Discussion: The Great Toronto Rogaine - Sunday Oct 14

Toronto Orienteering is bringing a new event to the city: The Great Toronto Rogaine. We're making use of as many of our GTA maps as we can plus the city streets themselves.
Race either solo or in a team of two.
NOTE for those signed up or considering it: Race length has been adjusted to either 5 or 10 hours.

http://www.toronto-orienteering.com/events/2012-gt...

So excited for this!
I hear that rogainers get their maps ahead of the start - will that be the case here? Or do we get the maps once we start?

Cool Event!
Why are you calling it a Rogaine?

I like RAID the Rocket!

hahahha, RAID the Rocket, ... i think there will be surprises,... maybe ... :)

Hey sorry for the slow response - I'm back from vacation and catching up.

Nev-Monster we're calling it a Rogaine because it's a long distance navigation score-O through parks and streets. The only deviation from a regular rogaine that I know of is that we are allowing for solo racers and we're allowing for alternate modes of human-powered transportation. We're doing our best to stick to the spririt of a rogaine.

Hammer RAID the Rocket would have been good too although we've taken out the emphasis on transit (though it's still an option). At T minus 4 weeks I don't think we're going to rename it now. :)

Aggosst, I'm investigating the map question and will let you know ASAP.

We're going to be compiling a FAQ page so please post any questions you have an I'll make sure to answer as quickly as I can. As a first time for this event, we're not sure what questions racers are wondering about so this is excellent!

One of the most enjoyable races I have ever done was a 24 hour adventure race in Toronto. But it was a shame in that race that we weren't using the many great park orienteering maps that TOC has to offer. Looking forward to this long overdue event and hope that it can become a regular on our fixtures list.

Thanks 1L and good luck with the race!

I think it would be easier to get more participants, sponsors and media attention with a name that didn't involve Rogaine, but as you say, T-4 is too late in the game.

Nev-Monster - that's an excellent point. Noted for next year. :)

Wow. This looks super fun. I will recommend it and would do it if I wasn't already committed elsewhere.

Thanks frankenjack!

Registered ...can't let Hammer and Pat-Hetic come into my town and try (feebly) to show me up.

Yay Bender!

For anyone still wanting details we've added a FAQ page. http://www.toronto-orienteering.com/events/gtrogai...

In addition - racers will be receiving the new TOC casual t-shirt as part of their entry. The brand spanking new design will be revealed at the event - unless I get impatient and post it on the TOC FB page ahead of time.

How about rollerskates?? ;). Thanks for the update!! Can't wait!!

Wow, the Islands too? Good thing I have the latest Island O-map framed and hanging on my kitchen wall to study.
So the controls will be some combination of SI punches and photos, yes?
I am so pumped for this.

Oh yeah, one more FAQ (frequently by me, that is) - when will the maps be provided? Some time ahead of the start, or after the game clock is on?

Maps are provided at the pre-race briefing. :)

Exiting! Tech question. If started with the bike should I carry with me all the time or I can park it somewhere temporarily? What currently the rules are for biking in Toronto parks? Any restrictions? Thanks!

There are some parks where riding will be forbidden. We will include notes as to which parks don't allow riding. In those cases you are allowed to walk your bike. I wouldn't suggest anyone leave their bike unattended in a visible public place without locking it up.

... locking it up through the frame and both wheels no less. ;) I'm wondering if the sheer weight of my lock won't slow me down! It's 50% of my overall bike weight.

Hahaha Aggosst, I put two locks, and make muscles logging them around

FYI - to those racing the subway in Toronto does not start running until 9am on Sundays. Surfaces vehicles will be already moving though.

What is the start/finish location?

Start/finish is Riverdale Park, east side, by the running track.

too bad Bender doesn't know where that is.

Right, race starts at 8 ...I'll get up at 7:55. Nice. Thanks 1L.

Sigh... it'll have to be as early as 7:45 for me... :)

I'm just sad I'll be missing my idol Fauja Singh starting/finishing the Waterfront 5K (starts at 8am as well). Watched him start/finish the marathon last year - breathtaking!

That's one long breath (...just kidding). The man is an inspiration, as is Ed Whitlock's recent record setting half-marathon time. I hope to be still able to run in my golden-golden-golden years.

I´m still eager to reach the right age to start training ;)

Your hood I take it Bender? That's some excellent hill training there!

I just sent an email to MJ on this, but thought I'd post the Q here in case anyone else has the same one:

Use of GPS:

1. I planned to use my GPS watch, but turn off any audible pacing/splits reminders and set my display to the game clock only (no distance or pace), effectively turning it into a regular watch, just being able to download the route later. Is that okay? My dad is a nice guy, wouldn't want him to be time-machine-murdered.

2. My trusty commuter bike has a non-GPS cheap-o bike computer for distance and speed though - is that also a no-no? It just works on wheel revolutions.

And a prompt reply from MJ:

"No, your watch is fine Barb. We can't really police it, but are counting on people's sense of fairplay. Bike computers are also fine. Mostly we don't want people asking Google for the best route between A and B."

Thanks for the update Aggost! I was hoping to do the same with my Garmin as well so I could look at how poorly I did afterwards. I doubt my battery will last the duration though. Are you doing the 5 or the 10 hour?

10hr - mine will last close to 20hrs (Ironman-ready watch).

You doing it solo as well? See you out there!!

Solo! Gonna be an awesome adventure! See ya soon.

looking forward to the race stories and results. wish I could have done the race but raid the hammer course testing and race map prep got in the way ... and being 5 days before NAOC.

it has been a long time since there was so much excitement for an orienteering race in Toronto. Congrats!

Can't say enough great things about this race. So happy i decided to do it. Well run, crazy huge course and some unique ideas. Hats off the team for pulling this off, great race.

I'll be back next year for sure!!!!

Thanks so much to everyone who made it out both as racers and volunteers! It couldn't have happened without any of you. And thanks also to those who helped promote the event through AP, Facebook or just word of mouth. I do love the AR and Orienteering's community spirit!
Had great fun myself and looking forward to seeing everyone again at next year's race!

Awesome job once again 1L. Big thanks to all of those who were involved and hope that this is a race we can count on for years to come.. I just posted my long winded (as usual) race report.

who won?

Hark! I made a log entry! Just kidding, I would never do that - it just has a link to my training log - but that has pictures!! So head on over for a swell race report.

DD - keep the reports coming - I love reading all the details! Especially to see how others fared out there!

Simpy and BugsinTeeth took the win.

And how!