About a year ago, David Cole casually mentioned to Rogaining Tasmania president Gary Carroll that he was thinking about organising a metrogaine in Launceston. Within seconds, David found that he was now committed to organising a metrogaine in Launceston.
David and I unearthed the map that was prepared for the Launceston metrogaine held many years ago, and for which only around ten teams entered. The map was not up to current Rogaining Tasmania standards and many of the previous checkpoints were no longer suitable. Gary and Paul Pacque set about creating a fantastic new map and David and I set off to look for new checkpoints.
When setting the course we had a few things prioritised: making use of the beautiful Trevallyn reserve and gorge, and placing a high number of checkpoints (and points) within family friendly limits. We were also conscious of the need to ensure that our checkpoints would be there on the day (who remembers the Great Kayak Disappearance in Kingborough?). We went for too many checkpoints, rather than too few, and set some high pointers in all four quadrants of the map.
We had great fun exploring the city with new eyes. Who knew there were so many signs, statues and sculptures? We easily found heaps of suitable checkpoints and put our brains in gear to develop the questions.
Given veteran rogainer Paul Pacque was our course vetter, we relaxed, knowing he would (and did) do a thorough job of checking our work.
Gary took on most of the other organisational roles and Judy Davis took on catering duties. So, after setting the questions and answers, the setters had it relatively easy.
We were thrilled when the entries started rolling in. Thanks to the efforts of the marketing team, we ended up with 57 teams and over 130 entrants.
The day was an absolute cracker weather wise. And we were very happy with the turnout and the lack of controversy about the controls. Except one. The Great Kayak Disappearance is now rivalled by the Disappearing Garage Door.
After looking at the results we found that all but one of the checkpoints was visited and good use was made of the 100 pointers.
Congratulations to all our entrants on creating a cheery atmosphere at the hash house and around town; and especially to our newcomers who were willing to give rogaining a crack. Well done to all the class winners and in particular, to Joe and Euan, for taking out the overall lead.
The winners' route and event results can be viewed on the RT results page, and don't miss Adele Winslow's photos.
Many thanks to Paul, Gary and Judy and the many other volunteers who made running the event a painless exercise.
What a fantastic day for an event in Launceston. Clear skies and mild temperatures meant we were in for a perfect day to criss-cross the city in search of answers to some of life’s biggest questions.
We approached the planning in the same manner as we have previously: enthusiastically and completely overestimating our abilities. As time ticked away, we removed some of the furthest controls and pulled the calculator out for the 100th time to work out which combination gave us better bang for buck. We were ready to set off, head straight into Trevallyn Reserve, loop across Prospect, drop back across town and then into Riverside. It was a great route, although I couldn’t help a nagging feeling that we weren’t the fastest of runners and we didn’t really have a plan B. This was highlighted when we spoke to the eventual winners, Joe and Euan, and realised we had plotted a route alarmingly similar to them, but without the fitness, speed or endurance to pull it off.
A frantic discussion as the final briefing occurred (promise we listened!) and the entire plan was discarded before we set out 180 degrees in the other direction. This meant we could focus on gaining a tremendous number of points in the first hour around Riverside. We continued into Invermay before coming back across the bridge at UTAS. We saw a surprising number of teams on the section between city park and Heather Lodge. Clearly these were popular controls.
With 90 minutes remaining, we had several steep uphills to negotiate. Unfortunately, this is Launceston. The Hash House was situated on the side of one of them and there was no alternative. With only three crossing points from town and one already ticked off, Duckreach was never going to happen, which left the basin. Funnily enough, it is called that because it resembles one, albeit a deep pudding style one, with the only access for the competitive points bagger being from most of the way up West Launceston. Sigh! Up and then down we went.
The last hike up to the 80 points near the Hash House using the Eagle’s Eyrie track was brutal. Our “inside knowledge” meant we knew it would be straight up and with the time ticking. Pausing to take in the view and maybe breathe normally, was not an option. This checkpoint was also popular with many teams, and we commiserated with others clearly not enjoying the final hurrah any more than we had. Still, it was downhill to the finish and the welcome sight of lollies and afternoon tea. Probably a highlight of the day was the opportunity to sit outside on the grass and chat to all the other teams, delighting in the knowledge the garage door was black, the wall was white and the automobile red.
A huge thank you to all the organisers and volunteers. We appreciate how much time and effort goes into making these events successful.We thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to participate closer to home and were delighted to win our category. Next time though, we will aim to have a plan not devised at the briefing!
In 2024, the Intervarsity Championships will be held in conjunction with the Australasian Rogaining Championships (a 24-hour bush event) in WA on the 7th and 8th of September. Tasmania is the reigning Intervarsity title holder, thanks to Will Whittington and Xavier Scott winning the 2023 Australian Intervarsity Championships in NSW.
Will Whittington and Xavier Scott
Each year, funding is provided by the Nigel Aylott Memorial Sports Foundation (NAMSF) to cover the travel costs of one team from each state to compete in the Intervarsity Championships. Team members must be students at the same Tasmanian tertiary institution. Preference will be given to full-time undergraduate students, although part-time and postgraduate students are still encouraged to apply. The funding typically covers the cost of flights, bus transport to and from the hash house, and accommodation (if necessary) for a team of two to compete. Team members are responsible for additional costs, such as the event entry fee. Full details for the 2024 funding will be released in June.
Now is the time to convince someone to be your teammate if you haven't already! Please send your team nomination to Jaymee Knoll at by Sunday, 28 July. Nominations can be brief, and just need to state the University or TAFE you both attend, whether you are undergraduate or postgraduate, and your experience and recent results at rogaines or related sporting activities (e.g., orienteering or trail running). The successful team will be informed very soon after this deadline. If you have any questions, please ask Jaymee, who was a NAMSF funding recipient in 2022.
As described by the 2024 ARC organisers.... "Where is the Mysterious Traveller? A mask, an old logging village, a Melburnian forester, and ochre springs. We may need to navigate complex river valleys (150m a.s.l. to 300m a.s.l.). There may be a few pines, but we are mostly in stunning Jarrah - Marri - Blackbutt forest. We leave the open Nannup farmlands of 2016 far behind. We have a very easy trip here - less than 3hrs southish of Perth and less than 1hr Bunbury. For all travellers, far, near, mysterious or not, the Event Bus will take you on a magical tour from the airport to the event via a replenishing town. The Setting and Vetting team look forward to showing you some topographical mysteries!"
The Australasian Rogaining Championships are not just for elites. They're designed to cater for various rogainers at all levels and are incredibly social. At least five Tasmanian teams are heading over to WA for the ARC this year, so consider joining us!Â
