Climbing Wall
The ANU Sports Union Climbing Wall will be open to ANUMC members each Monday and Wednesday evening from 5:30pm until 8:00pm. Club ropes will be set up and harnesses available. To use the wall you must have a belay pass, Sports Union membership and either pay at the front desk or show your ANUMC membership card. You must sign in at the front desk before climbing on the wall. Contact Tim Butler, Wall Climbing Officer, on s3129436@student.anu.edu.au
 
Mountain Biking
During daylight saving the ANUMC will be running mountain bike rides most Wednesday evenings. All rides start near the ANU. Post ride BBQs are likely, depending on interest. Details are advertised weekly on the ANUMC-MTB email list. Contact: Luke Clayton on Luke.Clayton@faceng.anu.edu.au or 62798872w.
 
A mountain bike maintenance course for beginners will be held at 36 Stuart St, Griffith over four consecutive Tuesday evenings (March 28 and April 4, 11 and 18) from 6pm until 8pm. This is a four part course on suitable for people with no experience with fixing bikes. Part 1: Bike maintenance tools, fixing a puncture, cleaning a wet and muddy bike, looking after your chain. Part 2: Adjusting gears, replacing worn cables, checking and replacing a chain. Part 3: Fixing buckled wheels, changing brake pads and adjusting brakes. Part 4: Greasing bearings (pedal, crank, wheel and headset), packing up for travel. Notes, coffee and cake provided. BYO writing stick. Contact: Mike Dennis on 62493976w 62608767h or mike@faceng.anu.edu.au This course will be proceeded by Tuesday evening sessions on buying and fitting out a mountain bike. An evening session on bike touring for beginners will also take place. See below for details.
 
Kayaking
Kayaking trips are advertised in the Epic or on the kayaking mailing list (ANUMC-padl). See also http://student.anu.edu.au/Clubs/Mountaineering/TheClub/kayak.html Trips are organised to cater for all level of paddlers but if you'd like to hone your skills before hitting the rivers or sea then sign up for a three week rolling/basic skills course at Tuggeranong Pool. The first of these will start on Monday, 21 February (7.30 - 9.30pm) and continue the following two Mondays (28 Feb & 6 March). Contact Mike Double on 62579192h, 62798483w or Mike.Double@anu.edu.au or Cameron Fletcher on 62494335w or Cameron.fletcher@anu.edu.au Also each Monday, Wednesday and Friday crazy people greet the dawn whilst paddling on Lake Burley Griffin. Meet at the ANU Sailing Club boat shed at 6:15am but to ensure that it's happening that morning contact Annino Vaccarella before hand on 62307358h, 62531844w or annino@xpsoftware.com.au
 
Sea-kayaking
The ANUMC has a small fleet of sea-kayaks and is running an increasing number of trips as our trip leaders build up the necessary skills and experience. To lead and/or join some of the more interesting trips you may need a sea proficiency certificate. The sea-kayaks are also available for use on flat-water by canoeists. Contact: Annino Vaccarella on 62428191h, 62531844w or annino@xpsoftware.com.au
 
Summer Series Orienteering
The Summer Orienteering series is held at locations around Canberra each Wednesday evening with start times between 5:30 and 6:30pm. Generally 7, 4, & 2km courses are available with different levels of navigational skill required. Cost is $4 and compasses can be hired at the event. Contact Rochelle O'Hagan on 62479877 h or 62167092w for details or visit http://www.actsport.com.au/orienteering. Locations and dates currently planned are
 
Sun 19 February - Hauling @ Hollywood II
A repeat of last year's successful trip to the hang-out of local legends and budding hard-core bolt-clipping heroes. This is an intermediate / advanced bolt climbing trip meaning you must be able to lead or second on bolts. The climbs are in the shade(!) until late afternoon, and range from 17 to 28. A great alternative to pushing plastic in the gym. If you want to capture some good action photos then join the other budding Simon Carters, as this crag has some great photo opportunities. **BYO gear as the gear store will be closed for stocktake.** Contact: Ben Davies on 62888088h.
 
