Fountainhead

There is much up and down on ALL courses, more - if you are not following the "best" route. For the Brown and Orange courses, the climb is especially in the beginning and at the end. Also, expect 2/3 of the courses to be very steep. There will be two maps, the Connector map and the main Fountainhead (Far West) map. The Connector map has very limited field checking. It covers a very narrow area between the Occoquan Reservoir and private land. However, the Orange and up courses, will have both maps. They will have to turn over their map as indicated, to complete the course.
Please respect the private land and avoid entering the red striped "out of bounds" areas as marked on the maps. Some of the public trails cross private land, so most courses will be somewhat on private land.

Please show up before 1 pm (or earlier, if you can), in order to make sure to finish before 3pm, when we start the control pick up.
Make sure you drink plenty of water before, and after your course, especially during sunny and/or humid weather. Water is also available on the courses, but as always, please don't drink directly from the jugs. The cups are small but refill as many times as you like. Yes, there are Ticks and Poison Ivy, not too bad yet, but afterwards check yourself for ticks anyway.

The beginner courses (White and Yellow) won't use the shuttle, as their Start is on the parking lot.
The intermediate and the advanced courses (Orange through Blue), will use a shuttle to a remote Start on a map with an exchange to a different map. The Good News is that you don't have to walk. The Bad News is that there are no facilities at the remote start and no clothing return. In addition, should you need to abort your course you have only two options: 1) follow the Bull Run Trail ( blue blazes) many miles to the finish or 2) the less desirable option from a safety standpoint, return to the start and wait for the control pickup crew to find you.

Safety Bearing: Most ridges have rides or trails. Otherwise, generally North to the Blue Blaze Trail then North to the parking area. I advise against trying to follow the water line north to Yates Ford Rd only because of the steepness.

Terrain & Map: Fountainhead has some of the most open leaf-on forest in the area. The difference between rootstocks and dot knolls is subtle. In general, rootstocks are over 1.5 meters. Dot knolls may be very low ( .3m) and have more dirt. The slow-going but visible areas (vertical green stripe symbol) are used in patches throughout the map. In the 3 years since the map was remade, some of the vegetation has changed to be more open woods. With the opening of the Bull Run Trail to Mountain bikers, some trails have become more pronounced. Indistinct trails and rides are subtle. The control bags and E-punch may be slightly removed from the feature since I had to look for something to hang them on. Water level on the map should have water or be at least be muddy. Advanced courses have the option of using a bridge.