We have received the permit for our August 19th event at Wilder Ranch State Park! BAOC last held an event at this park in 2003, so we're excited about orienteering here again, and hope you will join us for the Scramble that Greg Favor is designing.

The catch: the permit is expensive and limits us to 75 participants, so we are increasing our prices for this event to $25/$30 (members/non-members) to cover costs. In order to ensure that everyone who shows up gets to run, we will have pre-registration (but not pre-payment) — see below.

The format will be a mass start at 10 AM with a time limit of 3 hours.

Please note that there will not be beginner (White and Yellow) courses at this event. Such courses are normally offered at BAOC events, but they will not be offered at this event because of the restrictions of the permit. We apologize to those who would have liked to try a beginner course. Please consider attending the San Francisco Presidio event on September 16 — there will be beginner courses (in a very scenic park).

However, the Scramble format is specifically designed for beginners. You don't need expert map reading skills — but you should have at least one person on the team who is experienced reading contour maps (such as USGS topographic maps) for hiking. We encourage you to go in teams, but you can go solo. The Scramble format is not, however, designed for very young children. Three hours of cross-country trekking can wear young kids out. It is best for teenagers and up.

From the 2003 event announcement: The park has 4,505 acres, with 34 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails winding through coastal terraces and valleys. Several restored buildings once belonging to the Wilder family are preserved. The park has tours and living history demonstrations to help visitors explore the history of early ranchers and farmers along the Central Coast. The site was originally the main rancho supplying Santa Cruz Mission. It later became a successful and innovative dairy ranch. Surrounding grounds include Victorian homes, gardens, and historic adobe.

Online Sign Up ↑

As of 6am the day of the event, we have 25 openings, so you can still show up without pre-registration.

Please contact the meet director, Trinka Gillis, if you have any questions.

Event Notes ↑

Note: This Scramble is open to individuals competing alone (soloists) as well as teams.

Event Schedule ↑

• 8:30 AM   – Registration / Check-in
• 9:15 AM   – Map distribution and pre-race briefing
• 9:50 AM   – Walk to start
• 10:00 AM – Mass start
• 1:00 PM   – Course closes
• 1:30 PM   – Awards ceremony

Event Fee ↑

Participation costs $25 each for BAOC members, $30 each for non-members. Please pay at registration with cash or check.

Awards ↑

Prizes will be awarded to the top team or individual in the following categories:

• Best Overall (best total time)
• Best Men (all males)
• Best Women (all females)
• Best Mixed (men and women)
• Best Youth/Family (at least one team member under 17)
• Best Masters (all over 45 years old)

Individuals compete in the Overall, Men, Women, Youth, and Masters categories. Teams or individuals can win in multiple categories, but will only receive one prize.

Gear to Bring ↑

• Water and snacks. (Water is in two locations on the course, but quantities are limited and you might not visit those spots.)
• A whistle for emergency signaling — this is mandatory. Three short blasts means "I need help." Each team and all soloists should have one. You can get one at Registration if you don't have one.
• Bring a watch, so you will know how much time is left.
• Sun protection.
• Long pants or gaiters (to protect against thorns) and shoes with good traction are highly recommended.
• Optional navigational aids, such as a compass, altimeter, GPS. Compasses can be rented for $1 each.
• A cell phone is recommended. Call 911 for emergencies. The event director can be reached at 650-248-9595.
• The SPORTident (SI) electronic punching system will be used to record routes and time. If your team doesn't have an SI Card, one will be provided. The fee for replacing a lost card is $25.
• Each participant will be provided a map.

The Rules ↑

• Checkpoints are marked with orange and white flags and an E-Punch box. Each checkpoint is worth 10 points. The goal is to find the most checkpoints within the time limit. In a tie, the first team back wins. There are 40 checkpoints on the course.
• Check into the finish within 3 hours (by 1:00 PM). 10 points are subtracted for every minute or portion of a minute late. Teams more than 15 minutes late will be disqualified.
• Return by 1:30 PM in all cases, so that we know not to send out a search party for you.
• If in a team, members must stay together during the competition (within aural and visual contact).
• Safety first — stop your race and offer help in an emergency.

Hazards ↑

• Poison oak is common. The "leaves of three" have started to turn red at this time of year. Learn to identify and avoid it.
• Ticks may be present on the course, and may carry lyme disease. Wear long pants and check for ticks after the race.
• Rattlesnakes are out there. Watch your step.
• Mountain lions are a rare sight, but can be dangerous. Read up on how to respond if you encounter one.

Safety Bearing ↑

If you become lost, head south to Highway 1.

Driving Directions ↑

The park is about 4 miles west of Santa Cruz, driving northbound on Highway 1. The parking lot is immediately south of Highway One, with the entrance about 1.8 miles past the Western Drive stoplight. There is a sign for the park — turn south at the sign. Please note that there is a day-use fee of $10.00 per vehicle. Parking on Highway 1 is free.

There's a map here that shows the location of the event.