Dromara CC Trailquest League Round 1

18.11.2008

Organisers Derek Hanna and Gary Gray were overwhelmed by the level of support with 88 riders across 39 teams which was over 50% more than came along to the same venue last year. There were members from local cycling clubs: Apollo CT, Ards CC, Banbridge CC, Juiced Orchard, La Lanterne Rouge, Newry Wheelers, Phoenix CC, XMTB as well as five teams from Dromara CC. There were also members of local triathlon clubs but interestingly out of the 88 riders, 30 were not with any club.

The first team set off at 10:30 with the rest following at one minute intervals (apart from a slight delay for half the teams when the printer decided to not work!). Teams had three and a half hours to get as many of the 21 markers as possible and then get back to base before the time limit. Twelve teams arrived after the 3.5 hour limit and lost points ranging from two points to 70 points lost. Teams were issued with a map, answer sheet and a pen. There was a slight mix up when a handful of teams were given answer sheets with the answers written on them!! These teams however got into the spirit of the event and marked only those that they were able to genuinely find. Derek and Gary had worked hard to place markers in different locations to last year stretching riders further south away from the Dromara Village Football Club which acted as the event headquarters. There were two 50 point markers, one located at the top of the infamous Slieve Croob and the other was up at the radio masts on Dechomet (Deehommed) Mountain. The organisers had aimed to provide a more off-road experience this year and certainly some of the public lanes had some challenging mud to get through. Once back to base and answer sheets handed in, the riders were able to enjoy the hot soup and rolls along with tea and biscuits. There was a sea of smiling muddy faces. Next Sunday there is more of the same this time slightly further south and closer to the Mourne mountains. See the website for more details www.dromaracc.co.uk