Cowdray & Greentrees

Report

Thanks to all my amazing helpers today. Sorry you all got wet.

It was pretty rainy when we were hanging out the controls but luckily it cleared up a bit for the actual event. I wanted to make the most of what i think is a good area and put people to the test with some technical courses. The weather probably added about 5 minutes to everyone's times and the range of times showed me that the courses were indeed a technical challenge. I can see on route gadget that the longer legs produced a good variety of route choice. the 3 x route gadget uploadees on the green course all went very different ways. Like wise on the blue course there were many different long leg routes. I think Chris probably took what i considered to be the best option. And I'm glad that the backdoor route out of #16 was spotted by a few and proved to be the fastest option.

The yellow and orange were probably tougher than our juniors were used to but I was keen to not just send them around the rides/major paths, but still use good line features into all the controls. I think some may have struggles but it will hopefully be a good lesson in learning the variety of line features available to use. I'd say these courses were more typical of the larger events across the country.

Thanks for coming along and i hope you enjoyed yourselves.

Tommy

RouteGadget

Is a web app for sharing and comparing orienteering routes. You can draw your own route or upload a GPS track from your watch. It also allows you to watch an animated replay with a simulated mass start.

Pre event info

Top class orienteering area of mixed woodland, long valleys with good contour detail and a decent path network. Ideal for orienteering. Excellent courses planned by Tommy Heap designed to test your navigational skills and stamina. Come and give it a go. Newcomers very welcome.

SOG Series Info

SOGs are friendly club events where children and newcomers are very welcome. Yellow and Orange courses are suitable for children to run on their own with a bit of practice. Adults are welcome to shadow children until they are confident to go on their own. Green and Blue courses are run or walked by any age group - you can race competitively or just enjoy the woodland.

There are two series of events - autumn and spring of approximately 8 events each. Electronic timing (SI) is used.

Help on the day always appreciated.

Volunteer here

Enquiries here

Location Info

Nearest town: Crawley

Postcode: RH10 4SA *
Lat,Lng:51.09155,-0.12903
Grid Ref:
Google Map
Streetmap (OS 50k)
Bing Map (OS 50k)
OpenStreetMap

* Postcodes are not very precise in some areas, so don't rely on them for an exact location.

Directions / Parking

Parking on Whitely Road which is one way traffic, east to west. Entry on to Whitely Hill road is from the B2110.

Participants have to cross the busy B2036 from the parking area on the east to the registration and event area on the west. The road is extremely fast and will be manned. Children must be supervised by parents/carers at this crossing both before and after running.

Warm/dry clothes may be left next to download/registration in your own plastic bag.

Public Transport

Three Bridges train station.

Course Information

YELLOW 1.4K

ORANGE 1.8K

SHORT GREEN 3K

GREEN 4.5K

BLUE 6.2K

Entry Details

Pre-entry via Racesignup.co.uk Newcomers are welcome and eligible for a free trial session - if you'd like to reserve a map or discuss the event please email our membership secretary.

SO members fees: SO Seniors £5.00, SO Juniors free.
Non member fees: Seniors £6.00, Juniors £2.50.

'Dibber' hire:
Electronic punching (SI) chips are available to hire. SIAC (contactless): £2, non-SIAC (not contactless) £1

Registration

From 9.45am - 10.45am

Start Times

From 10.00am - 11.00am. Courses close 12.30pm

Map Details

1:7500 with 5m contours

Terrain Description

Fantastic area with mixed woodland, river crossings and a friendly amount of paths and rides.
Bracken is mapped as undergrowth slow running. Runnability in bracken varies and is difficult to get through in places.
Rhododendron. Smaller bushes have sprung up and are not mapped but may cause confusion. Don’t just rely on just vegetation to navigate by.
Take care at stream crossings. Some have deep sides which after recent rain may be muddy and slippy. Suitably grippy shoes are needed.
Full leg cover is mandatory.