Orienteering New Brunswick Newsletter
Vol. 24, No. 1
May 1999
The Newsletter of Orienteering New Brunswick
Rob Hughes in Upper Kingsclear
SPRING!!!!! Mud! Flies! Another season of running around the woods in pajamas has begun!! Greetings! This is your new ONB Notes Ed. typing. After producing countless great issues, Gary Daneff is passing the buck - I mean, baton! - on to me for a bit. Actuafly, Gary is still involved helping with the production side of things, as we juggle several computer and software systems into action to bring you this special periodical. Thanks, Gary, for all those past issues and for the help on this one.
ONB Notes has established something of a reputation over the years for the high quality of its content... not only faithfully reporting the results of all our events, but also exercising the minds of the readership with leading-edge orienteering reportage, science, lore, health ideas.. and pages of that special brand of verbiage, seemingly common to the orienteering scene all over the planet, which most of us try to view as humour. So - I will attempt to uphold the tradition, which I hope I can do writing as little as possible. That means YOU, yes you, reading this have to WRITE and send it in to me. Now is also a good time to whine about anything you don't like about ONB Notes, the typeface, the format, the articles, the results? Well maybe those will have to stay the same....write anything at all! The map you couldn't read, the fatal sixth control at Hillsborough, the new 0-shoes you just got. The weather. The uv index. This is a call for articles!
One of the perks of becoming editor - probably the only one - is that I fmally got to find out who all those anonymous staff writers are that write the 0-teasers and other stuff. And if you write an article and send it in for the next issue, I might tell you who they are. Hint: unattributed text is generally the work of the Ed. Speaking of the next issue, this will probably come out sometime in late August. It will contain results of all events sent in to me by mid-August. Please send all results by email. The preferred format is text with columns separated by tabs, not spaces. Results sent in non-electronic form may not be included.
Enough babbling. The email address for all submissions is rustics@brunnet.net. See you in the woods.
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The Return of "The Maxi Moose"
Reserve May 22-23 on your calendar, eat lots of pasta, then head down to the Cobequid Mountains of Nova Scotia (near Wentworth). Take part in the Maxi Moose II! This is a rogaine, or 24-hour wilderness score orienteering event, organised by Orienteering Nova Scotia. If you think it's not worth driving for several hours for just an hour or so of orienteering, then this may well be the event for you. You can choose either the full "classic" 24-hour event, or the 6-hour version. Competitors travel in teams of 2-5 people, at least one of which must be 1 8 years or older for the 24-hour event. Controls are spread over a wide area of hilly terrain. The 6-h and 24-h events both start at 12.00, May 22, with registration closing at 11.00.
The first Maxi-Moose rogaine was held in May 1996 and attracted 88 participants, the youngest aged 17 and the oldest aged 65. Competitors came from NB, NS, Nfld, Maine and Massachusetts.
For full details of rules, the courses, terrain, weather, equipment and more, check the OANS web page at http://www.chebucto.ns/Recreation/Orienteering/moose.html. Costs: The registration fee is $25 (Canadian funds) per person for either the 6 hour or 24 hour event. A souvenir long-sleeve T-shirt is available for an additional $15. Note: there will be a late entry fee of $10 per person for registrations received after April 1!! As this issue of ONB notes clearly does not give you enough notice, a note was sent out as widely as possible via email warning of this deadline. We hope you received word in time to avoid late fees. For more information on this event, you may email Michael Haynes
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Rob Hughes, hanging up his skis
The Wostawea Cross-Country Ski Club held its second annual Jackrabbit Fun Day Ski-O on Saturday March 13 in Odell Park, Fredericton. Thirty or so youngsters took part: all completed the course successfully! The winning time for the 0.5 km "course" was 3 min 25 s. The event was designed for fun and simplicity. No map was used, but a punch card was given to each skier and no-one had any problems using them. Skiers were directed towards the first, easily visible control. Attached to the control flag was a clue message, directing then to the next control, and so on, along a clearly defined trail. There were 5 controls in all. Timing was optional: most kids were not interested in being timed, although some of the older ones were, and some skied the course several times to improve their time.
