Jump to content

The sp"RING" Bash


CrystalFairy

Recommended Posts

Hi All

 

Just a quite update to the next event you've all been waiting for - The sp"RING" Bash

 

Here is the summary

 

DATE: Sunday 9th September 2007

VENUE : The Ring in the Magaliesberg!

TIME : Registration From 7am, Start at 8:45am, Finish by 2:20pm, Lunch from 2:30pm onwards

DURATION : So far set at 3 hours.

 

CONTAINS: Over 19 caches (Traditional, Micro, Large, Regular, Earth, Virtual, Multi and Puzzle)

as well as currently over 23 Way Points.

 

PRIZES : Sponsored by Ananzi, African Stuff, Tracks 4 Africa, The Ring so far - Waiting on others still

 

COST : R40 per person (pre-registered) or R50 per person on the day.

LUNCH : Cost is between R62 and R77 per person and includes

Potjies, Dessert, Bread and Salads (Trust us - You will not finish the meal!)

 

QUESTION : Super Sport has an issue as to whether Geo-caching is a SPORT or not - Comments ???

 

You can see the entire listing at

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...af-985078e0da00

 

Mark a will attend, block off the day in your diary and hope to see you all there.

We are hoping for a turn out of over a 100 people this time - Show us your support!

 

CrystalFairy

Link to comment

What is this about SuperSport not thinking Geocaching being a proper sport? Let them supply a few "okes" and we will take them along, could really come in handy when a vehicle gets stuck in a rut. :laughing:

 

The problem with their perspective is that they only deem something being a sport if there is "Big Money for Them" in it. <_<

 

Us happy few are not going to pay Them for our pleasure! <_<

 

I decided to change my offer on the prize sponsorship. First prize gets one bottle of "bubbly", last place gets two bottles of "bubbly" and if the last person is a "Sportsman" I will substitute it with a six pack of "Kastele". That way we will see who really wants to win, or if the "prize" is the incentive. :laughing:

 

Wow, 19 caches, can one use a a microlite?

Link to comment

I will say that i will try to make it to the event hopefully accomapanied by teamTGF as usual.

This is a really nice area so good for sum adventuous cachers as well.

 

The whole non sport issue is raised by ppl who think that unless a ball is involved it does not count. Ignor it as they are the ones who miss out

Link to comment

Hi All

 

QUESTION : Super Sport has an issue as to whether Geo-caching is a SPORT or not - Comments ???

 

 

Well I think the definition Supersport wants that there must be at least a pavilion with one or 2 spectators holding up banners to the effect off " Crystal Fairy for president" They are surely looking for large number of spectators and big prizes for first to third with some sort of podium so that some minister of sport can give out the Nelson Mandela Geocahing Cup.

 

My opinion is we all know its a sport but maybe the reality TV crews or someone like 50/50 will be better suited to follow a couple of teams and do geocaching while looking after the environment. This could be a far bigger exposure to the general public of our sport. Perhaps something like "the amazing race" but called "the big hunt"

 

just my 2c

 

Good luck with your event. I know it will be fun for all

Link to comment

There has been many fights over the "sport" status of Geocaching. I know when we were new we got involved in a few.

 

Some people (quite a few) hate the rankings, the competitiveness and all the rush. And franky I sometimes agree with them!

 

Geocaching is NOT about dashing from one point to another, but this is the only way that TV can make it about fun. Yes there are times for mad rushes, but surely geocaching is more about the places and people than the numbers!

 

Yes I know, pot calling the kettle black and all that stuff :laughing:

Link to comment

Add the word EXTREME infront geocaching and they'll air it anytime! :(

 

sport ( spawrt )

 

 

Definition:

 

1. noun competitive physical activity: an individual or group competitive activity involving physical exertion or skill, governed by rules, and sometimes engaged in professionally ( often used in the plural )

 

2. noun pastime: an active pastime participated in for pleasure or exercise

 

3. intransitive verb enjoy yourself: to enjoy yourself, especially by taking part in outdoor physical activity ( formal )

 

By definition it is therefore a sport, the crux of it being what is laid out in definition 2

 

A bit of 1 is always fun, but if it's your only reason to do geocaching in it's current form...time to move on to Extreme Ironing or Professional Rock Scissor Paper, both of which are aired as sports on sporting channels..... go figure! :(

