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Discussion: 2007 Canadian Orienteering Championships

in: Orienteering; General

Apr 11, 2007 8:19 PM # 
rm:
From Mark Rosin and Shelley Ballard-McKinlay:

2007 Canadian Orienteering Championships
July 22-29, 2007
Saskatoon & Area

Registration

REGISTER NOW!! SAVE MONEY!! WIN PRIZES!! The earlier you register for the 2007 Canadian Orienteering Championships the more you save and the more chances you have to win some great prizes! The first early registration deadline is April 30, 2007.

The 2007 COCs are being held in and around Saskatoon , Saskatchewan . If you think the prairies are flat, you're in for a BIG surprise!

"Eb's Trails is very difficult and beautiful terrain, I think that people will enjoy it. Mapping time there reached over 100 hours/sq. km. And U of S is really excellent area for sprint, offering nice places for flags and also route choices. No doubts that in Saskatchewan they were choosing terrains very well."

- Ludek Krticka -

(One of the team from the Czech Republic which did the field checking for the Eb's Trails and University of Saskatchewan maps.)

There's something for all levels of competitors from beginner to elite, age specific categories and open categories in sprint, middle and long distance World Ranking Events! In addition, the first night orienteering event in over 30 years at a COC will be held just a short drive outside of Saskatoon !

Accommodation

The Travelodge Hotel is the COC host hotel and those making reservations before June 22, 2007 will be entered into a draw to receive two nights standard accommodation free!

Room Rates are $85 single or double, $95 triple or quad (plus taxes) for standard accommodation To make your reservations call 306-242-8881, or the North American toll free number 1-888-278-4209 (direct to the hotel) or e-mail reservations@travelodgesaskatoon.com and ask for the Canadian Orienteering Championship group booking or refer to Reservation ID #4329 to receive the above rate.

The Travelodge Hotel features fun for kids both young and old with a thrilling 250' waterslide and other recreation facilities!

Website www.coc2007.ca

Go to www.coc2007.ca for more information. In addition to the above, check out information on ordering COC merchandise and banquet tickets, volunteer opportunities, the COC conference and the Sass Peepre Junior Training Camp. The website is being updated regularly so check back often.

We look forward to seeing you in Saskatoon this summer!

Please pass this message on to anyone you believe may be interested. Thanks!
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Apr 11, 2007 10:32 PM # 
Nick:
cool.
being 3 WRE events there any chances to "mix and match" like at NAOC ??( like 21,35 & 45 running the same sprint but separate classes ) ( and the middle probably could have the same but for 21& 35 only-my suggestion )
Apr 11, 2007 11:34 PM # 
upnorthguy:
I believe it promises to be an extremely excellent set of races. One look at that map sample and how can one not be enticed?....
Is there any good beer in Saskatchewan? I have not been there since 1970.
Apr 12, 2007 1:37 AM # 
J$:
Beer
Apr 12, 2007 6:16 AM # 
upnorthguy:
Thanks. I like the sound of the Rye IPA; and the java stout. I will have to bring some of our Espresso Stout and have a taste off. Good thing I'm driving so that I can stock up.
Apr 12, 2007 6:28 AM # 
rm:
being 3 WRE events there any chances to "mix and match" like at NAOC ??( like 21,35 & 45 running the same sprint but separate classes )

The championship course guidelines adopted last year put M17-20 and M35 on the same course as M21E in the Sprint (only); otherwise there are no other male categories on the same course as M21E or female categories on the same course as W21E. (Details at http://orienteering.ca/pdfs/Course_Category_guidel... )

If you want to participate in the WRE, you'll need to sign up for M21E (note: not M21A) or W21E (not W21A), or, for the sprint, M17-20 or M35. The online entry system allows you to choose a category for each event.

(A lot of people seemed to have fun running WRE, especially in the Sprint or Middle, at the North Americans last fall. You can compare yourself to the world elite, get a world ranking, and, if you're a pretty good orienteer, help future North American WREs get ranked, or even earn your country more World Cup slots (above 3) or World Championship slots next year. (Canada has earned a fourth women's slot this year this way; USA was 79 points short of doing so. The men needed 1634 (CAN) or 3996 (USA) more points to do so.) Or you can spectate and cheer your clubmates...there will be a spectator leg going past the finish area about 2/3rds of the way through the course for the elite and older junior courses in the Long.)
Apr 12, 2007 7:14 AM # 
rm:
One look at that map sample and how can one not be enticed?

And, except for a bit in the middle-northwest, and a Manitoba-like less forested bit, its all like that. My most fun orienteering in 2006 was running Adrian's first Middle test course.

