2021-22 Winter League #5 – Shoreview Park/Shoreline College

COURSE NOTES

Map Scale: 1:4,000    

Map:

All but the college has been almost completely remapped at a scale of 1:4,000, with new LIDAR contours. The map uses the ISSprom2019 mapping standard, with a couple of symbols from the ISOM2017-2 set (vehicle track, foot trail, small foot trail) and a couple of non-standard symbols (brush pile and fallen tree) added to make the map much easier to read in the forest areas. Specifically, the one-size-fits-all 2m wide unpaved path/track sprint symbol has been replaced in the forest. The campus is mapped entirely with Sprint symbols. On your control description, a circle with an X inside is a stump, a few are large topless trees, just trunks. These are shown as a green X on your map.

The Park/The terrain:

This pair of back-to-back urban parks just west of Shoreline College offers some very tall trees, small creeks, and a network of (mostly) good trails with a few ups and downs. Wildflowers, ferns, moss, birds: they are all here.

Six distinct forested areas were noted during mapping: conifer forest; conifer/deciduous forest; conifer/madrone forest; deciduous forest; riparian forest and landscaped forest. Non-forested habitats include large areas of shrubland, grassland, landscaped grassland, open water (Hidden Lake), and developed areas. The shrublands consist of Scotch broom, Himalayan blackberry, and butterfly bush. Other invasive species found include English ivy, herb Robert, and yellow archangel.

Many steep and erosion-prone slopes are present in the parks, particularly in the riparian forests along the stream corridor. As a result, riparian areas have the lowest densities of trees, snags, and shrubs in the park. Note the out-of-bounds areas on your map. Please minimize any damage and erosion on hillsides by staying on the mapped hillside trails.

Courses:

Shoreview is hilly. I have tried to avoid two of the nasty steep hills. I have also chosen potential routes and features which should be a new experience for many of you.

This meet has a “Run out” start:  Once you have punched the start punch box (on the sawhorse at map handout area), you will follow a 50m taped (or pin flagged) route which will take you out of sight of runners waiting to start. At the end of the tape/pin flags, there will be a control marker without a punch box (this is the triangle on your map). You need to pass within 1 m of that start marker and then you are free to go your own way.

There will also be a spectator control, so your adoring parents and friends can take photos and cheer you on.

Te terrain is hilly with the full spectrum of run-ability – from open forest to thick ground vegetation. When planning your routes, check for steep hillsides and dark green vegetation. Go around. I have designed your course to maximize run-ability and minimize bushwhacking. Many of you have run here before. However, expect to travel in parts of the park that are new to you. I hope all your control locations are new to you. Reading contours, reading vegetation boundaries, pace counting, and following a compass bearing and total map engagement will be tested. A few controls will be set on campus. With the expected poor weather and hilly terrain, I have aired on the side of shorter courses.

Specifically:

Courses 1 to 6 have a spectator control near the start/finish, an opportunity for parents and friends to cheer you on (bring your cowbells) and snap a photo capturing your joyful engagement in the sport of orienteering. Once you have punched at the spectator control, follow the tape to the edge of the soccer field. At this point, you will enter a final 350m 3 control sprint loop to the finish. So don’t be alarmed at the total number of controls on your course. Courses 7 and 8 do not have the spectator control or the sprint loop. You will most likely be crossing paths with other courses. Check your control code number. It’s not fun to work hard and then mis-punch.

Courses 1,2,3 are a small “step up” from previous courses at this level. I’ve emphasized, observation, speed, and fun. These three courses also have a mandatory road crossing near the main entrance to the park. There will be a crossing guard. Please obey their instructions, especially if told to STOP. They are there for your safety.

Course 1, introduces a few simple route choice decisions, but in an area close to the ballfields. If you get lost just go to the ballfield or parking area.

Course 2 and 3, controls just a few meters off handrails emphasizing lots of route choice btw most controls. If a control says rootstock, you most likely will need to look behind it.

Courses 4 and 5. You will most likely see the feature before you see the control flag. Read the description carefully, noting where the control bag is located in relation to the feature.

Courses 6 and 8 are physical and most locations will hopefully be new to you. However, for Course 7 I have been gentle to be more accommodating for our older club members.

It will be an adventure. Have fun and whether you are fast or slow, enjoy the experience, but please return by 2:30 pm!

Dress: I recommend spikes or running shoes with good traction. The hills could be wet and muddy. One’s feet should remain dry when crossing streams. But with that said, expect severe weather and wet feet. It could also be very cold. Bring a change of clothing for after the race. Dress for cold and maybe hypothermic weather. Be safe and smart.