Discussion: Daze 2
in: Laramie Daze (Aug 1–6, 2014 - Laramie, WY, US)
Jun 13, 2014 6:59 PM
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Daze 2 course has now been set. From the website the following information is available:
There will be a main Red loop (7.1 kms, 475m climb) with a short-cut and one extra control in the short-cut for a Green (4.5 kms, 300m climb) loop. The added Green control does not appear in the control descriptions; it is "the clearing" (a rough open clearing) and will have a random control code. Map scale is 1:10,000. No water controls on the course, so either drink up before the start, or prepare to carry your own. There is one control at the top of a cliff; please do not fall off the cliff or unkindly shove any of the competition off the cliff. The course features some big views, some fine climbs and fast descents, and well spaced opportunities for the competition to assess you (and for you to assess the competition.)
To that I can add I was quite happy with how the course ran and how the whole race sets up. Should be a terrific outing in the Laramie Range!
There will be a main Red loop (7.1 kms, 475m climb) with a short-cut and one extra control in the short-cut for a Green (4.5 kms, 300m climb) loop. The added Green control does not appear in the control descriptions; it is "the clearing" (a rough open clearing) and will have a random control code. Map scale is 1:10,000. No water controls on the course, so either drink up before the start, or prepare to carry your own. There is one control at the top of a cliff; please do not fall off the cliff or unkindly shove any of the competition off the cliff. The course features some big views, some fine climbs and fast descents, and well spaced opportunities for the competition to assess you (and for you to assess the competition.)
To that I can add I was quite happy with how the course ran and how the whole race sets up. Should be a terrific outing in the Laramie Range!
Jul 14, 2014 3:29 PM
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Today formal test running and course certification continues with the Daze 2 course.
I know that every so often some of the more--how shall we put it--veteran orienteers will go to some major international event, and afterwards express some mild disappointment that perhaps their class wasn't offered courses taking advantage of the choicest bits of terrain.
Not so at Devil's Claw! There all orienteers regardless of age or ability will be offered the best and most physical hills to be found there, and a bottom land marsh that can suck off shoes--and socks, too--as well as any quagmire that exists anywhere. Everyone will visit rocks so splendid that they could have only have been placed there specifically for the purpose by the O' Gods. The views are tremendous and tremendously distracting, and that's for sure. It's a spectacular area and even better this year with the addition of new terrain.
I know that every so often some of the more--how shall we put it--veteran orienteers will go to some major international event, and afterwards express some mild disappointment that perhaps their class wasn't offered courses taking advantage of the choicest bits of terrain.
Not so at Devil's Claw! There all orienteers regardless of age or ability will be offered the best and most physical hills to be found there, and a bottom land marsh that can suck off shoes--and socks, too--as well as any quagmire that exists anywhere. Everyone will visit rocks so splendid that they could have only have been placed there specifically for the purpose by the O' Gods. The views are tremendous and tremendously distracting, and that's for sure. It's a spectacular area and even better this year with the addition of new terrain.
Jul 14, 2014 9:56 PM
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Formal test running of the Daze 2 course was completed earlier today, and we are thrilled to announce that this course, too, has achieved certification as 5 Spurs
by the International Cowboy Orienteering Association (ICOA). This is the highest level of certification that is awarded, and indicates a quality level that only the tiniest sliver of races meet or exceed each year. Much of today's success can be attributed to the surprise appearance of a herd of cattle halfway through the test running.
Our calculated winning time for the 7.1 km, 17 control course is 58:13. Though this course won't involve the longest winning time at this year's Daze (that will be the Rocky Mountain Goat), there is no question that this will be the most physically demanding of the dazes, with several climbs that will reduce all but the very fittest runners to a walking pace. Strong legs will answer to the task. The course offers many chances to check out how the competition ahead and behind are doing (if you are the sort that likes to glance backwards to see who is gaining on you) and will offer spectacular views of the race progress for the Event Director--whomever that poor soul might be. With 64 racers already signed up to gather together for the mass start at the Devil's Claw venue, it is sure to be quite a race.
Certification of the remaining Daze courses will resume on Wednesday, after a rest day tomorrow. Not that cowboys ever take a complete day of rest. We will probably get on our ponies and let the cattle chase us around for 6 or 7 hours just so they can get in a bit of exercise, too. A fit cow is a happy cow.
by the International Cowboy Orienteering Association (ICOA). This is the highest level of certification that is awarded, and indicates a quality level that only the tiniest sliver of races meet or exceed each year. Much of today's success can be attributed to the surprise appearance of a herd of cattle halfway through the test running.
Our calculated winning time for the 7.1 km, 17 control course is 58:13. Though this course won't involve the longest winning time at this year's Daze (that will be the Rocky Mountain Goat), there is no question that this will be the most physically demanding of the dazes, with several climbs that will reduce all but the very fittest runners to a walking pace. Strong legs will answer to the task. The course offers many chances to check out how the competition ahead and behind are doing (if you are the sort that likes to glance backwards to see who is gaining on you) and will offer spectacular views of the race progress for the Event Director--whomever that poor soul might be. With 64 racers already signed up to gather together for the mass start at the Devil's Claw venue, it is sure to be quite a race.
Certification of the remaining Daze courses will resume on Wednesday, after a rest day tomorrow. Not that cowboys ever take a complete day of rest. We will probably get on our ponies and let the cattle chase us around for 6 or 7 hours just so they can get in a bit of exercise, too. A fit cow is a happy cow.
Aug 2, 2014 12:54 PM
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The action continues today at Devil's Claw and the rumor is a surprise guest will be making an appearance today, considerably strengthening an already incredible starting field. Today the cattle are ready and waiting, and are planning multiple stampedes. It's 43F at 7:00 am and temperatures are expected to heat up to at least 51F by race time. Just brutally hot conditions that should weed out all but the strongest.
This discussion thread is closed.