Sun 20 February - Climbing Wall Maintenance Day
Starting at 10am and going for as long as it takes we're going to check the whole Sports Union wall so the more people that come the quicker it'll get done. This will be a great opportunity to learn route setting and rope ascending. It's a big but very rewarding job because you'll then know the wall is safe for the next few months before we do it again. It'll also give you some training in how to build your own climbs. Contact Tim Butler on 62516195 or s3129436@student.anu.edu.au
 
Wed 23 February - Market Day
Visit the ANUMC stand at 'O' Week's Market Day, renew your membership for 2000 and meet lots of fellow club members. The membership fee is $15 for students and $20 for non-students. You'll need to present your ANU student card or proof of Sports Union membership. ANUMC T-shirts will also be available for $12. You can also join on Wednesday, 1 March at the introductory BBQ and first social meeting for 2000. The Sports Union climbing wall will be available for new or prospective members to have a go at indoor climbing from 2-4pm, and some friendly ANUMC rock climbers will be there to show you the ropes. To get you inspired there will be a great slide show in the evening (see below for details). The 'O' Week Coordinator is Katherine Lilly. Contact her on klilly@hotmail.com
 
Wed 23 February - First Australian ascent of Dhaulagiri I
This evening mountaineer Zac Zaharias will talk about his two expeditions with the Australian Army Alpine Association to Nepal's Dhaulagiri I (8167m), including a successful '97 ascent under extremely difficult conditions. Learn about the emotions, the commitment and perseverance of a team needed to succeed on one of the world's highest mountains. (For a trip report see
http://www.armyalpine.org.au/tales/himalay/dhauli/). Venue: 7:30pm, Manning Clark Theatre 2. Drinks and nibbles will be served after the show.
Contact: John McGrath on 62012397w or johnmcgrath@start.com.au
 
26-27 February - Scabby Traverse II L/R
Mt Scabby is one of the remote peaks which marks the NSW-ACT border. When it isn't covered in cloud its granite summit offers magnificent views south towards the Snowy Mountains. This second attempt to see the views will follow in the foot steps of Mad Dog McGrath from Gudgenby Valley, through Bogong Gap and up to Mt Kelly, with a possible side trip to Mt Namadgi. After camping beside sphagnum bog we'll traverse along the border ridge to Mt Scabby and descend down the far side to Yaouk Valley where our transport will be waiting. Transport: about $20. Pretrip: 6pm Thursday, 24 February. Contact: Mika Kontiainen on 62505344w, 62867111h or mika.kontiainen@ag.gov.au
 
26-27 February - Mt Murray L/R
Mt Murray is on the boundary of Kosciuszko and Namadgi National Parks, so we will get to spend time in both. Starting up Yaouk trail to Yaouk Gap we'll bush bash up the ridge to Mt Murray (and possibly Mt Bimberi), camp near Murray Gap, and walk out on Sunday via Lone Pine trail with a possible side trip up Mt Morgan. This, and the simultaneous Mt Scabby trip (above), are great introductions for experienced walkers to Namadgi and an excellent opportunity to get involved in walking with the ANUMC. Transport: about $20. Pretrip: 6pm Thursday, 24 February. Contact: Annabel Battersby on 62951924h or annabel.battersby@noie.gov.au.
 
26-27 February - Bulls Head to Orroral Valley (MTB) 55/35 km
A ride I've been promising myself for ages. We'll start at Bulls Head picnic ground, cruise along spectacular Mt Franklin Rd, through Leura Gap, around the back of Mt Bimberi to camp at Oldfields Hut. On Sunday we cruise over Murrays Gap, down past Cotter Hut and along Cotter Hut Road to Orroral Valley. Reasonable level of fitness required. Pretrip: 6pm Thursday 24 February. Transport: about $10-15 Contact: Luke Clayton on 62798872w or Luke.Clayton@faceng.anu.edu.au
 
Sun 27 February - Murrumbidgee River L/M
A scenic day walk along one of Australia's great rivers from Pine Island to Casuarina Sands. Don't be fooled by the rating, this trip is suitable for moderately fit beginners as the few ups and downs along the 20km track are only just enough to push it from M/E to L/M. Swimming is also an option. Transport: $5. Pretrip: 6pm Thursday 24 February. Contact: Roland Goecke on
62467443h, 62798661w or Roland.Goecke@anu.edu.au
 
Wed 1 March - Social Meeting & BBQ
In the Hayden Allen Courtyard from 5:30pm.
 
