In search of some decent orienteering after several months of street-O, the Street family headed across the channel to eastern Belgium : Clive Street reports for Pacemaker

When it comes to the end of May the Street family are normally feeling ready for a break from orienteering, as the undergrowth gets higher and the events lower-key. We had also decided to take a non-orienteering holiday later in the summer and for once skip the Scottish 6-Days, having been put off somewhat by the West Coast location this year given tales of man-eating midges in that area in August from a Munro-bagging camping friend.

But with F&M having virtually obliterated the normal O-scene from February onwards, it was decided that we would venture abroad for a multi-day event in the late spring if we could find one close enough to get to reasonably cheaply.

A trawl round the Net produced the Belgian 3-days as a possibility, with the promise of super-cheap fares from RyanAir to Charleroi, not that far from the event area, offering the opportunity to cut right down on the driving.

So, what was it like and would I recommend a repeat trip next year?

The location: was based around Sankt Vith, a small town close to the German border, in the rolling, heavily wooded hills of the Ardennes. All three days (plus training) were really close to the event centre, less than 30 minutes drive, which made for a relaxing time. Sankt Vith offered most things an orienteer needs when not competing, including accommodation, an event centre with results and camping, and plenty of bars and restaurants. Also noteworthy was the sponsorship of the event by many local businesses, in return for which they were granted the privilege of displaying an O-kite outside their shop/bar/whatever for the duration of the event. O-kites were thus to be found in prominent positions all over town, making the whole event very visible indeed to the local population and perhaps a lesson for the way we do things here.

The format: is three days of individual competition with 'classic' type distances, perhaps a little shorter than normal, with Day Three being a chasing start based on the results of the first two days. This made for a good atmosphere on Day Three with a PA system and plenty of shouting in the excellent Assembly/Finish field.

Numbers: around 1000 took part, so it had the feel of a large badge or a national event rather than one of the really big competitions in the UK such as the JK. Around 145 Brits made the trip; indeed there were more Brits than Germans present, despite the border only being about ten miles away. It was common to hear English being spoken wherever you went.

The competition: the terrain was very similar to parts of SE England, "typical continental" was the description used by those more used to mainland Europe than I. Not very technical, except odd places of complex contour detail, very pleasantly runnable on the whole with little undergrowth but some brashings, not too many paths. The courses were well-planned, so that the best route was rarely obvious and normally meant going off the paths and through the white on a rough compass bearing, or having to decide between at least two or more line-based routes. Despite the smoothly undulating terrain climbs were kept quite moderate.

The Day One area was Wolfbusch West. This was very runnable indeed and was planned so that I seemed to spend almost my entire course off-path taking rough compass through white forest - very enjoyable indeed: certainly not difficult technically, but with enough interest not to be boring. It poured with rain throughout, but we were still surprised to each receive what appeared to be a large red swim float on finishing - later investigation failed to reveal the intended purpose of said object, but probably a little sit-mat for those hard Silva-type rucksack seats.

Day Two was St Vither Wald. A slightly tougher area with a steep north facing scarp to be dealt with for the longer courses. A different planning philosophy focused on providing route choice over longer legs, which again made you think, despite the lack of really technical areas. Appalling weather included several hailstorms, with the temperature in the car showing no more than 5 degrees ... why did I leave the Helly tops at home?

	Part of the day three map, containing some of the most complex terrain Clive encountered over the three days.

Day Three was the delightfully named Hinter Den Sandgruben (behind the sandpits, I think). The best saved till last, this area combined the runnability of Day One with a number of quite tricky complex areas, relict from former mining and quarrying activity - the sandgruben I guess! This really tested the orienteer's ability to slow right down and navigate carefully, the temptation being to keep going at the same pace as in the rest of the area and consequently lose map contact and time. From the numbers of people seen studying maps with blank looks on faces, this was enough to trap many. The sun too chose to greet us for the first time since we had started the competition, and combined with an excellent assembly field with club tents, a PA and lots of cheering voices, made for a fitting finale. All runners had been issued with numbers, which made for some interesting commentary on the PA if you knew the language! The prizegiving podium was an impressive affair too.

Special mention should also be made of the excellent assembly area facilities provided at all three events, including crèche, string course, huge tent with seats for shelter and meeting friends, equally huge catering tent with good coffee and wonderful fresh baguettes. The finish areas were colourful and very impressive with big gantries and plenty of business sponsor posters. This all gave the air of a really special occasion for all competitors.

So, would we go back again, and recommend it to other clubmates?

If you want a very well-organized event with a friendly yet professional atmosphere, not too far to travel yet still with that unmistakable 'abroad' feel, pleasant if not technically demanding terrain with good planning, plus great baguettes, then yes, without a doubt.

Maybe see you in Namur, next year's venue, also very close indeed to Brussels Charleroi airport? But hang on, what about Springtime in Shropshire? ... better pubs, worse undergrowth, more climb ... but hang on, is that not till 2003?