Additional notes and late changes will be in your packets

Embargo Information
The following areas may not be used for orienteering or orienteering training prior to Flying Pig XII.
Rentschler Forest, Butler County Metropark, Hamilton, Ohio.
East Fork State Park, Clermont County, Ohio areas north of Harsha Lake.
    Areas south of Harsha Lake remain open. Campground access road and loops A, B, C, D, and E may be used.
Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
    Miami Natural Areas south of Collins Run, west of Four Mile Creek, and east of US 27 are closed, as is adjacent private land owned by Hotel Development Corp and Four Leaf LLC.
    Miami Campus areas will be open until 10:00 pm on Friday, April 4. After 10 pm Friday, orienteers may not be on any part of the Oxford campus, except those areas designated for parking and warm-up.

    Map 1:10,000, 3m contour.  The map is expected to be 8.5 x 11 inches landscape, with descriptions on the front
    Walk to the start - 2.0 to 2.1 km. Allow 20 minutes.
    Restrooms - two portable toilets at the start, no facilities at parking.
    Warm up on or immediately alongside the gravel road to the start.  Please don't enter the woods or private fields.
    Clothing Return  We'll do our best to transport warm-up clothing from the start back to the finish, but it is a short race, so you might finish before your clothes are brought back.
    History and Terrain
        The Rentschler area is primarily a plateau, cut by steep drainages.  If you've run at other Flying Pig "A" meets, you've probably seen similar terrain at parks such as East Fork, Fort Ancient, Mounds SRA, and Camp Friedlander.
        Some 2000 years ago, the area was inhabited by the Hopewell people, and apparently was an important ceremonial center.  A survey by James McBride in 1840 mapped several mounds of 3-5 feet height, including a unique earthwork consisting of two circular walls.
        Four miles downriver, the City of Hamilton was founded in 1791.  Along the Great Miami River, the Miami and Erie Canal was built, which destroyed some evidence of the Hopewell culture even before McBride's survey, including removal of "several human skeletons and a variety of stone implements"¹.  Although McBride reports that the area was still heavily wooded in 1840, settlers were soon moving in to clear and farm the land.  This accelerated erosion around the steep perimeter of the site and the outer walls are now almost completely gone.  One mound was excavated (that's too nice a term, lets just say "looted"), so there's now a depression in its center.  Evidence of farming such as old wire fences, a couple foundations, and an old barn still remains.  Besides the canal, a road and sewer line was later put in along the towpath.
    Most of the area was mapped by Vladimir Zherdev in 2003.  At the east side of the map, developers since have built a new subdivision, and a land swap with the park resulted in a new entrance road & retention pond, and the removal of several old farm buildings.  The area disturbed by this work was updated by Pat Meehan in 2005.  Also in the east was a small girl scout camp, which was finally sold to the park, and was then mapped by Zherdev in fall, 2006.  The west part of the park includes picnic shelters, hiking trails, athletic fields and a newly created wetland habitat.  The entire competition area has been walked & updated in 2007-2008 by Mike Minium, although portions of the park not used for the Pig may not have been newly updated.
    If you have time after your run, though, it is well worth the short hike to view and ponder the remaining earthworks.

    1 -     Squier, Ephraim G. and Davis, Edwin H., Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley, 1848, Smithsonian Institution.

    Course Setter's Notes
        Part of the park is a former girl scout camp.  There are still wooden tent platforms typical of scout camps, and one group of elevated platforms.
        Smaller paths in this area may be somewhat overgrown.  Some have steps that are in deteriorating or uneven condition.  Bridges all seem solid & in good condition.
        Some smaller boulders (height less than 1 meter) are shown on the map.
        Corridors mapped as rough open are generally pretty runnable.  Small, irregular clearings mapped as rough open tend to be more overgrown.
        There is an active railroad along the northeast edge of the map.  You may not cross over the tracks or run along them.

FRIDAY	Length	Climb	Controls
white	2.9 km	60 m	15
yellow	3.0 km	100 m	15
orange	3.6 km	120 m	15
brown	2.7 km	90 m	12
green	3.7 km	130 m	19
red	4.3 km	150 m	20
blue	5.3 km	200 m	26

        Advanced runners may encounter a unique Indian earthworks consisting of two circular earth walls, one inside the other.  Please avoid running over these mounds.  These walls are now less than a meter high, and most of the other nearby earthworks which were mapped in the 1800's are now so deteriorated as to be almost unnoticeable to all but the most experienced observers.  Some were also destroyed during the building of the canal which runs along the north edge of the map.  You'll probably run along the towpath and possibly even cross the old canal (mostly dry) during your course.
    Beware the remains of old wire fences from the days when most of this land was cleared and farmed.  Longer, more visible segments are mapped and where I've found them, I've put orange flagging tape on the less visible pieces that are likely to trip you up (some mapped, some unmapped).  Keep in mind that I probably haven't found them all.

