VBA Cache

[Jared]

I saw this being done on another forum and liked the idea. It gives members a great opportunity to meet up with other members near them.



This is the Cache Box. For simplicity we will often refer to the cache box as "the cache" but the cache is actually not the box but rather a token placed inside the box by the last rider to acquire it. The box must always contain 3 items: (1) The cache (2) Pen (3) Note Pad (journal)

What is the cache? To start the game, I will place a small item inside the box which is called the "cache". This item is the prize or reward for the next rider who acquires the box. The cache can be anything you want to pass on to the next rider. The only rule is that it must fit neatly inside the box. Typical cache items include: pins, stickers, small state souvenirs, coins, stamps, cards, etc. Try to make the cache something personal and interesting. Be creative! It may be something about you, your city/state/province, occupation, etc.

How do I get the cache? You follow this thread and the journey of the cache. When the cache is in your proximity, you make arrangements with the current holder of the cache to meet for a cache exchange. If you want to follow the progress, you should subscribe to this thread and have an automatic email sent to you whenever there is a new post.

What do we do when we meet to exchange the cache? You should do three things (1) Take a photo of the riders involved in the cache exchange. The typical photo is one with both riders, both bikes, and the cache box being passed by hand to the other rider. (2) Make an entry on the note pad with the following: Date of exchange - GPS coordinates and/or physical address of the exchange location - VBA screen names of both riders - Any other notes or message you wish to include into the cache journal.

I have the cache, now what do I do? (1) Remove the cache token left in the box by the previous rider to keep as your prize (2) Replace the cache with one of your own to pass to the next rider (3) Come back to this thread and post a report of the exchange including the photo. (4) Arrange an exchange with another rider to keep the cache moving.

How much time do I have to pass the cache? We understand that depending on location and season it may take longer, but we ask that you try to move it within a week and do your best to keep the cache moving as quickly as possible. If you are unable to arrange an exchange with another rider within that time, please consider mailing the cache box to another rider. We just don't want to have the cache stalled somewhere for several weeks.

What if we can't meet at the same time? In some cases it will be allowed to "geocache" the box. Let's say that you can only ride on a Tuesday but your cache exchange partner can't ride until Saturday. You can arrange with your partner to hide the box in a safe location where only your partner will find it. You must give clear directions to the location. When you place the box, take a photo and post it here telling us what you are doing. When the partner gets the box, he/she will post a photo of the cache retrieval. The downside to this is if the other partner is unable to retrieve the box within a week, you will need to go back and retrieve it or arrange for another rider to get it. Use this provision as a last resort.

Please don't get too hung up on the "rules". Try your best to keep the cache moving, but do whatever makes sense in your particular situation. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance from us or your fellow VBA members. The objective is to have an excuse to ride, meet other riders, and have a new experience.

I'm excited to see this game played out. It can be a great way for you to ride to places you otherwise wouldn't and share the experience with other VBA members who share your passion for riding.

GAME ON!