Spring Series (2/4)AlkincoatsSat 08 February, 2020
Local level event
Explanation of Event levels
- Training events are non competitive events used for training and coaching, aimed at members of the club, but they can attract people from neighbouring clubs, and are often ideal for newcomers to try the sport.
- Local events are usually low key and in the 'localised' area, ideal for newcomers to try the sport. Most clubs run some 'mini series' throughout the year as local mid week events.
- Regional events attract participants from around the local Region.
- National events are high quality competitions that will attract people from far away,
- Major events are Major Events such as a British Championships or the annual JK competition.
Results
Report
Competitor Feedback
It's so nice to get some positive feedback following an event....
'What a worthwhile trip over from Harrogate today, great event, friendly smiles, excellent courses.'
Planner's Comments:
Firstly, with it being the first time that I have planned an event I must give a big 'thank-you' to both George and Danny that have helped and guided me through all of the unknown intricacies involved in planning! Both of you have been a great help guiding on route flow and control choice. I visited Alkincoats before I started planning just to get a feel for the area and straightaway it seemed like a very 'runnable' course. There was a good mix of path network, open land and runnable woodland that lent itself to being a fast course.
I tried to plan the Light Green so that most controls were off a fast runnable handrail and, if you planned your exit route correctly, would flow towards the next control. There was a sting in its tail, an uphill slog at the end, just when you thought your legs had had enough you needed to ask a bit more from them, a good way to see who wanted it more at the finish! The Orange course enjoyed the different mix of terrain but with less distance and climb, yet still offeing a good mental and physical workout to those taking part!
In the events over the past two weeks both have had their own style, 'Alpine' and 'track' but both go to show what the sport of Orienteering has to offer and the ability of PFO to hold such differing styles of event!
A big 'well done and thank you' to everyone that attended, took part and/or helped on the day and I'll definitely be back for more planning jobs in the future!
Emma Taylor PFO
Organiser's Comments:
Very well done to Emma & Kay for their joint first ever course planning. Compliments from competitors confirmed that a good balance was achieved at each level of difficulty. To quote on satisfied customer "great event, friendly smiles, excellent courses".
Alkincoats is a VERY well used park: yesterday 200 black leather suited "Chopper Club" members rocked up for a member's wake. Today there was Park Run first thing, then football training, then orienteering, then Colne & Nelson RUFC vs Bury, then Colne FC vs Marske football. It's a wonder there's space left for orienteering. Fortunately we run in parts others do not use.
50+ was a healthy turn out from PFO and several other clubs around the regions.
Organising was relatively easy as everything was within a handspan.
Two problems: (1) Someone set fire to one of our kites! (2) Someone else (or perhaps the same someone) stole our club flag! See last ever photo. Mindless!
Otherwise everything ran smoothly.
RouteGadget
Is a web browser 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.
Go to the Pendle Forest Routegadget now
Important note: This is an AFTERNOON event with first starts at 13:00. The late start enables anyone who participates in other Saturday morning sports to engage in both activities.
Event 2 of 4 of our Spring Intro Series is in Alkincoats Park, Colne. White, Yellow and Orange are introductory courses specifically aimed at novices and juniors. A Light Green or Technical course will provide navigation and route choices for more experienced orienteers.
Location Info
Near: Colne Lat,Lng: 53.86386,-2.18030 OS Grid Ref: SD882408 Postcode: BB8 9SF
Open an interactive map in:
GoogleMap -
Streetmap (OS 50k)
OpenStreetMap -
BingMap (OS 50k)
Directions / Parking
From the west (M65/A6068) and from the east (A6068), turn north on to Harrison Drive at the traffic light controlled roundabout (with a building in the middle). Follow Harrison Drive uphill (speed bumps, constrictions and a mini roundabout) until it terminates in the rugby club car park. Find a space, no charge.
Registration (in the newer pavilion building) here.
Map / Terrain
Alkincoats is a combination of classic parkland, sports pitches, wild areas, woodland. and some unexpected corners!
Registration and Start times
Registration: From 12:30 to 13:30
Starts: From 13:00 to 14:00
Courses Close: At 3:30PM
Course Information
| Course: | Length: | Climb: | Notes: |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 1.3k | 45m | 8 controls. TD1= Very easy. |
| Yellow | 2.5k | 85m | 12 controls. TD2 = Easy. |
| Orange | 3.2k | 80m | 16 controls. TD3= Moderate. Manned road crossing x 1. |
| Light Green | 4.2k | 110m | 22 controls. TD4 = Hard Manned road crossing x 1. |
Both the Start and the Finish will be less than 3 minutes walk from Registration.
There are games pitches in the park. If games are in progress, stay off the pitches and run around.
Entry Details
EOD only (PFO EOD Form below)
Adults £5.00, Juniors £2.00
Dibber hire £1, but £40 if lost.
Dog restrictions
No dogs on courses.
Dogs may be exercised in the competition area after your run. Please observe canine etiquette.
Facilities
Toilets at Registration.
Pavilion Cafe (hot and cold drinks, cakes, snacks and a full and varied menu) is by the bowling green at the southern side of the park. It is quicker to walk the 425m from Registration than to drive!
Boundary Mill is a stone's throw away, at the end of the M65.
Miscellaneous
For general enquiries -
Contacts / Officials
Planner: Emma Taylor PFO
Controller: N/A
Organiser: George Crawford-Smith PFO