Macpherson Self Directed Event #1 Revelstoke

Organizer: Bart Jarmula (Event Director)

Map: Mount Macpherson

Overview

This will be a self-directed training event - you download a digital version of the course map(s) as a PDF which you can either print out, or view on your device (likely the best option for good map quality).

Quick Links

Event Registration

Sage Membership

Check-In Form

Location, Parking, and Map

This event will take place on the Macpherson map with staging from the Griffith Creek parking lot. This parking lot is located just off of Hwy 23 South ~ 5 km south of the Trans Canada Hwy junction. The start and finish are located just before the bridge across Griffith Creek (a hundred meters or so beyond the main parking lot). All controls are marked with standard orienteering flags, as well as back up yellow/blue flagging (for most controls but not all). If you complete the course and find that any control markings are missing please let us know.

The map showcases beautiful interior temperate rain forest among a moderately dense road and trail network. Much of the ground vegetation is in the early stages of spring growth which should mean reasonable visibility (relative to usual on this map). In general the terrain is quite rugged with challenging running (even in white forest). Expect more deadfall than noted on the map as every winter more trees fall down. Major trails are quite obvious (generally they are mountain bike trails). Secondary trails can be quite indistinct due to infrequent use.

Courses

Advanced - 4.4 km/13 controls. This course requires significant off-trail travel, detailed map reading, and ability to use a compass. Note that the course does cross a branch of Griffith Creek at least once (or more depending on route choices). The course setter was able to cross without getting his shoes wet however the fastest route will certainly lead to wet feet. If there is significant rain the creek may become more difficult to cross - please make safety conscious decisions. Devil's Club is found on the course but is fairly easy to avoid at this time (don't grab the stalks!).

Intermediate - 4.2 km/11 controls. The majority of controls will be located just off trail (within 50m) with usually reasonably obvious attackpoints, handrails and catching features. If these terms are unfamiliar to you check out this resource. Trails can be used to cover the majority of the distance between controls however the fastest route will often short cut through the forest between trails. Being able to use a compass for simple bearings could be helpful but not absolutely necessary.

Note that the courses are at 1:10,000 scale (1 cm = 100 m), and contours are 5 m. Orienteering maps are quite detailed so it is very worthwhile reviewing a map legend to ensure you are using the map to it's full potential. Here is a good resource to check out.

Cost

These self-directed events are being offered for free to all Sage Orienteering Club members. In order to participate, EVERYONE in your group must have an active 2022 Sage Orienteering Club membership. If you'd like to contribute financially towards these events consider adding a donation when you sign up for your membership.

How it Works

1. Register your Sage Orienteering Club membership and waiver online
2. Fill in the event/training specific registration form, which will ask you which course(s) and members will be participating for the course of your choice and let us know how many of you are going. Everyone participating needs to be a member of Sage for insurance reasons. The registration form will allow you to download the course maps.
3. Print the map, or load the map onto your phone. If you are struggling to print a legible map (eg. green is too dark) then we recommend using your phone.
4. Do the course whenever you want during the time when the event is open. If you are interested in comparing results & routes with others (a great learning experience for everyone), record a GPS track on your smartwatch or phone (optional).
5. Check in with the event organizer (including participant names and courses of everyone in your family) by:
   1. Filling in the Check-In Form (red button near top of page under quick links)
   2. Upload a .gpx file (you can export this from Strava, Garmin Connect, Attackpoint, and many others) to our website (link will be posted once registration is open) which will calculate your split times. We will also then overlay all the GPS tracks onto the map together so you can compare routechoices with others. Here are some instructions on how to record and upload your GPS track

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Location