Some tips and helpful hints for beginners and those with less experience to help make the day easier and more fun for all!
Working as a team:
Generally there is more dynamics in a teams event - this can make the event more interesting or more difficult depending on how you manage it as a team!
As there is a 50m rule imposed you must stay together at all times. Regular checking to see everyone is feeling ok, the team is not moving too quickly for someone and that everyone is eating, drinking and resting sufficiently to be comfortable is a good way to keep everyone happy. If someone is uncomfortable - getting blisters, too hot/cold etc address these issues early before they become a problem.
Involving all team members in decisions (route choice, when to turn back, pace etc) keeps everyone on a par and aware of what is going on - rather than being dragged blind through a course not knowing when it will finish!
If a member (or the whole team) is flagging there are a number of options available; Share the load so that those who are struggling are carrying less - a few kg difference in the pack can have an huge difference on evening up the team (slowing the stronger down - and refreshening the others). Either go slower or stop and rest (have a picnic and admire the view!), head back early (you can finish early!) or choose an easier route.
Route choice:
When planning a route try and cater to your teams navigation and fitness levels. The Rogaine format has a series of controls on a map that you choose your path, the controls and the order of controls you go to. As a general rule you will not be able to get to all the controls so will need to pick which ones to miss out. Allow options for cutting back (and missing controls you may have originaly planned to get) if you start running out of time or the team starts to tire. Remember 'out and back' controls where you need to retrace your steps take twice as long to get as they initially look on the map! Keep an eye on the time and distance you have covered so you don't end up on the far side of the map with 10min to return to the event centre before time is up. Remember that your hard earned points will be deducted for each minute you are late back!!
If you are unsure of your capabilities choose an easier route; There will be people at registration to help you work through your route choices if you need assistance.
For the kayak you will be advised of when High tide is on the day, use this to your advantage and plan your route accordingly, remember that the further out the tide is the harder it will be to get to some of the controls in the narrow inlets.
Note: The trek is a modified Rogaine format; you will learn more about this on the day. The mountain bike and kayak are a standard Rogaine format.
Map reading and navigation.
Orientation:
To orientate your map hold the compass horizontal on top of the map in front of you (not vertical in front of your face or the compass will not give you a true reading) turn your whole body (and therefore your handful of map and compass) until the red tip of the swiveling needle (with a small N on the tip) lines up paralell with the top of the magnetic north lines on the map. You map should now be orientated. To check line up features on the ground with features on the map (such as hills, depressions/valleys, clumps of trees) etc.
To orientate your map hold the compass horizontal on top of the map in front of you (not vertical in front of your face or the compass will not give you a true reading) turn your whole body (and therefore your handful of map and compass) until the red tip of the swiveling needle (with a small N on the tip) lines up paralell with the top of the magnetic north lines on the map. You map should now be orientated. To check line up features on the ground with features on the map (such as hills, depressions/valleys, clumps of trees) etc.
As you move on the ground place your thumb where you are on the map, this 'thumbing' helps to stop you from getting lost and for searching each time you look at the map to 'find' where you are again. As you turn a corner or change direction rotate the map so that what is in front of you on the ground is what is in front of you on the map (orientated).
If you would like some practise with compass work Auckland is running a summer series http://www.orienteeringauckland.org.nz/ at the moment with a number of events in Feb, try contacting your local orienteering club or ask for assistance on the day.
Ariel photo maps:
Ariel maps will be used during the event. Orientate the map as described above. These colour maps can provide a lot of detail if you look hard. Changes in colour can indicate different types of trees, there will often be a slight shadow on hillsides, the ridges are often quite light and fences can be seen as to how the paddocks have been grazed.
When orientating off an ariel map use the compass and also check your position by lining up 2-3 other recognisable features on the map too.
Topographical maps and contours:
These will also be used during the event. The map orientation is the same as described above. Contour lines are brown lines that indicate height. They are at set height intervals which are displayed on each map (for example Contour interval: 20 metres) and give information on how high or deep a hill or valley is. The closer together contour lines are the steeper the land and the further apart they are the flatter it is.
Other ways to make life easier:
- Having a map board on the bike means you can look at the map while you are riding (slowly) rather than stopping to look all the time. Instructions on how to make your own can be found on http://www.mapsport.co.nz/mtbo/mapbddianne.pdf
- Make good use of all the available time between registration and race briefing to plan your route choices, cut back options etc so you don't have to do so much on the go. Highlighters can help you mark out the options so you are not doing it all from memory.
- Having a number of navigators can ease the pressure on one person. Sharing the roles, navigator, back up navigator, reminder of eating and drinking, song singer etc can keep the team a happy one.
Good luck and enjoy the event. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me and remember help is available on and throughout the day.
