We are offering two events in one weekend! A Night O (Advanced, Intermediate, Beginner) on Saturday night and a Middle Event (Advanced, Intermediate, Beginner courses) on Sunday morning. All at Meramec State Park.

Your registration is good for both courses so join for one or both. If you could put either “night” “day” or “both” after your last name, that will help us plan.

Lodging: Camp at the group campsite, glamp at the cabins, check into a hotel, or drive home. A group of SLOC folks will be setting up in the campground (Group Campsite #C). Reach out to contourline@stlouisorienteering.org if you have questions about the camping or meet in general.

Date/Time: Saturday, May 3rd 9pm and Sunday, May 4th 9am.

Location: Meramec State Park, Group Campground is HQ and Start/Finish location.

Meet Director:  Eric Buckley

Course Notes:

Greetings all! As the web allows one to ramble a bit, let me get straight to the point for those who just want the facts:

The advanced night course is a legit Red course run at night. DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS UNLESS YOU ARE REALLY GOOD. It’s hard. Trust me.

If you’ve never done night navigation before, seriously consider the beginner course even if you’ve managed to get through more technical courses during the day. Nobody will judge you. I’ve made it longer than usual and it has some interesting legs. You can always do the advanced course the next day if you want to get in some more technical nav. Wandering around in the dark woods wondering if you’ll ever see your family again isn’t very much fun.

SAFETY BEARING IS DUE EAST. I’ll say it again: SAFETY BEARING IS DUE EAST. Please don’t make us conduct a search in the middle of the night. If you are really turned around, just go straight east until you hit the Meramec River or the campsite (I’ll state the obvious, you may need to go north or south to get around cliffs above the river). You should be able to find your way back from there pretty easily.

Night O (controls, distance, climb)

Beginner: 11c, 3.9K, 85m

Intermediate: 9c, 4.7K, 175m

Advanced: 12c, 6.8K, 235m

Middle (controls, distance, climb)

Beginner: 8c, 3.3K, 110m

Intermediate: 9c, 3.9K, 165m

Advanced: 11c 5.1K, 220m

Having sent the folks that don’t appreciate my erudite treatise packing, here’s the longer version.

The intermediate night course is no picnic either, slotting in as either a tough Orange or easy Green in daytime, but pretty solid at night. That said, while optimal routes are advanced, this course has lots of catching and collecting features that offer safer routes. If you’re at all concerned, look for ways to get very close to the features using handrails (trails, streams, ridge tops, etc.) even if it adds some distance. All the controls on the intermediate course are close to such features, but only if you are willing to deviate from the “optimal” route (there’s nothing “optimal” about getting lost at night).

The beginner night course has most controls off-trail, but only slightly. You should be able to get very close using trail routes but you’ll have to be reading your map to know when to leave. Note that I’m including power line cuts as “trails”. You will want to use those. There are also lots of opportunities to save distance by cutting trail corners. This adds a fair bit of challenge; getting back on a trail at night is not as easy as you might think!  For those familiar with USOF color coding, this course is YELLOW which is described by the oxymoron “Advanced Beginner”. The first few legs of this course are a bit bland; I wasn’t able to find any interesting way to route you through the campground without annoying the campers. I hope you find the remainder of the course worth the wait; it’s got some really great features, even at night.

Sunday, we’ll get what I’m calling a “Middle” course, though it could easily be mistaken as classic GREEN. For those who haven’t done A-meets, Middle is supposed to be the super-technical distance where you need to run full-on to win, but you risk terrible mistakes by doing so. Meramec doesn’t really offer any super-technical terrain, but it does offer enough climb that if you run this course as hard as you can, you will get enough brain fade to matter. Point being, intermediates should not be afraid of this course if they take their time. Advanced runners can take their chances as they see fit.

The beginner course on Sunday is standard YELLOW. Things are slightly off trail. You can shave some time by cutting through the woods, but the trail routes are OK.

General notes on the terrain:

Climate change is a thing and all of the woods in Missouri are getting thicker every year. This map is 30 years old, so there will be sections mapped as white woods that will slow you down and impede your visibility. I’ve tried to avoid these for the night courses as hitting unexpected thick stuff at night is really frustrating. Still, don’t be shocked if you come across the occasional patch of nastiness on an otherwise open hillside. Areas mapped in shades of green are at least as thick as indicated; expect a shade darker when making route-choice decisions.

There have been a number of new structures built over the last 30 years. The ones I’ve come across, I’ve added to the map, but it’s not like I did a full survey of the park. Don’t freak out if you pass a shelter or hut not on the map.

