Round 2 - Annalong
|
Trailblazers Trail Quest 2010 Round 2 - Annalong |
|
| Sunday 11 April 2010 Annalong Sunday 11 April 2010 was a glorious day, perfect for mountain bike trail questing in the Mourne Mountains and thankfully Trailblazers were running the second round of their three round orienteering series. Event headquarters was based at the Corn Mill hostel in Annalong where route planner Martin McMullan was waiting along with the every present Ivan Millar who was busy as always organising the riders with the support of his family. Riders were able to compete in teams or solo in either the 2 hour or the more popular 4 hour event. Once signed on the teams were given a map and a SportIdent dipper which recorded the time the teams reached the markers that had been carefully laid out in the surrounding area. The 27 markers were each given a points value, either 10, 20, 30 or 40 points depending on how difficult / time consuming it was to find them. The markers were spread out across a wide area of the Mournes, from Annalong west across to Mourne Wood, Crocknafeola Wood and north to Wee Binnian and Annalong Wood. The majority of the points were accessable from the road which meant that there was a lot of distance covered and a lot of hills climbed. The markers had an orange and white flag attached which made finding them easy but because of the many roads and junctions in the area the teams had to follow their maps very closely so as not to waste time with navigation errors. All teams had to get back to base within the time period with point penalties for being late. Once back the riders were able to enjoy some soup, rolls, tea, coffee and biscuits all laid on by the organisers and after such a tough course, the refuelling was greatly appreciated. Many thanks to Martin McMullan and the Millar family for a great days cycling. The final round will be held on Sunday 18 April 2010 on the North Coast. For more information see the Trailblazers website here. Results 4 hour event
2 hour event
Report and photos by Martin Grimley |
 Bikedock Belles  Team: Lost and Bewildered with Ivan Millar  Adrian and David signing on  Ivan explaining the map |
 David and Adrian |  |
 |  |
 CCAR disappearing into the distance |  Enjoying the weather |
 |  |
 Cow wondering what trail questing was all about |  All smiles |
 Niall and Stephen relax after the event |  Food laid on |
 Paul McArthur |  Up from Dublin |
 Happy to pose |  Cut legs |