2003 Metrogaine
2003 5hr Metrogaine Event, Tuggeranong Valley - 10 August 2003
Rogaining in the Urban Jungle
Metrogaining is in many ways more dangerous than normal 24-hour bush rogaining. There is the vicious wildlife (pet dogs and perhaps attack kangaroos - ask the local golfers in Grafton), the relentless traffic that bows to no pedestrian, the hard pavement, which can prove hazardous for runners joints, and of course the odd archer. Yes, metrogaining is not for the feint hearted, similarly, course setting for a metrogaine is not either.
I approached the task of setting a metrogaine in Tuggas with gusto. Having only recently moved to this illustrious part of Canberra I was keen to explore my new surrounds. I had no idea Tuggas had so many delightful grassy knolls poking up out of the urban sprawl — and probably much to the horror of those who hate climbing hills — I stuck a control on almost every one of them. The Murrumbidgee River Corridor is also pleasant (except when you are stupid and try to kayak between Pine Island and Kambah Pool — don’t ask!!).
I spent several sunny weekends rolling around the higher hills surrounding Tuggas like Urambi Hills, Wanniassa Hills, and my local haunt Tuggeranong Hill. From these hills, there was a great view of the snow on the Brindabella’s, which unfortunately had almost disappeared by the time the actual event happened. I was armed with a brand spanking-new map, fresh off the NSW Land and Property printers. One of those ones with the air photo on the back, I could see the roof of my house, how exciting. Little did I realise how difficult it would be to make control circles and numbers stand out on a background of red and yellow “built-up area”. I used a black pen on those areas but for future reference, perhaps purple is better.
I had a lovely string of controls going up along the Murrumbidgee, and there appeared no problem when I ran along there, past some warning signs about going in an archery range. I couldn’t see any archers, and I assumed they probably hardly used the area anyway. But no, Anthony Scott, while vetting the controls found himself climbing a man-proof fence to avoid them one Sunday morning. Anyone thinking of getting into archery, the Tuggeranong Archery Club is quite active and they shoot every weekend, give them a try. Some web searching and phone calls to the head archer revealed they would not shoot at my rogainers as long as the rogainers didn’t run onto the archery range - fair deal.
By the way — when dealing with land holders your first assumption must be — they will have no idea what rogaining is. This first obstacle is easily overcome by mumbling something about its like orienteering and you run about looking for flags. Then they think you are strange but probably harmless. ACT Parks and Conservation were kind enough to let us run around several of their Nature Parks - many thanks. However, I was forced to move the course north since they didn’t like the idea of us using rural lease land around Rob Roy – if you get the chance, have an explore around Rob Roy, its really nice.
Anyway, the event turned out just fine. It was very cold but clear, so nice views to the Brindabella’s prevailed and as far as I am aware, no rogainers were attacked by kangaroos or returned with arrows sticking out of them. Only hiccup was the punch went missing (stolen??). Luckily, with the help of modern technology, team 38 alerted me on my mobile phone. With Bob Hawkins rapidly on the task to dispatch a new punch all was well.
Many thanks goes to Bob and Jenny Hawkins, who worked tirelessly in the admin tent at the start and finish of the event and helped pack up the mountain of gear afterwards. Thanks also the Judy Jenkinson for general assistance and a crash course in the event software, Adrian Sheppard for general help and course vetting, also Anthony Scott and Graham Turner for vetting, ACT Parks and Cons (Southern and Murrumbidgee River Corridor) for letting us hold part of the event in Canberra Nature Park, Annabel Battersby and her enthusiastic helpers from the ANU Mountaineering club for control collection and of course the Canberra Womens Apex club for their delicious catering.
By Emma Murray
Read MoreRogaining in the Urban Jungle
Metrogaining is in many ways more dangerous than normal 24-hour bush rogaining. There is the vicious wildlife (pet dogs and perhaps attack kangaroos - ask the local golfers in Grafton), the relentless traffic that bows to no pedestrian, the hard pavement, which can prove hazardous for runners joints, and of course the odd archer. Yes, metrogaining is not for the feint hearted, similarly, course setting for a metrogaine is not either.
I approached the task of setting a metrogaine in Tuggas with gusto. Having only recently moved to this illustrious part of Canberra I was keen to explore my new surrounds. I had no idea Tuggas had so many delightful grassy knolls poking up out of the urban sprawl — and probably much to the horror of those who hate climbing hills — I stuck a control on almost every one of them. The Murrumbidgee River Corridor is also pleasant (except when you are stupid and try to kayak between Pine Island and Kambah Pool — don’t ask!!).
I spent several sunny weekends rolling around the higher hills surrounding Tuggas like Urambi Hills, Wanniassa Hills, and my local haunt Tuggeranong Hill. From these hills, there was a great view of the snow on the Brindabella’s, which unfortunately had almost disappeared by the time the actual event happened. I was armed with a brand spanking-new map, fresh off the NSW Land and Property printers. One of those ones with the air photo on the back, I could see the roof of my house, how exciting. Little did I realise how difficult it would be to make control circles and numbers stand out on a background of red and yellow “built-up area”. I used a black pen on those areas but for future reference, perhaps purple is better.
I had a lovely string of controls going up along the Murrumbidgee, and there appeared no problem when I ran along there, past some warning signs about going in an archery range. I couldn’t see any archers, and I assumed they probably hardly used the area anyway. But no, Anthony Scott, while vetting the controls found himself climbing a man-proof fence to avoid them one Sunday morning. Anyone thinking of getting into archery, the Tuggeranong Archery Club is quite active and they shoot every weekend, give them a try. Some web searching and phone calls to the head archer revealed they would not shoot at my rogainers as long as the rogainers didn’t run onto the archery range - fair deal.
By the way — when dealing with land holders your first assumption must be — they will have no idea what rogaining is. This first obstacle is easily overcome by mumbling something about its like orienteering and you run about looking for flags. Then they think you are strange but probably harmless. ACT Parks and Conservation were kind enough to let us run around several of their Nature Parks - many thanks. However, I was forced to move the course north since they didn’t like the idea of us using rural lease land around Rob Roy – if you get the chance, have an explore around Rob Roy, its really nice.
Anyway, the event turned out just fine. It was very cold but clear, so nice views to the Brindabella’s prevailed and as far as I am aware, no rogainers were attacked by kangaroos or returned with arrows sticking out of them. Only hiccup was the punch went missing (stolen??). Luckily, with the help of modern technology, team 38 alerted me on my mobile phone. With Bob Hawkins rapidly on the task to dispatch a new punch all was well.
Many thanks goes to Bob and Jenny Hawkins, who worked tirelessly in the admin tent at the start and finish of the event and helped pack up the mountain of gear afterwards. Thanks also the Judy Jenkinson for general assistance and a crash course in the event software, Adrian Sheppard for general help and course vetting, also Anthony Scott and Graham Turner for vetting, ACT Parks and Cons (Southern and Murrumbidgee River Corridor) for letting us hold part of the event in Canberra Nature Park, Annabel Battersby and her enthusiastic helpers from the ANU Mountaineering club for control collection and of course the Canberra Womens Apex club for their delicious catering.
By Emma Murray
