It’s the traditional 3-hour (and 1-hour) score-O event the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year we’ll be at Cuivre River State Park. This is a gorgeous park and we’ve been neglecting it. Haven’t been there? Well, the terrain is glacially modified. That means the hills are not as steep as some of our other large parks – perfect for some post-feast exercise and fresh air!
Family and friends in town? Bring them orienteering. If they’re not into orienteering, have them come out and walk the incredibly scenic 3.5 mile hiking trail around the lake…while you’re out in the woods.
A score-O format means you have a fixed amount of time to find as many checkpoints (controls) as you can. For this one, you have your choice of either 3 hours or 1 hour. There are a total of 25 CPs. CPs #1-#20 are worth 10 points and #21-#25 are worth 20 points. There’s a penalty of 10 points for every minute you’re late.
This event is great for beginners. There are ten CPs fairly easy to find not far from the start. If you register as Beginner, we’ll assign you to the 1-hour. If you register as Intermediate or Advanced, we’ll assign you to the 3-hour. But you can change your mind when you arrive. Or even change your mind when you finish – it’s a holiday weekend after all! Everyone gets a map with CPs #1-#20. Advanced participants will get a second map with CPs #21-#25.
We’ll be at the beach. From the Highway 47 entrance, follow the signs to the park campground. Take the turn off at the parking lot for the swimming beach. Oh, and sorry, but no, doing a “polar bear plunge” will not get you any extra points!
**Update**: The park has decided not to open the bathroom at the beach. The nearest bathroom is a 0.4 mile walk/drive uphill to the campground (bathroom across from playground). The Hilltop Shelter bathroom is also open. It’s on the way as you drive through the park and is also CP #4 on the course. Also, there is no running water at the beach. Nearest is at the campground host (site #69). There’ll be a limited amount of water on the course and at the finish. Please plan to bring your own.
Date/Time: Saturday, November 25
Start anytime between 10:00 am and Noon. Course closes at 3:00 pm.
Location: Cuivre River State Park
Courses: 3-Hour and 1-Hour Score-O
Meet Director: Mark Geldmeier