[Karin]

NAV TRAINING DAY
Cheatham Wildlife Management Area, Sat March 14

Todd Essig has been working very hard to put this navigation training day together, and for anyone who did Patrick Bair's Double Dog Dare AR a few years ago, they know that CWMA is an AWESOME place to spend the day. CWMA is a 21,000 acre AR playground with 60+ miles of gravel/dirt roads to trek, mtn bike and navigate.

a) format similar To Bear Creek and Bull Mtn trainings - on foot and on bike (approx. 20 CP's). You can make the day as long or as short as you would like based on fitness level, experience, weather etc.

b) open to TBARC members only (all members from all branches are welcome)

c) non-members can purchase a TBARC membership for $25 on the day

d) The land manager has offered the camping fields (co-located with the check station) at no fee and he'll open the bathrooms - so participants can camp the night before and night after if they wish

I'll post more info early next week (meeting location, start time, gear list, directions to the start etc.)

e) for both fun and safety, no solos are allowed out there (so bring a friend/team-mate to spend the day with, or let us know and we can find someone for you to go out with)

f) for those who need it, we will provide instructions on use of map and compass, and help with strategy before you head out for the day on March 14.

[Karin]

Some updated information on the nav event:

GEAR LIST
a) Clothing appropriate for both trekking and biking (and check the forecast before you leave home in case you need to bring cold or wet weather clothing)
b) Even if the weather calls for warm and dry, this time of year it would be a good idea to bring an extra fleece and rain jacket
c) Food and water enough for a full day's workout
d) Bike, helmet and shoes, bike gloves, bike pump, bike repair kit
e) Map case or other method to keep map dry (zip loc)
f) Headlamp (even if you plan on only being out there for part of the day - you never know!)
g) Fully charged cell phone
h) Some type of small day pack
i) We'll have first aid supplies at the start, but taking some minimal first aid supplies out there with you would be a good idea
j) Oh yeah - and a compass

**This is the basic "must-have" list. Bring other items that you feel you want/need, appropriate for a full day out in the woods.

**Participants can return to the start as many times as they want to during the day to rest, regroup, refuel. This is YOUR training day, and how you approach it is your call.

DIRECTIONS
http://maps.yahoo.com/#mvt=m&lat=36.222403&lon=-87.070447&zoom=15&q1=Nashville%2C%20TN%2C%2037201&q2=wiley%20radue%20road%2C%20ashland%20city%2C%20tn

http://www.state.tn.us/twra/gis/wmapdf/Cheathambw.pdf

From Todd: I suggest take McCrory or 70 (based on where you live) as if you were going to Montgomery Bell. On the west side of Peagram (close to Shell station) turn right on 249 North. Take 49/251 (this is River Road also & you could take in from west Nashville), turn left go up about a mile and turn left on Wiley Pardue Road. This will lead into CWMA. Keep on to Pardue Rd. follow on out to old firetower, turn left, go to Griffintown turn left (South) take it down to Headquarters Road. This will lead to CWMA Headquarters. Meet at the pavillion.

** print the .pdf map! this area is confusing as hell, nice black and white maps for free @ game check station

Check for updates (including phone contacts if you get lost on the way to CWMA) on the Nashville section of the TBARC message board: http://trailblazerar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6214

Especially in the couple of days leading up to the event, check out the board.

A few of us are camping on Friday night for sure (from the sounds of it we'll have the whole place to ourselves), and maybe Saturday night too.

Maps will be handed out around 8am Saturday morning, and we will help with map/compass/strategy questions for whoever needs help getting started. Participants can make this day as long or as short as they want it to be, based on their goals/fitness level/weather etc.

For questions please contact Todd Essig directly: todd.essig@gmail.com

[Karin]

Just a quick update. Todd is setting up an O course close to the start (on foot) to get everyone into the "naving zone", and increase map/compass confidence. You can head out on bike after the trek section, to get CP's that are further out in the area. Get as many or as few as you want, based on your goals for the day and how much time you want to spend out there.

[867-5309]

What time will everything get started Saturday morning?

[Karin]

Jenny,

Todd's handing out maps around 8am Saturday.

There will be somebody at the pavillion throughout the day (someone to hand out maps to late-comers, be around to ask questions, someone to touch base with for teams that come in to rest/group/resupply etc.).

I'm heading that way and will camp out Friday night.

[Karin]

[Karin]

Looks good for some wet weather on Saturday guys. Bring your rain gear, warm clothes, dry clothes etc.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Ashland+City&state=TN&site=OHX&textField1=36.2769&textField2=-87.0598&e=0

If it ain't rainin' you ain't trainin'.

Todds' cell phone number is (615) 403-5876

He gave me the OK to post it, so if you have questions not answered on here please feel free to contact him directly.

Please keep checking this site also, for any last minute info.

Looking forward to seeing everyone Saturday (or Friday night).

[Karin]

With 100% chance of rain tonight and tomorrow, Todd and I have both decided to just meet up at CWMA tomorrow bright and early, as opposed to camping out tonight.

Anyone who would like to camp out tonight is still welcome to do so.

It's gonna be a wet one, but doesn't sound like it will be too cold. Bring some warm and dry clothes to change into after you're done. Also remember to waterproof your cell phone (zip locs and duct tape).

See you guys tomorrow. We're still planning on handing out maps around 8am.

[867-5309]

A BIG thank you Karin and Todd for putting this together! I learned alot and had a great time playing out in the woods. The area was really beautfiful.

Thanks again for taking the time to organize this!

[Karin]