    Special Symbols
        Black X - flagpole, junk
        Brown X - rootstock
        Black O - fire circle, concrete sewer cover, frisbee golf target
        Blue O - sink or water trough, fire hydrant
        Green O - Single tree (in open any tree, forest, one with trunk diameter > 1 m and significantly visible from its surroundings)
        Green dot - small single tree, bush, thicket, or copse
 
 
 

    For both sprints
    Maps     Both sprints will use new maps in the Oxford, Ohio area. One map is primarily a campus setting, while the other will use a variety of terrain including a section of mature open woodland, some thick woods with a dense network of paths, an area of open parkland, and a complex of buildings.
    Starts     You will be called up 3 minutes before your start.  You will get control descriptions at this time.  At 2 minutes, you'll move forward one line.  At 1 minute before your start, you will move up to the map line.  You can put your name or number on the back of the map.  At the start, punch the start box and turn over your map.
    Courses     There will be 3 courses.  Classes normally on white or yellow will share course 1.  Classes normally on orange, brown and green will share Course 2.  Classes normally on red and blue will share course 3.  The start interval on the Sprint course is one minute.
    Maps will be 1:4000 (first) or 1:5000 (second) with 3m contour interval for both sprints.
    Descriptions for Course 1 are in English only.  Descriptions for Course 2 and 3 are in IOF symbols only (ISCD2004).

    Sprint Course #1
    Walk to the start: 100 - 1000 meters, depending on where you park.
    Restrooms: Shriver Center, 400 m south from start/finish.
    Warm up: model area around Shriver Center.
    Clothing return: None. Start and finish are adjacent.
    The map is 1:4000, 6.5 x 11 inches, with control descriptions on the front.
    Symbols are ISSOM standard.
    Exceptions /Special Symbols:
         black O: emergency phone (yellow shell, about 1.8 m tall)
         brown X: rootstock
         large green O: largest single trees, generally with a trunk diameter greater than .5 m
         small green O: most single trees with trunk diameter of .15 to .5 m
         green dot: small single trees, shrubs.
         Light poles, benches and fire hydrants are not shown.
         Boulders smaller than 1 meter are not shown, Larger landscape boulders, statues and a flagpole are shown with a black dot.

    Course Setter's Notes
         Crossable fences are generally a chain about .5 to 1.0 m high. They can be stepped over. Younger, stronger orienteers can probably leap over, but catching a foot could result in a catastrophic face-plant.
         Steps are shown with thin lines across the path. They are symbolic, saying "there are steps here", but not necessarily showing the exact number. A single step line generally means there is just one step, but two lines can represent 2 or 3 steps. 3 lines or more generally means more than 3 steps.
         Black dot vegetation boundary symbol has been used sparingly.
         Low walls and fences are shown with a line about twice as thick as a pavement edge or step. High, uncrossable walls are shown with a very thick line. Beware that some of these are much higher on one side than on the other. Do not cross walls mapped as uncrossable.
         The yellow-green symbol for out-of bounds plantings has been used very sparingly. Where it has been used, you must respect it and not cross the plantings. Normal shades of white and greens have been used for most landscaping, which you should be able to cross with minimal impact.
         It is forbidden to go inside buildings. It probably would not help you anyway. Just because there are doors on opposite sides of a building does not mean that there is a direct passage through the building. In fact, there usually is not. But that's moot since going inside is forbidden.
         Green line hedges are often low enough for younger, stronger orienteers to leap over. But, a few are real obstacles. You'll just have to look ahead and trust your eyes and judgement.
 
         We encourage non-spiked shoes for the campus sprint. But, there are slippery spots where extra tread or cleats will help. You'll hit a lot of pavement, though. You can probably get by with shorts, but you will pass through some woods and plantings where long pants might be desirable. Courses 2 and 3 are likely to encounter a wild rose or blackberry bush or two.

    Controller's Notes:

         During the first sprint Saturday you will encounter some features and conditions that are not found on typical orienteering maps and courses. The event is being held on the college campus of Miami University. The area used consists of approximately eighteen buildings containing administrative and academic facilities (and a couple dormitories).

