If at all possible, a first time hare should always try to run with, or mule flour for,
an experienced hare before they schedule to Hare their own trail.
Info on trail marks can be found HERE
Hash trails vary quite a bit, but in general they cover 3 to 5 miles in distance (time for average hasher would be 45-60 minutes) for true trail; and, the Walkers trail should be between 2 to 3.5 miles (time for average Walking hasher would be 30-45 minutes).
If either trail is significantly longer, come with obstacles, special marks, instructions, etc. the pack should be pre-warned at Start circle. This is most important; Practice run your trial to get distance and time on trail.
What to look for in a prospective trail:
Parking — Allow for sufficient parking at the start of the hash run. Make sure that the parking area does not have the possibility of cars being towed. Encroachment on private property will be coordinated with the owner prior to trail start.
Accessibility — Kitsap county and surrounding boundary
Comfort — Make the trail as messy and wet as you wish, but the On-In, whether outdoors or indoors, should be somewhere people can relax and have a good time.
Feasibility — The trail needs to be doable for hashers of all levels of ability. Remember that not everyone will actually r*n your trail
SHIGGY —- Find pieces of wilderness/wild terrain off trails and away from crowds (water, forest, brush, canyons, etc)
Novelty — Hashers like to go places they've never been before, have themed runs, celebrate their passions.. Unusual terrain features, ingenious locations for beer checks, and interesting
On-In locations are always appreciated.
A-A Trails
Start and End in the same (or very close) location
A-A Prime Trails
Start and End NEAR each other, but are not the same location (within .25 mile)
A-B
Start and End are DIFFERENT locations, considerations for returning the hash to start must be thought out (Vanpool, bus, ferry)
As soon as you've decided on a start location, send a message to the webmeister who will create an event on FB and make you the host. If you don't know who the webmeister is for the kennel, you probably shouldn't be haring a trail by yourself. Ask an adult to help you out.
You don't have to finish scouting every aspect of your trail before posting the start location. All you need for posting is the start location. Work out the detrails later. Once you’ve scouted and figured out your trail, write a list of needs/things for the hash to bring to prepare for a successful trail!
Tell the hash what to expect, what to bring, special themes, and other important trail information. Post pictures and get the pack hyped for your trail on the FB event page!
Hares will obtain a sufficient amount of White Flour / Chad / Chalk to lay a well marked trail.
For planning purposes, one average shopping bag (approximately 5 pounds) will mark approximately 10 minutes of trail. .
Your shopping list will usually include:
About ten pounds of Flour per Hare for the trail
Chalk to mark pavement and sidewalks
Flagger tape for laying in thick shaggy or bad weather
Beverages for checks. (FROM BEER MEISTER)
Don't forget extra water if the weather is hot.
Orange food is provided
CURRENT BEERMESITER - (on FB) Josh Marion / B6 or BumbleButt
Alternate beer pick - whoever is RA for the trail can help or delegate
Every hare seems to follow a personal vision all their own, but all can agree that laying trail is part craft, part artistry and some down right sneaky shit.
The Craft of Trail Setting
Give yourself 5-15 minutes of a head start ONCE you leave “Opening Circle”. Make sure you tell this to the RA who will release the pack. Give instructions for all your markings, and what to expect on trail, including if ALL trails end/3 marks are on/etc...
Handy tip: it's better to put more marks in circle, even if you don't think you're using them all. Shit happens when you're actually on trail and you may need that mark you didn't think you would.
….AND YOURE OFF….
Keep the pack safe and more or less within legal bounds while following trail.
Lay a trail that the pack can (and hopefully will) follow with marks every 50-100yds. Use lots of flour, chalk, flagging tape, etc.
Checks are the accepted method for slowing the pack down, but in between checks, mark the trail clearly.
Checks that slow the pack include: song check, shirt swap, intersection, whichy-way, YBF, back check… etc. B-E Creative, BE CREATIVE. Keep the pack together using these marks. Set enough false trails or other diversions to ensure that the front runners don't get too far ahead of the DFLs. (fish hooks are great for this!)
When changing the direction of the true trail, turning, or switching sides of the road, provide one of the following methods to alert the pack: hash- mark, true trail, pack arrow or an intersection/check-mark.
Crossing true trail at any point should not happen - you will lose the pack or they will go backwards. Provide directions/instructions for walkers/turkeys to get to the finish.
Have cold beverages ready for the pack when they arrive at beer checks and the finish. A happy (drunk) pack is a good thing.
More info on trail marks can be found HERE
Should be a bar, or good place to eat with drinks available, SOMEWHERE near the start/end of trail. Be prepared to share this detail in the Detrails of the event, and during ending circle.