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Stig Sharborn, in Fredericton
Congratulations - Doug Mahoney and Pam James.
First place in the mass start U.S. Long-O Championships in M21, held in Letchworth State Park, NY, in October, went to Doug Mahoney from Hilisborough. He completed a 16.4 km long course with 610 m climb, in a time of 115:38. One (1) second behind him was fellow Canadian Mike Waddington from Ontario, with third place going to Mikell Platt, the best U.S. athlete, in 116:00.
The following day a 4.2 km long, 130 m climb, U.S. Short-O Championships were held. First place went to Mike Waddington this time, 24:57, with Doug Mahoney tied with Joe Brautigam from Connecticut in a time of 26:28.
Do we have another contender here for a spot on the team to represent Canada at the World Championships in Scotland later this year? A qualification race at a location so far unlinown to me, will decide the remaining two spots for each of the men's and women's teams. Mike, Sandy and Wil Smith have already qualified through their performances at last summer's Canadian Orienteering Championships.
Not to be ignored when it comes to accolades are second and first place finishes by Pam James of Halifax in the long and short events respectively.
Alternative Score-O
BC organized a 90 minute score-O for three man teams with 45 control locations in all. Maps were received 45 minutes in advance of the mass start. Teams were allowed to split up and could themselves decide which of the controls each person would atempt. Penalties were given for time exceeding 90 minutes. Something for NB clubs?
Plan Now for COC 1999
The Canadian and Eastern Canadian orienteering championships and related events will be held in the Toronto/Niagara Falls area between July 9 and July 18. Plan to attend now. Check things out and register at their website http://www.toronto orienteering.com/glof99.
COC 2000
Planning is proceeding for this major event. A level 3 officials clinic is scheduled for April 10-11. New aerial photography of Fundy Park is also planned for this spring. Additional mapping is going to be done by Bryan Chubb, an elite orienteer and mapper from Alberta.
We need your help this year to bring friends out to our events, and to convince them that they should take the opportunity to compete in the COC's next year. All classes, even those for beginners, are available at every orienteering event. The more participants, the more fun it is. Encourage, persuade, twist arms, etc., but get them to come out with you.
Rumour
In October, 1984 I received a complimentary copy of Orienteering North America. I have faithfully subscribed to this excellent magazine since then. Unfortunately, it will apparently cease to be published after another six months, unless a new editor/publisher is found. It would be unfortunate if we lost this one combined voice for orienteering in North Amertca.
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Sport Nutrition
CARBOHYDRATE: The Fuel of Champions
Athletes training hard (more than one hour daily) should consume well over half of their daily energy from carbohydrate (CHO) foods. This means choosing extra servings of Grain Products each day, enjoying plenty of fruit and starchy vegetables, and choosing legumes (peas, beans, lentils) more often.
The best food choices: "complex" CHO's (bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, cereal, legumes, starchy vegetables and fruit) are preferable to "simple" CHO's (sugar, candy, pop) as they contain fibre and additional nutrients for good health and performance.
How much? Athletes in most sports should choose at least 8 servings of grain products and of vegetables and fruit each day to maintain energy levels. Endurance athletes (marathon runners, road cyclists, triathletes) need 15 or more servings from these 2 food groups to meet their high energy demands. Athletes in sports where calorie intake may be monitored (diving, gymnastics), need at least the minimum 5 servings suggested in each of these food groups to ensure health and energy for training and competition.
Source: Sport Nutrition for the Athletes of Canada, Sport Medicine & Science Council of Canada.
To maximize muscle glycogen stores:
After intense exercise muscle glycogen stores take 24-48 hours to refill completely. Athletes should be sure to include rest days after hard training or prior to competition (with adequate CHO intake), to ensure maximum filling of muscle energy sites.
Before competition trained endurance athletes can maximize muscle glycogen stores with a "modified CHO load". This means resting (tapering activity) and consuming a high CHO diet for a few days prior to an event. This gives muscles a chance to fill CHO stores. For athletes who eat a high CHO diet daily, 2-3 days rest is important before competition.
