ABOUT HASHING

To - Home 
 
  
 EXCELLENT  
 
 3 reviews on
Run - Pic's

VUNG TAU CITY HASH HOUSE HARRIERS “VTCH3”
HASHING ON THE MOUNTAINS OF VUNG TAU - BA RIA PROVINCE

What to Expect

Turn up in sturdy shoes and loose-fitting sports clothes at the Bia Tuoi.  Look for “Hash Cash” (Treasurer) and pay run fees for the day; make sure you’re carrying enough water for the run (one bottle is usually sufficient unless it’s an extremely hot day); then head off with everyone else when you hear the bugle, whistle and/or cries of “On On!”, either on foot or taxi (“local” runs) or by bus (“away”, ie out of town runs).  Free refreshments are provided after the run, but not before – sorry, but we’ve found it works better for everyone when we keep the eskies unopened until the end!

Run Briefing

Whoever laid the day’s trail (the Hare/s) will brief everyone about the run with a “Chalk talk”, including anything that requires particular attention such as “rickety bridges”, proximity of local houses, barking dogs, etc then off we go: “On On!” in Hash parlance.  *Note that “run” is a collective term covering everything from running, walking, climbing, etc – it’s entirely up to you how much energy you use although, that said, we do expect everyone to try and keep up with the main pack or it can become logistically difficult to send out “search parties” looking for those who couldn’t keep up and may have even lost the way!  An ability to cover 6 km per hour over varying terrain (pagoda steps, uphill mountain tracks, etc) is considered essential for your safety and everyone else’s.

Trail Communication

Run trails are usually marked with coloured eco-twine (usually red, with yellow depicting “false trail”, ie go back to last red marker and try again), chalk, flour or shredded paper – and you follow these markers at all times, shouting “On On” whenever you see a new marker (or at least when the trail changes direction), so those behind you know they’re on the right track, and also so those in front will know the pack is following.  You’ll also hear whistles being blown from time to time – and/or bugle calls, not to mention Hares communicating with the walkie talkie radios.    It’s just good communication to keep the pack together and heading in the right direction.

 

Help Required

In the unlikely event that you hear three long blasts on a whistle, head for the sound because it could mean someone needs help.  Although rarely required to treat anything other than minor cuts and abrasions, a first aid kit is always available and supervised by the duty medic.

The Circle

The trail will end at a predetermined “Circle” (or “Down Down”) location – which can be anything from a local restaurant or bar to a handy spot on the side of the road.  Help yourself to a cold drink from the eskies (ice boxes) and chat with your new friends until the Grand Master or (more usually) CircleMaster calls everyone to form The Circle.

The CircleMaster, sometimes assisted by a Religious Advisor, will then call for a “run report” and recognise or penalise the Hare/s according to the allocated score.  He or she will then identify “Hash virgins” (first timers), “Visitors” (from other Hash kennels), “Returnees” (returning VTCH3 members) and various “Sinners”, as well as allocating/changing Hash names* to those who’ve qualified by running at least six Hashes and/or laid a trail.  All these people will be required to stand in the centre of The Circle and (at least) drink a glass of whatever they’re given by the CircleMaster’s helpers (“Masters at Arms”).  Everyone else in The Circle will encourage drinkers with various “Down Down” songs (see “Circle songs” page).  Don’t worry, it’s all harmless fun – everyone in VTCH3 is treated with respect and no-one is asked or expected to do anything they’d rather avoid!

Back to the Bia Tuoi

Once The Circle has finished, there’s usually time for more socialising before heading back to the start point.  On away runs (out of town), there’s usually a sing-song and/or singing competition on the return trip – this is your chance to impress with a new song!

All “Hash paraphernalia” (eskies, the banner and other equipment, etc) needs to be stored before everyone heads home – feel free to lend a helping hand!

Ongoing Communication A run report and photos will be uploaded to this website so don’t forget to visit often – it’s also where you’ll find any information about next week’s and any future runs, as well as information from other Hash kennels as received from time to time.  Some Hashers use social media including facebook, but VTCH3 has a policy of not using or authorising official use of any VTCH3 photos, captions, or other material on social media to avoid inadvertently upsetting anyone (including the authorities).