It's that time of year again, time for the eagerly awaited GAOC Night-O! The club will provide hot dogs and ice cream in the afternoon. There will be one beginner course available from 2PM to 4PM. The night-o will start shortly after sunset. Arrive early to take care of your registration and eat a hot dog and some ice cream. If you have never been to Cochran Mill, you will have to ford a small stream in your car to get to the event area. We've done this many times over the years, so no problems (I hope).
This year the rules are changing for the night event. We will have a MonsterGoat!
Here is how it will work:
Since this is a Goat event, the controls are done in order (NOT a score-o). Following is allowed. You may skip some controls (details below).
There is an absolute 90 minute time limit for all competitors, no matter where you are in the course. More than 90 minutes and you are disqualified. You must be back 90 minutes after the start - no exceptions!
There will be three loops, each on a different map. Each map has 10 controls.
We will begin with a mass start (everyone at the same time) on map #1, which is at white/yellow course level. Do the controls in order, do not skip any controls.
If you get to the finish line in less than 45 minutes, you can advance to map #2. If you take longer than 45 minutes, then your race is over for the night.
Map #2 is at yellow/orange level. Do the controls in order, except that you may skip one control. Which one you skip is up to you, but only skip one.
If you get to the finish line is less than an hour, you may advance to map #3. If you take longer than 1 hour to finish maps 1 and 2, then your race is over for the night.
Map #3 is very difficult. Do the controls in order, except that you may skip up to 5 controls.
Results will be scored in three groups:
1 - Those competitors who did map #1 only, fastest time with all the controls wins.
2 - Those competitors who did both maps #1 and #2, fastest time with only one control skipped wins.
3 - Those competitors who did all the maps. The most controls in the shortest time wins.
Preprinted maps. E-punch.
Strategy tips:
Skipping one control on map 2:
1-2-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 : Pass!
1-2-4-5-6-8-9-10: Fail! (skipped too many)
1-2-4-5-6-8-7-9-10: Fail! (Out of order)
Which control to skip on map #2? You could pick the hardest one or the one that will save you the most time. Or the one that you can't find!
Following: If you follow, be sure that the person you are following knows what they are doing! Also, if on map #2 or #3, be sure that the person you are following has the same plans to skip controls that you do!
Map #3: If you make it this far, congratulations. These controls are difficult both physically and mentally, especially in the dark. You will have to ford the creek multiple times. You can skip 5 controls, but if someone does 6 and makes it back before the time limit, then they beat you.
90 minute time limit: You are disqualified if you are over 90 minutes. Make sure you know how long it will take you to get back.
Spectators: Since we have map exchanges, the competitors will come back to the finish to get new maps. Also, the courses are designed so that the competitors pass through the finish area while on the course. There will be plenty of opportunity to watch the flashlights passing back and forth in the finish area. Should be exciting and confusing.
Parking: In the big field, but please park on the near side by the road to allow the runners plenty of room to run up and down the field. There will be signs for a no parking area where the map exchange will be.
Summary:
Mass start on map #1. Do all the controls in order.
If time is more than 45 minutes, stop.
Do map #2. Do the controls in order, except that you can skip one control of your own choosing.
If time is more than 60 minutes, stop.
Do map #3. Do the controls in order, except that you may skip up to 5 controls. The most controls in the least time wins map #3.
If over 90 minutes you are disqualified.
And lastly, if anyone gets all 10 controls on map #3, I will personally give you $1. I expect to go home with all my dollar bills safe in my wallet.
There will be pre-registration online also - when that is ready it would help a lot if everyone pre-registered.
I think that's everything - Questions? Send an email...
See you there!
Sam
Follow your normal route to the Atlanta airport on either I-85 or I-285 then take S. Fulton Pkwy/ Spur 14 and pick up the directions below. Don’t speed on S. Fulton Pkwy, watch out for deer, and keep track of where you are because cell phone coverage is limited.
From South of Atlanta
From Downtown Atlanta
Typical fees are shown below. Participants may go out on the course as individuals or with a group. E-chip rental is required if you do not have your own stick.
| Members | $7 |
| Non-members | $10 |
| Additional Maps | $3 |
| E-chip Rental | $3 |
For current forecast click here.
Sam Smith and Laurie Searle 770-463-2133