Three years ago I posted a paper about the possibility of introducing regularity testing as a way of comparing folk of different orienteering speeds. That paper is still on the web site “Resources>LVO Public Folders> hCOW>hCOW concept.pdf”. My intention was to proceed with drawing up the definition of the calculation needed and to implement it in a spreadsheet. That intention was brought to an abrupt end, exactly three years ago yesterday, by a collision with a bluebell-covered rock in Hillsborough Forest which led to full thoracic surgery to scrape the gunge out of my damaged lung. However, isn’t lockdown wonderful! Read More …

BOF has closed down its lapsed members listing (perhaps it thinks that folk who have not yet rejoined are lost to the sport). However the lapsed LVO members names can be found highlighted in the Colour Standards list at “Resources>LVO Public Folders>Colour Standards>Colour Standards.pdf”. It shows 78 lapsed and only 9 new members – that makes a big hole in the size of the club. So have a look at the list to see if you can identify any of the pink names, give them a call and ask/plead/cajole/threaten them into rejoining for 2020, ready to run over forests, hills Read More …

Given the current situation it has been decided to cancel all LVO events and training activities until the end of June. Obviously this is a constantly changing situation and we will review our decision as things progress. Stay safe and hopefully we will see you all in a forest somewhere on the other side.

COVID19 Update – All Orienteering Activities Suspended with immediate effect Please read this important notice from British Orienteering. It is with great sadness that we are now in a position where all orienteering activities in the UK have to be suspended with immediate effect. We are aware that the Coranvirus outbreak is a very fluid and rapidly changing situation. We all, therefore, continue to follow advice from the Public Health England, the World Health Organisation and both local and national governments on this matter and will keep the orienteering community updated as appropriate. We know how great the sport is Read More …

The Steve McGibbon Trophy is named in memory of a hugely respected orienteer and stalwart of Lagan Valley Orienteers, who unfortunately died in 2006 aged only 51. The trophy is not focused on competition performance, rather the award is considered as recognition of the person or group thought to have provided the most outstanding contribution to the club’s affairs in the previous year. Nominations should be sent to the Secretary, Cecil Armstrong, secretary@lvo.org.uk or 078 1587 2010, in advance of the Annual General Meeting at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre on 23rd March 2020. Voting will take place at the AGM. Read More …

Wednesday sees the last of our Training Night Sporteering so come along and give it a go. This time we are back to East Belfast, but trying out a new coffee shop, Clements at Ballyhackamore. For full details go to the fixtures page. Note the courses are set to stay active for a month so you can give it a go later if you miss Wednesday. Its also easy to reactivate any of the previous courses if anyone feels the urge, just get in touch for a map (we’ve have a stock of spares). With two empty weekends coming up Read More …

43 hardy souls braved the elements of last Saturday to complete (or at least attempt to complete) the 3 courses of this Spring Cup event.Can’t fault the little ones, or indeed parents, for not turning up for the minor courses given the week of horrible weather that preceded the event and stayed for the day itself. Rewardingly though, 38 competitors tackled the Green course which was both technically and physically challenging.So take a big bow Lyle for that planning, the course described by one seasoned competitor as  “that was proper Orienteering” … something not easy to achieve in an area Read More …

Philip and Helen Baxter have kindly agreed to run this course on the evening of Thursday 19th March. It is primarily designed for WEE Course Planners, but anybody needing an update or revision is welcome. You will get help on installing the Condes course planning software (available to any club member, contact me for the licence info), but the primary aim is to gain an appreciation of what makes a decent course. The venue depends on numbers – ranging from the Baxters’ kitchen table to somewhere larger. If you’d like to join in, either email secretary@lvo.org.uk or leave a comment Read More …

This Wednesday (4th) Sporteering continues its travels, this time to Lisburn. Meeting at the Ground Coffee Shop on Lagan Bank Road, beside TK Max. Hopefully we’ll see some new faces come along to try it. I may even buy some buns if theres a good turn out. There is a carpark at Ground (free for up to 3 hrs) and a number of others along Lagan Bank Road. Sporteering is an excellent way to combine a training run with sharpening up your map reading and route choice on the move. The score format means that all abilities can decide on Read More …