Trail orienteering is a form of orienteering where the accuracy and speed of your map reading is tested, but there is no physical element. Virtual Trail Orienteering has increased massively the last year and there are now regular online competitions. I have really enjoyed taking part in them, some competition and a good way to improve my map reading. I think you would enjoy them too.  

"The standard format of Virtual TempO starts with a photograph of urban, park or forest terrain with 6 flags (A to F, left to right) in view. After 2-3 seconds, the first task comes on screen, with the photograph, map extract and control circle, control description, and six answer buttons (A to F, and Z where there is no flag at the location shown by the control circle). The task is to decide which, if any, of the 6 flags is sited precisely at the location shown by the control circle on the map. You choose your answer as quickly as possible, bearing in mind there are penalties if you get it wrong!" From the British Trail O website

The top Brit, Ben Kyd, has a YouTube channel where he talks through how he solves the problems and explains the answers. This video will give you a good understanding of what the challenges are like: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y585pZbTx6M

The next event starts on Tuesday 2nd March and runs twice a week till the end of the month. There are Advanced and Beginner leagues with your  best 5 scores to count. All events free to take part. Over 50 Brits are taking part now out of 1000 people and it would be great to see a few more SOC names on the results list (I am the only one!) 

More info (there are some about sections) and to sign up go here:

http://torus.yq.cz/

The Compass Sport Trophy Final was to be held at Chatsworth but the latest news is that the final is now in the hands of Octavian Droobers and likely to be held at Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield. We will keep you informed!

John will be giving us a talk on his experience competing in Mountain Marathons this Thursday 18th Feb 20:00.

Same meeting details as last time. Accessible on this members page (log in right hand side) here: https://socweb.org/zoom

It should be a really good evening, especially hearing about the challenges of mountain marathons from the comfort of our homes! For those who don't know, mountain marathons are usually a two day event with a mix of orienteering, fell running and a camp overnight. Orienteering can take us lots of different places and mountain marathons are one area where we can definitely use our skills. If you've done one yourself, bring a map or a tale for the chat after. 

Last social, Helen showed us how to use the Running Wild tool for route choice decision making and practice. Tamsin and I have added a couple more SOC ones for you to have a go at: Bramshaw (using route choices from the course planning competition), Rusland Beeches in the Lakes (technical) and a Southampton urban course. 

http://3drerun.worldofo.com/2d/runningwild.php (search for SOC)