Trails are still pretty accurate. I updated a few that were obvious route choices in the vicinity of the start/finish. I didn’t encounter any other problems but, again, don’t expect a 30-year-old map to be perfect.

It may be raining on December 14th but we’re still on! Bring your rain jacket and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Come join us!

Date: Saturday, December 14

Location: Indian Camp Creek Park (Saint Charles County), Lakeside Shelter

2679 Dietrich Rd, Foristell, MO 63348
Lakeside Shelter. GPS coordinates: 38.8799775, -90.9361747

Time: Check-in and first starts at 9:00am, Courses close at 1:00pm

Courses: 3 point to point courses to pick from!
– White (Beginner), Distance 2-3 Km

– Yellow (Intermediate), Distance 3-5 km

– Red (Advanced), Distance 6-8km

Note: The distances above are straight lines from checkpoint to checkpoint. Your actual distance may vary slightly. Checkpoints must be completed in the order specified on the map.

Meet Director: Scott & Melissa Kelley

Okay, so we had an issue with the park permit and had to re-schedule for 9 days after Halloween…but, we’re not changing the name. After all, the spooky holiday tradition must continue! With dozens of depressions, sinkholes, and caves, even the experienced navigator is sure to get turned around in circles.  However, with plenty of catching features it’s also a great park for beginners.

The format this year is a score-O for the beginners and intermediate, plus a “dog-bone” score-O for the advanced. A score-O means you have a fixed amount of time. For this event, it’s 2 hours. And you can get any CP’s in any order. You don’t have to get them all, but you have to be back before the time limit. The dog-bone variety is when two CP’s are connected with a line on the map. If you get one, you must go directly to the other before getting anything else.

Registration is OPEN

Date: Saturday, November 9th.

Location: Cliff Cave County Park. Upper Parking lot.

Time: Registration opens at 10:00 am. First Start: 11:00 am. Last Start: Noon. Course closes at 2:00 pm.

Meet Director: Jeff & Carrie Sona

Courses:

• Beginner – 2-hour score-O
• Intermediate – 2-hour score-O
• Advanced – 2-hour score-O with dog-bone format

Sprint #6 of the Tuesday evening summer series.

Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 6pm

We are back in lovely Old Town Eureka for the third time in 6 years with another bike orienteering event.  Come join us for an evening ride around our small town checking out a number of the local parks.  REGISTER NOW!

The Courses

The short course is about a 3 mile ride but you are welcome to scale that shorter, or add in some of the long course points to make it longer.  The navigation will be beginner level, but intermediate level folks might find a short cut or two.  This course is almost completely flat and uses the paved trail system around Eureka with a few brief road sections in the downtown area.  There are cross walks as well so families can feel very comfortable on this course.

The long course will take you about 8-10 miles.  While this course remains flat, more navigational skill will be needed to complete the course in a competitive time.  The long course will incorporate the short course. You will use two maps, there will be a seperate map with only the long course.

SPECIAL CHALLENGE! In partnership with our friends at Eureka Crossfit, there will be a special challenge this year that will be required on both courses.  The challenge location will be indicated on your map and when you arrive you will follow the instructions of the facilitator.  You must complete the challenge successfully in order to receive the punch for that control.  We are not spilling all the details but be ready to be off your bike for a few minutes.  

The Details

In person registration begins at 6pm with starts to begin at 6:15pm.  No starts will be allowed after 7pm. We will use ePunch for the courses and both courses use a Score O format meaning you get as many checkpoints (a.k.a. controls) as possible within a 60 minute window from your start.  All checkpoints are worth 10 points.  Anyone finishing past 60 minutes will be penalized 5 points per full minute.  The course closes at 8pm sharp.  

The Start/Finish

Like in 2022, we will be hosted by Joe Boccardi’s in Eureka.  We will be on the patio.  Please park behind the building in the designated lot and use either that lot or the adjacent lot across from the Eureka Post Office for your bike staging.  

Do not bring your bike into the restaurant or patio area.  Access the HQ at all times before and during the event ONLY through the back door entrance of the restaurant.  

After you finish the course and turn in your punch card (eStick), please join the SLOC family for food, drink, and tales of the course on the patio to Joe Boccardi’s!

The Gear

You are welcome to ride any bike you wish. You must wear a bike helmet. From there, bring your own snacks and hydration. We will provide you with the materials to make a simple but effective way to attach your map to your handlebars.

Meet Director: Nathan Graves

The map you first used last year at this meet has been fully completed. The Southeastern portion of Greensfelder, about 33% of the park and now including the Wyman Center, is complete and it’s a gem! This meet will take you around the section in great detail over four courses. HQ is at the Wyman Center, Enterprise Shelter.

