Member profile: Jeff Dunn

Monday, 25 February 2013

 When did you start orienteering?
  Started using Sally's bush O events as ride destinations in 2008, and doing Corporate Challenge. Really only took the bait in 2010. Try to kid myself that I haven't properly started even now, but I guess the newby status wore out long ago.

What do you do when not orienteering?
  Yes, I ride bikes, but I actually average only a couple of hours per week of fun riding. I sit at desks - from breakfast to bedtime really - as an ocean data analyst and doing stuff for bike organisations. I drink coffee and have the odd nap. And my favourite bit: I work on bikes in the shed. Kid myself that I'll go back to playing Ultimate Frisbee one day, but the odds are lengthening.

 
What is ONE thing you like about orienteering ?
  Here's the thing: just when you realise that you are utterly horribly lost, instead of it being terrifying and miserable, the bush suddenly becomes its usual self: still, peaceful, quiet apart from a few bird calls. The spooky quiet means you could be way off the map - which only makes it more exciting!


Do you have a goal for your O this year?
  No. I should think of something - ideas welcome! In the next few years I want to have a good go at MTBO Aus Champs. Really hoping I have some time for regular exercise leading up to M60...  


A piece of advice for newcomers to the sport?
   Don't follow me!
 

Highlight/lowlight of your O career?
   Rowdy Flats MTBO 2011. Wandered over a huge portion of the map before finding the first control (back near the start), then ambitiously pushed in front of Darryl Smith and instantly crashed head-first down a deep gully. Can't think of any lowlights. Well actually, the absence of an ongoing Tas MTBO career is pretty sad.


Favourite/most unusual/most scenic place you have orienteered?
   Love MTBO in the forests at Evandale. And a very grudging respect for the nightmare terrain of Rowdy Flats, and a thrill of awe of anyone who can actually navigate there.