To activate glycogen storage after competition, athletes should eat or drink high CHO foods immediately after exercise (ideally within the first 15 minutes). Eating small, frequent CHO snacks in the 2-4 hours after exercise is the best way to replace muscle energy (fruit, yogurt, crackers, bagels).
Note: Recent research has shown that a CHO-protein combination consumed immediately after intense exercise may be more effective than CHO alone in refilling muscle glycogen stores. Enjoy chocolate milk, a tuna sandwich or fruit sweetened yogurt; or choose a product specially designed for this purpose.
PROTEIN: The Facts The effects of exercise on athletes' protein needs are considered minimal. Unlike CHO, protein plays a very minor role as an energy source during exercise. Its main function is to build, repair and maintain tissue.
Endurance or strength athletes can experience a slight increase in protein requirement. This is easily met through the increased food consumption needed to meet energy demands. The food guide has a generous allowance for protein that easily covers even the highest protein need. Athletes should choose most oftheir energy from the four food groups, to ensure protein needs are met.
Meat, fish, poultry, milk, cheese, eggs, or a combination of legumes and grains provide adequate protein and other essential nutrients. Amino acid or protein powder supplements do not lead to muscle development. Protein beyond the body's requirements must be broken down for use as energy or stored as fat. This process requires fluid and may lead to dehydration.
1. Before exercise: Schedule water intake throughout the day. Drink at least 2 L or 8 cups per day.
2. Prior to competition: In sports where heavy sweat losses occur, drink water up to 2 hours before start time, then stop drinking. Five to 1 0 minutes before the event begins, consume as much water as is comfortable (2 cups I 500 mL or more). This allows time for the bladder to empty, then provides fluid (that will not reach the bladder) to help keep the body hydrated.
3. During exercise or competition: Drink 100 mL - 250 mL (1/3c. to 1 c.) every 15 to 20 minutes. Athletes who sweat heavily or exercise in hot temperatures should drink more.
4. After exercise or competition: Quenching thirst does not satisfy the body's need for water. -drink 1 litre of fluid for each kg (or 2 cups of fluid for each pound) of weight loss during exercise. -monitor urine colour and amount. A small amount of dark urine is a sign of dehydration. Plenty of pale urine during the day is a sign of sufficient fluid intake. -limit or avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, or cola beverages. All are "diuretics". These may increase urine output and fluid loss.
WHAT ABOUT "SPORT DRlNKS"? Plain cool water is sufficient for events or training lasting one hour or less. Beverages containing 4-8% CHO are beneficial when activity lasts longer than one hour. Check the labels of purchased sport drinks for 4-8g of CHO (glucose, glucose polymer or sucrose) per 100 mL of prepared beverage. Choose one that tastes good when you are exercising. Try it first in training. The addition of a small amount of sodium enhances CHO absorption. Make a beverage with 2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) salt, 375 mLl 1/2 C.) sugar and 500 mL (2C.) unsweetened orange juice and 4.5 L (1 8C.) water, or choose a sport drink.
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Future Growth of Orienteering in the US
Sid Sachs, Quantico O-Club
USOF has adopted another Long Range Growth plan that is "top
down". This approach is not one I think will work. A plan to be successful should be
"bottom up" with the individual orienteers as the key. An old survey taken at a
USOF convention showed that the main reason we do orienteering is for the people involved
in this activity. Surveys of orienteers throughout the world proved that they are highly
educated and in professions. When the US Army asked 47,000 recruits if they would like to
do it, the results correlate are very significantly with the qualities the military is
looking for.
We should look at the experience of orienteers. Usually they will come to their first event after getting information from a friend or from an article. They come and try it. Over half will not like it and will never come again. Of the remaining, a large number will join the local club, especially if the cost is low. However, when it is time to renew for the first time, only about 50% will. If they renew once, the chances are about 90% for repeat renewals. After about 3 years as members of local clubs, they may join USOF. The reason for joining is not to attend A-events, since less than 1/3 of the national membership attends them, but to support orienteering on the national level (results from old QOC survey). Therefore, to have national growth, we need growth first in the local clubs. For this reason, any successful growth plan for USOF must be directed first at growth and retaining of the local clubs' members.
