Mountain bike orienteering (MTBO) is a navigation sport suitable for participants of all ages and abilities. Like foot orienteering, the idea is to navigate your way around a series of checkpoints (controls) using a map and compass. Unlike foot orienteering, the idea is to ride a bike! The main difference is that in Australia, mountain bikes have to stay on tracks, so the style of navigation can be quite different to the cross-country navigation used in foot orienteering.
Several courses are available, ranging from 10 – 30 km in length. At the top end of the field, competitors need good technical bike handling skills and the ability to navigate at speed. However, the shorter courses are easily achievable by beginners, non-mountain bikers and families.
Why not take part in the WA State MTBO League, part of the standard event series. Read more about the MTBO State League and Mountain Bike Orienteer of the Year.
Required equipment:
- mountain bike or decent hybrid bike
- helmet
- map (provided by the organisers)
Recommended equipment:
- map board to attach the map to your bike (can be hired at events)
- compass (can also be hired at events)
- water bottle or hydration pack
- spare tyre, pump and other bike tools
Want to know a bit more before you come to an event, we've put together some additional information to help:
Mountain Bike Orienteering - Getting Started (PDF)
Upcoming Events: MTBO events and dates are also listed below and are part of the main OWA events calendar.