8/24 - Hickory Run score o'
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Topic created by robw on Sun Jul 27, 2014 at 6:50 pmThe event on August 24 will be with a score orienteering format on the original 1:15,000 Hickory Run map, with start/finish/registration in the parking area of the Pa. State Game Land No. 40 along Pa. Route 534 about 1 km. south of I-80, and about 4 miles northwest of the park office.In the score format, ther are a number of controls shown on the map, with each control worth a certain number of points, and participants have a specified amount of time to go to as many controls as they can, in any order, with penalties for each minute overtime. In this event there will be 25 controls, with each control worth between 3 and 7 points. The amount of points will be the first digit of the control number, i.e., control 31 = 3 points, control 74 = 7 points, etc. The maximun number of points is 125. The time limit will be 2 hours, with 10 points lost for each minute overtime.As several DVOA members are participating in the World Rogaine Championships in the Black Hills of South Dakota the week before, this event will be given a mini-rogaine twist. Instead of the usual individual starts, there will be two mass starts, at 10:30 am and noon. Also participants will be given a couple of minutes before the mass start to look at their maps and plan their routes. There is also the possibility of a 3 hour class for the 10:30 starters. Individual and groups are welcome.As those who were at the event held on this area last summer found out, although the map is certainly usable, it was made over 25 years ago, and there are changes, particularly in vegetation. Some of the trails have become overgrown, and there are many areas shown as white woods which now be shown as light or medium green. Ther are also some green areas that are now white. But the contours and rock features are still accurate, and a good portion of the woods is still very runnable for those who run. This is not a good area for beginners, but if there is a demand, a white course can be set. The score controls are at intermediate (orange) or advanced level, with about a third at orange difficulty and the rest advanced, although that sometimes depends from which direction one approaches the control. The score format can be useful for those thinking of moving up a level, since if you cannot find a particular control, instead of wasting time searching, you can just move on to the next one.Further notes may be posted nearer to the event. If there are any questions, they should be posted here.
