Rodings Rally
This is an annual event organised by the Epping Forest Outdoor Group, and is the biggest annual event organised by that group.
The Rodings Rally is an overnight challenge for teams of from 2 to 4 people, navigating checkpoints set up in Epping Forest, hidden by members of the Epping Forest Outdoor Group. It is a night time orienteering, map-reading competition. It is usually held over a weekend during November on a Saturday Night through to Sunday morning. So popular is the competition that there is a limit of 100 teams of 2 or 4 people.
To cater for all levels of competency the competition is divided into two events. One of 10 checkpoints and the other a 5 checkpoint one. The checkpoints are two manned tents located within Epping Forest.
The competing teams are provided with a specially printed map and a clue sheet. The clue sheet provides a choice of three grid references and a clue to determine which is correct. Teams have eight hours to complete the course.
Teams are sent on their way at intervals. The staggered start commences at 8.30 pm with the final team starting no later than midnight.
Trophies are awarded for the winners in the following categories:
- 10 checkpoint team event
- 10 checkpoint group event
- 5 checkpoint team event
- 5 checkpoint group event
- YHA Trophy and a Best Endeavour Trophy
The group event trophies are awarded to the best three teams entered together.
The detailed information sheet for the annual competition will appear in Group Post for August and September and at various YHA hostels during the year. Alternatively information is available from Epping Forest Outdoor Group.