Edited by GlobalRat
Link to comment

I remember that a few months ago I flipped over to one of the channels on TV and there was some competition on involving people driving round and finding caches. But it was more a car race with simple roadside caches. Not sure what event it was but if they can air that then I don't see why they cannot air a geocaching event. Maybe they need a bit more action. I was a competitive cyclist back in 90's and there was very little coverage of races. But now as the sport grows you get to see more footage. So growing the sport of geocaching is essential for us to see TV coverage. Seeing that the sale of satnav systems is increasing we might be getting a large influx of new geocachers. Although the units are probably not ideal for geocaching at least they plant a seed. The more cachers the better the chance of events been televised.

Link to comment

Hi

 

Since Super sport might not capture the event :D , why don't we try and do it ourselves <_< ? I am pretty sure that most geocachers will have access to a video camera. If I could get the footage after the event, I will create a DVD video of the event.

 

The effect I am thinking of is along the lines of the Blair-witch Project :P . And maybe have a preamble where the kids can explain, in their own terms, what geocaching is. And a closing of where a individuals can chat about their most memorable cache they have done.

 

I have a few DV tapes at home, which I could give a tape to a team that they can film on during the event, and then give the tape back to me afterwards. Also if someone is maybe interested in doing some interview questions, and some shooting of the event itself that would be great.

I am planning to do some filming, but not to be too active with regards to the filming of the whole event.

 

Once the DVD is completed (I expect it to take about 4 weeks), then we could distribute it via the caches. or get it from a central location.

 

Any thoughts? additional ideas? or camera person's willing to shoot? :D

 

Regards

Anton

Link to comment

Hi Anton.

 

A fantastic idea, I would love to help by recording also some footage on DV tape with my Handycam. If you look for a Blair-Witch effect then I am all for it. Count me as definite to record my angle of the event.

 

Even if SS should cover the event I can't see why your recording and production can't be done for it is a collection of private clips and not intended for broadcasting. The distribution could also give an added angle to geocaching with lots of fun potential.

 

I am all for it, let's do IT! <_<

Link to comment

Hi guys & gals,

 

still a total noob at geocaching with only 5 easy finds thus far! :huh:

 

The more I read about this event the more interested and exited I become!

 

Can someone please give me an outline of happens at an event such as this, I mean obviously

everybody go out to find caches, but is it like a competition style event to see who finds the most caches, or am I missing the cache(point)? :(

Link to comment

Hi T-Rex180

 

Basically everyone arrives and registers.. Then each team is timed and setoff.. Normally you attempt to do as much as you can in the allocated time. Each cache and waypoint has a "unknown" marking factor that is used to compute a final score for everyone. In this event there is ANOTHER unknown factor that NO ONE knows about yet, that will make it a tad bit more interesting.. But the main objective is to go out, have fun and socialise with other like minded people..

 

Hope to see you there

 

CrystalFairy

Link to comment

Could that unknown factor be that he who eats the most is the winner? My style of Geo-feasting (oops ...Geocaching)!

 

T-Rex180, be assured that wild horses will not keep me from the event, even if it rains and I have to walk up to the "Ring" our family will be there. These events are "the item" on our calender, Christmas a close second.

 

You can not loose - that spot is reserved for us! :huh::(

Edited by LeonW
Link to comment

Hi to all,

Sounds like we're going to miss out on a great event! Especially the Geofeasting sounds great!

If anybody going to the event can possibly pick my TB Baiesukkel up from A Lesson in Hist-Anglo Boer War/Voortrekkers *GP* and take it to the event I will highly appreciate it. The Mpumalanga team (watch them out for the competition) will then grab it for me. PLEASE!!!!!!! :rolleyes:

Link to comment

Hi,

 

just a quick one, does CF provide the download of WPs to GPSr, think this was done at the last event in Bela Bela? 40 or more WPs would take a lot of time to entre manualy? To be sure to be compliant I would suggest to all participants to bring the required cables, ie USB or Serial.

 

Greetings from Cache Fan

Link to comment

Hi to all,

Sounds like we're going to miss out on a great event! Especially the Geofeasting sounds great!

