If you've decided not to compete in the Wellington Outgames, that's still no reason to stay at home. Most of the sports events are free for spectators, the rest are cheap as chips. Head along with your flag of choice and support the competitors. There are 17 sports on offer, from the more traditional swimming and running, to viewer faves diving and dancesport. From mountainbiking to volleyball, here's our second edition of two guides to the sports at the 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames, which start on March 12 in Wellington. Mountainbiking For dummies: Endurance, strength and balance are a must for this sport which has its home on back country hills and rough terrain. The best thing about mountainbiking: Bike shorts. You may not know: “Hucking” is a type of free riding in this sport. Venue info: The mountain bike course starts at the Hataitai Velodrome, on Mt Victoria and will loop through the extensive Mt Victoria mountain bike trail network. At 196 meters, Mt Victoria has a myriad of trails that offer varying degrees of difficulty to cater for beginner riders through to those wanting a more challenging course. Each lap of the course is 6km. Spectators: welcome Running For dummies: This is really taking ‘for dummies' to the extreme. 1.Run. 2. You understand running. The best thing about running: getting somewhere quickly. You may not know: It is thought that human running evolved at least four and a half million years ago out of the ability of the ape-like Australopithecus, an early ancestor of humans, to walk upright on two legs. Venue info: Starting from Freyberg Beach Oriental Parade, the course will take runners along Evans Bay Parade. Depending on the event entered, runners will either turn around part way along Evans Bay Parade, or further along near Kilbirnie Park, to finish back at Freyberg Beach. Spectators: welcome Squash For dummies: Squash is a racquet sport played by two players (or four players for doubles) in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball. The best thing about squash: Shots with names like “Squeeze boast” You may not know: Probably the worst ‘why did the chicken cross the road?' joke ever has the punch line “to play squash”. Venue info: Club Kelburn, situated near Victoria University in the western hills overlooking the city, has 10 squash courts and a pro shop (which sells a variety of drinks and snacks). The courts are a 10 minute walk (uphill) from the city centre or via regular bus routes, but recommend to walk. Spectators: welcome Swimming For dummies: The most popular Outgames sport, swimming has a wide variety of disciplines, from backstroke, to freestyle to breaststroke. Outgames swimming is broken up into age categories. The best thing about swimming: swimmers' bodies. Yum. You may not know: Venue info: The Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre (WRAC) is located in Kilbirbie, approximately 15 minutes by bus from the central city. Spectators: welcome Ten Pin Bowling For dummies: it's not all about the snazzy shoes and shirts, ten pin bowling is a highly-competitive game where the aim is, well, pretty basic really – bowl the pins over! The best thing about ten pin bowling: the cracking sound of a perfect strike. You may not know: It's about the only arena where striking out is a good thing. Venue info: Strike is located close to the Petone Railway Station, which is a 12 minute train ride from Wellington Central Station. Strike can also be reached by car and is a 20-minute ride from Wellington CBD. Spectators: welcome Tennis For dummies: Tennis a sport usually played between two players (singles) or between two teams of two players each (doubles). Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. The best thing about tennis: watching spectators, who resemble carnival clowns as they stare from side to side. You may not know: Tennis is believed to have originated in France in the century - but the ball was then struck with the palm of the hand. Venue info: Tennis will be held at the Renouf Tennis Centre at the edge of Central Park. It is the premier tennis venue in Wellington and home for regular international events, including Davis Cup and Federation Cup matches. Spectators: welcome Triathlon For dummies: A sporting ménage a trios: Swim, bike, run. Pretty simple really. The best thing about triathlon: After all that swimming, cycling and running – crossing the finish line is surely the best part! You may not know: In the US triathletes who weigh more than 100 pounds are called “Clydesdales”. Venue info: The course hub is Waitangi Park in central Wellington which is within easy walking distance of the CBD. Spectators: welcome Volleyball For dummies: Two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court. The best thing about volleyball: Beach volleyball? You may not know: Ex US President George W Bush made headlines across the globe when he was snapped patting a female national team member on the butt – a joking custom among players. Venue info: Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua will be the venue for the volleyball competition. TRA is a modern facility and is located in the bustling city of Porirua. Transport to Porirua is via car (approximately 25 minutes on SH1) or by train (20 minutes from Wellington Central Railway station). TRA has excellent cafes nearby and is also adjoined to the Pataka Museum of Arts and Cultures, which is well worth a visit Spectators: welcome Jacqui Stanford - 11th March 2011