The map scale said 1:10,000 - - - it was really 1:14,500 (now don't
complain Ian......even Blind Freddy could see that it wasn't 1:10K).
In spite of being pushed for time, David Beard still found time to rummage
through a pile of rubbish for some preloved electrical equipment that he
spotted (and he thought nobody was looking...).
Suzanne didn't have her pink coat with her this evening - and Bruce was
absent too. (Is there a link here - was it his turn?)
Bryan Ackerly passed me at 18 and while I did 7, 4 and 19 he got 2, 20,
13, 9 and then passed me again at 19. Damn he's fast!
We investigated Keith's concerns about a map correction near #15;
according to the aerial photo Keith the map is spot on.
Ryordan and Darian can actually produce neater score-cards - all it takes
is a 2-3 point bribe (this IS a training activity after all and writing
training is just as important as running training).
The recently retired Lauris Stirling had to head off early today - but
still managed a respectable tally in the 45 minutes run that she did get.
Check out Ian Stirling's walking score - compare this to the runners
scores!!
Some things we need to think about:
While we run informal training events, we do need to ensure that our
events comply with normal street-O standards. If you haven't read it already,
please read the course setters guide at
http://www.vicorienteering.asn.au/resources/organising/Course%20Setters%20Guide%202006-2.pdf
as soon as you can. It's full of tips and hints and recommendations and
checklists and jokes. Well worth a read and very amusing in parts.
Some of the recommendations it makes include:
Check that the scale on the map is accurate; use a ruler and check
against a known reference such as the Melways. DO NOT TRUST THE CLAIMED
SCALE IN THE OCAD PRINT DIALOG BOX - PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW HOW TO SET THIS
CORRECTLY - AND IT'S OFTEN WRONG!
Generally agreed that all maps should endeavour to be 1:10,000
Make sure that there are 5-7 controls reachable within 2.5 Km; this
ensures that the slower participants (me) get at least this number of
controls.
Set night courses so that there is no advantage to anyone that runs
through a park. As much as possible we should encourage folks to stick to
streets.
Provide route choice - by ensuring that there are 3-4 ways to every
control. I don't know anybody that likes lots and lots of dead-end
courts....don't do it. If you must use a court, put the control near the
entrance of the court.
Maximum course length for our events should be no more than 11-12 Km.
While I've often heard people complain about long courses, I've NEVER heard
anyone whinge about a course being too short!
Map backgrounds often do not copy well - and it may take a little
adjustment to get something that provides the contrast you need on your map.
If in doubt, copy 1 and then stick your head in a poorly lit cupboard and
check it. You should be able to see a distinct contrast between OOB and
runnable areas such as parks and alley-ways.
Most importantly - please be gracious in adversity. We've ALL made most of
the above mistakes at one time or another - and while you may have sensed a
level of discomfort, nobody took you to task on it.
Joining an orienteering club has many advantages. Consider Nillumbik
Emus - winner of the Rockhopper Award for best bush orienteering
club in Victoria - for 9 of the last 11 years (not to mention supplier
of this website). Membership only $5 per year per family - contact
Geoff Hudson on (03) 9888 8121 (or at most events) for information
or press here to join now
