Urban Challenge 81
The NYT has a piece about Urban Challenge, a combination scavenger-hunt and Trivial Pursuit played in an urban setting. Looks like fun.
A list is only as strong as its weakest link. -- Don Knuth
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Read about it here [nytimes.com]
This looks like a lot of fun, if I was more of a runner.
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What is a this all about? There are several types of these events: "games", "mini-games", and "road rallies". They are often compared to scavenger hunts and treasure hunts, though they are usually much more complex. The hosts of the event spend months planning the events, preparing and testing clues, and recruiting teams to participate.
What is a "game"? Games usually last 24 to 48 hours and are the most intricate and difficult type of road rally. Teams must apply to participate prior to the game and submit fees which can run into the hundreds of dollars. Games are usually held in large cities, only a few times each year.
What is a "mini-game"? Mini-games are related closely to games. They last no longer than twelve hours and attract teams of different skill levels. They are often the gateway event to the more complex games.
What is a "road rally"? Road rallies are the shortest of the game events. They usually last from three to five hours and entrance costs are minimal. They are often held in the evening ending at a restaurant where teams converge and a winner is declared. Road rallies can be found in many suburbs, large cities, and even rural areas. Often times road rallies are hosted by church groups, singles networks, neighborhood associations, or held as annual events.
What is a team? Teams consist of typically four to eight people who enter the game event as a group. Skill levels of teams can range from total novices to veteraned experts depending on the type of event. Teams must provide their own transportation, required and suggested supplies, and clue-solving ability.
What's a clue? Clues are the guts of any game event. Clues can be as simple as a crossword puzzle or a word search or as complicated as decoding a message using cryptographic algorithms. On the more creative side, clues can be hidden in objects requiring manipulation to find.
Why do I need transportation? A clue's solution will lead a team to a destination where the next clue will be hidden, revealed, or opened. Some game events are designed so teams can walk between the clue locations while others cover hundreds of miles. The hosts of the game event will indicate what type of transportation is required.
What are typical supplies? Game event hosts will provide a list of required supplies which could include a specific almanac, a ruler, spare change, specific maps, phone books, a compass, etc. Experienced teams will often supplement this list with supplies known to be useful: cell phones, graph paper, a collegiate dictionary, etc.