First, any plan should not increase the work load of the local clubs, which at the same time must handle the increased attendance. So, I suggest we decrease the total number of events at all levels. This will decrease the work load, but it may also cause an increase in attendance per year. QOC did it and it worked. The reason is simple: orienteers are very busy people. If they have a choice of many events to go to, they will not reserve time for many of them. However, if the choices are limited, they will make sure that they leave dates for orienteering. This could be true at all levels of the sport.
However, since some orienteers like to orienteer on a weekly schedule, we should provide for them. I propose that we have a master national scheduling scheme based on monthly scheduling. On the monthly calendar, there should be only one national A-event. Then each region in the country will pick one of their clubs to host a regional B-event on a weekend which is not either the previous or next weekend. This will leave two or three weekends each month for local events. Neighboring regions and clubs could arrange their schedules not to conflict, e.g., by having nearby events on different weekend days. This will increase attendance with less effort. To get more attendance at the B-events, we need to have more than an orienteering course that takes less than 2 hours to complete. To travel 3 or 4 hours each way for such a short time in the woods is a major waste of time. We should give everyone more to do. Why not have some training classes at every B-event? People who are hot with the host club could do this. USOF could plan these training classes, or people could discuss the day's courses. Dinner at a local restaurant could add a social opportunity for everyone.
USOF should adopt the IOF's environmental principles and recommend that member clubs follow them. (QOC already has, and they can be found on their web site "qoc.nova.org".) Since success of clubs depends on their maps, USOF should develop write-ups on making maps and on mappers. One could be how to deal with OCAD, and how to get its output to a printer, with an estimate of the cost involved. Another could be a listing of mappers with their cost and availability. The latter could be used to supplement our mappers with others from elsewhere.
With stronger clubs, there will be significant improvement in the quality of the sport in the United States. The above does not disagree with the ideas stated in USOF Long Range Growth Plan, what it does is to set forth another plan that could achieve the goal, within our resources.
Reprinted from ORIENTEERING NORTH AMERICA JANUARY 1999.
(Editor's note: Some ideas for NB clubs? What do you think? Write in to ONB Notes!!)
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Upcoming NCCP Training Courses
GET TRAINED!! National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) instruction sessions are held across ~ew Brunswick throughout the year. For each sport there is a technical unit for each level. In addition, level 1 theory is required for full certification in all sports.
THEORY COURSES LEVEL 1 Fee: $25.00 Course Length: 13.5 hours
Locations /Dates/ Phone
Bathurst May 15 (start) 547-2258
Bouctouche (Fr.) March 26,27,28 8584350
Campbellton I Dalhousie April 23,24,25 684-2281
Miramichi May 7 (start) 773-4331
Perth -Andover April 9, 10 392-5237
Restigouche (Fr.) April 30, May 1,2 684-2281
Shippagan (Fr.) September 17,18,19 336-3405
LEVEL 2 Fee: $40.00 Course Length: 19 hours
Locations /Dates/ Phone
Florenceville May 28,29,30 392-5237
Fredericton May 28,29,30 363-3720
Grand Falls April 26 (start) 735-2278
Miramichi April 19 (start) 773-4331
Saint John May 15,16,18 847-0307
LEVEL 3 Fee: $95.00 Course Length: 28 hours
Location /Dates/ Phone
Moncton (E & Fr.) May 21,22.23,24 902-425-5822
All participants wishing to attend a Level 1/2 course MUST PRE-REGISTER at least one week prior to course start date. For further information on the courses listed in this schedule, please contact your Regional Coordinator.
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The Canadian/NB/Maritime contingent at the New Hampshire Boulder Dash event at Fox Forest, near Hillsborough, NH, on May 1-2 had a successlul time. Results included M21: 1st, Mike Waddington, (Ontario); 3rd, Mike Smith, (Falcons); 4th, Doug Mahoney, (Falcons); 7th, Wil Smith, (Falcons); M18: 2nd, Alex Whaley (Foxes). M50: 6th, Ed Smith (Falcons); M55: 1st Stig Skarborn (Foxes); F21: 1st, Pam James (Halifax); F18: lst, Vicky Whaley (Foxes); F50: 2nd, Luella Smith (Falcons). Well done all!