4-5 March - Huge Days Out
The annual show-case of most ANUMC activities (bushwalking, rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, rogaining) will be based, as it was in 1999, at the Old Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station camping grounds. As part of the ANU Sports Union's Women in Sport initiative there'll also be bushwalks led by women for women and, depending on demand, a women's climbing morning. Pretrip: 6:30pm at the Mrach BBQ. Contact: Chris Ernst on 62628283h or on s3020346@student.anu.edu.au
 
Thurs 9 March - First Aid Courses Meeting
The ANUMC will be organising various first aid courses throughout the year. Come along to this meeting outside the gearstore at 6pm to find out what's
on offer. Contact: Hannah Rechter on Hannah.Rechter@greenhouse.gov.au, 62304807h 62741857w.
 
Sat 11 March - Give back to the bush!
The Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group is working in southern Namadgi National Park to revert the Boboyan pine plantation back to native bush. This workday is from 10 to 4 is at the Boboyan Pines. The work will be either killing briars and weeding, or planting seedlings, if the weather allows. Contact: Chuck Magee on 62493956w or charles.magee@anu.edu.au
 
11-12 March - Sea kayaking skills weekend
This coastal trip is ideal for practicing skills necessary to join more advanced trips later this year. The first day we'll practice skills necessary to handle a sea kayak in surf and swell, play in the surf and go for a short paddle in the afternoon. The second day will consist of a day trip along the coast with a lunch at a pleasant beach. Numbers will be restricted depending on the level of experience of the participants. Transport: $15-20. Contact: Annino Vaccarella on 62307358h, 62531844w or annino@xpsoftware.com.au
 
Sat 11 March - Mt Coree (Beginner/Intermediate)
Mt Coree is Canberra's bolt-clipping paradise. If you can climb grade 16 in the gym OK without trouble, but haven't climbed outdoors, then this is for you! You can learn to second a bolt-protected climb. Places are limited for beginners. **help wanted from lead-climbers for this trip** Transport: $10-$15. Pretrip: 5:45pm, Thursday 9 March. Contact Bram Slagmolen on 62627253h 62799887w or Bram.Slagmolen@anu.edu.au *before* the pre-trip if you are a beginner.
 
11-12 March - Polaris Challenge (MTB)
This cyclegaine, held over two days (riding time 7 hours Saturday & 5 hours Sunday), combines navigation and bushcraft. You must carry all you provisions, tent etc for the two days. It will be held "approximately 4 hours from Sydney and 8 hours from Melbourne"...in other words, not very far from Canberra. Check out the websight (www.w3.com.au/polaris/default.htm) for full details. Contact Luke Clayton on 62798872w or Luke.Clayton@faceng.anu.edu.au
 
Sun 12 March Women's climbing
Beginners' climbing by women for women at Gibraltar Peak. The ANUMC has many active women climbers, and we are always keen to involve more. You don't need bulging muscles or superwoman strength. It's all about balance and good technique. If you've no experience on rock, or have only tried climbing a few times, this day is an opportunity to get into it without the pressure of having men trying to pose around you. We'll focus on getting used to being near and on rock, some safety aspects, basic gear requirements, ropes and knots, and of course, climbing. Pretrip: 5:30pm, Thursday 9 March. Preference will be given to new members, although all women are welcome. Transport: $5-10. Contact: Lex Morey on 62307358h,
62725110w or lex.Morey@affa.gov.au
 
Tues 14 March - Buying a Mountain Bike
A comprehensive evening presentation intended for beginners wishing to buy a new or used mountain bike but who don't know much about bikes. The course
covers bike types, options, components, accessories, new and second hand deals. Notes, coffee and cake provided. BYO writing stick. Venue: 6-8pm at
36 Stuart St, Griffith. Contact: Mike Dennis on 62493976w 62608767h or mike@faceng.anu.edu.au
 
Wed 15 March - Learn To Navigate Pt1
An introductory two part course in map & compass navigation for those interested in orienteering, rogaining or simply finding their way! Held on two consecutive Wednesdays from 7 - 9pm these lessons will be followed by a practical navigation exercises as part of the Bushcraft Weekend. Numbers limited. Contact Rochelle O'Hagan on 62167092w, 62479877h or rohagan@syseng.anu.edu.au.
 
