Macpherson Self Directed Event #2 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

Sage Membership

Event Registration

Check-In Form

Location, Parking, and Map

This event will take place on the Macpherson map with start/finish located near Beaver Lake. Parking is either at the Griffith Creek bike trailhead (and walk about 1.5 km to the start) or you can drive further up the road staying right at all junctions until you turn onto Beaver Lake road. There is a small pull right at the lake. The road is in good shape until the last few hundred meters (which have a few bigger potholes). The turn off for Griffith Creek FSR is located on Hwy 23 S ~5 km south of the TCH junction. All controls are marked with standard orienteering flags. 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 late stages of summer growth which means decreased 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.

Please note that on Sept 10/11th there will be bike races held on the mountain bike trails (Women's Enduro and Revy 50 respectively). Both events will likely involve trails in close proximity to the orienteering course. Check the courses and event times and choose your start time accordingly...

Courses

Expert - 4.4 km/17 controls. Have you ever looked at the Macpherson map and said to yourself "I wonder what is on that part of the map"? If the answer is yes then this course is for you. It turns out that this "part of the map" has lots of climbing and challenging travel. I was tempted to call this the adventure course:) This course requires significant off-trail travel, detailed map reading, and ability to use a compass. Your route may take you close to cliffs - all are easily avoided but please make smart route choices. Devil's Club is found on the course but is fairly easy to avoid at this time (don't grab the stalks!).

Challenge - 4.2 km/14 controls. This is an intermediate course that will challenge you to get off the trails and give you a taste of forest orienteering. Most of controls will be located just off trail (within 50m) with reasonably obvious attackpoints, handrails and catching features. If these terms are unfamiliar to you check out this resource. Some of the controls will require the use of non trail handrails (e.g. creeks, obvious vegetation boundaries or rides). 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. There are options to shorten the course if desired.

Are you a beginner? I encourage you to try the challenge course as it will give you a much more satisfying experience vs a true beginner course.

Note that the courses are at 1:7500 scale (1 cm = 75 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.

Safety

If you are heading out on the course on your own please let someone know where you are going and how long you expect to be out. Always carry a whistle. Cell phone coverage is spotty in certain sections of the map. Black bears are present on the course though the the course setter did not see any while out in the woods.

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 filling in the Check-In Form (red button near top of page under quick links)

Location