Top 5 outdoor clubs you might have thought about joining

Here’s my top 5…

Charles Sturt University’s bushwalking and outdoors club is not just for students.

The public in invited to attend caving, abseiling and walking trips lead by a couple of friendly lectures, with the help of a couple of qualified outdoor adventurers.

CSU-BOC Secretary, Peter Anderson said the club’s goal is to promote adventurous outdoor activities in a friendly, safe and environmentally conscious manner. 

“The club events tend to be the beautiful Blue Mountain canyon trips in summer while it’s warm and hiking/dry trips from May to October, while it’s cool,” he said.

Register through the CSU website – events are posted to its Facebook page.

For those of you who went orienteering in high school and thought: ‘That was rad – I’m definitely doing this again...’ this is your chance. For those of you too young to go to high school yet...you can head along too.

Club President Basil Baldwin said the orienteers challenge themselves to follow a course on a map, sometimes in town but mostly in forests. 

Regarding joining the club Mr Baldwin said they’re pretty relaxed.

“We say don't worry about it, just come along a few times then join if you enjoy it,” he said. “Quickest to finish is the winner.”

While the Goldseekers will take a break over Christmas, come February it will host orienteering events through the streets and in March they’ll be back in the bush.

Events for 2019 are listed on its website.

The converted cyclist will tell you: life is better on a bike.

Life on the Orange Mountain Bike Clubs’ trails across the road from Lake Canobolas, and at Kinross State Forest can be a bit hairy, but try it once and you’ll be hooked.

Club Secretary Kim Broadfoot said the club’s goal is to connect riders in the area and encourage growth in a sport the whole family can get involved with.

“Be it cruising sweet XC single track around the pine forests or ascending the fire trails of Mount Canobolas – the highest point west of the Blue Mountains – to soak in the 360 degree views, OMC has you covered,” she said.

“The club also runs skills training and encourages families and juniors to get involved.”

To have a go, riders can get a free MTBA trial license online and attend an events.

Did you know Orange had a Go Kart club? Well, it does.

Members from the age of seven – ranging from social, club level racers through to national competitors – are burning rubber on a circuit out at Perc Griffith Way and you can too.

Membership officer Phil Schmarr said Orange Kart Club is a family friendly, grass roots Go Kart motor racing club which arranges groups by age and engine performance.

“We have five club level races per year and our premier event known as the South Pacific Titles,” he said.

“Check out our web page and Facebook page for `Come and Try’ days and scheduled race meets.”

The Orange Runners Club celebrated 40 years of pounding pavements around the region this year, which is 40 years of feeling fit, having fun and belonging to a tight network.

Club president Anthony Daintith said anyone can join them at any time throughout the year, as the club welcomes new walkers and runners of all abilities.

On Wednesday afternoon the clubs’ three km run at Elephant Park attracts lots of fit littlies alongside the adults, while every Sunday morning the members flock to one of their favoured locations around Orange to choose from distances ranging from two kilometres to 12 kilometers. 

Inspired? Register on its website.