Discussion: Price/km

I thought only grumpy old men counted orienteering in dollars per kilometer. The way I see it is that I'm paying for the competition, a national ranking, a competitive atmosphere, sanctioned/vetted courses, and a quality map. Ideally, the price structure reflects the costs of these values, but more likely it vastly underestimates them. If it's a well-set 4.5km course, to me $36 is worth it. That said, if you're running 4.5km maximum by then, you may not want the optimal competitive atmosphere, in which case the 14 local meets are the better fit for you right now.

I think that's it. It's worth it for the competition but there won't be much of that.

So, run red?

But I won't be ready to race by then. Or I might race and then have to sleep for the next two weeks, which would be shit. So I think 14 local meets is the best bet!

I realised I am not explaining myself very well. $36 per race is most definitely worth it for racing in a high quality championship race. I'd easily pay that for racing a good sprint, so it's not a mins per km thing. But if you know you can't/shouldn't race, and fancy hanging out with people whilst trundling round a bit of orienteering, then it seems like a lot. Does that make more sense? This is bearing in mind I went to two (totally worth it) weddings on the extreme west coast in the last month, so money is not very forthcoming at the moment.

You could offer to help out for a couple of hours in lieu of fees. Given that you did lots for HVO in the past, they ought to be amenable. If not, give me a shout and I'll give them a shout.

That I could do. Will get in touch.

Seems like the $36 is the least of it. Transportation and lodging is a lot more. The entry fee is a rounding error.

True, but when on the edge, rounding errors can make up a substantial portion of one's disposable income.

Spoken as someone who plans on "hanging out with people whilst trundling round a bit of orienteering".

Oh man, didn't even look at the lodging. Is it really that bad? Humph.

depends on where you stay. I think some people are camping.

For another rounding error, don't forget the $4 discount for OUSA or BOF members. but really we would prefer to see you at our local meets anyway.

Seeing Becks at a meet is always a highlight. Come to the Rhino Dec 6. Entry fee is very reasonable.

No more crazy travelling this year, so I hope I will be at the Rhino!