LANE COVE RIVER METROGAINE
SUNDAY 23 APRIL 1995
 
COURSE SETTER'S NOTES    Timetable: BRIEFING: 9.50am START: 10.00 FINISH: 16.00
 
The Map: The map is an extract from the Parramatta River 1 :25,000 published by the Land Information Centre and printed in 1986. It shows magnetic north at 11.2 degrees in 1980 moving easterly by 0.2 degrees in approximately three years. There are 59 controls on the map and 2310 points available. A few amendments have been made to the map:- new roads have been added in red whilst foot tracks have been added in blue to encourage competitors to leave the roads and to show access to controls. Please note the tracks are not plotted to orienteering standards of accuracy and should be treated accordingly and that many tracks have not been shown. As this event is a Metrogaine bush bashing should not be necessary to reach any control.. 
Out Of Bounds areas have been hatched in red and must be observed. In addition to these areas large parts of the course are built up residential (shown yellow) or commercial (larger buildings shown black). Do not trespass as there is no reason to enter private property to complete the course. The limitations of colour photocopying have led to the very faint green indicating bush on the original map barely showing up. You should assume that all white areas are bush and be pleasantly surprised when they are open. The creeks and banks of Lane Cove River are almost all bush. The ovals and parks are mostly open with the exception of Mowbray Park east of control 70 which is not recommended and therefore nor is the east bank of the river between controls 70 and 36. Displayed at the Registration desk is a copy of the original base map plus two 1: 10,000 Orthphotomaps of the area which show the vegetation more clearly.

	The River: 	Lane Cove River is the dominant feature of the course as it winds its way south from the National Park and into the Harbour. It can be crossed only at six points on the course and these are all shown on the map. Do not even think of attempting to swim Lane Cove River - you will see signs advising why it is not a good idea. Apart from that the course setter's Mum once had a friend who saw a shark in there! The river is not crossable except at the following points from south to north:- Fig Tree bridge, the footbridge at control 42, Epping Rd at control 16, Fullers Bridge, the causeway in the National Park north of Fullers Bridge near control 49, and Lane Cove Rd at control 46.
 
	The Course: 	Controls closer to the Hash House generally attract lower scores than those further away. Those over 60 points are generally harder in terms of distance or terrain. The Lane Cove National Park is the most natural area (it is located north of Delhi Rd) but still shows signs of the January 1994 bushfires especially in the northern part and along Delhi Rd. There are many other scenic parts of the course especially Bums Bay (control 10), Tambourine Bay (control 51) and many spots along the river on both sides. The Great North Walk is impressive with its raised walkways through the mangroves at controls 25 and 17. For history check out Hunters Hill (control 32) and St Josephs College (control 37). For attractive creeks try Stringybark (controls 33 & 23), Swaines (controls 35 & 52 - the latter not accessible from the north or west) or Blue Gum (controls 43,90 & 53 - thick in parts). The creek northwest of control 100 is not accurately marked being shown too far north and should not be relied on.
 
In keeping rogaine conventionin deascribing controls, use of the definite article 'THE' indicates that the feature is something shown on the map whilst the use of the indefinate article 'A' means it is not, Beware of walking off the map - particularly near controls at its very edge such as 56 & 71 on the west and 53 to the east. Control 56, partially obscured on the map is a track/road junction and unmistakable.
 
The M2 Motorway under construction has been making inroads onto the course on an almost daily basis and unfortunately Pittwater Rd between Delhi Rd and Wicks Rd is now fenced and inaccessible. Control 57 is only possible via Pittwater Rd from the north or Wicks Rd. When last checked 57 to 47 more or less direct was still possible. The M2 is likely to have security in place so try not to look as if you are planning to chain yourself to a tree. For young families, assistant course setter Selena Ledger age nearly 2, reports that the playgrounds in all directions are good but especially in Lane Cove (creative use of timber), Hunters Hill (most colourful) and near control 49 a real fire engine).
 
	Water: 	Depending on the temperature we suggest you take at least a half litre. Don't drink from any creeks. Look for fountains/taps in the parks. There is the odd shop on the course including an ice cream store near control 49.
 
Safety: At the start take your time leaving as the bush tracks are narrow and uneven. If you feel like it there will be plenty of time to exert yourselflater in the event. Please respect the amenity of other track users at all times. Note there are seven routes out of Blackman Park.The course is bisected by some busy main roads. Notably Epping Road - 6 lanes, Lane Cove Rd - 6 lanes, Bums Bay Rd - 4 lanes, Pittwater Rd and Delhi Rd/Fullers Rd. The course has been designed to ensure that you either do not have to cross except at a bridge/underpass/traffic lights (Epping Rd and Bums Bay Rd) or you do not have to follow the busier roads but only cross them - Eg Pittwater rd and Delhi Rd. Strictly Out of Bounds and shown so on tbe map are Pittwater Rd between ButTalo Creek Reserve and Higb St and Delbi Rd between FuOers Bridge and tbe turn otT to tbe Crematorium. There is no room for pedestrians on these stretches. Traffic is the organisers' biggest worry, even on Sunday it remains very fast and unforgiving - please take great care particularly with any younger team members. Finally, red bellied black snakes have been spotted in the summer months near control 34 and in the Field of Mars near control 44.
 
	Scores/penalty: 	The score for each control is the control number with a zero replacing the last digit, i.e. control 71 is worth 70 points, 15 worth 10. Late penalty will be 10 points for each minute or part thereof that you are late.
 
	Credits: 	Course setting by Julian Ledger with help from Peter Watterson, Anne Francis and Rollin Burford. Vetting by Peter Waterson and Mamie Holmes. Catering courtesy of Bernie, Geoff, Phil and the rest of the crew from the East Ryde Scouts. Thanks also to others who will be helping on the day, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the five Local Authorities in the area and especially Lane Cove Council for the use of Blackman Park.