Spring series (2/4)Thompson ParkSat 05 February, 2022
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
Planner's Comments:
Thank you to all that turned up in the miserable weather that blessed us. It is the first time in a few years that the weather gods haven't been shining on a PFO event! The weather was fine as we began to put out controls, but went rapidly downhill from there!
It was interesting watching competitor's route choices on the Technical course from Control 1-2 with many having a quick look at crossing the river and then deciding against it on such a cold day. From observations the majority of people chose the SE longer route back towards the bridge when actually the due East way onto the top road and drop down into the control after the bridge was the quickest by a good few minutes, a few choosing this route! Others chose the direct route across the river, but this was hazadous with the river level over knee height.
We hope the mix in both the Orange and the Technical of parkland, wooded areas and a short sharp section of urban sprint style controls managed to keep people's interest on such a grim day and it was nice to hear people's compliments afterwards about the courses. Seeing many returning families and 'newcomers' from last week's Whitaker Park event-even in this weather, and all of them successfully completing the course was an excellent sight too, we hope you've caught the orienteering bug!
Thanks to all of the helpers both before, during and after the event that shared their time to help put the event on, it is very much appreciated by us and we couldn't have done it without you!
Emma Taylor PFO - Planner
Organiser's Comments:
I can't remember the last time the weather was so bad at a PFO event. Year's ago, I think. The forecast said 50% to 70% chance of rain and moderate winds. In reality it was 100% rain with gale force winds!! But, hey-ho, once moving the weather is forgotten. In the end there was a 17% no show, compared to the usual 5% on an ordinary day.
One bonus of the awful weather was that we didn't need to use our overflow parking option. The public car park was all but empty, bar some foolhardy orienteers. However, as I left the CP mid-afternoon it was filling up fast with spectators for the Burnley-Watford game at Turf Moor. Was it worth it for a 0-0 relegation battle?
To Emma Taylor (planner) our thanks for what turned out to be surprisingly tricky courses for what at first sight looked to be easy parkland. Thank you all for coming and enjoying her courses,
To all PFO helpers, thank you for doing your bit in stormy conditions, including staying behind to clear the area in double quick time. Without your help, none of these events would take place.
The kit fared less well, all wet and muddy, with a few broken parts, though nothing lost. The kit was back in our store by Scotland vs England kick-off.
Till the next time!
George Crawford-Smith PFO - Organiser
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
This event is pre-entry and pre-pay only. See entry details below.
- There will be NO Registration and NO entry on the day.
- There will be no loose control descriptions. They will be on the map as usual.
- Give way to members of the public and other competitors.
- Move away from controls after punching.
- After Finishing, go directly to download.
Location Info
Near: Burnley Lat,Lng: 53.79756,-2.23194 OS Grid Ref: SD804230 Postcode: BB10 3EF
Open an interactive map in:
GoogleMap -
Streetmap (OS 50k)
OpenStreetMap -
BingMap (OS 50k)
Directions / Parking
Nearest postcode is BB10 3EF. Parking and dibber collection will be in the car park off Queen Victoria Road about 200m NE of the Premier Inn entrance. (What3Words coordinate ///either.rope.vouch)
Overflow parking is available in marked bays on the park side of Queens Park Road, approximately 200 to 300m from the main parking area. (What3Words coordinate ///bump.dirt.lazy)
Map / Terrain
The competition area is based around Thompson Park, incorporating adjacent parks and wooded areas.
Be aware that there is an underpass beneath the Leeds & Liverpool canal which divides the competition area.
There are miniature railway tracks around part of Thompson Park. DO NOT stand on or run along these tracks. They are narrow so you can cross them in one stride. Most of the track is marked with a purple overprinted line indicating they are OOB (out of bounds). However, there are paths that cross the tracks and these crossing points are not OOB.
Registration and Start times
Registration: ALL entries must be made through SI-Entries.
For pairs entries (or small groups), it is only necessary to register one name, pay for one entry and hire one dibber.
Dibber hire: If you do not possess a dibber (SI-card) you must book and pay £1 when entering on-line.
Your hired dibber will be sanitised then placed in a sealed bag, for you to pick up at the download tent.
Starts: 13:00 to 14:00. (Start times will be extended if demand exceeds available slots.)
When entering, choose a 15 minute start block window from the drop-down menu. On the day, arrive at the Start during your window. Starts will be allocated by the Start marshal at one minute intervals.
Courses close: 15:30.
Course Information
| Course: | Length: | Climb: | Notes: TD = Technical difficulty |
| Yellow: | 1.4k | 20m | TD2 |
| Orange: | 2.8k | 65m | TD3 |
| Green / Technical: | 4.5k | 80m | TD5. Part sprint, part technical. There are timed out road crossings. |
In general, leg lines on the map have been drawn straight between controls, through any OOB features, in the manner of sprint maps. However, where leg lines would cross at or near a control, one of the leg lines is bent to avoid confusion.
The Start is less than 200m from parking. The Finish is 600m from parking.
Entry Details
There is NO entry on the day. Entries close at midnight on Wednesday 2nd February via SIEntries.
Entry fees: Adult (M/W21+) £6.00
Junior £2.50 (M/W20-)
Dibber hire £1.00
Dog restrictions
No dogs on courses. Local by-laws prohibit dogs in Thompson Park.
Facilities
Unfortunately the cafe in Thompson Park does not open until Easter. However, the bar and restaurant of the Premier Inn (on your competition map, about 400m walk or drive from parking) will be open. Children welcome.
There are no public toilets in the parks. Please make your own arrangements before arriving.
Miscellaneous
BOF event: 80498
Contacts / Officials
Planners: Emma Taylor PF0 and Kay Hawke PFO
Organiser: George Crawford-Smith -