Sandy River Delta
Aug 29 2004

This will be our first event at the Sandy River Delta, located at the confluence of the Sandy and Columbia rivers. The area was a camp site for the Lewis & Clark expedition in 1806, so bring your sense of adventure. This is also the first Columbia River Orienteering Club venue to actually be located on the Columbia River. And if the weather is good, you should have views of Mt. Hood. Beginner courses (2.5 km and 3.5 km)will be offered with starts from 10:30 to 11:30. Beginner clinics will be available for those who need an introduction to the sport.

For the strong intermediate and advanced orienteers, we will be holding the Columbia Goat, a mass-start, long-distance orienteering event. THE GOAT WILL START AT NOON. Traditional Goat races have steep hills, but alas, this will be an entirely flat course. The length will be approximately 10 km, which isn't long by Goat standards, but should offer a good workout in preparation for the two day event in Bend coming up in September. We will also have an option to run a short Goat of 7.5 km. Oh, and following a new tradition, there's a catch. There will be a time handicap based on age and sex. (No skipping controls like at last year's Goat in Salem).

Under 21 or 35 and older = 5 minutes
Under 18 or 50 and older = 10 minutes
Under 15 or 65 and older = 15 minutes
Female = 10 minutes

For example, a 53-year old woman will get a 20 minute handicap (10 minutes for being female, 10 minutes for being over 50). A 33-year old man will get no handicap, and will start at 12:20 (assuming the largest handicap is 20 minutes). Your age is counted on 31 December 2004.

Payment and registration will be at the event, but PLEASE INFORM ME BEFORE THE EVENT IF YOU ARE ENTERING THE GOAT so that I can plan appropriately. Please let me know your handicap (see above).

There are no facilities at this undeveloped park. Restrooms are located at Lewis & Clark State Park, a very short drive to the south. Much of the Goat will be off-trail, so bring protection for your feet and legs.

Directions: From Portland, take I-84 east to exit 18 (follow signs to Lewis & Clark State Park). Go underneath the freeway (north) a short distance, and park in the small gravel lot. Do not go south to Lewis & Clark state park. However, if we run out of parking, you can go back underneath the overpass to the lots at L&C State Park. Carpooling would be a great idea.