Newcastle Orienteering Club

Details

Created: 30 October 2017

Newcastle Club members were out in force in the Singleton area over the weekend 27-29 October as part of  ONSW’s club expansion Taster events. 3 map areas were identified and mapping was undertaken by Graham Fowler and Russell Rigby. As with these  promotional events, the maps were based in and around parks. At Singleton the areas were Rose Point Park which features the iconic Sundial, Alroy Park which took in playing fields and surrounding streets and finally Nowlan Park, known locally as Kangaroo Park, as there are several corten steel kangaroo sculptures. We should have had Baxter rate the playgrounds as each had a sizeable playground adjacent.

Friday afternoon was our first event. Russell had managed some media time and there had also been a small article in the Singleton Argus. In reality we had no idea of who would come, and how many. But while it was a 4pm start Carolyn started to get very excited when a family arrived at 3:45 and were keen to go. Over the next 2 hours another17 people came, including Ian Miller from Western Hills who “organised” his travel to come to “a Newcastle event”! Thanks Ian. As well Tamara Orr was travelling home from work and called in for a run and to help out. Club members Nicole and Andrew Haigh and Kerry and Greg Bacon as well as Maria Orr took on the duties of set-up, control placing (and retrieval) and meet and greet. All got a run when they could. The weekend was off to a good start as the parkrunners were there in force and seemed to really enjoy themselves. Russell’s map used the park between the main shopping centre and the Hunter River, where parkrun happens each week. It was very benign and a good lead out without a great deal of intensity of navigation. However a few “experienced” orienteers weren’t totally on the ball and had to focus!

Saturday was another afternoon event at Alroy Park in Singleton Heights.  We had a good contingent waiting to get the show on the road. Maria and Peter Orr, Peter Newton and David Kitchener scattered to place controls, Peels helped set up and soon Lynda Hewson and Maria were in demand for SI duties. Advertised to start at 3pm people were arriving by 2:40 – they were keen and we were really happy. Graham Fowler’s map area was a little more challenging than Rose Point but encroached on the streets so it was a mix of our Street and Park style events, though SI was used throughout. A LOT of people came, some very intense rivalry developed between Kalani and Luchia vs Conor and Jesse with the girls taking the honours with both superior planning and better time management. What was really impressive were the people who’d been on Friday and then to parkrun Saturday then to the Alroy Park event! Again they all loved it and we were very happy with their interest. Lots of chat afterwards among locals and with our club members. Event 2 done! The women’s category was clearly for the runners and local Carol Burgmann was in her element. Katie Roach was also a standout.

Sunday morning at Nowlan Park for the last – again we had no idea of turnout but Carolyn was starting to get a bit more confident. With such a quick turnaround and early start we were very grateful for early risers, especially given the previous days’ happenings. Peels again set up the assembly beautifully and logically, David Kitchener and Lyndy Hewson as well as Carolyn Chalmers and Viola O’Connor deftly placed controls in the most interesting and challenging of the map areas for the weekend. Again linear parkland and some surrounding streets was the format.

Andrew Power took the reins of the computer to pull it into shape. With again a lot of people returning explanation was a little less than the other days so we saved ourselves for the really newcomers, plus we made sure the returnees were treated as “old” friends. Again Katie Roach did really well, in a fantastic Game of Throws top and bringing a friend and a canine companion for the whole experience. Well done girls! The challenge between Kalani and Luchia against Jesse was on again – armed with highlighter, fancy watches and P cards on wrists to speed up punching!!! no less. It was ON. Jesse took the honours this time with both losing time in the watercourse section – map reading not running! Dominic made his dad work very hard for the points but it was an enjoyable experience when he stopped panting. The day was warming up so the early starts were appreciated by all. Control collection by David Kitchener, Glenn Burgess and Lynda Hewson (on bike getting in some sneaky MTBO training) and Russell finally was allowed to get out on the course to collect a couple of controls, pack up by Peels and Bridget Whitehead and the weekend was over.

Possibly the highlight for Russell over the weekend was being there when Stephen Ward did his first orienteering event walking, after his stroke. Stephen participated on all 3 days and Tracy and their children came on the Saturday and Sunday. It was lovely to see them all again and they can’t wait for the Taster events scheduled for Muswellbrook in 2018 to get in motion.

Our sincere thanks to the club for its support, for the club members who came and gave so generously of their time. It is this sort of support that makes us the envy of all other clubs in the state!