The Sass Peepre junior training camp, by the way, will use two maps by the same mappers of identical terrain elsewhere in Nisbett Forest (and a Saskatoon sprint map by the same mappers that's similar to the COC sprint map, and perhaps other maps). Ted de St Croix is master coach and Maureen de St Croix (an excellent running coach) is coordinator.
Apr 12, 2007 10:58 AM # 
olles:
Some statistics about the Nisbett terrain:

* total area 6.5 km2
* green area 2.5 km2
* open area 1.2 km2
* marshes 0.6 km2

* contour interval 2.5 m
* contours 358 kms
* including 40 kms help contours
* lowest point 490 m, highest point 515 m
* slope lines 2557
* cup depressions 356

* trails and tracks 34 kms
Apr 13, 2007 4:03 PM # 
Nick:
looking at categories for COC, it's look weird to me to have F21 running with M21( at sprint), and therefore only F21 will count for WRE ( last year Canada get some/few points from f35 and under 20, maybe just enough for the extra spot ).
so only F21 in all 3 events will count.
oh well. my 2 cents
Apr 13, 2007 5:35 PM # 
rm:
Send any suggestions on categories to Ross Burnett, who lead the development of the current system. There is a proposal, I understand, for making a small change (move M45 to course 5 to get winning times closer), which may be presented to the COF BOD.
Apr 14, 2007 2:20 AM # 
fossil:
This sounds like fun, and I'm sure my kids would love that waterslide, but... the airfares are looking pretty frightening. Even if we drive to Toronto to eliminate some time-wasting connections, I'm still seeing fares of $680 per person to YXE at this time. Could someone post something here when a reasonable fare sale comes up?
Apr 14, 2007 12:27 PM # 
Nick:
right now www.westjet.ca have a seat sale for travel before JUNE 30 ( it's under 500 CDN/pers ), probably next month they'll have another one for July. and hamilton is a bit cheaper/closer for you to fly from ( westjet recommend it )
Apr 14, 2007 2:38 PM # 
feet:
I've been tracking fares from Rochester for the COCs since around November last year; prices haven't yet fallen once below the current level of US$515 for that weekend. My guess is that Syracuse is similar. I agree that short of using Westjet or finding award seats (I booked one of these a few months back when it was available, but I keep watching fares in case it gets cheap and I can redeposit the award), this is going to be an expensive event to get to for those in the eastern US.
Apr 14, 2007 3:44 PM # 
rm:
Some ideas:

- smaller cities like Saskatoon are often a good use of frequent flier miles, as feet has done, because the dollar prices are often higher, but the number of miles needed is the same as for almost anywhere on the continent.
- it's often cheaper to fly within Canada, and there are lots of WestJet cities near the border (Montreal, Ottawa, TO, Hamilton, Windsor (dunno if still), London, Abbotsford, Vancouver, Victoria) But try Air Canada too.
- Edmonton or Calgary may be cheaper to fly to.
- if you have time to drive, the circle trip with the Colorado event is nice. (Take your pick of Yellowstone, the badlands, dinosaur digs, Devils Thumb, the Grand Tetons, Colorado parks, pronghorns, dinosaurs, etc.) Leave some time for the lakes of northern Saskatchewan, I hear.
- there is a train, sometimes with special fares, maybe viable for shorter trips: http://www.viarail.ca/train-stations/en-station-sa...
Apr 15, 2007 3:48 AM # 
fossil:
I don't know where you're finding US$515 from ROC. That sounds considerably better than what I found, though I didn't search real hard from ROC.

I do like the award travel thought. I have billions of miles sitting around since I only seem to use them on occasion for emergencies. I'd only briefly considered it since they're all on USAir, which doesn't fly to YXE. But when I brought the idea up with my wife today she reminded me that we can spend those miles on any partner airline.

Looking more closely I see Air Canada is a partner, and will fly us from SYR - YXE, so that looks like a plan. Will have to call the award travel dept since they don't allow partner airline booking through their website.

Jim, the train sounds like fun, but it's a 2-day trip from Toronto. 3-days if we board farther east and connect in Toronto.