         Although the terrain slightly rises from the SE to the NW most of the time it will seem as if you are on flat ground. There are some contours but many of these are built into the architecture consisting of stairways and retaining walls. Otherwise there is so little climb that the running speed will high.

         The dominant features are the components of the campus. First there are the buildings, the access roads, and the walkways. Second there is the vegetation. This consists of a small patch of natural forest surrounded by a U-shaped drive. The remainder of the campus is open and semi open manicured landscape. Small patches of simple gardens of perennials, shrubbery and mulch appear here and there. Third and finally, there are some chain fences and human beings to contend with.

         You will likely find that the chain fences are a factor. They are both a physical impediment and they may present a risk of injury. Test runners reported that without a doubt they slowed them down. They jumped a couple, stepped over many, and ran a circuitous route around a few. The fences were found to be the number one determining factor of their micro route decisions.

         We advise that you make yourself well aware of their existence and structure. Their purpose is to prevent normal campus foot traffic from creating rutted paths through the lawns surrounding the buildings. They are made of individual segments of drooping chain supported from posts. Most of these are situated to prevent making shortcuts to and from the entrances of buildings. As a result they are placed in such a way as to optimize themselves as obstructions to any route around many of the buildings.

         Leaping the chains is certainly possible. At about 0.5 to 0.75 meters above ground it is a simple hurdle for the athlete. (Rarely, one is as tall as 1 meter). However, repeated leaps drains the strength from the less trained. In addition, missing clearance of the chain would result in almost certain injury. They do not flex or give! Catching a toe or heel, and your forehead may make impact. If you do not want to jump them it would be best to think of them as an extension of the buildings themselves. Albeit, visibility is very good.

         We ask that you do not step on the chains. Doing so could lead to damaging the chains. It could enhance the likelihood of personal injury. And it will be viewed by those native to the campus as improper.

         Automobiles may also be a factor. The competition area is surrounded on all four sides by city streets. There are a handful of one-way access roads that cross the competition area. These are intended for authorized local traffic only, e.g. deliveries, maintenance vehicles, and privileged staff. In addition, quests and visitors to the University may drive the lanes. Test runners found these drivers more intent on finding a parking spot, identifying a drop off point, or looking at the sights. Changes in direction had to be made in order to avoid moving vehicles. We advise that the drivers may not expect you to dart out in front of them even if you have eye contact. Please be careful. Car traffic, although limited, is unpredictable.

         There will be people on foot roaming in all directions. Most will not initially expect runners to emerge from all directions. They will likely expect you to follow the walkways as normal sane joggers. In addition there may a number of groups of adult led children on foot; perhaps taking a tour of the campus. They will not know how to react to a person running towards them. Invariably an individual may step into your way instead of continuing their course and letting you steer around them. Both cars and people are natural elements of the college campus. Please be as careful and cautious as your disposition will allow.

         Most likely you will find the navigation to be very simple. No difficulty in any way at all. The challenges will be the fences as a physical obstacle, the route choices of going left or right, reading the incredibly small details of the map, and the moving obstructions of people and cars. Otherwise just your personal speed will be the remaining factor. If you can hurdle, you are gold.

         ---- Pat Meehan, Controller

Sprint Course	Normal USOF Courses	Length	Climb	Controls	Estimated Winning Time	Max.Points in the U.S. Sprint Series
Course 3 Sprint	blue red	2.9 km	60 m	17	12 - 15 minute winning time for top M-21+ runners	50
Course 2 Sprint	green brown orange	2.3 km	50 m	15	10 -15 minute winning time for top M 50+ runners	40
Course 1 Sprint	yellow white	1.6 km	20 m	17	10 - 15 minute winning time for top M-14 runners	30

    Sprint Course #2

 sponsored by
 
    Walk to the start: 50 - 300 meters, depending on where you park.
    Restrooms: College Suites Ultimate Student Living has graciously opened restrooms in the recreation center by the pool. Please use the gate to the pool area rather than going thru the building. Absolutely no spiked or muddy shoes in the building! College Suites will also be providing drinking water for this event.
    Warm up: along either side of South Pointe Blvd. See the locator map.
    Clothing return: None. Start and finish are adjacent.
    The map is 1:5000 scale, 8.5 x 11 with control descriptions on the front. Course 3 descriptions may be split into multiple columns to fit the available space.
    Symbols: In general, ISOM 2007 symbols are used.  Because this map is primarily a forest sprint, we've kept mostly ISOM standard symbols. Buildings and pavement are darker than a standard sprint map, and trails are shown with normal ISOM symbols. You won't find any building pass throughs or stairways on this map.
    Exceptions / Special symbols:
         black X: junk pile, fountain
         black O: light pole, sewer cover
         green O: distinct single tree
         green dot: small tree, shrub or thicket
         brown X: rootstock

    Course Setter's Notes
         Spiked shoes are a good idea for this sprint. Trails are very muddy and slippery. There is very little pavement to cross. Long pants are a good idea. You'll pass through a couple areas of blackberry thorns and thistles.