Carolyn and Russell Rigby

photos: 
https://photos.app.goo.gl/NGquJXDcXn5Sjkn73

Friday Results

Saturday Results

Sunday Results

Details

Created: 03 April 2018

Singleton and Belford NP
Two orienteering events will be conducted on 7-8th April, as part of the Orienteering NSW introduction to orienteering program in the Upper Hunter. More events are being planned for Muswellbrook/Denman later in the year.

The first event will be at Nowlan Park, Singleton Heights and will offer a selection of scatter and line courses in the park, with longer courses also using the surrounding streets.

The second event in the program is a regular Newcastle Orienteering Club event at Belford NP, with a full range of bush courses for all levels of expertise from "first-timers" to experienced orienteers.

All ages welcome, but children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Both events are free. $10 refundable deposit required for electronic timing chip hire.

Singleton Saturday 7th April starts 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Location: Nowlan Park, Gardiner Circuit, Singleton Heights
Directions: From highway - 500m west of Hunter River bridge at traffic lights turn into Bridgman Road - after 2.8km turn left into Gardiner Circuit - 350m to assembly area in park on left.
Facilites: playground, toilets, shelters, bike paths.

Belford NP Sunday 8th April 9:30-11:30am
Directions: 2km west of end of Hunter Expressway (or 6.9km east of Golden H'way intersection) turn into Kirkton Road – park on road-side 300m from highway.
This is a Newcastle Orienteering event, and a full range of courses is available, as well as introductory instruction for newcomers. 
Note: no dogs in National Park

Details

Created: 29 April 2018

Location: Bluegum Hill (Parking on Woodford Street). The same area that was used for the first club event of the season this year.

Time: 5:45pm Warmup/Briefing, 6pm start for 7:30pm finish

Difficulty: Moderate or higher level of orienteering experience is required.

What to Bring: Normal orienteering gear + headlamp (night orienteering) and a $2 donation.

If you would like to volunteer to put reflectors out for this week please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Details

Created: 06 May 2018

Details

Created: 22 March 2018

 Thank you to all of the volunteers - your help is really appreciated.

Results - Click here

Read more: Sun 9th Sept: Hunter Valley Champs - Wallaroo

Details

Created: 22 March 2018

Click here for the RESULTS

Final information, previous map, map legend & special features documents are
now available via the event listing on Eventor or the links provided below.

Please read the Final Information document as it will assist in the smooth
running of the event.

EVENTOR LISTING
https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Events/Show/6495

FINAL INFORMATION
https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Documents/Event/4954/Final-Information

MAP LEGEND
https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Documents/Event/4955/Map-Legend

SPECIAL FEATURES
https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Documents/Event/4956/Special-Features

Details

Created: 22 March 2018

Click here for RESULTS

Final information & previous map documents are now available via the event
listing on Eventor or the links provided below.

Please read the Final Information document as it will assist in the smooth
running of the event.

EVENTOR LISTING
https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Events/Show/6496

FINAL INFORMATION
https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Documents/Event/4957/Final-Information

PREVIOUS MAP
https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Documents/Event/4875/previous-map

Details

Created: 22 March 2018

Unfortunately lack of time availability has meant that this week's training will be cancelled. Apologies. 

Details

Created: 22 March 2018

RESULTS click here

NOTE: The event location has changed (it was intended to be at Pothana). The event will be held at Fairley Dams

Directions:

From Newcastle: Head west along the Newcastle Link Road from Wallsend, straight ahead through 2 roundabouts. At the major intersection with Cameron Park Drive / Woodford Street (traffic lights), turn LEFT. Continue 1.8 km along Cameron Park Drive, straight ahead at the next roundabout (becomes Carrington Street). Proceed straight ahead through the centre of town (becomes Railway Street) turning RIGHT at the O’Donnelltown Road cross-intersection. The event site is approx. 1.5 km west of this intersection and west of the bridge over the M1.

From Sydney / M1 (northbound only): Take the Cardiff exit from the M1 (that’s the exit before the Newcastle exit). Turn right onto George Booth Drive, then RIGHT into Carrington Street (first roundabout, for West Wallsend). Proceed straight ahead through the centre of town (becomes Railway Street) turning RIGHT at the O’Donnelltown Road cross-intersection. The event site is approx. 1.5 km west of this intersection and west of the bridge over the M1.

