The Wet Season Build-up ??

Friday, 3 November 2017

Geelong Street-O

The Wet Season Build-up ??

[This is also our first Trial MyOMap event!!]

Where did the time go - it is now less than a week before Geelong Street Orienteering starts a new series !!

Like the build up to the wet season in the Top End, you can feel that change is in the air and excitement is building.

By now you've blocked out your calendars for the next 5 Thursdays, have encouraged your neighbours to come along with you, and got a commitment from that reluctant workmate to get involved in an activity that has health, social and navigational skills development benefits.

For a token cost of $5 per event (less for children) you can discover parts of Geelong that you wouldn't see from the car.

Our season begins on Thursday 9th November at Rippleside Park at 7pm.
The start position is a little different from previous years, being across the park (North) at the picnic rotunda (park as usual - you'll see our banners).
Stuart McW has set a course that will suit all ages and abilities, walkers and runners alike. The course incorporates historic buildings, industrial areas, parkland, suburban streets and beautiful bayside views.

With the start of a new series there is always more to mention at the start so please be there early. This particularly applies to those of you trying MyOMaps for the first time.

We have an exciting opportunity to trial MyOMaps, a smartphone app based system. At this trial stage, we will continue to operate the "traditional" StreetO event concurrent with MyOMaps, but do encourage everyone to download MyOMaps to your smartphone now.

MyOMap instructions

* Download MyOMap from Applications (store) - no cost but you need to be registered on App Store

* If prompted, allow 'Location' when using app.
  Otherwise check and turn 'Location' on for Myomap in settings.

* Ensure your phone is charged prior to event.

* Open the app and register your details

* On the day:
- select the event
- select the course (A,B, C, D or Power walker)
- enter the code when instructed
  (the map will appear on your phone and will be the same as the paper copy)
- turn GPS on
- pass through the start control and GO!
- your phone will beep at the start control and at each control as you pass.
- On the phone map the control will turn from pink to green.
  However it is best not to be looking at phone or holding it.
  It is recommended to place phone in a holder (but not to buried) such
  as a running belt or orienteering controls wrist strap
  (ie: in any manner that allows you to hear the beep).
- you must pass through the finish control which will beep and end your course.
- press download your results
- When done, your personal splits and course position will be immediately available.

There is a lot for all of us to take on board here, but the best way to learn is to try it (and it actually is quite simple once you're into it !!).

I'll be seeking feedback from those of you that do try MyOMaps.

An exciting series awaits us !!

Cheers,

Alan Cooke
0427 777 061