Description: It’s Zer-O hour once again. If you’ve been waiting for a chance to get in some training for orienteering, we’re back for the 2015 season, which will run through September 30.

We’ll kick off the 2015 season with a sprint-distance training course at Hoyt Arboretum. The course is suitable for all levels of orienteers, so whether you’re scraping off the winter rust or new to the sport and want to pick up some pointers, come join us.

The course will emphasize three orienteering skills to varying degrees: 1) keeping in contact with the map, 2) route choice, and 3) evaluating contours (to determine whether to contour or go straight [okay, so that’s part of route choice, but it’s a specific skill]. The course is 2.2km as the crow flies, with actual distance probably close to 2.7km or so.

Schedule: Starts will be open from 6:15 to 6:45. Late comers are welcome but control pick up will begin about 20 to 30 minutes after the last start or 7:15, whichever comes first.

Where to Meet: Meet at the shelter across from the visitor center on SW Fairview Blvd.

Post Event Potluck: Bring some food to share at a potluck afterward.

Beginners: As at all CROC meets, beginners are welcome! Participants or the meet director will be happy to give you tips for getting started in the sport.

Cost: No charge

RSVP: Please RSVP to Vanessa Blake by 6pm, Thursday, April 9, so that we have a map for you.

About the ZER-O Series: On all "ZER-O" dates (10th, 20th, 30th of the month) from May through September, CROC will offer practice courses -- some with added training exercises - in different Portland area parks. These are informal events, with no fees, no timing and no results posted.

For questions about the ZER-O series, or if you'd like to host an event for the series, please contact Scott Drumm