From the M1 (southbound only) or M15: Take the Newcastle exit from the M1 or M15, and move into the RIGHT-most lane as soon as possible, so that you can turn right at the first intersection with Cameron Park Drive / Woodford Street (traffic lights). Continue 1.8 km along Cameron Park Drive, straight ahead at the next roundabout (becomes Carrington Street). Proceed straight ahead through the centre of town (becomes Railway Street) turning RIGHT at the O’Donnelltown Road cross-intersection. The event site is approx. 1.5 km west of this intersection and west of the bridge over the M1.

COORDINATES: -32.9037, 151.5576

Map::TBA

Terrain: From fairly flat lower parts to steep and rocky slopes. Vegetation is mostly open and runnable but some patches remain of closer scratchy bushes. The many vehicle and trail bike tracks may confuse as much as aid navigation. A small area of many tracks has deteriorated to bare earth. This is now mapped as open with scattered trees. Several new tracks have been added to the map, and some track systems revised, but there may still be discrepancies.

Planner: Jim Lee

Vetter: Denis Lyons

Courses:

Entry Fees

Safety: Safety bearing is E to the M1 Motorway fence, then N to O’Donnellltown Road.

Be watchful for derelict barbed wire fences. An attempt has been made to mark these with red/white tape, but many unmarked sections could be present. 

One large black snake was seen during setting.

Start times: 9:30 to 11:30am with course closure at 1pm. Please ensure you start your course with enough time to complete it prior to course closure

Notes: 

· Trail bikes and 4WD vehicles are active in the area. Listen for their approach and KEEP OUT OF THEIR WAY by moving off tracks. It is safest to assume that they have not seen you.

· Limited areas of dense and scratchy vegetation are present. Protective clothing is recommended for those undertaking the more advanced courses.

· Mine subsidence cracks, pits and sinkholes may be present in the area and are shown on the map. They are also identified in the field with bright pink streamers or isolated with hazard tape.

· Sections of old cattle fence still exist in the area. These are also shown on the map, but may not be obvious in the field. Sections will be marked with coloured tape where they are considered dangerous.

Details

Created: 22 March 2018

Results

Directions: 

At the traffic lights on Toronto Road, Fennell Bay head west into Macquarie Road, then in 200m turn right into Harrington Street. Then 300m turn right into Lake Macquarie Close.

The Assembly area is on the north side of Lake Macquarie Close. Note as there is limited parking on Lake Macquarie Close, additional parking will be along both sides of Harrington streets. Please take care not to block residential driveways.

Map: Fassifern Ridge 1:10,000 4 metre contours. Revised Ian Dempsey August 2017 with minor revisons by Steven Roberts June 2018.

Black crosses show car wrecks. Black circles indicate wreckage.

Terrain: Undulating to very steep and mostly open forest that has been burnt in the last 24 months. There’s an extensive track network, many parallel watercourses, and rock detail on the higher slopes. The lower gullies have some patches of slow run and walk.

Planner: Steven Roberts

Vetter: Callum Roberts

SI Air can be used on all courses.

Courses:

Entry Fees

Safety: Safety bearing is east to the service road then south towards the assembly area.

Start times: 9:30 to 11:30am with course closure at 1pm. Please ensure you start your course with enough time to complete it prior to course closure

Notes:

1) The start is an easy 300m walk from the assembly area. Allow 5 minutes.

2) There will be some climbing to the main ridge in the early stages for all courses, afterwhich runners should enjoy the vast open runnable forest (or track options) available on this map. The Hard Short course does have legs that involve contouring across steep slopes.

3) The steeper slopes are gravelly – take care.

4) Although trail bikes are not common in the area, move to the side of the track if you encounter them.

Details

Created: 22 March 2018

RESULTS

Directions: 

From Killingworth Turn right off The Broadway onto The Boulevarde which turns into Killingworth Road. After 1km park on the right in front of the large substation.

From West Wallsend navigate to Boundary Road then travel south for 3 km (the road turns into Killingworth Road). Parking is on the left in front of the large substation.

Map::The Range (1 : 10 000)The Range (1 : 10 000)

Terrain: 

Planner: Stuart Kurtz

Vetter:

Courses:

Entry Fees

Safety: Safety bearing is east to Killingworth road then south to assembly.Safety bearing is east to Killingworth road then south to assembly.