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Sknoepp kontrolls tjall krallning...
Roving 0-correspondent, somewhere in Scandinavia
Evaluate your knowledge of orienteering terms as they are spoke in the land of origin, and prepare for the day when you go to the 0-Ringen. After all, martial artists have to learn their moves in Japanese, so if you truly want to succeed, you had better have a working knowledge of orienteering in the mother tongue.
Lerig means: a) lost b) fleet of foot c) muddy d) late at the finish.
Troettmeans: a) to lope b) exhausted c) to have an upset stomach d) to trip lightly.
Kontroll means a) control b) customs c) punch card d) finish official.
Alideles slut means: a) "I got completely lost and failed to punch a single control" b) a Swedish phrase shouted at the course setter at the end of an especially bad run c) exhausted d) common Swedish slang phrase of abuse.
Oeppning means : a) a clearing b) time to come up to the start line c) your flies have come undone d) gasping for breath.
Klippa means a) cliff b) a special aerodynamic haircut c) control punch d) a ripped control card.
Skog means: a) a marsh b) forest or woods c) the bits of bark, conifer needles etc that are found stuck on the back of an orienteer's neck at the finish d) Norwegian chilli.
Utshasad means: a) profoundly depressed after a very bad run b) a re-entrant c) an uphill climb d) exhausted.
Hygge means: a) a logged area b) a hedge c) gaiters d) a very large boulder.
Sjoe means: a) very slow b) snow c) a lake d) to vomit.
Sump mark means: a) a bog b) an event cancelled due to flood c) a dis-allowed punch mark d) "Hurry up and punch your @#!%!! control card"
Tjaerr means a) a bog b) a big new rip in your 0-suit c) special levy at Swedish 0-events, used to compensate landowners for damage d) a wild animal.
Finally, there is no word in Swedish which means "lost". True or false??
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Billygoat '99...Canadians win again!
Editor, scanning the web
Congratulations to Mike Waddington of Ontario and Pam James of Halifax, winners of the 21st annual Billygoat, a mass-start long-O event held annually in the northeastern US. This time the event was held April 11th at Pond Mountain, Kent, Connecticut. The Billygoat has a special format: it is normally a long course (more than 12 km), featuring a mass start and an interesting twist on control punching:
competitors may choose to skip one control (any one). Apart from that, everyone does the same course. The event was hotly contested, with 123 men and 55 women taking part. The course length was 12.6 km, with over 5OOm of climb and 21 controls. Other notable Canadian competitors induded Doug Mahoney, 6th overall and Cherie Mahoney, the 8th female to finish. This year's winners also won the Billygoat in 1998!
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Contributed by Stig Skarborn
A meal eaten 2-3 hours before competition should consist mainly of CHO foods and be low in fat and protein. Protein and fat take longer to digest and are likely to leave athletes feeling uncomfortable if eaten close to competition. Fluid should be consumed with the meal. Avoid gas forming or unfamiliar foods and alcohol. Examples of pre-event meals:
Cereal, milk, fruit, toast yogurt, muffin, fruit soup, sandwich with lean meat, milk small portion of pasta with tomato sauce. Choose smaller amounts of similar foods ifthere is less than 2-3 hours before the event.
Water: The most important nutrient. Water's most important role during activity is body temperature regulation. Active muscles generate heat which must be removed. The emission of sweat from skin is the most effective way to cool the body. Heavy or prolonged sweating can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is a major cause of fatigue and poor performance. It also increases the risk of cramps, heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke.
MAKING WEIGHT
Athletes should be encouraged to train close to their competing weight. If necessary engage in gradual weight loss (maximum 1kg/wk), several months prior to competition.
Rapid weight loss is often practiced in weight class sports such as wrestling, boxing or weightlifting. There are detrimental affects on performances, as the weight loss is primarily water. Significant decreases in strength, blood volume, cardiac function, glycogen stores and oxygen consumption occur. Marked losses of electrolytes have also been observed. The cumulative effect is compromised performance and endangered health. Such practices should not be permitted.
