Announcing 'The Gear Grinder' March 25 MTBO
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Topic created by ErikEddy on Fri Jan 27, 2017 at 10:25 amMTBO - the newest IOF dicipline - is back this year at Birdsboro Preserve (the 'Hay Creek' map) at The Gear Grinder on Saturday, March 25th.Last year was a bit of a test run and this year I hope for a larger turnout on the bike courses.Pre-registration will go live on 2/1. If you register by 2/26 you will get the best rate.What to expect:* 3 courses- Mini Gear Grinder (Intro to MTBO 4 miles), Half Gear Grinder (~7.5 miles), The Gear Grinder (~12 miles). The Half and Full Gear Grinder will have considerably more climb.* The Mini Gear Grinder is designed for novice mountain bikers (after the first climb
) that like maps! You will want a mountain bike, but every leg has the option for logging roads or smooth wide track. You have options to take single track or more technical paths, but that is up to your route choice and map reading. After an initial climb, it's mostly downhill. * All courses are on a specially designed MTBO map that simplifies unnessary details and adds detail to the condition of the trails. All controls are on trails - the strategy lies in quick map reading or memorization and route choice.* Post race celebration - awards, pizza + soda, post course review* Quick interval start - everyone from the same course will go to the start together and start 30 seconds apart (e-punch) for a race feel that's not too crowded. First wave starts at 9AM.Why this is good for DVOA:* New people exposed to our organization.* Embracing a new way to have fun with maps!* It's a draw for multi-sport orienteers from other states that could pair it up with Sunday's foot event.Diane Reider is the event director and will be organzing the volunteers. As a token of my appreciation, I'd be willing to streamer a Brown course for volunteers to try in the afternoon. Critical positions are e-punch and help setting flags on Friday (I will stake). -
Reply by ErikEddy on Thu Feb 2, 2017 at 5:44 pmRegistration is up on OUSA Event Register:If you sign up before 2/26, the event is $10 for DVOA members which includes prizes to top finishers on the Half and Full Gear Grinder and a generous post race food spread. Early sign up is appreciated and encouraging. I have been working on improving the MTBO map including adding in new trails in the recently logged area and even adding Rustic Park to the map.The Mini Gear Grinder will have options to stay on easier paths and roads.