Some day I'm sure we'll do the grand western tour, but this is not the year for us on that.
Apr 15, 2007 9:30 AM # 
rm:
Yeah, the train's not super feasible from the east...unless you have a long time and get a special deal with the right to get off and on to see places along the way. (But I do know someone who took the train once, I recall, on such a deal.)
Apr 16, 2007 6:15 PM # 
Tundra/Desert:
There were no seats on AC for UAL miles, which, I would think, is pretty close to what the situation would be for seats on AC for US miles. Let me know if the situation changes.
Apr 16, 2007 6:26 PM # 
feet:
There are plenty of seats at 45K miles (for standard first class) on NW (I looked using CO miles) for Minneapolis - Saskatoon - every day in late July in both directions. You would have to find available connecting flights to get to Minneapolis, which might not be so easy. Also, nothing at the cheapest coach rate (which would be 25K miles) on any day. So if you have lots of Northwest or Continental (or Delta or Alaska) miles to burn (these can be used on Northwest to get these standard types of awards), you may be in luck. (Whether 45K miles for this is a good deal is another question - depends on how many miles and how much cash you have.)
Apr 16, 2007 7:53 PM # 
rm:
From one of the mappers' web sites:

"I believe it is going to be very exciting event. Why? A lot of contour details, in most parts very good runnability however low visibility. It looks in almost every place of the map very similar. So if you once loose contact with map (and that is likely as the running speed should be high) it is going to be very difficult to find the way again." (Ales Hejna)

Expensive, but worth it!
Apr 30, 2007 6:54 PM # 
feet:
A reminder: today is the last day for the cheapest rate for this.
May 4, 2007 12:55 PM # 
Sid:
The Board of Directors of the Canadian Orienteering Federation is pleased to be organizing a conference in conjunction with the 2007 Canadian Orienteering Championships. See COC 2007 web page or http://www.coc2007.ca/docs/Conference_Overview.pdf for the details. This is our first event with presentations of topics of interest to orienteers. Any ideas or help would be appreciated.

Also recently added to the COC 2007 is a link to the local trails, see http://www.meewasin.com/facilities/trail/. Running along either side of the South Saskatchewan River, this system provides a training route with a view of the scenic river and downtown Saskatoon.
Jun 11, 2007 5:39 PM # 
AZ:
From Mark Rosin and Shelley Ballard-McKinlay:

The next early registration deadline is June 15, 2007

To date, we've had an unprecedented number of registrations. Our course planners are very impressed with all the maps and the courses they've been able to set out. The middle and long distance courses will be especially exciting with a wonderful spectator leg in which competitors run through the assembly area to the cheers of their friends and family. The sprint, middle and long races are all World Ranking Events!

The earlier you register, the more you save and the more chances you have to WIN PRIZES! Jon Torrance, Marie-Cat Bruno, Ilona Dobos, Angela Pearson and Vera Eames were the lucky prize winners from the first early registration date.

For detailed information on events and registration, go to www.coc2007.ca.


Accommodation
You also have a chance to win two nights standard accommodation free! Reserve your accommodation at the Saskatoon Travelodge Hotel before June 22 and be entered into the draw. The draw will take place at the COC banquet on Friday, July 27.

Room Rates are $85 single or double, $95 triple or quad (plus taxes) for standard accommodation To make your reservations call 306-242-8881, or the North American toll free number 1-888-278-4209 (direct to the hotel) or e-mail reservations@travelodgesaskatoon.com and ask for the Canadian Orienteering Championship group booking or refer to Reservation ID #4329 to receive the above rate.

The Travelodge Hotel features fun for kids both young and old with a thrilling 250' waterslide and other recreation facilities!


Other Events
COC Banquet – The COC banquet will be held on Friday, July 27 at the Travelodge Hotel. The theme of the banquet is an Island Beach Party so be sure to wear your favorite tropical print shirt, shorts and flip flops. Come and join in the fun and socializing with fellow orienteers! Support the National Orienteering Team by bringing an item for the silent auction and placing your bids on other items! Tickets for the banquet must be purchased by July 23.

Sass Peepre Junior Training Camp (July 23-26) – This camp is open to participants aged 10 – 20 years and of all levels of ability. This is an incredible opportunity for young people to learn from some of the very best orienteers! The camp is run by Ted & Maureen de St. Croix and a host of very experienced volunteers.

COF Orienteering Conference (July 23-26) – The Board of Directors of the Canadian Orienteering Federation is pleased to be organizing a conference to promote discussions on current trends in orienteering, with a particular focus on the electronic advances. The following topics are on the agenda: OCAD mapping and Sport Ident software, the new National Coaching Certification Program for orienteering, discussion groups and brainstorming sessions on items relevant to the COF.

Volunteers Needed!

We are still looking for a few more volunteers! If you can help, please complete the volunteer registration form at http://www.coc2007.ca/coc2007_volunteers.htm. COC volunteers will receive an official COC t-shirt, thanks to SaskEnergy, Champion of Volunteers!

