Questars

---

A Scorching Questars

Pippa MacDougal (Questars) / 14.07.2005

On one of the sunniest days of the year adventure racers from across the UK converged on Cannock Chase for the second event in the 2005 Questars series.

There was a real buzz after the Race Briefing as teams prepared themselves for the challenge of visiting up to 15 checkpoints on each of the trail run and mountain biking stages, in addition to the 5 kayaking checkpoints. Which of the pre-marked checkpoints were the dummy ones? Which was the best route to the northern transition point to the kayaking stage?

As teams crossed the start line they received checkpoint descriptions and values and quickly discovered the 6 dummy checkpoints and decided upon their respective routes. There was so much choice as the checkpoints were cunningly distributed across the best parts of the Chase.

Teams soon also discovered that the Chase was not to be under estimated. It’s myriad of paths and tracks caught out some teams. All were rewarded with great terrain for off road running and biking.

For many participants this was the first time they had been on Cannock Chase and all enjoyed the varied woodland, forest and open heathland. The inclusion of some technical single track cycle routes were enjoyed by many on the mountain bike stage - and the course planner had catered for less experienced bikers too by providing alternative routes to all checkpoints.

Kayaking on the River Trent around the edge of the Shugborough estate was another highlight for many of the Questars Trio teams. Dry conditions led to the river running quite low in places and fast in others. This made for some exciting paddling and the cooling water was also a welcome respite from the warm sunshine. A good number of teams therefore visited all the kayaking checkpoints.See All Event Posts