    Controller's Notes:

         The second sprint Saturday will be held over slightly more typical orienteering terrain. The event is contained on both private and public lands. The area used consists of four distinct types of terrain. These are: typical forested Midwest stream-and-reentrant reclaimed-farmland, a private park-like rural residence, some private recreational scrub land, and an apartment complex.

         The forested area lies on a northward facing slope with a few reentrants overlooking a small stream. There are a string of maintained hiking trails following the convolutions of the terrain. The area is relatively runnable. Visibility is fair to darn good.

         The private residence is made up of a winding paved drive meandering through manicured fields and some bordering forest. A single large pasture dominated by a still pond and its causeway-like dam, invites a picnic, a bonfire, or a fishing pole. Somewhere to the east of the map sits the rustic home of the recluse occupant. If per chance an owner or guest drive by, be polite, smile, and salute the motorist.

         Some scrub land, gently rising from the stream below, is covered by honeysuckle bushes and prairie grasses. It is occasionally broken up by small clearings which are connected by a network of bushwhack trails. These, if they could speak, would talk of ATV's, motor bikes, and untold adventures. Dirt mounds, depressions, and a confusing network of eroded paths and their junctions, lie waiting to confuse and misdirect the inattentive navigator. The 'Badlands' of the sprint lie waiting, like the troll under the bridge; stealing seconds from the clock. Three shades of green are used to communicate the area. The darkest reveals its true message only if you venture deep into its tentacles. The wise will avoid the thick trap unless they are accustomed to quadrupedal travel.

         The apartment complex will be reminiscent of the earlier sprint; buildings, fences, people, and cars. Find your own way through. Find it fast. There is little to see here. "Keep it moving, people."

         The course setter has design a challenge consisting of change-ups between the terrain types. He has implemented the best and the worst of each. Can you keep up? Which mode are you in? Are you being too careful? Have you thrown caution to the wind? Will you fall trap to his twisted mind? Or will it be your own over-confidence? Don't let this be your demise. Be triumphant!

         ---- Pat Meehan, Controller

Sprint Course	Normal USOF Courses	Length	Climb	Controls	Estimated Winning Time	Max.Points in the U.S. Sprint Series
Course 3 Sprint	blue red	2.7 km	70 m	14	13 - 15 minute winning time for top M-21+ runners	50
Course 2 Sprint	green brown orange	2.1 km	60 m	14	12 - 15 minute winning time for top M 50+ runners	40
Course 1 Sprint	yellow white	1.6 km	40 m	12	10 - 15 minute winning time for top M-14 runners	30

 
 

SUNDAY	Length	Climb	Controls
white	3.9 km		19
yellow	4.9 km		18
orange	7.6 km		13
brown A (longest) F-18, M-Brown, F-Brown, Group Brown F55+, F60+, F65+, M65+, M70+	6.3 km	195 m	9
brown B (less long) F70+, F75+, M75+ "short brown open"	4.2 km	125 m	9
green	7.8 km		11
red	13.2 km		20
blue	16.6 km		23

    Map: 1:15,000 map for BLUE and RED courses. 1:10,000 map for GREEN, BROWN, ORANGE, YELLOW and WHITE courses.
    Walk to the start: 50 - 500 meters depending on where you park. A normal interval start will be used.
    Maps are 11 x 17 landscape. Descriptions are on the front.
    Restrooms: Modern restrooms with shower in C loop (1.1 to 1.4 km walk or drive). Two portable toilets at the start.
    Warm up in G loop (except for secrion closed for start)
    Clothing return: none planned. parking is close.

    Course and Map Notes
        coming soon
 

    In early April, we typically get rain about one day in three.  Snow is possible, but usually melts quickly.  Sunrise is about 7:20 am.  Sunset is about 8:05 pm.

Event Information

Entry Form (printable version)

Location Maps

Lodging Information

Start List / List of Entrants

USOF Membership Form

How to Use Electronic Punching

Flying Pigs Main Page

OCIN Schedule Page

OCIN Home
 

updated 0415 on 3 April 2008