Website www.coc2007.ca

Go to www.coc2007.ca for more information on all COC 2007 events.

We look forward to seeing you in Saskatoon this summer!

Jun 11, 2007 11:07 PM # 
Nick:
""Is there any good beer in Saskatchewan? I have not been there since 1970.""

were you not "under age" at that time, Ross???
Jun 12, 2007 12:07 AM # 
upnorthguy:
Yes - even I am not quite that old. Should be a good road trip, esp now that "prairie skies' was made it as one of Canada's seven wonders.....
Jun 12, 2007 12:27 AM # 
jeffw:
Tim Horton's didn't make the top 7?! What kind of a list is this?
Jun 12, 2007 4:55 AM # 
upnorthguy:
It must be owned by an American company by now. See the wonders at: http://www.cbc.ca/sevenwonders/
Jun 29, 2007 9:04 AM # 
rm:
The entry list has been updated:

http://coc2007.ca/coc2007_reglist.html

http://coc2007.ca/
Jun 29, 2007 9:46 PM # 
rm:
By the way, the final registration deadline is July 10, a week and a half away, if you're hoping to come and haven't signed up yet.

The final WRE bulletin and the event notes are being finalized.
Jun 30, 2007 4:20 AM # 
cedarcreek:
Jim---Do you recommend any special precautions for insects? Will there be mosquitoes or black flies in particular abundance?
Jun 30, 2007 12:17 PM # 
rm:
Here are some relevant extracts from the latest version of the event notes:

First Aid:

There will be first aid facilities at all race assembly areas. If you have a known allergy to insect stings or bites and have an EpiPen with you, please carry it on your person during the races.

Night-O:

Ticks were found during course planning, and so please check following the event. Also, there are mosquitoes, particularly in the wooded areas and so be prepared with bug spray.

Middle/Long:

Ticks, Wasps, and Other Bugs
- The course planners did find some ticks. Be sure to check following each event.
- The course planners noticed some apparently dormant / abandoned wasp nests in the spring (April 2007) at the Eb?s Trail forest. We have not seen any wasps, but if you are allergic please consult with our Safety Chief before starting your course, and please have all necessary medications available.
- We are hoping that the bugs will not be bad - but come prepared! Bring plenty of bug spray.
Jul 1, 2007 8:53 PM # 
rm:
From Andrew McKinlay:

Draft handbook has been added to the Updates page on the web site.

http://coc2007.ca/coc_updates.htm
Jul 1, 2007 9:21 PM # 
rm:
From Shelley Ballard-McKinlay:

Hello Everyone!

The Competitor's Handbook for the 2007 Canadian Orienteering Championships is now available on-line at
http://coc2007.ca/coc_updates.htm Please note there are still a few minor things that need to be worked out so this is NOT a final, final copy! Keep an eye out for updates.

Accommodation

The Saskatoon Travelodge Hotel has graciously left our room block open until Tuesday, July 3 so, if you are planning to stay at the hotel, be sure to take advantage of the excellent rate of $85 single or double, $95 triple or quad (plus taxes) for standard accommodation. Regular prices are $20-$30 per night more than this special rate for COC participants. To make your reservations call 306-242-8881, or the North American toll free number 1-888-278-4209 (direct to the hotel) or e-mail reservations@travelodgesaskatoon.com and ask for the Canadian Orienteering Championship group booking or refer to Reservation ID #4329 to receive the above rate.

Other Deadline Dates to be Aware Of

July 10 - Ordering COC Commemorative Vests and T-shirts. Go to the COC website for descriptions and sizing charts. Payment can be made via the SPORG site.

July 10 - Final race registration deadline. If you have already registered, please check the COC website list to ensure your name, SI number, race categories and all other information are correct. Judging from our present numbers, there will be well over 200 competitors at the 2007 COC's. Don't miss out!

July 23 - Final date to order tickets for the COC banquet. Have some fun at our Island Beach Party! Bring an item for the silent auction in support of Canada's National Orienteering Team.

Website www.coc2007.ca

We look forward to seeing you in Saskatoon this summer!

Jul 6, 2007 8:01 PM # 
rm:
Deadlines to remember:

July 10 - Ordering COC Commemorative Vests and T-shirts. Go to the COC website for descriptions and sizing charts. Payment can be made via the SPORG site.

July 10 - Final race registration deadline. If you have already registered, please check the COC website list to ensure your name, SI number, race categories and all other information are correct. Judging from our present numbers, there will be well over 200 competitors at the 2007 COC's. Don't miss out!

