are forest areas which are more challenging, but there is normally a course similar to today’s white course.

If you want to learn the skills to orienteer on harder courses in forest areas, there will be a coaching day on Sunday 29^th November, probably in Joydens Wood, Bexley. You’ll need to join DFOK for this coaching day (note that there is reduced membership in the first year - less than £10 for the entire family which will cover you up until the end of 2010). Younger juniors often prefer to race round the shorter path courses, but older juniors and adults normally prefer the adventure of crashing through forest looking for controls. Hope to see you out there soon.

Short Course: White standard

Long "Handicap" Course: Orange standard