If anybody going to the event can possibly pick my TB Baiesukkel up from A Lesson in Hist-Anglo Boer War/Voortrekkers *GP* and take it to the event I will highly appreciate it. The Mpumalanga team (watch them out for the competition) will then grab it for me. PLEASE!!!!!!! :ph34r:

 

Hi Guinefowl,

 

We are planning on doing some Finds around this area and this cache is on our list!

Will try our best to pick up your TB and take it to the event!!

Link to comment

Hi All

 

Yes CF will be supplying all the points to the contestants.. I can upload to any USB device, but for those of you with serial port devices, please bring along your laptop etc and a memory stick and Ill give you a GDB, GPX, etc output.. I belive Sandy from River God will bring a laptop and serial cables (so say thank you to her) - I hope :-)

 

All TB's will be logged in and out the event and we have been comtemplating making it 4 hours instead of 3 hours.. Any votes for either would be appreciated... With 27 caches, I estimate you could do about 15 max in 3 hours and mabye 20 in 4 hours.. Plus all the waypoints ... Comments welcome. Means LeonW has to wait an extra hour for his food :-)

 

Cheers

CF

Link to comment

Hi CF, make it four (4) hours for us slow pokes and only three (3) for those racers. Don't fret about me eating a bit later, as you know we usually eat lunch before the race even begins. In this event I think a hearty breakfast should see us through till a late lunch. Please enquire whether participants who do arrive early could make use of the facilities for an early breakfast, we might make use of that option. :ph34r:

 

Thanks for providing the waypoints, it is a GREAT help.

 

Registration fee to be deposit tomorrow.

 

Greetings.

Link to comment

Can I be different and vote for 3 hours? This will provide us more time to meet and chat to all the different teams as we have not met most of the caching teams. This will be our first event cache and are looking forward to meet other teams.

 

I am using a Garmin 10X (with mobile phone) and thus the waypoints needs to be entered manually, will the caches also be available on paper? Yes this will make us a contender for the last place :ph34r::blink: (can not do our homework beforehand and plan any routes).

Link to comment

Hi

 

We will for those with non USB compatible devices supply a page with the co-ords for all the waypoints and caches... I'm warning you in advance you will probably need at least an HOUR to enter them all!! So if you know you are going to do manual entry, please make sure you arrive VERY EARLY !!!

 

CF

Link to comment

Hi LeonW

 

If the price for the last place includes a new GPSr you will have a competition on hand. By the time I have finished inputting all the waypoints you have find all the caches and returned for the Geo-feast; this means you have find 27 caches and RedGlobe NONE. :o:(

 

Score: LeonW 54 + bonus for "North West's Best View"

RedGlobe 0 + bonus for "North West's Best View"

 

:rolleyes::DB)B)

Link to comment

Hi Redglobe, looks like the competition is hotting up for that last spot. :D

 

See my sponsorship for the last spot, post #2 for this string. Nowhere is a GPS'r being mentioned, only bubbly or Kastele. Anyway, the better half and kids decided that the prizes will not be bubbly or Kastele as this is a Family Orientated Super Sport Event - but you will still be able to eat the prize. :lol:

 

The real beauty of the event is that we can still go and enjoy the hunt long after the other's have rushed through all the caches.

 

Greetings.

Link to comment

 

The real beauty of the event is that we can still go and enjoy the hunt long after the other's have rushed through all the caches.

 

Greetings.

 

The area of the “Ring” have mostly beautiful views and if you take traveling and climbing into account I do not see how they will enjoy any cache with a view if you do 5 caches in a hour (15 caches in 3hours or 20 in 4 hours) this brings the average to 12 min per cache. Please remember it is not urban areas.

 

Looks like the last spot is the better idée and rather enjoy the caching and feasting.

Link to comment

Hi All

 

We (CF) will be staying over the night before and so 6am would probably be the earliest to arrive - though 7am should be fine for everyone.. We will probably be setting up still, so you might get roped into helping out.

 

As for "bonus" caches - there are NONE of the existing caches in the area on the list of caches.. So they are all new.. And none are nearly as long and exhausting as North West Best View. :-)

 

There are a few "toughies" and there are a few "urban" one - youll be surprised how "urban" the area around there has become... If you pick the tough ones, you may only get through 1 or 2 in an hour, but the easier ones should give you 4 to 6 an hour...

