LETTERS Start List I was very surprised to find that the start list for the Grapes of Rock Tour, for the first time in my memory, had names in starting order and not alphabetical order. This causes a lot of problems. Firstly, in big classes one has to search for one’s name (and everybody else’s!). This is pretty tiresome when one is searching for a lot of names, and the same difficulty occurs every time one searches for a name. Perhaps more importantly though, it makes it impossible to avoid seeing the sequence in which people are starting. No doubt there are some people who actually like to know this, but they can find that out with an alphabetical list anyway. The rest of us, for whom not knowing is important, are either forced to find out, or alternately not look at the start list at all. For these reasons I sincerely hope that organizers in future will revert to the normal practice of alphabetical start lists. Trevor Sauer (Qld) Chris Crane, Secretary Organising Committee 2004 Australian Champs Carnival, responds: 1. We were not the first one to publish the starting list in that format. Last year's was in the same format. 2. Both formats comply with the existing OA rules. 3. We believe it is a personal preference as to which format should be used. 4. An alphabetical listing was available at both starts and the control description station at the Australian Championships
Running on your compass IN her article (Australian Orienteer, September, page 31), Brigitte Wolf put forward hints on improving running on the compass. I think there is an extra reason why most orienteers often finish up too far to the left or the right. Most people are not just righthanded, but also right-footed. Your right foot stride in the terrain, where there is no clear
line of direction, is a little bit longer than the left foot. In an extreme situation, by night you can go in a complete circle and that will naturally be anticlockwise. Thomas Schoepf (Switzerland) From Swiss magazine OL, translated.
Supporting the Eugowra Community GARINGAL Orienteers wishes to extend a big thankyou to everyone who so generously contributed to the gold coin collection at the 2004 Australian Championships. A total of $789.00 was collected, and this will be split up between the respective landowners at Eugowra, without whose ongoing support and co-operation events like these would not be possible. Furthermore, the caterers at the Oz Champs were delighted with their return, having raised over $1000 for both local schools. We also received some very positive feedback from the businesses in Eugowra who were delighted with the patronage during the carnival. So thank you all for your support of the local community. Larry Weiss 2004 Oz Champs Organiser
Sportsmanship in Orienteering DEAR orienteering friends, I am writing to say thank you to all the kind people who helped me during the recent 2004 Australian Championships. I injured myself, leaving me unable to walk and helpless half-way through my course. After blowing a distress call on my whistle I was alarmed to see an elite New Zealand competitor, Greg Flynn, come to my rescue. Despite the fact that he had traveled all the way to Australia to compete in the event and my request that he finish his course and then come back for me, he insisted on going to seek help as he had just started his course. While I was sitting waiting for the rescue party several orienteers offered assistance, water and concern for my wellbeing. Some of them had their event and results in the event affected by their kindness.
The Australian Orienteer welcomes letters from members. Preference will be given to letters which are concise and which make positive points. The editor reserves the right to edit letters, particularly ones which are longer than 300 words. After a short time Greg had rallied orienteers and ambulance officers up the rocky hills to me. They carried me on a stretcher back to the ambulance and from there I was off to Canowindra hospital for X-rays. Being a relatively new orienteer (2 years) and equally interested in the competition and social aspects of the sport, I have often looked at the athletes around me (of all ages) and thought “wow!”, these people sure are very focused and very fit. But no level of wonder at their discipline or physical prowess can compare to the humbling experience of witnessing such admirable sportsmanship. To all those who stopped to help me that day, you lent a hand to get me out of trouble and I thank you. Your care and sportsmanship have moved me deeply. A special thanks to Greg Flynn, Sarah Goodwin, Basil Baldwin, John Anderson (?), Cath Chalmers and the Ambos. THANKS Nadine O’Dowd (NSW)
Aus Champs passports THANK you to all Orienteers who supported the Passport System in the recent MasoniCare Australian Orienteering Carnival. When I went back to Mudgee most organizations were raving about the result. We have received a great deal of positive feedback from many organizations involved in the Passport System, including the following message from David Spruce of Spruce's Pharmacy in Mudgee. Dear Tim
Cost of Map Printing AT the recent MasoniCare Australian Orienteering Championships five different versions of the map ‘Seldom Seen’ were produced for the model and championship events. Regulations require that the map be produced at 1:15,000 for Elites. However, to show the rock detail clearly, the map was printed at 1:10,000 for most of the non-elite classes. In order to gain the very best print, the 1:15,000 map had to be printed by the offset process, whereas the 1:10,000 maps had sufficient clarity when printed by the more convenient digital process. It is interesting, to say the least, to compare the costs of printing by the two processes. The offset maps printed with courses cost $1,997 for approximately 150 competitors. While digital printed maps with courses cost approximately the same for 780 competitors. Ron Junghans (NSW)
World MTB-O Champs I enjoyed being part of a large volunteer group helping set up the World MTB-O Champs each day. It was amazing just how many capable and patient leaders led the helpers each day to put up and later pull down each colourful and detailed venue. Food, First Aid and SportIdent facilities were all established like clockwork. It worked like a well-oiled machine as any hiccups were promptly dealt with. The almost invisible team looking after those important controls did a terrific and accurate job.
Thanks for your thanks. I have spoken to members of our Mudgee/Gulgong Hospitality organization and expressed my opinion that your passport system is the best feedback advertising I have ever conducted. My thanks for being part of your Carnival and my congratulations on the organizational side.
The Australian cyclists had some disappointments but also won several medals. We are so proud of their dedication and skill. It must also be noted, and be quite unique, that a mother and son, Carolyn and Adrian Jackson, were both representing Australia and both won medals. Surely this has got to be a first from any World Championships anywhere.
Regards David
Joyce Rowlands (VIC)
Thanks to everyone who “Supported those who supported us”. It was a great promotion for Orienteering. Tim Cox (NSW) DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 7
