The Hash Run

a simple explanation offered by Eric Big Axe

Extract from 'The Word' following the run at Deerpark Forest laid by Eric Big Axe :

(Run No. 1788)

A briefing, exemplary in both its brevity and clarity, unaccountably appeared to be incomprehensible to the gathered L2H3. The cumulative attention span of the entire group seemed to be less than that of a single spore of the locally prevalent Phytophthora ramorum.

In order to prevent such confusion recurring, a simple explanation is offered here;

The options offered when describing the choices to be made in respect of ‘Long/Short Splits’ are a simple function of two variables per incidence, multiplied by the number of occurrences.

In the case of Sunday’s run, only two needed to be considered. We can represent each Long/Short Split as say ‘ø’, and the choices - Long as ‘L’ and Short as ‘S’. For our purpose we therefore have two basic expressions; ø1 = L1 / S1 and ø2 = L2 / S2 . Of course L and S are algebraic representations of linear dimensions related to the routes chosen, and these are compounded by the sequence selected and sub-divisions at non-optional intersections (i.e. arrows). In this case, each of the four integers L1 , S1 , L2 and S2 themselves constitute the sum of these individual elements, which can be easily represented by the sub-divisions L1a , S1a , L2a , S2a and L1b . Three options are thus available; A hasher ‘x’, arriving at ø1 and selecting L1, will negotiate the dimension L1a, whereas hasher ‘y’ selecting S1 will initially traverse S1a . Since ‘x’ will encounter no further node ‘ø’, he/she is obliged to continue until reaching the route subdivision, and continuing along L1b so the total distance covered will be Lx= L1a+ L1b . Hasher ‘y’, however, on arriving at ø2 has a further decision to make. Selecting ‘S2’ will result in a total length of Sy1= S1a+ S2a . Finally, selecting ‘L2’ will result in a total distance of Sy2= S1a+ L2a + L1b .

Quod Erat Demonstrandum

The run itself was described as “a load of bluebells” (at least I think that was what I overheard). There is no denying it. This fabulous run with its model example of the hare’s art meant that the slackest of hashers had no difficulties in following the trail without confusion. Even the RA was nonplussed by this, and had little in the way of misdemeanours upon which to pounce. He was reduced to penalising poor Paddington for a curious soft-fruit related episode, plus Dockleaf and Potbelly for reasons which escaped them completely.

Eric Big Axe (On Sec 2010-2011)

Now read The Art of The Hare >