Start with your annual SLOC membership, which is the best deal in St. Louis activities that you can find anywhere.  We put on at least one meet per month with courses for every level of skill, every time. Use our on-line system FIRST, to purchase your membership and receive a coupon code instantly by email to then, SECOND, register for meets at a discount for the rest of the year. We have single, family, and special group memberships. The meet is $5 for members and $20 for non-members in advance. Those go up to $10 and $25 inside of two days prior to the meet.

Registration is Open

COURSES OPEN FROM 12PM-5PM

COURSES:

WHITE: This course will be about 1.8km in length with 11 controls and climb of about 25m. The course is built to allow a youth to go out on their own with the map and feel confident. A special 1:5000 map will be provided. All controls will be along well-established paths and trails and will keep the orienteerer close to the Wyman property at all times.

ORANGE: I’ve noticed our usual orange course group has been getting good so I’m kicking this up a little on the navigation level. The length will be 3.4km with 11 controls and about 150m of climb. You will use handrails throughout and have bigger features to catch and will generally stay within the basin of Wyman.

GREEN: The green course folks will get a shot at some longer legs, more climb, and a number of route choices. This is essentially the group that is not going for the GROM (more on that to come) but still want that full course feel. This course is 4.8k in length with 12 controls and 250m of climb. You’ll be in the woods, don’t expect trails as handrails, expect to have to use all your skills.

BLUE: The blue course is designed to be course 1 of the GROM, but you are welcome to just do the blue course and be ranked on this course and not do course 2 of the GROM.  The blue course is 7.3k in length with 14 controls and 400m of climb. This is a big course by design, thus the blue designation. There will be three big climbs on this course and of course many smaller ones based on your route choices. There will be long legs with route choice options. I am excited to see what our orienteerers come up on this course.

GREEN ROCK ORIENTEERING MASTER (GROM): This is the return of the GROM. You may recall this from last year. The format is two courses; part 1 is the blue course that must be run first (as described above). Then for part 2, you check back in, find out where you stand, and get the score O map. The score O allows you to obtain any control on the map in any order. The new addition for this year is that the controls are worth different points values to increase strategy. You will have 90 minutes to obtain as many as you can. You may take as long as you like to plan your route before heading out. Everyone will be chasing the person who finished first in points on the blue course. It will be amazing!

Scoring from the GROM will be based on a weighted system combining the two scores from the blue course and the score O course. The weighting goal is to allow for balance between two different styles of course. The winner of the GROM will be the highest point total in the combined scoring system. All those who complete the blue course will also be ranked in the blue results as well.

If you are participating in the GROM, please indicate it when you arrive for the day. I am working on a unique prize for this year just like last year.

Registration Here

Location: Use the Laumeier Park entrance off Rott Road, about 100 meters East of Geyer.  Look for signs and banners at the end of the last parking lot.

The map was updated by Jon Torrance in 2021.  It’s in good shape.  Trails are generally accurate, though the less distinct trails are overgrown.  There’s a lot of green (thick vegetation).  The course design is meant to keep you out of the green.  You can run in shorts (unless you like to make interesting route choices).

Beginner Course:  Find as many of the 20 checkpoint locations as you like in any order.  No time limit, but the courses closes at 7:30 pm.  Never been orienteering before…come on out…you’ll love it!

Intermediate Course:  A 30-minute score-O.  Find as many of the 20 checkpoint locations as you can in any order, but within the time limit.  If you go over 30 minutes, there’s a one CP per minute deduction.  Oh…and you don’t get to look at you map until your time starts.

Advanced Course: A 3.2 km point to point course with 16 checkpoints.  Must go in sequence.  You don’t get to see the map until your time starts.

Note: Only beginners get to review the map before starting.  Some checkpoint locations are shared.  So, if you’re helping a beginner, please do not look at the CP locations.

We’ll be using e-punch.  Checkpoint locations may have a control flag, a metal stake without a control flag, or maybe only an e-punch unit.  Look around.  Use your clue sheet.

Twist: Laumeier Park has 70 sculptures installed across its’ 105 acres.  Definitely a unique and unusual experience.  To have some fun and whimsy, you’ll receive a printed clue sheet with “unusual” clue descriptions.  These might be helpful or might not.  You’ll get this ahead of time and can study before you start.  A traditional symbol clue sheet is printed on the map.

Register online ahead of time and things will be ready for you!

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

Candy and spookiness at Cliff Cave!  With dozens of depressions, sinkholes, and caves, even the experienced navigator is sure to get turned around in circles.  But with plenty of catching features it’s also great for beginners.  The format will be a “score-O”.  Find as many CP’s as you can in 90 minutes. 

First start 11:00 am.  Last start is Noon.

