Australian Rogaining Association

Hi all,

I've had some friends who have become serious rogainers recently.I must admit it sounds like a very challenging buyt satisfying pursuit.

As part of planning an event, I guess weather information is critical (especially when planning months in advance?).

Look forward to hearing your wisdom.

cheers

There's lots of factors in planning - equipment, food, route planning just for starters.

The course setters will usually give some guidance on expected conditions - temperature ranges and likelihood of rain. You should always carry an emergency survival blanket, but beyond that the rules don't generally require any particular clothing, although sometimes the organizers may mandate something. A lightweight windproof shell is generally worth having, and if it's waterproof too even better. In colder conditions tights and thermals are also a good idea. It does depend a bit on how much you are likely to stop. If you're always on the move then cool conditions aren't so much of an issue, but if you stop (and are damp from exertion already) then cooling can be rapid, so you'd better have more clothes to put on handy!

Food is a personal preference but a good range and keeping it light are both good. You also need reasonable capacity to carry water because it may be 4 or more hours between water drops and getting dehydrated has a drastic impact.

Route planning is a real test of rogaining skill and experience. Knowing what the team is capable of both physically, mentally and navigationally is just the start. If the terrain or vegetation varies there may be some areas best done early or left till later, or better done in the light or the dark. In general, strongly defined land features and more open vegetation are preferable for the dark times. Nothing worse than blundering around a flat scrubby area getting lost at 3AM...

Are you saying that there are water supply points through the course?

Yes. The number and distribution will depend on many factors, but you don't need to carry all your water from the start - you should be able to pick up more every few hours as long as you plan appropriately.