18-19 March - ACT Rogaining Championships
The 2000 ACTRA Championship Rogaine will be held approximately 1 1/2 hrs SSE of Canberra. There will be both a 24hr and an 8hr event. Entry fees for 24hr - $28 Full or $20 concession, 8hr - $20 Full or $14 concession. Entries due by 6 March. Entry forms available from the ACTRA website (http://www.ma.adfa.oz.au/~gnm/Rog/actra.html) or contact Rochelle O'Hagan on 624 9877h, 6216 7092w or rohagan@syseng.anu.edu.au
 
18-19 March - Kayaking the Goodradigbee
Goodradigbee grade 3/4 rapids. Portaging can be arranged for the grade 4 bits but a good roll is highly desirable. Transport: $5-10. Camping next to the river. Contact Andrew Collins on 62171602 or COLLINS_A@casa.gov.au
 
(17)18-20 March - Blue Mountains Extravaganza
The annual Blue Mountains extravaganza is on again over the Canberra Day long weekend. This year will be a little different with activities more focused on walking and canyoning and numbers limited to 30 - 40. Would people willing to drive please contact me prior to the pre-trip. Everyone else, it is first come first serve basis at the pretrip. Pretrip: 6pm Thursday, 16 March. Transport: $30-$40. Money to be collected on Saturday morning before any activities begin. Contact: Hannah Rechter on 62304807h, 62741857w or hannah.rechter@greenhouse.gov.au
 
18-20 March - Beginner Rockclimbing - Instruction Weekend
Want to get into rockclimbing in 2000? Then this weekend is a must!! We'll discuss and practice various aspects of the sport including, placing gear, constructing anchors and abseiling. The emphasis will be on climbing safely rather than climbing high grades. This weekend will stand you in good stead for other trips later in the year which may require sound rope skills. Numbers will be limited. While not a prerequisite Sports Union belay accreditation would benefit. This trip is strictly for those genuinely interested in learning to climb - sight seers and tourists will be beheaded. Transport $5-15. Pretrip: 6pm, Thursday, 16 March. Contact Cuan Petheram 62465708 or Cuan.Petheram@cbr.clw.csiro.au.


18-20 March - Blue Mtns (Intermediate)
The Canberra Day long weekend is a great quiet time to climb in the Blue Mountains. The plan is to camp in the cave at Mt Piddington and climb the soaring cracks in the area. Then, when we're completely bored with them, perhaps go in search of longer choosier, and way less pleasant stuff in other areas. We could even find a multipitch overhanging offwidth? The idea is that people will either bring an experienced leader to climb with, or be one. Contact: Tim Chappell 62489393h
 
Tues 21 March - Getting Fitted to Your Mountain Bike for Beginners
Just bought a new bike? Got a sore bum, sore knees back or neck?? Come along and see how to match your body to your bike for a more comfortable ride. BYO bike, tape measure and writing stick. Notes, coffee and cake provided. Venue: 6-8pm at 36 Stuart St, Griffith. Contact: Mike Dennis on 62493976w 62608767h or mike@faceng.anu.edu.au Wed 15 March - Learn To Navigate Pt 2 See above for details
 
Sat 25 March - Gibraltar Peak Top Roping
Fun rock climbing for beginners on short interesting routes. You don't need to be able to climb any particular grade as there's lots of easy climbing to be had but you will need to have attended an instructional weekends or have Sports Union belay accreditation. Transport $5-10. Pretrip: 5:45pm, Thursday 23 March. **help from other experienced climbers is wanted for this trip** Contact: Bernard Pfeil on 62518292h or bpfeil@pi.csiro.au or Diarmuid Battisson on 62861516h
 
25-26 March - Bushcraft Weekend
Learn from experienced old hands those bushcraft skills which makes life in the bush less traumatic and more enjoyable. These include what to bring and how to pack it; eating out in
the bush; selecting and setting up a camp site; not getting lost (ie basic navigation); and bush etiquette. There's no hard walking involved and we'll enjoy a camp-fire party on Saturday night. Participants are welcome to attend only part of the course. Pretrip (and preliminary discussion on what to bring): 5:45pm, Thursday 23 March. Transport: $5-$10. Contact Mika Kontiainen on 62505344w, 62867111h or mika.kontiainen@ag.gov.au, or Duncan McIntyre on 62473909h or mcintyre@email.net.au
 