Date/Time: October 28, 11 AM first start, 12 PM last start

Location: Cliff Cave County Park

Courses: 90 minutes Score-O

Meet Director: Jeff and Carrie Sona

Paddle Orienteering at Creve Coeur Lake

REGISTRATION

UPDATED 8/12/23 AT 6AM – QUITE THE STORM BUT IT SEEMS TO BE PASSING. WE ARE ON FOR TODAY UNLESS THE WEATHER DOES SOMETHING UNEXPECTED IN THE NEXT THREE HOURS. SEE YOU THERE!

It’s been many years since SLOC held an orienteering meet on the water and the wait is over. Join us on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Creve Coeur Lake Park. Registration and starts begin at 9am, last starts occur at 12pm. Course closes at 1pm (UPDATED TIME – LARGER WINDOW OFFERED)

How does it work?

Paddle orienteering works just like a regular orienteering meet except you use a water craft of your choice to navigate your way around the course. Any non-motorized watercraft is permitted, including canoe, kayak, pack raft, stand up paddleboard, or whatever else you have in your personal livery.

Strategy

This meet will be a Score O format so you will receive your map at registration, plot your course, get your boat all ready to go, and set out.  You will only have 60 minutes to obtain as many controls as you can.  A one-point penalty will first commence at 60:00:01 and another for each additional minute. Don’t be late!

Watch your clue sheet closely as some of the farther controls are worth more points. The Score O format allows paddlers and navigators of all levels to enjoy the course at their pace.  A non-competitive category will also be available. There is no time limit in the non-competitive category other than the course closing at 1pm.

Don’t have a boat – no problem.

Boats are not provided by SLOC but are available for rent at the Creve Coeur Lake Park boat rental kiosk. The race HQ/registration will be set up right next to the kiosk and they are expecting us and holding boats.

PLEASE PRE-REGISTER SO WE CAN TELL THE BOAT RENTAL COMPANY HOW MANY TO EXPECT!  Those who pre-register are guaranteed a rental boat.  Those who do not are first come, first serve along with the rest of those who are on the lake.

After you register and get your map, walk a few steps over to the kiosk and rent your boat. Start the meet when you have your boat and route ready.

Here is a link to the rentals, they rent canoes ($20), kayaks ($15), tandem kayaks ($20), and stand up paddle boards (SUP) ($15).  https://crevecoeurlakerentals.net/pricing/

Divisions/Categories

In order to account for the different types of boats, talents, combos, and ages this event will feature the following divisions:

Solo kayak/canoe

Tandem kayak/canoe (includes 3 person)

Stand Up Paddle Board

Pack Raft

In addition, there will be three categories of competitors:

Juniors: Solo/All team members must be under 18 years old

Masters: Solo/All team members must be 55 years or over

Adult: Anything else (including combinations where one person is in another category)

Non-competitive: Any boat, any combination, no time limit, just be back by 12pm.

Safety

The standard SLOC waiver must be signed by every participant and for minors an adult must sign.  EVERY PARTICIPANT MUST WEAR A COAST GUARD APPROVED TYPE III PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD).  It is required TO BE WORN for the entire event, no matter what water craft you use, your skill level, or how hot it is, including when using a stand up paddle board. You MAY NOT just carry it or strap it to the water craft.

These are available through the rental company or provide your own.  This rule will be enforced and if you break this rule while on the course you will eliminated from the results and may be barred from future SLOC events at the discretion of the SLOC Board.  Those renting boats must sign all rental company agreements as directed.

The event will be cancelled if there is inclement weather and we will attempt to reschedule.  We will use our website to announce this. Watch for updates if you see the weather is looking questionable that day.

Gear

The event will use e-punch.  Anyone borrowing a SLOC e-punch will be responsible for it.  If you lose the e-punch, you will owe a $30 replacement fee.  We will have string and zip ties for extra security if you would like.  It might be a good idea to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water as it will be hot.

Fees

The meet is free for SLOC members as part of your annual membership. The fee is $20 for those who are non-members and $10 for those under 18. The annual membership is still availible for only $50, that is 5 more meets before the year turns over, still the BEST DEAL in St. Louis outdoor sports!

Register Here

Date/Time: July 25, 6:00 -7:30pm (check in starting at 6:00 and begin immediately )

Location: Forest Park, Near Here: https://goo.gl/maps/m4exryWcNek7kf9m7 May change slightly as date gets closer

Courses: The first “official” event will consist of an option between a 30 minute Score-O (select beginner) OR a traditional Orienteering Sprint (select advanced). Once you complete the official event, there will be something more experimental (and shorter) that you can participate in … no registration required.

Meet Director: Bryan Niehaus