HIGHLANDS MOUNTAIN BIKE ORIENTEERING
Sun. September 20, 2026
10:00 am Start
Highlands Nordic
Come join us for a fun Mountain Bike Orienteering race at Highlands Nordic near Duntroon. This event will let you explore many parts of the Highlands trail network in a short period of time.
Mountain bike orienteering (MTBO) events are an exciting mix of biking and navigation. If you can read a trail map and you have some mountain biking experience, you're ready to give it a try! Canada has never sent a team to the World Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships or the World Masters Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships. Will we discover a future superstar?
SO... HOW DOES MOUNTAIN BIKE ORIENTEERING WORK?
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At the start, each competitor will receive a map showing locations around the Highlands trail network where flags (controls) have been placed. Riders will visit as many controls as they can within the time limit. Control flags will be placed along trails - at bends, junctions and other obvious features - or along private roads on the property or in open areas. It will help if you can tell the difference between a hilly trail (lots of contour lines) vs. a flat trail, but if you're accustomed to trail maps, that's the main skill you will need.
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Riders must stay on trails, roads, parking lots, maintained grass or other open areas. Bushwhacking through forests or overgrown meadows is not permitted. Riders must use only the race map provided and (optionally) a compass to navigate.
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We will be using the electronic SportIdent (SI) timing system to record racers' visits to each control. We can rent you an SI timing card if you don't own one.
MEETING LOCATION
Highlands Nordic Chalet, 1182 Concession 10 S, Clearview Township, Duntroon, ON L0M 1H0
TERRAIN
The Highlands trail network explores varied escarpment terrain and offers some beautiful views. There might be a hill or two! We'll ride wide trails that are used for nordic skiing in winter and twisty single track bike trails maintained by dedicated volunteers from the Collingwood Offroad Cycling Club. Most of the trails run through mature deciduous or coniferous forest. Some control flags may be located around the resort buildings and parking areas.
COURSES AND CATEGORIES:
The course is a choose your own adventure Score-O. This means that you will choose which controls you want to ride to. The more controls you visit, the more points you will earn. For safety, participants must return within 90 minutes or they will lose some points for being overtime.
This is an individual event but participants with less experience are welcome to ride together.
We'll provide more details closer to the event but if you have questions, email us at SouthGBay.dontgetlost@gmail.com.
COURSE INFORMATION
There are controls on the course that are suitable for novice mountain bikers and riders of all ages. Riders will encounter some roots and rocks, grassy areas and hills.
Categories: Junior Women (18 and Under), Junior Open (18 and Under), Adult Women, Adult Open, Masters Women (50+), Masters Open (50+), SuperMasters Women (70+), SuperMasters Open (70+), Additional Kids' categories based on entries.
Notes:
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A Participant's age for this event is their age on December 31, 2026.
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Participants aged 12 and under must ride with an adult.
REGISTRATION
Please register online in advance to reserve a map. We won't be able to accept entries on the day of the event. **Note that registration closes on Friday, September 18 at 11:59 pm.**
WAIVER
Before you participate in any Dontgetlost Adventure Running event, you'll need to sign our Waiver. A Parent or Guardian must sign the Waiver for any participant who will be under 18 on the day of an event. Thank you!
Sign the Minor Waiver (Parent or Guardian)
ENTRY FEES
NORMAL
By September 13
ADULT: $40
JUNIOR: $20
LATE
By September 18
ADULT: $45
JUNIOR: $25
Entry fee includes a copy of the race map, access to the private Highlands trail network and Highlands Nordic Chalet, refreshments and a Dontgetlost Adventure Running day membership to cover race insurance.
It does not include the online transaction charge or HST.
FACILITIES
We have rented space inside the Highlands Nordic Chalet so washrooms will be available.
SCHEDULE
9:00-9:35: Participant Check-in at the Chalet
9:45: Course Planner Briefing
Walk to Start location outside the Chalet.
10:00: Mass Start
All participants must be back at the Finish no later than 90 minutes after their start.
11:30-12:30 Light refreshments at the Chalet
REQUIRED GEAR
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Mountain Bike
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Helmet
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Whistle
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Appropriate clothing for the conditions
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Watch or other time keeping device (e.g. phone)
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SportIdent Timing Card (rentals available)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED GEAR
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Basic Compass
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Cell phone - not to be used for navigation except in an emergency
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Water, snacks - there won't be an aid station on course
Experienced mountain bike orienteers often use a specialized bike map holder on their handlebars. You don't need one for this event but please come prepared with some plan for carrying your map, which will be in a plastic sleeve. Some people stick the map in their jersey pocket and pull it out to look at it. Others attach their map to their handlebars, pin it to their clothing, or tuck it under the bottom of their bike shorts or inside their jersey. It's up to you but test your idea and be sure to ride safely.
CONTACT
Amber Panchyshyn
2025 Results - Copeland Forest Mountain Bike Orienteering
2024 Results - Highlands Nordic Mountain Bike Orienteering
Thank you to OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS!
