Changing tack it is often rumoured that proper elite orienteers don’t actually race that often but use many of the events that they participate in to practice specific skills. Those that know me will know that I’m not one to take a competitive event lightly - however because of certain circumstances at this event I thought that I’d try something different. That was navigating around the course without once looking at my control descriptions. Straightforward in principle, you run to the centre of the circle and punch the control that is there. In reality of course it depends a lot of the quality of the map, the correct positioning of the control and the state of the competitors mind. Well I have to report that the first two aspects seemed spot on - but the third let me down. On finishing I was concerned about controls 7 and 9 - I was never completely in control in the flower beds and could have been 20-30m out had there been other controls nearby. As it was it was number 11 that let me down. My excuse is as follows: I entered the wood quite early (by the seat) and the wood was quite thick and so my speed dropped - consequently when I reached a (not the) flag it seemed that I had gone an appropriate distance. In fact I had punched 101 some 30m too soon. I then failed to realise that I was punching the same control again for control 20.

I would certainly recommend trying something like this - it made the course just that little bit harder and hopefully honed a few skills. OK I ended up at the bottom of the results list but was pleased with my sub 20 minute run and have been trying to convince myself that personal satisfaction should be more important than winning. I’m a hard one to convince though.

The field at Greentrees Farm hadn’t been the original first choice of parking (It had been hoped to park on the Tilgate side of the competition area, but a suitable event centre area with permission proved to be elusive), but worked very well in the end. As is often the case: location of the car park had a major influence on course starts and finishes, but we were still treated to three sets of courses with only a small amount of shared terrain. The most inspired aspect of this years event for me was the combination of Oldhouse Warren and Tilgate Forest: it provided good variety on the courses and the dead path run across the bridge over the railway between them didn’t feel at all excessive.

The long standing annual 3-in-1 has something of a cult following for many orienteers in the region (not just from our own club) and some people travel not inconsiderable distance to take part. It looked like this years event should have satisfied the 3-in-1 aficionados very well. Well done to all concerned!

Event Results and Officials Comments are: HERE

Peter

http://www.oaklodgeservices.co.uk/peterpalmer09/results.htm

One Southdowns team came third in the handicap class for teams with combined ages less than 90, and seventh overall. The other (novice) team was a bit further back, but everyone completed and there were no mispunches. There will be a report in the next Southdowner.

Ali

I had to shoot off at the end as I took much longer than I thought! Who won and when can we expect to see some splits etc on the Saxons website.

I sort of expected them last night although I notice my split times on the print out are a little bizarre.

Fast running (certainly on the blue course) made quick thinking important and tested accuracy at speed. Nice to spread out of the open spaces of the Borde Hill estate into the larger area of forest in Millennium Wood, though the road crossing was rather un-nerving.

The good car park and access to toilets were a bonus. Great to see so many people there too - plenty of new faces among them.

Did you enjoy the winter outing to Borde Hill?