ON THE ROAD
At restaurants, to ensure a balanced, high CHO, lower fat meal, order: extra rolls, rice, pasta or potatoes (instead of fries), milk or juice, salad dressing on the side, toast lightly (or "un") buttered.
f competition or games are scheduled throughout the day, athletes may not have the time or inclination to eat normal "meals". In this case snacks should be scheduled to make sure energy levels are maintained. Find out in advance what the canteen will sell or if stores and restaurants nearby will be open.
If available food is not satisfactory, you may wish to take your own. Nonperishable items like juice, fruit, crackers, muffms, cheese even ajar of peanut butter and a loaf of bread help ensure the energy consumed also supplies the nutrients so important to good performance.
A large jug of water or sport drink with cups should be available to drink during and between events. Athletes should consume water regularly during the day in addition to soups, milk, juice and other fluids.
Supper should be eaten after a full day of competition, even if athletes are tired, to ensure the body is well-fuelled for another day of competition. Include CHO foods and fluids.
Athletes too nervous or upset to eat much during competition, should know what they are able to consume (even if its just soup, milk, sport drinks or juice) and be sure its available. Meal replacement beverages may be useful for such individuals.
For more information contact a sport dietitian/nutritionist. For a list of sport nutritionists or dietitians, contact your provincial sport medicine council or the Canadian Sport Medicine and Science Council of Canada at 613-748-5671
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Year 2000 COC Bug #2: Popularity
Ray St-Laurent somewhere in eastern North America....
I think we may have been trying to popularize orienteering the wrong way. Instead of recognizing details like reality, we should assume orienteering is already popular. Then it is merely a matter of demonstrating that people need to act fast or miss out on a golden opportunity. I think we could learn something from the way movies are marketed. It is amazing how many people will pay good money to see something of dubious quality. Movies attract big audiences by advertising with emotive terms such as heart pounding and gut -wrenching. We can legitimately claim the same things for orienteering, especially the COCs. By selecting from the sales approaches presented below, we can attract whatever segment of the population we like. Heck, why not attract them all?
Consider that the most popular movie of all time, "Titanic", was about a major sea tragedy. Another popular movie this year, "Saving Private Ryan", is about World War II. Both movies also collected a fistful of Oscars. We can truthfully advertise, "COC 2000 - not as tragic as Titanic, fewer fatalities than World War II". Wow, if they only gave out Oscars for orienteering events.
For Star Trek fans, just look at any major orienteering event. You will see a bunch of old guys in what looks like pajamas. Ever see a Star Trek movie? Furthermore, we use something that could pass for a small tricorder. Even better is if someone uses a hinged baseplate compass. It will be instantly identified as one of the original communicators.
For X Files fans, there is the possibility of meeting the Phamous Phundy Phantom Phollower. "Legend has it that this is the ghost of an orienteer who went missing in the Fundy woods. The lost soul is trapped between heaven and hell, doomed to wander the woods. This pesky spirit, although appearing in various guises, is mostly harmless. Unlike many ghosts, instead of moaning it whines, "I'm lost. Help me". If you find this phantom following you, a simple four-step procedure will remove him.
1. Turn about and face the phantom.
2. Place one hand on each of his shoulders.
3. Flex your knees slightly.
4. Sharply thrust you knee upwards into his groin.
These steps eliminate any tendency for the spirit to follow you. You will be free to proceed on your course unmolested. The ghost will adopt a supine position, moaning in a soprano voice, much more appropriate for a spirit than whining."
Disney used to bill certain movies as "True Life Adventures". Imagine the interest generated when the COCs are billed as, "The true life adventure that will never be a Disney movie".
For mystery/suspense fans, "Join the hordes looking for secret markings at hidden flag sites. Only by finding all the secret markings in the correct order can you win. Who will win? Who will lose? Many will start -- some may not ~mish."
"One big chase scene from start to fmish."
For the soap opera crowd, how many times will expressions be uttered such as:
"She's late, It's too difficult, I can't go on like this, Are you following me? We have to stop meeting like this, I don't know which way to turn, She runs around you know."
"Alone in the wilderness where no one can help you (unless you want to be disqualified), braving heat, cold, thirst, insects, unruly bladders, continuous barking (on trees), facing the relentless onslaught of needles (pine, spruce)."
