Photo gallery image (click to enlarge)

Presidio of San Francisco, Main Post

Event #1 of 5 in the BAOC 2017 Summer Series

Date: (Sat.) Jul. 8, 2017
Location: San Francisco, CA
Event Director: - 925.516.7622
Course Setter: Graham Brew
Type: C; One advanced course with map exchange(s) & short option(s), total distance 5–7 km; Beginner Clinics will be available—beginners could run the course on the first map

Please note that fees and time limits apply. Events are typically not canceled due to bad weather.


We are less than a week away from the start of the BAOC Summer Series. Please join us at the Main Post in the beautiful Presidio of San Francisco on Saturday, July 8th. Starts will open at 10 AM as usual.

Course

The event will feature a single course on three maps. Everyone runs the same maps, in the same order. At the end of the first map, you will drop your map in the box provided at the transition control (be sure to punch that control), and pick up the second map from a clearly-marked map tray nearby. Likewise, at the end of the second map. The end of the third map is the Finish.

In total, the course is 6.0 km (straight-line distance), with 42 controls, and very little climb (<100 meters). The distance and controls are split roughly evenly between the three maps. Hence, if you run more than the first map, you'll need a high-capacity E-stick, which are available for rent or exchange at Registration.

If anyone wants a shorter challenge, the ends of the first and second maps are fairly close (~200 meters) to the Finish control. So you are welcome to finish after one or two maps if that is the distance you are looking for (be sure to punch the control at the end of your final map before going to the Finish). Whether you are doing one, two, or three maps, please ensure that the Finish control is the last control you punch (and punch it only when you are actually finishing). And please be sure to download after you finish.

Beginners

Unlike a "normal" BAOC event, there are no courses designed for beginners. However, since this is a highly urban and compact area, the course is suitable for anyone with experience reading topographic maps.

Beginner clinics will be available to introduce orienteering. They are short, repeating sessions that explain orienteering maps and the process for completing a course. Of course, it's up to the participants to be able to read their map and navigate to the controls on their course. That should not be too difficult at this feature-rich venue.

Schedule

  9:00 AM – Registration opens; closes at noon sharp (no latecomers please!)
  9:30 AM – Beginner's clinic instruction available (free)
10:00 AM – Starts open; you can start on the course anytime until 12:30
 2:00 PM – Courses close; checkpoint pick-up begins

At registration, all juniors must be accompanied by parents or legal guardians, or bring with them a waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian (the registration form is available here (PDF/100KB)).

Beginner's clinics will continue until about 10:30 (they could stop earlier if there is no more demand).

Everyone must return to the Finish by 2:00 PM, and check in at E-punch, even if you don't complete your course. We need to account for all participants, because otherwise we must organize a search party for you. At 2:00 PM we will also start taking down controls, so there's no point in staying out longer (other than to cause us worry).

After you finish, stick around to socialize with other participants!

Costs

The following fees apply at this event:

  $5 for juniors (age 8 through 20; under 8 is free)
$12 for adult members
$18 for adult non-members
  $1 for a compass rental (optional)  
  $5 for an electronic fingerstick rental (if you don't own one; you'll need one to complete the course)
$15 for the lowest-cost individual one-year BAOC membership (optional)  

For extra people on a team (i.e., completing the course together), add $7 per adult or $3 per junior.

More information about event pricing is available in the club FAQ. All the prices are also shown on the standard entry form (PDF/100KB), which you can print and fill out in advance to save some time at the event. (You will need one entry form for each group of people going on a course together.) Please note that the form has a second page for signatures of group members.

2017 Summer Series

Points for the Summer Series will be awarded to everyone who completes the whole three-map course. Details of the scoring system are available here.

Course Comments

There is very little climb​—​less than 100 meters for the entire three maps. There will be 42 controls in total, roughly evenly distributed between the three maps. If you are planning to do more than one map, you should ensure you have a high-capacity E-stick (available to rent or exchange at Registration).

There is not too much vegetation to negotiate, so short pants could be appropriate. The biggest hazard by far is road traffic: The courses necessarily cross several active roads. Please use extreme caution when crossing all roads. You can expect a lot of other park users, so please be mindful when using sidewalks, etc.

As a requirement for our permit, we are not allowed to approach certain buildings. These areas are clearly marked on the map as either out of bounds, or marked in the usual drab-green color indicating "restricted area". Please respect these limitations, and keep us within the restrictions of our permit for using this outstanding area.

Volunteers Needed

We could use a few additional volunteers for control pick-up and some other duties. Please contact one of us if you can volunteer.

Thanks!

[emailByName: unknown member name 'Marie-Josée Parayre'][emailByPosition: unknown position 'Marie-Josée Parayre'] (Event Director) and (Course Setter)

Driving Directions

There's a map here that shows the locations of the event. To use that map, drag it to center San Francisco in the panel, then use the "+" button to zoom in. Repeat dragging and zooming to get the desired area shown. You can click on the Satellite button to see an aerial view.

Note: Read the directions below carefully, as no signs will be provided because of park rules.

The approximate coordinates are 37.7984,-122.4582.

From the Bay Bridge: Take exit 2C to merge onto Fremont St. Cross Market St and continue onto Front St, then turn left onto Pine St. Turn right onto Lyon St. Turn left onto Jackson St, and right onto Presidio Ave. Continue onto Lincoln Blvd. Continue past the "T" intersection with Girard Rd. Turn left onto Graham St and drive S until you pass Sal St. The assembly area is on the left in the large parking lot. Park there and be sure to purchase a parking sticker from a machine.

From the South: On I-280, take the (left) exit (#49B) for CA-1 N toward 19th Avenue/Golden Gate Bridge. At the first traffic light, turn slightly left onto 19th Ave. Stay on 19th Ave through Golden Gate Park, beyond, and through the Presidio. Keep right and follow signs for US-101 S/Marina Blvd S, and merge onto US-101. Take the exit (#437) for Marina Blvd toward the Presidio. Turn right onto Girard Rd, then turn right onto Lincoln Blvd. Turn left onto Graham St and drive S until you pass Sal St. The assembly area is on the left in the large parking lot. Park there and be sure to purchase a parking sticker from a machine.

From Marin: After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, stay left to continue on US-101 (i.e., do not exit to Veterans Blvd). Take the exit (#437) for Marina Blvd toward the Presidio. Turn right onto Girard Rd, then turn right onto Lincoln Blvd. Turn left onto Graham St and drive S until you pass Sal St. The assembly area is on the left in the large parking lot. Park there and be sure to purchase a parking sticker from a machine.

The parking machines accept credit or debit cards, possibly coins (more info here (http://www.presidio.gov/transportation/driving-and-parking)).