Start times: 9:30 to 11:30am with course closure at 1pm. Please ensure you start your course with enough time to complete it prior to course closure

Notes:
(a) The area is frequented by trail bikes and 4WD vehicles. IF YOU HEAR OR SEE THEM COMING, GET OFF THE TRACK AND OUT OF THEIR WAY.
(b) The tracks created by these trail bikes and 4WD’s are often badly eroded. Think SAFETY rather than speed when using these trails.
(c) The area includes spikey vegetation. Full body cover is advised.
(d) Help with collection of controls will be needed, and very much appreciated.

Details

Created: 18 June 2018

Participants will be able to choose between three competitions run over this weekend.
          WEEKEND - your best 3 of 4 race results will be combined.
          SATURDAY – your results from Races 1 & 2 will be combined.
          SUNDAY – your results from Races 3 & 4 will be combined.
Note: those that enter “SATURDAY” and “SUNDAY” as two individual entries won’t be included in the “WEEKEND” competition.

 Entries Close Friday 6rd July, 2018 @ 11:59pm

Entries via Eventor: 
    WEEKEND (both days) -  https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Events/Show/6856
    SATURDAY (only) - https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Events/Show/6858
    SUNDAY (only) - https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Events/Show/6859

Other Entries For those not registered in Eventor an entry form is available via...
  https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Documents/Event/4615/2/Non-Eventor-Entry-Form-PDF 

Enter on Day-EOD Very limited Enter on Day will be available.

Course/Class

## Non-competitive - easier navigation course aimed at sub-juniors or adults novices.

Entry Fees

Timing System Standard SI units will be used 

Queueing Starts “Queueing Starts” will be employed.  Competitors can start any time during the start window listed for each event below. Note: During the first 15 mins parents requiring split starts and club volunteers may be expedited ahead of any queue.

Course Closure Times are listed below for each individual event. Please allow yourselves enough time to have either completed your course OR be back at the finish by this time. This is to assist with competitor safety and timely control collection.

Catering No catering on Saturday. A local community club will be catering on Sunday. Expect the usual BBQ fare etc.Nulkaba parkrun    

Nulkaba parkrun is on the perimeter of St Philips College. Those keen enough to add this to their Saturday are able to do so as it will not be considered out of bounds.    

Event Directors Carolyn & Russell Rigby

Contact/Organiser Geoff Peel     H: 02 49680977     Mob: 0422 471 353     Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Race Details

Read more: Newcastle Shorts Weekend: 14th and 15th July, 2018

Details

Created: 22 March 2018

Unfortunately there will be no Wednesday training this week. Training will resume next week as usual.

@Rob I have just unpublished this so I can leave a no

Details

Created: 22 March 2018

Hunter Region Schools 42nd Orienteering Championships

Date: Tuesday 3rd July, 2018

Results: Results

Entries are now being taken for this years Hunter Schools Orienteering Championships to be held at Minmi. The students complete 2 courses on the day. The first is a line course based on the age they turn this year.

Note: Closing date for entries is Sunday 24th June, 2018.

VENUE:   From Newcastle Link Road At the traffic lights, turn towards Minmi on Woodford Street. At the next set of lights turn right into Minmi Rd, then after approximately 500m turn right into Blue Gum Hills Regional Park. Please park where directed. OR From Newcastle, proceed to Wallsend, then take Minmi Road through Fletcher, turning left into Blue Gum Hills Regional Park. (The park entrance is approx 500m before the start of the houses at Minmi.

Map: Blue Gum Hills (2018) 1 : 7 500

Entries will be accepted from Primary age students who have successfully completed Orienteering in Schools programs, or who regularly compete at Newcastle Orienteering Club events but they will compete in the 12 year age grouping.

The second course is entered in divisions based on experience rather than age – this will be a score course where you find as many controls as you can within a time limit (45 minutes).

A: Hard B: Moderate C: Easy / Moderate D: Easy

Entries will be accepted from teams of two, but they must start, do the whole course and finish together.

Start times for the Age Division courses will be arranged after a safety briefing for all competitors. This briefing is expected to commence at approximately 9am and is mandatory for all competitors.

SEND ENTRIES AND ENQUIRIES TO:

Mr Colin Bailey

Merewether High School
Phone: 4969 3855
Fax: 4961 2246
Mobile: 0414 406 652
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cost: $12 per student.

Closing date for entries is Sunday 24th June, 2018.