Tues 28 March - Mountain Bike Maintenance
See above for details
 
29 March - 14 May - Alpine Walking Track
Share in a lifetime experience: a 6-week, 700 km journey across the high peaks and plateaus of the Australian Alps from Walhalla in Victoria to the
outskirts of Canberra. The walk is in 6 weekly stages, with people welcome to join for one or more. Alternatively, people would be welcome to join us
for a weekend hike at any of the following points (dates shown refer to arrival):

Contact John McGrath by March on 62012397w or johnmcgrath@start.com.au
 
1-2 April - Cocktails at The Castle VII
You are cordially invited to attend the seventh annual Castle cocktail party. Drinks will be served at 5pm on Saturday. Dress: Black Tie. A fine ANUMC tradition lives on! Join us on the summit of the finest flat-topped mountain in the Australia as we sip drinks at sunset, admiring the spectacular views of the Budawangs. The walk is a 6km walk with an 800m ascent on fire trails and wooden stepped tracks (and one rock scramble with ropes). We'll take it slow and easy to allow for all the extra weight in our packs. Drinks will be provided, though you'll have to help carry them. There's a $10 charge to cover drinks, payable at the pretrip and any cocktail recipe suggestions are also welcome! Numbers are limited so make contact early. Transport: about $20. Pretrip meeting: 6pm Thursday, 30 March. Contact: Annabel Battersby on 62951924h or annabel.battersby@noie.gov.au
 
1-2 April - Sea kayaking
This sea-kayaking trip is a good primer for anyone hoping to join more advanced trips later in the year. It will be an easy overnight trip along the coast if the conditions are calm, or inland if the conditions are rough. The paddling distance will be short, and our goals for the weekend modest. We'll stick to a section of coastline with plenty of beaches if bailing out is needed. We won't go out along the coast if the prevailing winds are offshore either. Numbers limited depending on the level of experience of the participants. Transport: $15-30. Contact: Annino Vaccarella on 62307358h, 62531844w or annino@xpsoftware.com.au
 
1-2 April - Mt York & Piddington (Int)
If you've went on the 18-20 March instructional weekend, then this is perfect way to consolidate your seconding and top-rope set-up skills. Mt York offers a variety of grades of climb, many of which can be top-roped or lead. Mt Piddington is a glorious crag with many fine routes on good quality rock, with lots of leading and seconding available. You need to be able to second a natural gear protected climb to come on this trip. Transport $30-40. Pretrip: 5:45pm, Thursday 30 March. **help needed from lead climbers for this trip** Contact: Bernard Pfeil on 62518292h or
bpfeil@pi.csiro.au
 
Tues 4 April - Mountain Bike Maintenance
See above for details
 
Thurs 6 April - Rogaining Tips & Tricks
Join some of the Club's & ACT's prominent (or merely enthusiastic) rogainers for an evening (6pm-9pm) of telling tales, swapping stories & learning the "way its done" - at least according to the various people there! Contact: Rochelle O'Hagan on 62167092w, 62479877h or rohagan@syseng.anu.edu.au
 
8-9 April - Leadership Weekend
Following on from the Bushcraft Weekend, this weekend is designed for prospective trip leaders and people seeking to advance their bushcraft skills. It will deal with trip planning, group and crisis management, search and rescue and much much more. Pretrip 6pm, Thursday 6 April. Transport: $5-$10. Contact Mika Kontiainen on 62505344w, 62867111h or
mika.kontiainen@ag.gov.au, or Duncan McIntyre on 62473909h or mcintyre@email.net.au
 
Tues 11 April - Mountain Bike Maintenance
See above for details
 
15-25 April (tbc) - Mt Arapiles (Int)
The week before Easter should be a great time to climb at Araps before the hoards arrive. Climbs of all styles and grades abound, possibly the best climbing North of Tasmania! So there should be no shortage of routes for anyone who done a bit of leading, knows how to set up anchors or is just feeling very lucky. Bring some beer and I'll see you there. BYO climbing partner, or contact Tim well in advance, and he'll fix you up with someone! Contact: Tim Chappell on 62489393h
 
