Trailblazers Round 2 Delamont Park

05.05.2009

As per the first round, the event made use of the Sport Ident Timing system where a rider from each team was given a 'dipper'(strapped to the wrist) to electronically record the time that the team found a control point. At the end, the dippers were downloaded and a print out was given instantly showing a list of the controls found, time logged and split times as well as the overall score including any time penalties.

Event organiser Ivan Miller had placed 32 control points as far north as Killinchy and south to Finnabrogue and west to Crossgar. Four of the control points were placed within Delamont Park with the option of running or cycling to find them. Control markers were worth between 10 and 40 points depending on how easy or difficult they were to find. As before, there were two durations on offer, a two hour or a four hour option.

There had been heavy rain overnight and some light drizzle during registration but twenty two teams had braved the elements to show up and enjoy orienteering on bicycle. The majority of the teams had opted for the 4 hour event. Two teams from Dromara cycling club entered, the successful three man team "The Losers" and solo rider Martin under team name "Lone Zeppelin". Both teams had chosen the 4-hour format. There was a flexible start with teams getting the opportunity to view the event map before starting their time on the first electronic control under Ivan's watchful eye. Most teams got away around 11 am and spread out to locate the markers. Team "The Losers" got away ahead of "Lone Zeppelin" but the three man team made excellent progress helped somewhat by local knowledge. The weather had held for the event with only a slight wind to challenge the riders and after the four hours the sun came out to warm up the tired cyclists. At the finish the riders were given a print out of their times and were able to see how they faired compared to the other teams as they came in. While waiting for all the teams to return, the riders were able to enjoy the goody bag of drinks and snacks kindly supplied by event sponsors Buff and Compass Point. It was clear early on that the Dromara trio had done well when they had achieved 550 points out of a possible 600. The team waited until all riders had returned to find out that they had indeed won and by a good margin. Well done to "The Losers" !

Many thanks to Ivan & co for all their hard work in setting this up. The next Trailblazers Trail Quest adventure will take place on 17 May 2009 in the Sperrins