July 23 - Final date to order tickets for the COC banquet. Have some fun at our Island Beach Party! Bring an item for the silent auction in support of Canada's National Orienteering Team.
Jul 9, 2007 6:03 PM # 
rm:
2007 COC Handbook (draft):

http://coc2007.ca/docs/coc2007_handbook.pdf

Last call for entries.
Jul 16, 2007 6:40 AM # 
rm:
From Shelley again:

The COC 2007 Competitor Handbook has been updated and is available on the "updates" page of the website. http://www.coc2007.ca/coc_updates.htm The significant changes from the first edition include:

· New times for the model events

o Sprint model event ? U of S Campus ? Thursday July 26, 1000-1200 hrs and Friday, July 27, 1200-1500 hrs

o Middle/long model event ? Eb's Trails ? Thursday, July 26, 1300-1800 hrs and Friday, July 26, 0900-1800 hrs

· Media/sponsor mini-orienteering event ? U of S Campus ? Thursday, July 26, 1030 hrs; same start location as the model event. Competitors are encouraged to attend to promote the sport of orienteering and the Canadian Orienteering Championships.

· There will not be a concession at the Night event but there will be post-race snacks and drinks available.

City and road maps which will help you find your way to the event locations, including a map of the parking and assembly areas at Eb's Trails are also available on the website. All of these documents are 2 pages.

The handbook and road maps will be provided in your registration package so there is no need to print them off. If there are any further updates concerning competitor information, this will also be provided in your registration package.

You can still purchase banquet tickets on the SPORG registration site. Deadline for purchasing banquet tickets is July 23.

Registration for competitive categories is now closed. If you wish to register for the open categories please do so in person at the COC office, Room 186 at the Travelodge Hotel or at the on-site registration desk at each of the events. See Handbook for office and registration hours.

If you have not already done so, please check to ensure you are entered in the correct categories and that your SI number has been recorded correctly. http://www.coc2007.ca/coc2007_reglist.html


See you soon in Saskatoon!
Jul 20, 2007 5:39 PM # 
rm:
From Shelley Ballard-McKinlay:

Some last-minute updates . . .

Arrival -- If you are arriving by airplane and need a ride to the Travelodge, arrangements can either be made with their shuttle service ahead of time or phone the hotel as soon as you arrive and they will send their shuttle over. The number to call is 306-242-8881.

Please pick up your registration packages at the COC office at the hotel if at all possible, rather than at the event sites. This will make our job that much easier. Thank you!

Night event start times are now listed on the "updates" page of the website. Other event start times will be there very soon so keep checking back. Also, check here for maps to all event locations as well as the competitor handbook.

COF Conference -- there is still lots of room in the COF Conference Sessions -- the OCAD session will now be offered for free (no $25 fee). You can register for these courses when you get here by talking to Ian Sidders who is the conference coordinator.

The weather forecast is for "smokin' hot!!" on the weekend of our main events. ( i.e. high 30's) Of course it goes without saying . . . keep hydrated! Bring sunscreen, sun hat, and anything else you need to help you stay cool and healthy. We'll have lots of cold drinks at the concession stand and are working on a plan to have ice cream and popsicle treats. There will also be things like bagels & fixings, fruit, muffins, brownies, pop, gatorade, water, etc. We have decided against a hot grill at this time due to the very hot weather!

Banquet & Silent Auction -- just one more reminder to purchase your tickets by July 23. This can still be done on the SPORG site. Please bring items for the silent auction and support the National Team. Items can be dropped off at the COC registration office at the Travelodge during registration times.

I think that's it. See you very, very soon!

Shelley
Jul 21, 2007 9:54 PM # 
feet:
It seems like Saskatoon is a busy place in the summer. Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan have 8pm performances of Twelfth Night on both Saturday July 28 and Sunday July 29. (The theater is a tent on the bank of the river; the actors are professionals.) Anyone interested in going? Send me an email. It's between CAD20-30 for tickets.
Jul 23, 2007 6:29 PM # 
AZ:
The start lists are posted on web site
http://www.coc2007.ca

Jul 23, 2007 8:01 PM # 
bishop22:
Any Night-O results around?

[edit]
yes, here.
Jul 27, 2007 5:07 AM # 
AZ:
Late last week a severe storm blew through the competition area for the Middle & Long distance events. The organizers (including me) have been assessing the damage to see the extent of the problems. We have had chain saw crews clearing trails and clearing areas around the controls. Photos are on COC website http://www.coc2007.ca

It appears the Middle distance terrain has been least seriously affected but that some Long distance courses will need to be re-designed.

More information will be posted shortly and will be emailed to competitors and posted on the COC website.

This discussion thread is closed.