Batona 500 revisited.
-
Topic created by kathyu on Fri May 17, 2013 at 1:28 pmJust realized PAKIM Pond was where my first a meet was, the Batona 500 and my pictures were and remain my favorites of all time. They are on Flickr, search on Batona500. Do I have that right? I think it was November 2006.
-
Reply by furlong47 on Fri May 17, 2013 at 7:34 pmThe first day was on Batsto and the second day was Pakim Pond
-
Reply by edscott on Fri May 17, 2013 at 8:10 pm11/12/2006, Day 2, 310 people, Four Mile Circle map, the same one we are using tomorrow.
-
Reply by bobburg on Sat May 18, 2013 at 1:38 amYes, second day. Where Blue zig-zagged 3 times back and forth through the final finish area, and the plateau above Finish looked like a pinball machine, with runners from different courses sprinting (gasping) by in all directions all at the same time. As a first time A Event course setter, the scene up there was priceless.
Thanks for the memories, Kathy. Is there a way to post a link to your pictures so long ago and far away?
-
Reply by bobburg on Sat May 18, 2013 at 2:21 amSo now, the traditional Event Director's/Course Setter's posting for this Sunday's Four Mile Cirlce event.
This is our first return to Brendan Byrne State Forest for several years after its closing hiatus. And amazingly, the map holds up incredibly well (the New Jersey Pinelands change at snail's pace apparently). It is where I first set courses, and where I swam in its cedar water as a kid. (But no worry -- no courses fjord any of the cranberry bogs, though Red and Blue will visit one.)
So I invite you all to drive into the NJ hinterlands for some of the most unique terrain in DVOA land. All the blueberry is just sprouting, so the barren grey-brown terrain I experienced during my last fieldchecking is now probably budding verdent green. Once you get used to the subtle 2.5m contour terrain, it jumps out at you on one of our most refined/revised maps (thank you Eric) in DVOA captivity. (See the home page for course stats.)
After a long walk to Start, the courses utilize some of the most fun parts of the map that few shorter courses ever get to visit (hence the long, but flat flat flat, walk to Start). And don't let the most recent forecasts discourage you -- we plan to have the clouds and occasional showers magically part and sunlight stream in and follow you wherever you go on your courses. And how can you complain about temps in the 60's??!!
We have a great starting team for the day, but we encourage everyone/anyone to join in and help out however you wish once you arrive. We have plenty of small and large roles for all to play (30 minute to 2 hour ways, no experience required) as we make sure first time visitors experience an outstanding day, our initial staff gets the chance to run a course, and the day comes off to unanimous accolades.
Hope to see you all on Sunday. -
Reply by kathyu on Sat May 18, 2013 at 10:24 amhttp://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Batona500 --------------- This query will return both my pictures and Julie Keim's. pictures at the end of the day on Sunday show how dark and cold and wet it was for the last few finishers. Fortunately, Bob promises sunshine on Sunday.
-
Reply by kathyu on Sat May 18, 2013 at 10:30 amhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/kathyu/304198926/#DiscussPhoto -------------- Love the comment on this photo. This was the first time in my life to pin on a bib and I was thrilled.
-
Reply by bobburg on Sat May 18, 2013 at 9:33 pmdon't let a little rain discourage anyone -- we're on, rain or shine
some of our best orienteering times occur in the rain
orienteers "laff at rain!!!!"
so come enjoy our courses. we promise you fun even if water-logged.
and i stand by my promise that sun will shine on you throughout your course
whether meteorologically or spiritually.......
