Trail Quest Events

What are Trail Quests? In simple terms, Trail Quests are off-road cycling orienteering events  usually on mountain bikes.  You can work as a team or on your own  to try to locate markers left in certain out-of-the-way places cleverly dreamt up by the organisers.   What is the format of the event? There will be an event headquarters where you start and finish at.  Your team is given a map of the local area with circles showing the location of markers and a list of clues on what to look for or what information you have to write down.  Markers would have different points values (10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 depending on the difficulty in reaching the marker).  You note down the information at the marker and return the sheet to the headquarters.  Your sheets are processed  and the winners are those with the most points.  The points achieved by all teams are then provided on the event report. How long are the events? The adult event is 3½ hours but there is a 2 hour family event for those teams with one or two under 16s.  Team are started at one minute intervals and have to try to return within the time period otherwie they will receive time penalties which get progressively heavier the longer they are late.   What skills do I need? Some map reading skills are required as well as competent use of a mountain bike.   Why should I take part? Normally held during the winter, these trailquests are great fun, an exciting way to stay in shape and you will see parts of the countryside you would never see out riding yourself.  The event caters for all levels of cyclists and you can go at your own pace collecting as many markers as you can.  After all the events you are provided with soup & rolls, tea/coffee which gives you the opportunity to socialise with like minded people.  Dromara Cycling Club also use the proceeds from these events to raise money for local charities. Trailquest event reports 2012-2013 Round 1 (Aghalee) 25 November 2012 Round 2 (Ballyward/Dollys Brae) 30 December 2012 Round 3 (Saul, Downpatrick) 20 January 2013 Round 4 (Killinchy) 24 March 2013 2011-2012 Round 1 (Lady Dixon, Belfast) 30 October 2011 Round 2 (Dromara) 11 December 2011 Round 3 (Seaforde) 27 December 2011 Round 4 (Saul, Downpatrick) 15 January 2012 Round 5 (Shimna Valley) 29 January 2012 2010-2011 Round 1 (Dromara) 31 October 2010 Round 2 (Lagan Valley) 5 December 2010 Round 3 (Killinchy) 12 December 2010 Round 4 (Seaforde) 16 January 2011 Round 5 (Shimna Valley) 30 January 2011 Spring Series Round 1 (Saul, Downpatrick) 27 March 2011 Spring Series Round 2 (Hillsborough) 10 April 2011 2009-2010 Round 1 (Dromara) 8 November 2009 Round 2 (Daft Eddies) 15 November 2009 Round 3 (Ballyward/Dollys Brae) 6 December 2009 Round 4 (Brennan's Garage) 27 December 2009 Round 5 (Shimna Valley) 17 January 2010 Round 6 (Saul, Downpatrick) 24 January 2010 2008-2009 Round 1 (Dromara) 16 November 2008 Round 2 (Ballyward/Dollys Brae) 23 November 2008 Round 3 (Newtownards) 30 November 2008 Round 4 (Seaforde) 27 December 2008 Round 5 (Shimna Valley) 11 January 2009 Spring Trail Quest - 19 April 2009 (Saul, Downpatrick) 2007-2008 Round 1 (Dromara) November 2007 Round 2 (Seaforde) 29 December 2007 Round 3 (Shimna Valley) 20 January 2008 2006 December 2006 Trail Blazers reports 2009 22 March 2009 (Claudy) 26 April 2009 (Delamont Park) 17 May 2009 (An Creggan) 5 July 2009 (Newtownards) Click here to view the Dromara CC message board for Trail Quest

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