Did Father Christmas bring you a compass and some new trail running shoes for Christmas? I hope so, because we’ve got some great events this year to help you make the most of them.

If bigger is better, then this will be our best year yet. We have the massive Australian Rogaining Championships being held in our iconic Flinders Ranges in May. A huge team of SA rogainers have been working on the Aus Champs for months, and it is bound to be an event to remember. Set in the Parachilna Gorge/Blinman area, we’re showcasing some fantastic country to our elite interstate competitors – why not come and see it, and them, for yourself? Many people are put off by the Aus Champs (or even State Champs for that matter) – let me assure you that you do not have to be elite to compete. In fact, we want to see as many South Aussies up in the Flinders as we can.

We’re hoping to break more records again with our Take A Breather event in June. Last year’s Asthma fundraiser had the most competitors we’ve ever hosted, so June 2012 should be off the charts.

The season kicks off with a Twilight event, based around Colonel Light Gardens and the hills face. So often, such events are won by the teams that stay on the flat. The setters have noticed this and are likely to make a hills ascent worthwhile…. The views alone should justify the effort. Once again this event features our unique geogaine option (still the only one in the world I believe) where you can use your GPS to get about the course.

With so much on, our AUMC, State Champs and Spring 12hr have merged into a 12/24 event at in the Mid North. We’ll be heading deep into the Wirrabara Forest: who will emerge victorious?

Then we’ll finish off with our popular 3hr Minigaine. This event has been put on by the Scout Bushwalking team for about 7 years in a row, and they’ve decided it’s now about time for a well earned break. I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank them for all their effort over the years. I’ve really appreciated the fact that the Scout team was able to just run with the event and make it a success every time.

Helping to make these events can be a really rewarding experience. How many times in your life do you get to be part of something that so many people enjoy and remember for years to come? (People still talk to me about the first event I helped set 8 years ago). Whether it’s in a specific role at an event or on the Committee, consider if you want to be part of something special and drop us an email!

See you at a 90 pointer!

Mark Porter
SARA President