And, if the weather cooperates, cold and rainy, we will get a performance of the world famous Shiver Dance. You know why they keep their arms clamped to their sides: it's so cold their hands are stuffed into their pockets.
For those who like religious themes, I guarantee that the name of God will be spoken many times in many languages.
For horror fans. "I know what you did in the woods last summer". Are you afraid of the dark?" Let me assure you there is nothing that strikes terror in a meet organizer better than the thought of an orienteer not returning before dark.
For action fans, "You are there (where). A multi-sensory experience. See, hear, feel and smell the experience. In full 360 degree sound and vision. Fight scenes (through vegetation) never before filmed. More punches than all Rocky movies together. Too raw for Jackie Chan."
As for comedy, did I mention the old guys in pajamas? For the very young, some of us will no doubt be mistaken for Teletubbies.
But we all know what always sells is sex. "Why are there are no orienteering movies at Blockbusters? Is it because of their policy not to carry explicit adult movies?" Did I mention running around in pajamas? "Mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, cousins in pajamas cavorting in the woods. They are coming all over to be at our international woody fest. Nature in the raw."
"A one time engagement. Seating is limited (zero).
Would a sane person fall for any of these blandishments? Of course not. But we are targeting a much broader market. We better plan extra map printings.
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Staff Writer at the Oasis
The explorer needs only two bearers.
The first goes with her for only one day and then returns after handing over one day's supply to each of the other porter and the orienteer. The second bearer carries on a second day and then hands over one day's supply to the orienteer before returnlllg The orienteer then has four days' supply for the remaining four day journey.
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Staff Writer Under the Bridge
There are four orienteers who need to cross a bridge to finish First in the 24-hour
rogaine. Here we go to a first place finish:
1. Orienteer #1 crosses with Orienteer #2. (2 min)
2. Orienteer #1 returns. (3 min)
3. Orienteer #3 crosses with Orienteer #4. (13 min)
4. Orienteer #2 returns. (15 min)
5. Orienteer #1 crosses with Orienteer #2. (17 mm)
Total time for all to cross: 17 minutes
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From: mcalic@aol.com (Mcalic)
Date: 4 Feb 1999 04:16:45 GMT
Subject: Re: Copyrighting 0-maps
Since a map, to the extent that it merely depicts reality is public domain, map makers always add fictional towns, parks, etc. They will show some roads as connecting or missing a comer, to make them '~works of art'trather than depictions of reality. This is particularly true of digital maps which regularly have artifacts introduced. As to orienteering maps, I have run on enough that had almost next to no comparison to reality, that they could only be called not just works of art, but works of imaginative art.
Bruce McAlister.
(Anyone else relate to that? - Ed.)
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Simon Beck, UK Orienteer with a bad case
There's a pile of dirty clothing in the middle of the floor
And when they return from running there will be a whole lot more
There's mud upon the stairway and there's mud upon the floor
And broken bits of bracken on the carpet everywhere
The kitchen is a shambles like a battlefield it seems
The sink is full of crockery that no-one ever cleans
The fridge is almost empty, just a pack of frozen peas
Goodness me could this be red and white disease!
There's maps upon the table where the family once fed
There's maps in both the bathrooms and there's maps inside the bed
The basement's full of maps as well, the loft has even more
With red and orange markers that need mending on the floor
The car has been evicted from the garage which is full
Of timing clocks and toilet tents and yellow marker roll
The lawn is needing mowing and the garden's full of weeds
It's just another symptom of the red and white disease!
The wife she says she'll leave him and she'll take the kids as well
But still he goes 0 pounding out the miles upon the trail
His red and white obsession is a thing he can't control
His job is going badly he could end up on the dole
He thinks he'll win the nationals provided things go right
He practices map memory and stays up half the night
And when he goes to sleep he dreams of running through the trees
Its just another tragic case of red and white disease!
Squaddie doctor she declared "I'm not surprised to see you there"
"You've mega bramble scratches you've pine needles in your hair"
"I don't know how you came to get those Ken Broad knobbly knees"
"But basically young man you've got the red and white disease!"
