Arrive at the site about an hour before the "first start time". You will be given a "control card" to record the fact that you've visited the appropriate controls and assigned a "start time" relative to the "first start". At the start time (after taking some available introductory advice), advance to the start line when your name is called out. When you receive your map, first "orient" the map to the terrain by turning yourself and the map until the start is lined up with the route to the first control. Novice courses usually have trails or other similar "handrail" features between controls. Choose a route to follow to the first control and check your "clue sheet" to confirm what "feature" and "control" you are looking for. A "control" is a set of square flags about 25 cm to a side, divided into a white and an orange triangle. Each control is uniquely identified with two letters or numbers. At the control, you will find a small "punch", which produces a pattern of holes when punched through your control card. For a example, a control with the letters "FX" may be hanging near a large boulder (the "feature"). Once at the control, punch the control card in the appropriate square to prove you've been there. Proceed to the next control in a similar fashion. Follow all controls in the order specified on your map. If you get lost (a common occurance) and find the wrong control, you are suppose to go back and find the right one before you punch the control you found out of order. Also be sure that you haven't found a control from another course! Start with an easy course until you get your wits about you then increase the level of difficulty later. Have fun!
How to interpret the codes on a clue sheet
[ ONB Home ] [ Fredericton Foxes Home ]