RECAP
Today’s event was a chance to work on skills that can help us improve as orienteers. Bob Boltz set a course targeted at two skills.
First, continuity. Most intermediate orienteers treat each leg as a separate problem to be solved. Then, after punching the control, we turn our attention to the next control, stand still, spread out the map, and consider our options. Bob set out the first portion of the course today with an eye towards improving flow through the course as a whole. During this ‘control picking’ portion there were a series of 16 short legs with frequent changes of direction. The goal was to never stop moving. That meant that we had to, at the least, pay attention to what direction to head out to the next control after this one. This was mildly complicated by the fact that today’s maps were printed without any of the trails.
Second, attention to local features. The next 5 controls were not marked on the map. Instead, a wiggly corridor about 30m wide was indicated. Bob set the controls so that if we stayed within the corridor, we would encounter the controls. This was further complicated by the fact that the map outside the corridor was blank, so the only navigational cues available were within the corridor (see the map here!, or below in photos)
An intrepid crew of ~25 experienced orienteers took up this challenge, and I heard a lot of praise for how much this helped them. The weather was cool and drizzly, and it was pretty sloppy and slippery. Lots of good stories emerged, and I think our club’s average navigational skill ticked up just a little after today.
Many thanks to all our volunteers, including:
- Director: Randy Mitchell
- Designer: Bob Boltz
- Registrar: Kim King
- Control Pickup: Neil Dollinger
RESULTS (unofficial)
There was no ePunch available, so timing is all self reported, and using the honor system. If you have a time, and course feedback, send it our way.
RouteGadget now available at: Boston Run Training
Download your GPS or draw your route from memory using the program.
PS – one Blue Jacket was left behind! We will have it at next week’s Event at Sippo – just ask!