Now this is for your ankle just you rub it round and round
And see your local clinic for a course of ultrasound
Take care now don't train too hard goodbye next patient please
Send in another victim of the red and white disease!
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Gleaned by your Ed
This is getting more and more common at events in Scandinavia and Britain. Instead of a punch card you carry an electronic key, or "brick" which you stick into or on top of the unit found at each control. If the system works, it records the time you punch each control, and a full print-out of your results, including split times between each control, is available after you punch in - or beep in -at the finish. Some teething problems have apparently been experienced. Here is an account of one British orienteer's experience in Norway:
"The Gompedilten was my first encounter with the 'Regnly punching' system (EPSelectronic punching system). The organisers wished the competitors luck with it and asked us to wish them luck as it was their first time also. Competitors carry a yellow plastic object about 8cms x 4cms x 1cm called a brikke, which is plugged into a receptacle at the control. At the finish it is plugged into a different receptacle that reads the info into the computer, providing instant timing, split times, and removing the need to have a tent full of people checking punch marks. At least, that's what happens when the system works. Today it worked almost (the receptable at one of the controls was dead), but nobody actually trusts the system and organisers provide manual timing as a backup. The downside is that the brikke costs 0BP45 (about $103!!-Ed.) and when the battery runs down (2-5 years depending on how much it's used) it cannot be replaced, you have to buy a new brikke. Alternatively you can hire them from the organisers for GBP2 per race. Imagine the complaints if this were done in the UK!
But it's only fair on organisers to save work (if it does save work, informed comment is that although it does save work in terms of total man hours, it makes more work for 'the few'). But there are other advantages. Given suitable modifications to the software, selected legs could be made non competitive (the split times would be used to subtract the time taken for such legs from the competitors total time from start to f'mish (with an appropriate time limit)), so that people wouldn't have to race in circumstances where racing would be undesirable
The weather was ideal for the Midnattsolgalloppen, not too hot but not much rain. The events that were held on a weekday started at 18:00, which felt rather odd but the obvious reason was so the locals wouldn't have to take time off work. 4 races, all to count towards the overall result.... The organisers had a lot oftrouble with the electronic timing; apparently when you activate your brikke at the start you are supposed to hold it down for 3 seconds. A few more guidelines for the competitors might have been in order here I had no problems of my own with the EPS but some of the data appearing in the results was clearly erroneous and various stories were flying about as to what had actually gone wrong. The organisers looked pretty fed up by the end of the week, I was in the kontor (office) and asked when the results would be posted. "Monday" I was told".
[Do any of our overseas-competing orienteers have accounts of their experiences with e-punching? Send them in to ONB Notes!]
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Contributed to 0-net by Mary Jo Dodie (USOF)
Just when you have got your Swedish figured out for the 2000 0-Ringen, the Euro-commissioners strike back.....
The European Union commissioners have announced that agreement has been reached to adopt English as the preferred language for European communications, rather than German, which was the other possibility. As part of the negotiations, Her Majesty's government conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a five-year phased plan for what will be known as Euro English (Euro for short).
In the first year, "s" will be used instead of the soft "c". Sertainly sivil servants will resieve this news with joy. Also, the hard "c" will be replased with "k." Not only will this klear up konfusion, but typewriters kan have one less letter.
There will be growing publik enthusiasm in the sekond year, when the troublesome "ph" will be replaced by "f". This will make words like "fotograf" 20 persent shorter.
In the third year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expekted to reach the stage where more komplikated changes are possible. Governments will enkorage the removal of double letters, which have always ben a deterent to akurate speling. Also, al wil agre that the horibl mes of silent "e"s in the languag is disgrasful, and they would go.
By the fourth year, peopl wil be reseptiv to steps such as replasing "th" with "z" and "w" with "v". During ze fifz year, ze unesesary "o" kan be dropd from words kontaining "ou", and similar changes vud of kors be aplid to ozer kombinations of leters.
After ze fifz yer, ve vil hav a reli sensibl riten styl. Zer vil be no mor trubls or difikultis and evrivun vil find it ezi to understand ech ozer. Ze drem vil finali kum tru.
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