The Lenah Valley Hops Again metrogaine returns to the area of the popular 2021 Lenah Valley Hop. Featuring an updated map and all new checkpoints, this metrogaine will encourage rogainers young and old to explore the lower foothills of kunanyi / Mount Wellington and surrounding suburbs.
The map extends beyond Lenah Valley into Glenorchy City Council and across to South Hobart, allowing you to link up the web of fire trails, walking tracks and pedestrian short cuts around the base of the mountain. There will be a mix of urban and bush checkpoints, from public art and street libraries to waterfalls and handsome boulders. The terrain is hilly, so careful route planning is vital for maximising your score while minimising unnecessary climb. Use the two hours of planning time wisely.
It will be a question and answer-style event (eg. “In the mural, how many sausages is the dog carrying?”) in which you navigate to the point on the map, and answer the question correctly to prove that you’ve been there. The navigation will not be too difficult, but make sure you bring a compass just in case.
Choose from a 3-hour or 6-hour event. To make the most of the event, however, I encourage you to enter the 6-hour. The entry fee is the same and you can always finish early if you want to. Afternoon tea is included in your entry fee, and you’re encouraged to stick around afterwards, socialise with your fellow rogainers, and share stories of route choices and “coulda woulda shouldas”.
The usual rogaining age, gender and family categories will apply, although there have been some changes to the age ranges in 2024 (see the RT article on age category changes). The original LVH had an entrant age range of 4 to 79, and it’s hoped this second iteration will attract an equally diverse crowd.
For those new to rogaining, there will be a special novice category. Instructions and map-planning assistance will also be available on the day. With its mix of urban and bush tracks, a metrogaine is a terrific introduction to rogaining and a great way to boost your navigation skills.
Celebrate the end of the Tasmanian winter the active way, and start organising your team of 2 to 5 people now. Hop to it!
Entries are now open.
-- by Lucy Hawthorne, course setter