Setting a Good Trail

Objectives
  • Set a r*n which will take around 60 minutes to complete, over interesting/varied terrain.
  • The entire pack should finish within 20 minutes of each other.
  • No one should become lost if they follow the trail.
  • In hot or wet weather you should consider making the run a bit shorter.
  • Preparation, thought and effort has to go into the job to make it a success.
  • If you are a virgin hare, try to set your first run with an experienced hash hare.
Choosing the place
  • Thirsty Hash territory is anywhere that is accessible by public transport within an hour of the city. A general rule of thumb is don't go north of Chatswood, west of Leichhardt or south of Tempe.
    Saturday runs can be anywhere and are usually a bit longer and have more bush than the Thursday runs.
  • Select a start site which has easy access and good parking space for the number of cars expected. Take into account the natives who can often get upset when we circle up outside their house, try to find a park with a little clearance from the locals.
  • Check out public transport access to the start and, if possible, advise the details to the TrailMaster (TM)
  • Winter runs should start within 30 minutes drive of the GPO and be in an area which is reasonably well lit.
  • Summer runs should be mainly through parks and reserves.
  • When you have selected a run site, notify the TM as soon as possible of your proposed run site so that the location can be published on the Diary on the website well in advance of the run.
  • If you are using a new run site, check your proposed location with other hashers.
Finding a date
  • Agree the run date with the TM. You can see what dates are available on the calendar on the website.
  • The TM will enter your name onto the list for that date. If there is any special significance about that date (birthday, national independence day, start of summer etc) then get in early.
  • Your more extensive information (directions, On On, theme etc) should be provided to the TM approximately a month before the run so that it can be added to the website. These may include more explicit public transport directions than those provided via the weblinks. If provided, these should detail transport options from the City.
  • The On On is one of the following, either a “cheap and cheerful” restaurant, pub serving food, BBQ by the committee or a hare organised affair of pies/pizzas etc. Options are limitless.
  • Make mention if money is required during the run for fares, beer stops etc.
Setting the Trail
  • When an area is unfamiliar, at least two recce's should be performed to ensure a good run. The first recce should be for familiarisation with the unfamiliar area (this can be skipped if the area is familiar). The run should be planned on paper from features noted during the second recce. Try to pick out convenient check points, cross roads, obvious tracks for back trails etc.
  • The run should be set on the day, to avoid washouts and not two or three days in advance. As a rough guide, the time to run is approximately equivalent to 1/2 - 2/3 the time taken to set/walk the run. In winter, at least one recce should be carried out after 6.30pm.
  • Mark the trail with checks etc. on a photocopy of the street directory map. Make sure the map is double enlarged to make it easier for you to mark, and the Trailmaster to read (and don't be too alarmed if I tend to read the map upside down).
Putting it all together
  • Check with the Biermeister he is clear about where he has to go for the circle, beer bucket, and half way stops (if planned).
  • At the circle, the GM will ask you to provide a quick run down on the run and details on the On On.
  • Hand over your precious map to the TM with any special instructions etc. Great if you can provide the map in an A4 clear plastic sleeve.
  • You can choose how to spend the run...some hares spend it at the bucket/pub the whole run (after the exhaustion of setting the run in 45min immediately previous to the circle start time), while others go on trail to provide assistance as required.
  • For the circle afterwards, the committee will have taken care of organising scribes etc., so all you have to do is take your down-down for being the hare.
  • Make sure you keep track of the time for what you've organised for the On On, and let the RA know how much time is left (some restaurants shut early).