Winter Trail Quest Series Round 3
[Brennan's Garage]
Dromara Cycling Club ran their traditional Christmas trail quest on 27 December 2011 from Brennan's garage on the Newcastle Road near Seaforde. Contrary to previous years the temperature was very mild with only light rain to begin which cleared up later that morning. The mild conditions were a factor in attracting a big turn out for this round of the trail quest series with 90 riders showing up making up 43 teams. These leisure mountain bike events are suitable for a wide range of ages, both male and female, experienced and novice cyclists and riders can take part on their own or in teams of up to three. This round in particular saw lots of new faces trying out these fun orienteering events on bikes. The surrounding area is full of lanes and bridle paths and with the heavy rain over Christmas there was plenty of mud and puddles to contend with.
Sign on opened at 09:45 with the first team away 'Pink Ladies' at 10:31 with the rest of the teams leaving in a set order one minute apart. Each team only receives its map, answer sheet and pen at their alloted time which means that the clock is ticking as they are reading their map trying to decide on the best route to pick up the most markers in the time limit. There are two time limits to chose from. The most popular 3.5 hour event and the 2 hour event which is ideal for teams with youth or newcomers to the sport.
There were 30 markers to find across an area from Drumaness in the north to Dundrum on the south. The markers were mostly orienteering signs (a rectangle in red and white) but there were others clues based on local landmarks. The markers had different points values based on how difficult they were to reach. Points ranged from 10 to 40 and the teams aimed to gather as many as they could within the time limit otherwise they would lose points depending on how late they returned to base. On return they handing in their sheet and then received a ticket for some great tasting soup and rolls from the café in Brennan's garage. Very rewarding after a hard day on the bike and with the added knowledge that the series is raising money for the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children.
Winner for this round was solo rider Paul McArthur who achieved 397 of the 480 points available. Another solo rider Graham Boyd was second with 342 points with Dromara team "The Losers" finishing third on 335. Team "Jimmy the Kipper" was fourth (332) with solo rider Rab McClenaghan finishing fifth with 322 points.
There were four teams doing the two hour event with team "Lone Zeppelin and sidekick" finishing first. Well done to all the competitors!
Round 4 of the series will be held on Sunday 15 January 2012 from the headquarters at Paddy's Barn in Saul, Downpatrick. See website for more details.
Many thanks to Ross Galway and Alan McMullan for setting up and running the event.
Report and photos by Martin Grimley
IF YOU WISH TO BE KEPT INFORMED OF ANY UPCOMING TRAIL QUESTS PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO MARTIN @ DROMARA CYCING CLUB.
martin@dromaracc.co.uk
