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Flour Power
The Hash House Harriers is a social group with chapters
around the world, and over 400 in the
United States. A
“hare” lays a course, commonly using marks of biodegradable flour, for the
pack of runners to follow. Hash runs are held, using flour, every day in
this country without controversy.
The hashing community has been recently criticized
over the use of flour, and in several cases, misunderstandings with
government and police have created some controversy. Some (hashers and
non-hashers alike) have questioned the common-sense of using flour to mark
trails. Although alternatives, like chalk, are used in conjunction with
flour and other products, flour is superior. The use of flour to set
trails does not contravene common sense, it flows from common sense. The
following notes explain why, and I encourage you to help preserve one of
many traditions, the use of flour for hash runs, by educating those who
would jump to conclusions of terrorism, so that we might enjoy unhindered
the physical, social and spiritual benefits of being a Hash House Harrier.
- Flour is inexpensive. Hash runs are funded
through small (and sometimes inadequate) contributions that go toward
refreshments (yes, including beer), food, internet service provider
costs, etc. Flour is the cheapest product available to set trails.
- Flour is visible. Because of its
reflective properties, white flour is visible. Visibility is important
to the goal of setting the trail: getting each participant, be they slow
or fast, to the finish. Colored flour is less visible (excepting trails
set on snow), and is both expensive and toxic.
- Flour is safe. Coloring flour does not
make it safer – to the contrary – it makes it less safe. Flour is most
often colored with carpenter’s chalk, which is toxic and should not be
handled directly. Flour colored with carpenter’s chalk is sometimes
eaten by pets or other animals, potentially harming them and its use
should be discouraged.
- Flour is versatile. Hash House Harrier
runs cover various types of terrain – sidewalks, dirt trails, open
fields, forests and even stream crossings. Sidewalk chalk (also
commonly used to mark trails) cannot be used in dirt, sand, trees and
will not be visible from an opposing stream bank. The preference for
running through forested areas might be sacrificed were we not able to
smudge tree trunks with dollops of flour.
- Flour is handy. The game of setting a
trail a short time before a pack of runners tries to catch the hare is
advanced by the ability to drop flour on the run, which can be done
quickly. Further, exhausted flour reserves can be easily replenished
while setting trail. Flour can be found at any grocery store, and most
convenience stores, drug stores, and department stores. Sidewalk chalk
and other products are not as readily procured. Further, trails set in
rural areas, or on a week when the nearest store is out of chalk could
be jeopardized if flour could not be used.
- Flour is biodegradable. Flour quickly and
harmlessly dissipates in the wind and rain. Alternatives that are
sometimes used (such as toilet paper, survey tape, etc.) should be
classified as litter.
I hope this has been helpful. On-On!
Nice Snatch
Beaver Hash House Harriers
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