Possible Event Idea

[abdobrusin]

I was thinking about having a geocaching event where I live but it differs from the other kinds of events that I have looked over. My idea was to have a geocaching "blitz" where people would be in teams and have 24 hours to find as many geocaches as possible (its that simple). Is this something that sounds doable? Would you participate?

[+Panther&Pine]

Events should not be organized for the purpose of cache finding alone. A BBQ after a day of caching would be published.

[+Gitchee-Gummee]

Sounds simple.... but, anything that appears/acts like/is set up as/smells like a "contest" requires more than just simple.

 

Rules, judges or referees, appeals... name it, you gotta set it up ahead of time, and you need the manpower (properly, people-power).

 

Many steer clear of what appears to be a contest. To much angst.

 

Not saying it isn't doable, or that people won't come, it's just that many feel geocaching is and should be fun, not a mad rush to beat others. Personally, I would far rather go to meet people/make new friends and see what old friends have been up to, rather than to compete. A brat, burger or steak wouldn't hurt, either!

[+sword fern]

I was thinking about having a geocaching event where I live but it differs from the other kinds of events that I have looked over. My idea was to have a geocaching "blitz" where people would be in teams and have 24 hours to find as many geocaches as possible (its that simple). Is this something that sounds doable? Would you participate?

 

You mean a cache machine, they are pretty common in my area, but they do it for fun, not for competing. And they go in one BIG group.

 

Also, what gitchee gummee said. It takes a big chunk of your time to organize an event. Food, a restruant, if so, money- you could pay or make others pay, or some discount for a big group. Also think about parking. How many people? ect.

[+kaiwarrior]

competitions are cool, if you're into competition. Most cachers are casual and social (if they attend events). I like the idea, only one problem. How do you accomidate the local cachers who have found most of the caches around the event location? I have found 900 in a day doing the first E.T trail, but that is not likely in most locations. We have had cache competitions around some larger events but they were to go find newly placed caches (not yet published) in 3 hours. It was run as an optional activity as part of a larger plan. A special edition coin was awarded for the team who found the most caches in the shortest amount of time. Each cache had a symbol on the log to prove you actually found the cache. The winners got a special edition coin. Doing a 24 hour cache run is pretty extreme even for a lot of hard core power trail cachers. Around Denver I have heard of people getting 400-500 in a day starting in Colorado Springs and ending up near Cheyenne.

[+The Blorenges]

Events should not be organized for the purpose of cache finding alone. A BBQ after a day of caching would be published.

 

This. A short post but it says it all.

 

"An event cache should not be set up for the sole purpose of drawing together geocachers for an organized geocache search. Such group hunts are best organized using a discussion forum or an email distribution list."

 

Cache competitions, Speed caching hunts and similar competitions usually involve cachers dashing off in all directions to scour the surrounding areas. Which is great for those who like it. But for us, events are more about socialising with other cachers and getting to know any new cachers who may be attending.

 

MrsB

[PeterJull]

I think I must be missing something about the attractions of "events". I'm happy to socialise with other geocachers and even watch a sunset with them but if I'm going to commit to travel and a specific day I think I want some element of organised geochaching, something competitive really. I've seen some events that seem to be effectively orienteering with GPS instead of maps but being a long distance walker rather than a runner that doesn't completely fit the bill. In the absence of a suitable event in the UK (please tell me if I've missed something) perhaps I'll have to organise one myself. I would include a speed section, some puzzles, 10+ miles walking over a whole day, special geocaches with clues to identify a final location, commemorative geocoin and a good prize £100 say for ftf the final cache covered by entry fees.

 

Which of these elements are most likely to persuade you to come to such an event or not, or is there anything I have missed out? The finish can be near a pub or three of course.