Mt Lofty Isolation 6 hour

About the event

Download the 2020 Mt Lofty Isolation map here

Download the Mt Lofty Isolation control descriptions here

No need to enter – just download a copy of the map. We’ve made it A4 size so you can print at home if you have a colour printer, or find a local printer (eg Officeworks). You might be able to get away with a black and white print, but be prepared to disappoint the people who put so much time into the map 🙂

We’ve found a plain paper map in a sheet protector/plastic slip works reasonably well to make the map last 6 hours in a sweaty hand. If you remember the bad old days before we discovered Teslin, you could break out the Contact.

Inspect the map at your leisure and plan a route. Enjoy the freedom from time limits on route planning – you can stay up all night if you want to! Unless you’re super fast, you won’t be able to collect all of the controls. If you are super fast, get ready for bragging rights (and sore legs)! If you get them all and it doesn’t even hurt, then you can brag about that too (and we’ll be sure to confiscate your motorbike).

There is no marker at the controls, only the features in the control description. To check that you are at the right place and to calculate a score, we’ve configured the event to use the MapRunF phone app.

Using MapRunF

Before you leave home

On your phone download the MapRunF app:

Select “Name” and enter your details: name, email, etc. This information is collected by the owners of the MapRunF app to display the results (orienteering style results). Link to the MapRun privacy policy.

Select “Select Event” and look for SouthAustralia then Rogaine then Mt Lofty Isolation. If you are already at Mt Lofty, the “Events Near Me” should find it.

On the main menu of the app, select “Go To Start”. This will allow you to view the controls (you can try this at home). The controls will be shown over a satellite image.

Exit this screen by selecting the house icon in the top left.

Tips on getting a good GPS reception:

• From the MapRunF app website
• From Strava

We recommend you test the operation of your phone GPS before you head off on a 6 hour route – finding out the phone has disabled the GPS tracking after 30mins might be disappointing (but hopefully you’ll still have fun playing hide and seek in the bush!) The app developer also recommends you carry a fall-back GPS, such as a handheld GPS or GPS watch in case the phone app stops working. The track from this device can be used to upload to MapRunF to give you a score. You don’t need to use the phone app, you can upload your track using just your GPS watch if you would prefer (but you won’t get feedback that you are at the control from your watch).

You can improve your navigation significantly, especially when you’re lost (i.e. cheat) using your phone GPS and google maps. You could in any event where you carry a phone. We always rely on you doing the right thing though. Remember, you’re not playing for sheep stations – the challenge is to do this with a map and compass!

When ready to start

Make sure your phone is fully charged.
There is paid parking at Mt Lofty car park. Be aware that the closing times of the car park are changing during the Covid-19 restrictions: More car park information on the Parks SA website. There is free parking at the entrance gates and on Mt Lofty Summit Road.

The group who have tried this app over 6 hours have found the battery use acceptable, particularly when the phone is used in flight mode. You may need to carry a spare battery for a 6 hour event. You might want to turn the media volume up so you can clearly hear the beeps when you are within range of a control.

The Start is control S1, Finish is F1, both at the same location – just east of the fire spotting tower in the Mt Lofty lookout car park (the triangle on the map). Controls are marked with their score (control value is the control number rounded down to the nearest multiple of 10).

Begin about 50m from the start control. Open the MapRunF app. On the main menu of the app, select “Go To Start”. Wait for a GPS lock (GPS accuracy information in the green bar at the bottom of the satellite image) and the red dot to indicate your position. Walk to the event start and make sure the GPS is tracking your position. When you reach the start, the phone will beep to indicate you have punched the control and the timer will start. Your current position will no longer be shown on the app (otherwise it’d be a bit too easy to cheat!) Phone will show time, time remaining, last control, running score, etc.

Feel free to put your phone in your pocket or bag and rely on the paper map. Phone will beep (turn the phone media volume up!) when you ‘punch’ a new control, and the control symbol will change colour. If the phone doesn’t beep, you’re not close enough to the control (GPS should be reasonably accurate – you’ll need to be within 10m of the control on the ground). Most controls will be detected immediately, a few you might have to walk backwards and forwards a little when you know you’re in the correct area.

Complete your course, and return to the start/finish. Turn off flight mode to upload your results.

Rule amendments

Since this isn’t an official event, none of the rules apply. Starting with Rule R1 (team of 2 to 5). Because of the way the phone app is configured (primarily for orienteering), this event will be individual. For your safety and fun: we encourage you to stay as a team of 2 or a family group and remain within earshot of each other. Do not smoke or light fires in the park. Please do not leave any rubbish in our lovely park. Take due care when crossing roads and don’t enter private residential property.

This training event is at your own risk. The only thing we do insist on (although we can’t enforce it) is that you do it on foot. Bikes are not allowed for this one – you’ll clean up the course far too easily!

The app really discourages late returns – you will be deducted 30 (yes, 30!) points per minute you are late. Don’t be longer than 6 hours.

Area Hazards

Due to the nature of maps and map reading, safety is the responsibility of the user. The SA Rogaining Association can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions on the map or for events using the map. However, SARA would welcome notice of any errors, omissions or changes.

Please be aware of potential hazards in the area. The area has some very steep regions (often with loose rocks underfoot), rabbit warrens, loose wire, cliffs, high and steep creek banks. Greenhill Rd forms the northern boundary of the map. It can be busy with fast moving vehicles – please avoid walking along it unless absolutely necessary. Mt Lofty Summit Rd, on the eastern edge of the map, carries local traffic, which can also be fast moving. Be road smart and walk towards oncoming traffic or use the numerous tracks and paths. Note that there are numerous abandoned small foot tracks which may not be marked on the map. Some marked tracks are indistinct. Numerous tracks are used by bike riders. The main Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit track (through the middle of the map) often has a lot of foot traffic, but most other tracks are lightly used.

If bitten by a snake, apply a roller bandage, restrict movement and call 000 for assistance.

Have fun – and keep your social distance!