 

But that doesn't mean (or does it) that you can't win doing only 4 difficult caches vs 18 easy ones ...Ill leave that up to you to wait until the event is over...

 

32 teams and 96 people so far... Come on lets break that 100 people barrier...

 

Cheers

CF

Link to comment

Now I have tried all angles, methods and excuses to claim the last place but must admit defeat to LeonW :):) (what did you do differently?)

 

Mmmm I wonder how is the competition for the first place B) (everyone is quiet). My problem is how to make my helicopter stealthy and I am waiting for the delivery of my special GPS’r that has the function of “magnetic” pulling me to the cache containers even if it is plastic ones (it will help for all those elusive caches)

Link to comment

Hi RedGlobe, you must understand that to be last in events with your dignity intact is a carefully cultivated art. My experience is that you excels at being FTF on my caches, an art form in itself to be first with all the guys rushing to it. But to be last, takes practice more practice and endless hours of patience.

 

I am sure that we could do much better in the events but then we would have lost out on these memories.

At the first event at Warthog Lodge we had the most delicious hamburgers and boerewors before we even set out to do the hunt after we were on starters orders. We also were treated to koffie in an absolute serene lapa by the swimming pool, also before the hunt, but with the clock ticking. At our second cache we saw two elephants with their handlers taking a bath, lost another 45 minutes being in awe to this treat. Came last but smiling from ear to ear.

 

At the Bela Bela event we got stuck in traffic for 30 minutes, no-body's mistake, just part of life. Then we got almost lost at "Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere" on the return route. Washed away gravel road meant we had to find another way back to base-camp, lost another hour. Busted shock absorbers caused more time lost on the sinkplaat paaie, came last - but alive.

 

Life is too short to rush through it, it should be savoured like the last bottle of "Petrus" in your cellar, with good friends and family. Geocaching is the catalast to excite the blood like a good champagne "Belle Epoque"

 

:)

Link to comment

Some birdies told me teamTGF is the team to beat :) and looking at my stats for the last month or so we (RedGlobe) have practice a LOT and hopefully we are ready to take over that 1st (TeamTGF) or the last spot (LeonW). But reading the add it looks like it is a event cache for geo-coaching (who will be the coach on the day? :):) “CF”).

Link to comment

Team TGF said:

 

"Good luck everyone for this weeks Geocoaching Event, hope you all have been practicing!"

 

I protest, for you sneakily direct me to the Flickr photographic groups where I spend endless hours reading millions of articles, geocaching training all forgotten. But I did notice that you decided to load all the bases, took on a new youngster in the Team I see. Did you tell him/her to bring a swimming costume along? :(

 

RedGlobe has only one hope, the first spot is up for grabs. Last spot is reserved! :o

Link to comment

Big, big thanks CF for all the fun - we had a ball!! B):DB)

 

In case you guys don't see it on the event cache listing, here's the log we wrote today...........

 

....."We just wanted to congratulate the Fairies again, but from a different viewpoint. We have hidden many caches, and know how much effort goes into finding good locations, getting permission where necessary, and actually making a cache hide. We have probably found more of the Harties event caches than anyone else - because we enjoyed scratching out many more today, the day after the event!! (Was great fun - Nyaah! Nyaah! to all you guys who went back to work today....)

 

We have also recently done a cache run through Bela-Bela and visited most of the caches left over from the previous event. Our opinion of these caches is not a quick "at the event" opinion, because we weren't there.

 

We were very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the caches which we found in both areas. Sure, there are some lame micros, but there are many caches that are superb. We found caches in interesting locations, of a nice size, innovative hides, and commend the amount of effort that went into the preparation. Both Bela-Bela and Harties event caches weren't hidden in a quick day visit, for sure!!

 

Well done Fairies, some big smilies for you!!! :rolleyes::huh:B):D:D

 

If you spot this log, and agree with our comments - then log a smiley too!!!".....

Link to comment

We agree with Fish Eagle it was a super event :huh:B):D:rolleyes: and the bar is set so high I do not know how any one can equal or better a event like this to have the fairies a chance to compete, but we have met so many brilliant cachers and with them any thing is possible. Thanks again for a massive day and the opportunity to meet all the other crazy people.

Link to comment

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...