[Az-Geocaching] Cache Clash

Thu Feb 23 15:50:12 MST 2006

My sister and I did this last year.  All the other participants where real adventure racers.  We were the only geocachers.  We came in 3rd - not bad for a couple of old chicks.  It was really fun but expect to run hard to compete with those adventure racers.  Our only advantage was skill in locating the caches and understanding how to correctly use a GPS.  They won't make the mistake of being unprepared again.

Julie
jcalder
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Apryl Clark 
  To: listserv at azgeocaching.com 
  Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 2:09 PM
  Subject: Re: [Az-Geocaching] Cache Clash

  I think there was mention about this last year and someone participated in it?

  Apryl

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    From:  <crystalh at cox.net>
    Reply-To:  listserv at azgeocaching.com
    To:  <listserv at azgeocaching.com>
    Subject:  [Az-Geocaching] Cache Clash
    Date:  Thu, 23 Feb 2006 12:31:43 -0800
    >Hi everyone,
    >
    >I just stumbled across this today and I don't know anything about it except what is mentioned in the text I pasted below.  On the main website (http://www.sierraadventuresports.com/sierrahome2events.htm) it mentions the date as 5/20/06.   Anyone else know anything?
    >
    >Crystal
    >HinkleHouse
    >
    >
    >What is a Cache Clash you ask? Have you ever heard of Geocaching?  Well, we're going to hide 25-35 cache's around a very large area, and give you a list of UTM coordinates to find them.  You'll need a GPS unit to find them as they will be hidden well.  There is some strategy involved in deciding if you want to just plug all the coordinates in to your system and let it point you to them, or whether you would like to plot them on maps and only use your GPS unit when you're real close.  There is also strategy in your route choice.
    >
    >The first person or team done within in a maximum of 3 hours will win.  If nobody has completed it in 3 hours, the person or team who has found the highest number of cache's will win.  Solo's will be $35 and teams of 2 $55.  Both solo's and teams may carry a maximum of 2 GPS units with them.  Sponsor provided prizes will be awarded to first place in both categories, and everyone's finish will be listed here on our results page. The Phoenix Cache Clash will begin at 7:30 a.m. and close at 10:30 a.m.  You'll need to show up earlier though to sign a waiver and get signed in. We'll have a pre-event meeting at 7:00.
    >
    >Register now by click on the Active.com button here:
    >
    >The Cache Clash will be traveling to Phoenix, Denver, & LA.  If well received, plan on East Coast and Midwest Cache Clash's in the summer and fall.
    >
    >What is a Cache?  The cache's we place will be small containers, about the size of a soup can, containing a slip of paper (or some other trinket) identifying that you've been there.
    >What is a GPS unit?  GPS stands for Global Positioning System.  You may have seen people here and there walking around carrying what looks like a thick cell phone or calculator, and oddly searching for something amongst a pile of rocks or bushes.  They can be purchased at REI, electronics stores, map stores, and they're becoming increasingly popular in vehicles.  They cost anywhere from $80-$500 depending on features, though all of them are able to read satellite signals being beamed toward earth, and they tell you exactly where you are.
    >What modes of travel are allowed?  All travel must be done on foot, so bring plenty of water and energy bars.  We'll get started early so you won't be out in the terrible heat.
    >Can teams work together?  We ask that you do not as it would give you an unfair advantage.
    >How can I learn more about Geocaching and using a GPS unit?  You can find a plethora of information about Geocaching at www.NaviCache.com & Geocaching.com and if you want to learn how to use your GPS unit, REI holds regular clinics on using them.  You may be surprised when you find that there are probably cache's hidden right near your home now.
    >Why do I need a map?  You could actually do it without the map, and many GPS units have software built in that would show you where the cache's are.  Some people however prefer to see the "Big Picture" in order to plan their route.  Plotting 25 coordinates will take some time, though may make a sizeable difference when it comes to which direction you want to go to seek the cache's.
    >Where else will you hide cache's besides under rocks?  We may also hide them within reach on a short tree, in a saguaro boot, in a cave, bushes, under bridges, etc.
    >How big of an area will be used?  We anticipate using an area of about 4 square miles, though we may adjust this for varying terrain.
    >Where will the Cache Clash take place?  We anticipate using a rural area, possibly near one of our lakes, or in a large park like the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.
    >What about a t-shirt?  T-shirts will be available for purchase for $12 when you register.  You must register at least 3 weeks prior to the event in order to purchase a t-shirt, and they will be distributed at the event.
    >You're an Adventure Racing company, why are you putting on this event?  A big part of Adventure Racing is using maps, compasses and coordinates.  Many of us also do it for fun, and orienteering practice so it makes a great crossover sport.  There is another fun activity called Orienteering that bears some similarities as well, and the Phoenix Orienteering club, along with the Tucson Orienteering club put on some great events year round.
    >What kind of people will be doing this?  Geocacher's are a wide range of people.  All age groups and abilities are represented.  If you can hike around the desert, it's likely you can complete this event.  Some will be competitive going out real fast, though probably 80% will be out for fun and adventure.
    >What do I need to bring with me?  A GPS unit, and a method of carrying enough water to keep you well hydrated.  Trail type shoes are best, and you may want some sort of energy bars and an electrolyte replacement like Gatorade.  You may also want a spare set of batteries for your unit.
    >How will we receive our coordinates?  We'll write them all down on a large board and you'll need to transcribe them to your paper or input them directly into your GPS unit. If the group is very large, we may use multiple boards, or elect to hand them out on a sheet of paper.
    >
    >More info will be posted in the next couple of weeks.  Look for Cache Clashes in Denver and LA soon!
    >
    >
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