Bristol

[Brizzle]

So looks like I'm probably going to UWE (other uni in Bristol) this year (got regected from Sheffield ), and there's no O club or even cross country club! Anyone in Bristol? Can you recomend anyone to train with, what kind of events do BOK do etc...

Cheers

[bendover]

BOK seem to be an active club with heaps of members. there's been BOK members at every event i've been to since i've been based in the south of england.

as for bristol itself, so long as you can secure lifts, there's loads of great terrain within a two hour radius - most of southwest england, south wales, and the forest of dean. superb training opportunities.

as for the city - i reckon you're onto a winner - a cultural mecca with a burgeoning arts scene - good cinemas, galleries and architecture, plus a great nightlife. you'll love it. apart from there being no uni orienteering club, i shouldn't get too downhearted. you'll have a great time.

[Matt L]

I'm a BOK member. It is a very active club. Here is a link to the website:
http://www.freenetpages.co.uk/hp/bristoloklub/

There are local schools events, which have blue courses and occasionally browns, as well as galloppen events reasonably regularly; with browns. We use areas such as Ashton Court, Blaise Castle, Parkend Walk; pretty simple but good for a run around. Also, as has been said, there are reasonably regular events not too far away in the F of D.
Also, Purdown Ridge is right next to you at UWE.

Matt Lyle

[Iain]

Are you sure there isnt an O club at UWE, they are on the results for BUSA ( http://www.emituk.com/results/20050402R ... /ADHOC.HTM ) think Charlie Daniel is there just now?

[Brizzle]

Hmmm, well I looked at the sports clubs page and there wasn't one listed, but thanks looks like there are some orienteers.

and cheers Ben and Matt

[Matt p]

Charlie D is only there for a year - presuming she can do a masters in 1 year. Me and Rhys Manning aren't there we just live in Bristol.

BOK have a pretty good training run on a Tuesday night throughout the year (off road in the Summer) and do quite a lot of Avon Schools Events which aren't on the best areas but are normally fairly central in Bristol. A lot will depend on which campus you go to. The main one is quite a way out of town. I would strongly reccomend trying to get into the central ones - don't know what they are called, but then you can run on the downs (a big park like thing near posh Clifton) or go to 'o' areas like Leigh Woods, Ashton Court etc which are pleasant enough to run around. If you really want to run there are a few pretty good running clubs - Westbury Harriers, Bristol AC. There are normally quite a lot of people going to events and BOK did do a car share scheme - they probably still do.

As Ben said though Bristol's a quality city and if you want to train the opportunities are there. And if you don't you can enjoy many of the cities other delights.