Route choice at Control 1

On Control 1, we frequently have to choose between a direct but more challenging route and a longer but more reliable one.

A lack of familiarity with the terrain and a natural desire to avoid risk often incline us to opt for the longer route. This choice becomes even easier to accept on long-distance courses where the pace is not so aggressive from the start.
The leg we are discussing comes from a Croatia, Event: Broč Orienteering Championship 2nd stage,

Organising club - OK Maksimir. Middle distance, W21E.

https://www.livelox.com/Viewer/Broc-Orienteering-Championship-2nd-stage/W21E?classId=858277&tab=player

Here, the "white forest" and the considerable size of the control feature provide strong arguments for taking the direct route.

When uncertain about which route to choose, I find it helpful to identify a point on the begining of longer route from which I definitely will take longer one. I then estimate the time required to cover the difference between two options (short and long) and consider the associated risks.

For this leg, I will for sure take the left route from point B.

The difference between two routes is about 100 meters (distance between points A and B), which is about 20-30 seconds for elite runners.

What factors are we “weighing” here?

There are plenty of features along the direct route to track it successfully. However, the undergrowth on the first spur is a concern. This undergrowth is likely the main challenge. If I could see that the vegetation ahead was thick or particularly troublesome, I would immediately adjust and take the left route. Similarly, if the control point were a small, point-based feature, I would also favour the left option.

Aleksandr Alekseyonok, November 6, 2024.

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