Possum Trot XIII Meet Notes

(Version 1, December 9, 2009)

Possum Trot Orienteering Club welcomes you to the 13th annual Possum Trot XIII, held this year in Knob Noster State Park, Knob Noster, MO on Sunday, December 13, 2009. We hope you enjoy the event.

Course setter: Mike Shifman
Registrar: Reta Roe, Nick Hockman
Refreshments: Reta Roe, Nick Hockman
Refreshment stop and splits: Mary Jones
Vetters: Paul Clatterbuck, Reta Roe, and Matt, Joe, and Angie Barrett
Meet director: Dick Neuburger

• Two "goat" style courses: Possum Trot XIII (about 15.1 km) and the Short Possum (about 9.2 km).
  • The Short Possum course is the first 14 controls and the last 5 controls (#26 - #30) of PT XIII.
  • Both courses have a mass start at 9:00 a.m.
  • You may skip two any (2) controls. The skips do not have to be consecutive.
  • 5-hour time limit. If you have not arrived at the 1st refreshment place (Hwy DD crossover - Control #14) by 11:00 a.m., you are not on pace to complete PT XIII within the time limit. Please proceed to Control #26 and complete the Short Possum or return to the start/finish via Hwy DD. You will be given credit on the Possum Trot Standings list for PT XIII based on how many controls have been completed.
  • Bib numbers must be worn on front of outer layer of clothing.
  • There is one refreshment station at the road crossing. You will visit it twice (6.5 km and 12 km). Organizers will provide Gatorade, water, cookies, etc. Organizers will deliver your special refreshments to this stop. Please mark them clearly and put in the box at the start.
• Regular courses: WHITE (1.8 km), YELLOW (2.1 km), ORANGE (3.1 km), and GREEN (4.8 km) courses are also available. Registration begins at 9:15 a.m. Last start 10:30 a.m. There is a 3-hour time limit.
• Schedule:
  • 8:00 a.m. - Registration, packet pickup
• 8:45 a.m. - Briefing in the Clear Fork Lake shelter. Wear your sweat clothes, there will be time to put your sweats in your car after the briefing.
• 9:00 a.m. - Mass start of Possum Trot XIII and the Short Possum.
• 9:15 a.m. - Registration and starts for W, Y, O, and G courses.
• 10:30 a.m. - Last start for W, Y, O, and Green courses.
• 11:00 a.m. - Hot chili and potatoes will be available. Show your bib number to get served.
• Soon after 1st 3 finishes - Awards will be presented for PT XIII and Short Possum.
• 2:00 p.m. - Courses close...return to start before 2:00 p.m.
• Map
  • Scale - 1:10,000. Contours - 5 meters
  • Clues will be printed on the map. Separate clue sheets will be in your packet.
• Terrain
  • The northwest part of the map has many, new, well-maintained mountain bike trails. Many are marked with tapes. The southwest part (south of Hwy DD) has several older horse trails. These are rutted, covered with leaves, and can be indistinct. They are difficult to run on.
  • Visibility and runnability north of Hwy DD is very good. South of DD there is more underbrush and tall grass due to the very long wet summer.
• Safety
  • Be careful of high-speed traffic when you cross Hwy DD (you cross it twice on PT XIII).
  • SAFETY BEARING - South or North to Hwy DD
• Be sure to thank the volunteers.
• Have fun !

Version 1 - Dec. 9, 2009