Details

Created: 22 March 2018

RESULTS

Directions: 

From Newcastle / Speers Point take the B53 south through Toronto. Take the exit to Eraring power station 10 km south of Toronto and turn left to go 800 m km east on Rocky Point road. Park on the left side of Rocky Point road.

From Sydney take the Morisset exit from the M1. Proceed through Morisset traveling north on the B53. 2.8 km after Dora Creek take the exit for Eraring power station, turn right (east) on Rocky Point road for 1.3 km.  Park on the left side of Rocky Point road.

Map: Whiteheads Lagoon

Terrain: 

Planner: Jim Lee

Vetter: Peter & Diana Charlton

Courses:

Very Easy, Easy, Short Moderate, Moderate, Short Hard, Medium Hard. A Longer extension to the Medium Hard may be offered.

Entry Fees

Facilities: Toilets 500 m from assembly (in competition area)

Safety: 

• Safety bearing: South to Rocky Point road.
• Rocky Point road is not permitted to be used except in emergency.
• There is dangerous fast flowing water in Eraring outlet channel (mostly fenced off).
• Courses are in places near the edge of the Lagoon and Lake Macquarie. Tracks near the lagoon are inundated at times.
• The Very Easy (and most other courses as well) crosses an inlet from the Lagoon on a fallen tree. There is a rope hand rail, and this crossing is on a main walking track.
• There are a number of small piles of rubbish including broken glass in the competition area. Other debris (e.g. wire mesh) may also be encountered.

Start times: 9:30 to 11:30am with course closure at 1pm. Please ensure you start your course with enough time to complete it prior to course closure

Notes:

• Rocky Point road is not permitted as a route choice (for your safety).
• On one part of the map the Scouts have made new plantings which are marked with red/white tape and/or logs. Please avoid damaging the plants when running in this area.
• Fire and regeneration activities have made some of the area easier running.
• Tracks near the lake edge may be inundated in places. The adjacent forest is usually open and runnable. I don’t expect there will be any problem with inundation, but I could be wrong.
• Tree root mounds have been used for control sites and these should be reliably mapped, but some older ones are no longer obvious and not all of the numerous new ones are mapped.

• Full body cover is recommended for Moderate and Hard courses as there are patches of remnant lantana.

•  

  Hard Medium and Hard Long Courses: The Hard Medium course is the same as the Hard Long course with two controls (12 and 13) omitted. The same map and controls descriptions will be used for both, and you can decide which course you will complete before or after starting. There are comments in the control descriptions to remind you which controls to skip. At the point of divergence the map shows the route for the Hard Medium course with a dashed line (this is not a marked route) and a standard continuous line for the Hard Long. These courses have a map change after nine controls. Turn the map over to continue your course. This is indicated by a comment in the control descriptions.

Details

Created: 22 March 2018

Results

Directions: 

From the north.  Navigate to Kitchener via Cessnock or Abernethy. From the junction of Abernethy Rd. and Cessnock Rd. (which becomes Quorrobolong Rd.) Head south for approx. 840m and look for suitable parking on the western side of the road.

From the south. Look for Sandy Creek Rd. (Just south of Mulbring) and follow this road (to the west) for approx. 12KM., then turn right onto Quorrobolong Rd.. After approx. 3.5km  look for suitable parking on the western side of the road.

Parking: Parking can mostly be right angled to the road, but may have to be parallel behind the roadside barrier.

Assembly Area: The assembly area will be adjacent to the southern end of a roadside barrier on the western side of the road. Toilets should be open at the Poppet head park. (1km north of the assembly.)

Map: the Decapitated Poppethead        (1:10 000)

Terrain: 

Planner: Denis Lyons

Vetter: Graeme Taplin

Courses:

Entry Fees

Safety:

Start times: 9:30 to 11:30am with course closure at 1pm. Please ensure you start your course with enough time to complete it prior to course closure

Notes: 

(a) The area is frequented by trail bikes and 4WD vehicles. IF YOU HEAR OR SEE THEM COMING, GET OFF THE TRACK AND OUT OF THEIR WAY.

(b) The tracks created by these trail bikes and 4WD’s are often badly eroded. Think SAFETY rather than speed when using these trails.

(c) Native cherry trees and tree-root mounds will NOT be shown on this edition of the map. Termite mounds (brown X) and meat-ant nests (see symbol in legend) have not all been checked, but appear reasonably accurate. ONLY TERMITE MOUNDS (not meat-ant nests) HAVE BEEN USED AS SOME CONTROL SITES.

