TrailQuest is one form of mountain bike orienteering where twenty or so checkpoints are placed alongside bridleways, forestry trails and purpose made mountain bike trails, each with an associated score.
Competitors are provided with an A4 sized, laminated Ordnance Survey map onto which they copy the points before the start.
Various categories of competition are available (single, junior or adult team of 2 or 3) with various times available (1, 2 or 3 hours). The aim is then to visit as many check points as possible in order to accumulate as many points as possible (the scores associated with each check point), in the allotted time.
A check card is provided on which to mark evidence of your visit with a punch attached to each check point.
Lateness of return incurs a penalty for every minute overdue. Route planning, navigational skills and an element of tactics become as important, if not more important than speed and fitness.
Check points are placed at a variety of positions including the popular vantage points as well as along some of our purpose made mountain bike trails, our aim being to introduce you to and encourage your use of the some of the less well known or not so well marked paths.
Of course you might just like to use the event to explore the area and enjoy the scenery.
If you would like to find out more there is even a national governing body - The Trail Cyclists Asociation.
On the day, remember to bring the following:
- bike (!)
- helmet (compulsory)
- mobile phone (1 per team for emergency contact)
- permanent marker pen to mark check points onto map
- map holder (or string to tie map around neck)
- compass (optional)
