SMOC Ortonville
April 15th 2023 11:00am - 3:00pm
Map: Ortonville Rec Area
Enjoy epic courses at Ortonville Recreation Area!
Pre registration required; please register by Thursday 11 pm!
Start pin may be refined closer to the event date; this will get you to the usual road signs for sure.
Registration timeline:
Until 4/13, 23:00: Regular $5/members, $10/non members
Until 4/14, 23:00: $10/members, $15/non members. Limited to small extra map quantities; may close sooner if we run out.
After 4/14, 23:00: Contact us about flag pickup to join.
We charge per "start"/group ($10, reduced to $5 for members with coupon code SMOCMEMBER or RECIPROCAL for other OUSA clubs), not per person, so if you have extra folks in your party, just have them fill out online waiver. An extra map is another $5. Interested in racing for free? Ask us about volunteer opportunities like flag pickup, giving a lesson, etc.
If you know you'll be volunteering - lessons, check in help, or flag pick up, reach out and we can give you a coupon code to make the event free.
Membership info is here
NOTE: As a DNR venue, you'll need to have a Recreation Passport to park, unless you ride your bicycle over. $12 annually if you check the box when you renew your license plate.
What is orienteering?
Using a detailed topographic map, navigate to a series of checkpoints (in order for this event). Race competitively, or enjoy a relaxing nature hike with family or friends - the choice is yours! The route between checkpoints is also your choice - take a longer trail option, or head off cross country across hills and over logs...you decide! If you like visuals, this video can give you the gist.
We use an electronic timing system called SportIdent. Bring your own stick or borrow one of ours. Before you start, "punch" (dip the stick into the box) the clear to erase the old times, punch the check to make sure it's ready, then when it's time to go, punch start. You're off! At each flag on our course, punch the matching box. Then punch the finish when you get back. Then find your way to the registration table to download your splits and get a printout of your results. Don't lose a borrowed stick; we'll have to charge you $40 for replacement. We have a "leash" on it, so put that around your wrist, adjust the slider, and there's little chance you won't make it back with it.
Schedule
11:xx Courses generally are available, but not promised, depending on how long it took to hang flags, etc.
12:00 Courses are definitely open, you can start now
2:00 No more starts
3:00 Courses closed, flags may get pulled at any time. You may wish to start earlier if you are new and/or taking on a difficult course.
Course Descriptions
White/Beginner - One to two miles. Takes 30-60 minutes to walk. Points are on trails.
Yellow/Intermediate - Two to three miles. Takes 45-90 minutes to walk. Flags are visible from the trail, but on nearby major features.
Orange/Advanced - Three to five miles. Takes 90-120 minutes to walk. Flags are generally not visible from trails. Cross country travel is common/generally necessary at some points.
Brown/Expert Short - Three to four miles. Takes 90-120 minutes to walk (w/out mistakes). This course has the highest technical difficulty - flags are on small features well off trail. Mistakes will take a long time to correct, as strong relocation features are not nearby. This may be combined with Green for this event.
Green/Expert - Four to five miles. Takes 120-150 minutes to walk (w/out many mistakes). This course also has the highest technical difficulty.
Red/Expert Long - Five to seven miles. Takes 150-180 minutes to walk (w/out many mistakes). This course also has the highest technical difficulty.
What to wear
Your mileage may vary; you can't go too wrong with this:
- Long pants
- Long sleeves
- Layers for the temp
- Shoes that can get dirty. Trail running shoes work great (whether you are running or not)
- Shoes for afterwards in case you find mud or marshes
- Snacks and water for on the course
We have loaner compasses if you don't have one.