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March 20-21, 2010 Ahh, the Vernal Equinox. We must be
heading to the Dragoon Mountains or what the Coronado Expedition named
the Sierritas Penascosas. Enjoy two days
of orienteering and the barbecue/campout (the wilderness AGM) at the
Isle of Ewe in the Coronado National Forest. For climbers there are 40
to 50 nicely bolted “sport routes” nearby and we will get to
enjoy the smooth Jeep trails and single-track on our mountain
bikes through the oak belt at 4500’ elevation.
Saturday, March
20 will feature a “mini rogaine,” actually the first ever “mini mountain
bike rogaine,” a single orienteering event in score-O format for four hours
(noon to 4 p.m.) set primarily for the mountain bike enthusiast. We
will have a foot-O and individual option. Helmets are
required for bicyclists, and minors must have a parent or guardian
present to sign a waiver, etc. usual rules apply.Saturday night after the feed, stalwarts will
get to night-O. Almost always a fun event, bring your own flashlights
and a helmet can be handy. There will be a single 7- to 10-control
course on a 1:5000 map with 3-minute start intervals. Last year we had a
snow squall while barbequing and 75- to 80-degree days and you never
know who will show up. The Isle of Ewe is a great, unimproved
campsite. Bring your own water and shovel. Slavin Creek is flowing
beautifully so the pools will be available. Sunday, March 21 will feature white through red “classic
style” O courses. I have field checked a new area so expect
something new. There will be a string-O and
childcare available. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. with starts from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00
a.m. Please
preregister with Mark at orienteeringmark (at) yahoo (period) com . Keith McCleod
is my meet director and we will need volunteers. Thanks. Directions: I-10 eastbound from Tucson to exit
303, a brown sign marked Benson/Tombstone. Take Highway 80
southeast towards Tombstone, with the Dragoon Mountains on your left.
Go approximately 20 miles, turn left (east) at Middlemarch Road, at
milepost 315. You are just short of Tombstone. Go 10 miles (6 cattle
guards), and Middlemarch becomes forest road 345. Turn left when you see the 345 sign. Cross another cattle guard and you are now on road 687 heading north. Go 1.8
miles and turn right just after a cattle guard. Go east to a primo
shady dell named the “Isle of Ewe.” Allow two hours from Tucson. There
is a big Safeway on your way in Benson. Tombstone offers a
number of family-owned motels plus a new Holiday Inn Express
conveniently located just south of Middlemarch Road, on Highway 80. Vicinity Map Fees: Standard fee per each event applies. Contacts: For more information, to preregister, volunteer, etc., call
Mark at 520-432-2817 or write him at orienteeringmark (at) yahoo (period) com . You
can also call Keith at 520-529-1808. |