(d) Take care on any steep gravel slopes.

(e) Very Easy and Easy courses will have marked trails which use black /yellow streamers.

(f) The area includes spikey vegetation. Full body cover is advised.

(g) Help with collection of controls will be needed, and very much appreciated.

Details

Created: 22 March 2018

Results

As part of World Orienteering Day, our club will be holding an event this Wednesday afternoon. It will be a Park style event starting near the rotunda at King Edward Park.

Starts are from 2:00 pm with courses closing at 6:00 pm.

Three courses will be on offer:
Very Easy 1.3 km;
Easy 1.4 km;
Moderate 1.7 km.

Novices and first timers especially welcome. Bring along a friend and introduce them to our fabulous sport.

Details

Created: 22 March 2018

NOY2: POST-EVENT REPORT

You would be hard pressed to find a better day to have seen the Butterwick Crown Reserve than Sunday 6th May, 2018. Beautiful mild, sunny conditions – perfect orienteering weather.  Over 90 entrants enjoyed the conditions to experience an area not previously used for orienteering.

Rob Bennett’s blistering 50:58 time on the 7.0 km Hard Long (edging out Justin Stafford by the smallest of margins) suggested fast, open running conditions.  Which is true – in part. The trick was not getting tangled in any green along the way, of which there was plenty. Although a few entrants returned bearing the scars of battle, most seemed to have enjoyed the experience. And many felt better upon administration of a chilled beverage and an egg & bacon roll or a sausage sandwich. Apparently, Peter Newton ended up feeling REALLY good – and he didn’t even run a course!

Thank you to those who took time to provide constructive feedback about the map. While updating an existing map is not too threatening an activity, starting one from scratch offers somewhat different and more complex challenges. Will everyone else see what I’m seeing – and the way I’m seeing it? And just how should that be put onto paper? The verdict amongst those I spoke with was that the “Rough Open with Scattered Trees” areas did not really benefit competitors, as the distinction between that and “Open Forest” was not sufficiently clear in the forest itself. Future versions of the map are unlikely to have a lot of yellow on them (sorry, Justin). Maybe if OCAD had a way that you could gradually fade in the colour at the edges of an area...  But I enjoyed the experience, learnt a lot from it and am glad that people thought the area was worth mapping.

As always, there were others who pitched in to make it all happen. Peter Newton took on the (often thankless) task of vetting, offered helpful suggestions, set up, packed up and drove the gear van. And it is worth remembering that had it not been for a chat between Peter and Russell Rigby (the master of the base map), this area might still be “undiscovered”.  Joy Guy was stalwart, as ever, on the desk, then took time to help collect controls. Jeff Guy coped with an error in the course files that were on the computer, as well as 2 malfunctioning SI units, while manning the finish. Geoff Todkill deserves thanks for the printing, Geoff Peel & Margaret Peel for the string course. Rudi Landsiedel, Denis Lyons and Rob Vincent also went back out to gather in controls, signs and streamers. I was otherwise occupied during the setting up, so apart from Carolyn Chalmers, I’m not sure who helped, but thank you nonetheless. If I have missed you or forgotten a job, please accept my apologies. Of course, thanks are also due to the members of the Hinton Wallalong Pony Club for use of their facilities. Emma and her team provided some wonderful catering - and the very sociable atmosphere that goes with the food & drink. They look forward to seeing us next year. I trust we look forward to seeing them!

Finally, a request. Please take time to post your route on RouteGadget (just follow the link). It doesn’t have to be pinpoint precise and I promise no-one will laugh if you took what I might call “an unconventional route choice”. (Trust me – we have all been there at some stage!) It is easy to do it manually – just tick the “Draw Your Route” box (top right of the screen), select your course and name, then click on the start triangle. Every time you click, it adds another point and joins it up to previous points to show where you ran. Those with GPS units will probably have a rough idea how to load a .gpx track using the “GPS upload” link instead.

“But, why?” I don’t hear you ask. (I’ve got the speakers off.)  I find it helps, as a course planner, seeing how people approach some legs. In my head, I have an “ideal” solution, but other orienteers sometimes see good ways of doing things that have never occurred to me. Understanding how people think while on a course helps to design better courses. And you might just get something from seeing how others compete. Give it a go!

David.