Sun 16 April - Mt Imlay M/M
The steep ascent to Mt Imlay (886m above sea level) rewards you with excellent views of the South Coast between Bega and Eden as well as the surrounding national parks. The walk leads through beautiful eucalypt forest. Weather permitting, we'll chill out at Merimbula Beach after the walk. Map: Mt Imlay 1:50000. Transport: $20. Pretrip: 6pm Thursday 13 April.
Contact: Roland Goecke on 62467443h, 62798661w, or Roland.Goecke@anu.edu.au
 
Sun 16 April - Batemans Bay Sea & Surf Kayaking
A trip for both sea kayakers and surf paddlers. It'll give sea kayakers an opportunity to practice surf entries and exits, both prerequisites for the NSWSKC sea proficiency award. It will also be an opportunity for white water enthusiasts to play in the surf. Numbers limited and those intent on surfing should be able to roll. Transport $15-20. Contact: Cuan Petheram on 62476185h, 62465708w or Cuan.Petheram@cbr.clw.csiro.au
 
Tues 18 April - Mountain Bike Maintenance
See above for details
 
22-24 April - OzE2000
World Cup Orienteering, incorporating the Australian Three Days orienteering carnival. The '3 Days' events are open to all comers, and are a good opportunity to experience world class orienteering and see some of the best in the world competing. Will be held at three different locations close to Canberra over the Easter long weekend. Check out the Website via: http://www.actsport.com.au/orienteering
 
21-30 April - Tasmania Bushwalking
A week of great Tassie bushwalking during the Easter/Anzac Day long weekend. Options include the Mt Anne Circuit, Federation Peak, Frenchmens Cap and others depending on what participants are interested in. We depart Canberra on Good Friday, drive to Melbourne and cross on the Spirit of Tasmania, returning the following weekend. Transport (including ferry fares & fuel costs): about $360-$450 depending on your eligibility for student concession. Initial bookings for eight people and two cars have been made. Get you $60 deposit in ASAP to secure a place. Contact: Mika Kontiainen on 62505344w 62867111h or mika.kontiainen@ag.gov.au
 
21-30 April South Australia Rockclimbing
Moonaire is a big piece of rock in South Australia a long way from Canberra. From what I hear the stuff below grade 18 is made of cheese, but the rest by all accounts is awesome. So you'll need to be pretty solid on lead or have arranged to climb with someone who is. We also may stop by at Araps for a night to two on the way, join in the Easter festivities and compete in the inter-varsity twister competition. If you don't have a partner, contact me and I'll try and partner partnerless people up. Contact: Cuan Petheram on 62465708w or Cuan.Petheram@cbr.clw.csiro.au
 
Sun 30 April - Paddy Pallin 6hr Rogaine
The Annual Paddy Pallin 6hr Rogaine is a great way to get into rogaining. More details and entry forms as they arrive...watch this space.
 
Tues 2 May - Bike Touring for Beginners
Want to go bush without a backpack? Cover greater distances and see more stuff? Bike touring provides a real sense of freedom and independence. This evening information session will help you prepare yourself and your bike for touring. There will be a weekend follow up trip sometime soon. Venue: 6-8pm at a venue TBA. Contact: Mike Dennis on 62493976w 62608767h or mike@faceng.anu.edu.au
 
13-14 May - NSWSKC 'Next Step Weekend' (All Standards Sea Kayaking)
This trip is a sea kayaking skills instruction weekend run by the NSW Sea Kayaking Club (NSWSC) to Jervis Bay. All standards are welcome, though we'd encourage you to get out on the lake at least once before hand. Sea proficiency training and assessments will also be conducted (a sea proficiency award is required to go on grade 3 paddling trips with the NSWSC). This trip is very flexible, people can go down for just one day or the whole weekend. It costs $25 to join the NSWSC. Transport: $20. Contact: Cuan Petheram on 62476185h, 62465708w or Cuan.Petheram@cbr.clw.csiro.au
 
13-14 May BIG Wall Bungonia Special
Advanced climbing. Details TBA....
 
July - Sea kayaking the Whitsundays
Sea kayaking for a week or so around the islands of the Whitsundays. Some sea kayaking experience will be necessary. Details TBA.
 
July - Frogs Buttress Rockclimbing
Queensland climbing. Details TBA. Contact: Cuan Petheram on 62465708w or Cuan.Petheram@cbr.clw.csiro.au