Ironwood Picnic Area Score-O

Location:   Ironwood Picnic Area - Tucson Mountain Park

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Course:   2-Hour Score-O.  The ideal route length (shortest possible to get all checkpoints) is about 6.3 km.  The course is very runnable, although long pants, a comb and tweezers could come in handy for any cactus encounters when venturing off trail.  There will be some ‘flagging assistance’ available for novice/beginner orienteers to get started on course.

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Maps:   Choose your own adventure!  Both novice and advanced orienteers will have the opportunity to plot a course and visit as many of the 17 controls as possible within 2 hours.  Each control is worth one point.  Over time penalty is 1 point per minute or any portion thereof.  Maps will be printed on 1: 10,000 scale.

Fun Fact:  The Fishhook Barrel Cactus is often referred to as a “Compass Cactus” due to its propensity to lean towards the Southwest.  While this is oftentimes true, we recommend using a more conventional means of navigation.  If you don’t have a compass, they will be available to rent at the meet site.  Another recommendation is a comb- one never knows when a pesky Cholla will jump out- and combs make a handy Cholla removal tool. Maps will be provided to all participants at the event site.

Schedule:

⦁   8:30 am-10:45am Check in.

⦁   9:00 am First chance to start.

⦁   11:00 am Last chance to start.

⦁   1:00 pm Courses close.

 

Registration:  Pre-registration is required in order to keep an eye on crowd size and prepare the right number of maps.   See the "Fees" section below for information on coupon codes to use for member and junior pricing.   Everyone must register as an individual even if you plan on going as a team.   See who has already signed up.  Registration closes at midnight, Friday, December 3, 2021.

Directions and Parking:    The event will be held at Ironwood Picnic Area.  Event Start/Finish are located at the end of the road.  Follow South Kinney Road and turn onto Hal Gras Road.  Follow the O-Signs to the Start area. Please plan to park in designated spaces along the road or at the end of the Cul-de-Sac.  Vicinity Map

What to Bring:

⦁ Safety whistle is required (whistles can be purchased on site for $1)

⦁ Compass (compass can be rented on site for $1)

⦁ Water (and snacks if desired)

⦁ Watch or phone (so you can finish on time)

No E-punch:  This event will use traditional pin punching.

Fees: 

⦁ Adults: $8 (member), $12 (non-member)

⦁ Juniors (11-20): $6

⦁ Kids (0-10): free w/adult

 

Adult members of TSN (Tucson) or GPHXO (Phoenix) should use coupon code "AZClub" at registration.  Juniors use coupon code "Junior".   Children 10 and under use "KID" (please register even though it's free—we need a headcount and a waiver for each participant).

Friend-For-Free:    Members may bring one qualified guest for free to this event.   To qualify your guest must never have attended a Tucson Orienteering Club or other OUSA club event before and must accompany you to the event.   Fill out a  Friend-For-Free entry pass  and bring it with you to this event.

Youth Participants:  All participants under 18 must provide a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.   If you plan to bring a minor without their parent/guardian, then please download a copy of the Waiver and Permission to Participate form  and have it completed   and signed by a parent/guardian before you bring it with you to the   event.   For more details, see our instructions sheet.

Covid Safety:    Please wear a mask during check-in before and after your run and any time you are unable to keep distance from other people. Do not show up if you are feeling unwell.

Other Safety Information:  To ensure that all are safe, everyone, whether finished with the course or not, must check in formally at Start/Finish before courses close and before leaving the event site.