RESULTS

Read more: Sun 6th May: NOY2 - Butterwick

Details

Created: 22 March 2018

O’DONNELLTOWN

Results

COACHING OPPORTUNITY: Stephen Craig has offered coaching to those who are new to bush (cross-country) orienteering at the minor events this year. This could be juniors or adults new to the sport. If you are interested please let him know via email to arrange a time This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

DIRECTIONS:

From Newcastle: Head north-west along the Newcastle Link Road, straight ahead through 2 roundabouts. At the major intersection with Cameron Park Drive / Woodford Street (traffic lights), turn left. Continue 1.8 km along Cameron Park Drive, straight ahead at the next roundabout (becomes Carrington Street). Proceed straight ahead through the centre of town (becomes Railway Street) turning RIGHT at the O’Donnelltown Road cross-intersection. The event site is approx. 1 km west of this intersection.

From Sydney / M1 (northbound only): Take the Wallsend exit from the M1 (that’s the exit before the Newcastle exit). Turn right onto George Booth Drive, then right into Carrington Street (first roundabout, for West Wallsend). Proceed straight ahead through the centre of town (becomes Railway Street) turning RIGHT at the O’Donnelltown Road cross-intersection. The event site is approx. 1 km west of this intersection.

From the M1 (southbound only) or M15: Take the Newcastle exit from the M1, or proceed straight ahead for Newcastle from the M15.  In both cases, you need to be in the RIGHT-most lane, so that you can turn right at the major intersection with Cameron Park Drive / Woodford Street (traffic lights). Continue 1.8 km along Cameron Park Drive, straight ahead at the next roundabout (becomes Carrington Street). Proceed straight ahead through the centre of town (becomes Railway Street) turning RIGHT at the O’Donnelltown Road cross-intersection. The event site is approx. 1 km west of this intersection.

Map: O'Donnelltown Rock - East

Terrain: Spur-gully with light rock and thicker areas in watercourses

Planner: Bert van Netten, Robert van Huisstede, Anita Bickle

Vetter: Kim van Netten

Courses:

Entry Fees

Safety:

Start times: 9:30 to 11:30am with course closure at 1pm. Please ensure you start your course with enough time to complete it prior to course closure

Details

Created: 22 March 2018

Belford - Setters Report

Thanks to the 82 people that completed a course and apologies to those that mispunched on the last control. There are rules about how far apart controls need to be and how controls nearby need to be on different features with different numbers. I guess I was not smart enough to figure out some Hard Medium course runners would punch control 110 when looking of the 10th control on their course. It was the next one, 'near' the track corner 111 that you were after.  I say near as being a Very Easy control I had moved it some metres up the track towards the Finish to ensure those Very Easy course runners did not take the wrong track. It was simply too much extra work to hang out 'wrong way go back signs'. As it was, it took 1.5hours on the morning of the event to push the water out on course in a wheelbarrow. It then took a further 30 minutes to stand up some controls along the fence and hang a streamer trail to mark the indistinct track the Very Easy course runners needed to follow. And that is why we nominate a  9:30 start, to give the setter a chance to do those last minute jobs; I phoned the registration desk at 9:29 to say the courses were ready!

Thanks to Toy Martin for checking I had the controls in the right spot and thanks to Denis, Lyndy and the Guy's for collecting controls. An extra big thankyou to David Kitchener for walking all the way out to the back of the map to collect some controls and pack up and bring back 3 water controls. After 8 hours to place the controls on Friday, my feet were too sore to do much more, those controls would have had to wait a few days to find their way back to the gear van. So whilst the effort for most competitors is over in 45 - 60 minutes, the organisers still have a lot to do after you have left. It would be really nice if a few more people aimed to start late, or have a picnic lunch after their run and then offered to go and collect a few controls. The setter would really appreciate that offer.

Speaking of organisers, the event would not have started at 9:30 had it not been for Viola O'Connor who was left with a set on van keys and asked to set up the assembly area as she saw fit. I think it was Malcolm Roberts who was roped into going for a run out on the highway to hang the 'turn here' orienteering signs. Thanks Malcolm.

A comment was made about the stands of poisoned African Olive being marked green on the map. Although you can see through the dead tangle of tree limbs, you can't run through them, so green seems to be an appropriate colour until a fire cleans out those dead trees. I know it is odd having a patch of green on the map representing vegetation that is not green, that is just a quirk of the map!

RESULTS

Read more: Sun 8th Apr: NOY1 - Belford FREE EVENT