Big maps or Big scales?

Don't you just hate it when you pick up a massive map at the start, so big its like a sail flapping around when your running....maybe its just me but I think I would prefer to run on a larger scale map (1:15,000 rather than 1:10,000) instead of having to deal with all the excess map folding all the extra bits on a map like legend, control descriptions and logos. All I care about when I'm running is the map and the course on it.

Overseas a lot of the long distance races are on 1:15,000 maps, no matter how detailed they are. If I'm not mistaken it is a requirement for World Championship Long Distance maps to be printed at 1:15,000. The reasoning being that you can view route choice options better, which I reckon is quite true. So why in New Zealand do we continue to hold National Champs races on 1:10,000 maps? I think in the past two years of Orienteering in New Zealand I have only had the chance to run on 1:15,000 maps twice, both on the same map incidentally. And both these times I have had trouble adjusting, so how to fix that? Run on more 1:15,000 maps?

It seems that often the justification for having the smaller scale is that there is two much detail on the map to run at 1:15,000. But the only detail that I seem to care about in a long distance race is the area around the circle, other places on the map and leg I simplify anyway. I can understand for the older age classes the reasoning for having enlarged scales, but for elites who a high percentage have aspirations to compete overseas it should almost be a requirement to run on 1:15,000 more often.

I would much rather run with a map that fits easily into my hand, doesn't flap around all over the place like a sail, and allows for a better view of route choices on long legs. Maybe I should just learn to fold my map better!

Norway WOC Maps online

Well at least the old ones...

Not sure of the wisdom of announcing the sprint location so far in advance...and having it in the middle of a big city that has probably been used for generations...it would be like NZ hosting the Sprint World champs on One Tree Hill...and there is nothing in the embargo to stop you passing through, ie going running and getting to know it without a map.

Is Norway really that small a country that it couldn't find anywhere more original?

Yeehaa 3hr storm rogaine!

Awesome! I have organised quite a few afterwork rogaines now, but until last night never competed in one. As I suspected they are great fun. Casper Harmer and I showed at Naenae in the rain with 50 or so others and smashed it out in a cruisy sort of way for three hours and (damn it) 20 seconds. The map is below.

We left ourselves about a minute to plan and decided just to get up the hill as quickly as possible with plenty of options available for the end. We headed off to 27 head to head with Bill Edwards, taking the RH route near the end to cross the ditch on bridge and watch Bill who took the LH route swim across it. Unfortunately the ditch was about 1m wide. 23,24 running past peoples backyards, then over a slippery pipe to 3B. The hill began on the way to 49, hunting around in the dark for a sign telling us how many gallons the reservoir contained. I had been undecided about 72 but it seemed worth it and was. 36 was confusing with the tracks. 38,43,47, 44, 81 up on the top now wind is pumping rain. Downhill to 39, then 30 its misty I overrun the junction without seeing it. Casper takes the junction without seeing it. I backtrack find Casper than the cp is right there. Before we know it we are at the turn-off to 42. Aye? Back up the road peering into the gorse on our right that must be the track to 35? Then the gorse on our left that must be the track to 46? We get 46, then after searching in the wrong place 35, then continue down the "single track" ploughing our way through gorse in the pouring rain. Finally down to 42, then 57, native bush from here 33, down-up 50, 71 scrambling up a creek. Catch Greg Thurlow and walk right past the turn off to 45. duh! 34 up a tight little stream and out to the roads, pounding. 28, 2B, 26, 25, 2A, Casper is panting like a puppy, scuffing around in front gardens looking for water. 21, 55, then a mean hill to the model car race track at 63, 48, then back down. My gimpy foot which has been reducing me to a limp run for the last 2 1/2 hours now passes its pain to my knee. 31 in the graffitti covered train timetable. Aye? Trying to work out what time the midday train on Sunday gets to Wintang or some place I've never heard of. Running out of time, caning it down the road to 32. I loose track of the roads and hit the underpass. Two local girls confirm that Naenae Intermediate School is indeeed behind us. 32, 14 and a sprint to the finish....come on Casper!! Hahaha. Great fun for a rainy Wednesday night!.

And while I'm at it, might as well chuck this one up to. Last weeks Taylors Mistake Rogaine map, held in picture perfect conditions on the Port Hills above Christchurch.