Questars - Q2 The Quest Challenge - Purbeck, Dorset
Peak Performance in Purbeck
David Hunt (Questars) / 20.04.2011
This Q2 event which was held in the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset on 16 & 17 April attracted a great range of participants. Some of the best adventure racers in the UK competed as did novices who were taking part in their first event. The courses were designed with all comers in mind and judging by the smiles on the faces of everyone at the final Prize Giving and the feedback from teams everyone greatly enjoyed the challenge event.
Most teams arrived on Friday evening and took advantage of the event campsite and the on site catering. Saturday morning dawned early with still calm conditions under high cloud - ideal racing conditions. Just after 9am everyone had arrived and congregated in the event marquee to be welcomed and briefed on the challenges ahead in the 4 stage event.
As the pre event information promised each Stage had a twist or two. Surprises could be expected. A great variety of terrain was also promised from open heathland, forests, chalk ridges, the second largest natural harbour in the world and some wonderful coastal scenery. Teams were reminded to keep looking up from their maps to enjoy the countryside and extensive views.
As there is a certain royal event happening in just over a week's time the four stages were linked with by a royal theme. In a change from the Questars format of staggered starts with Q2 all teams started together in a mass start picking up details of the first stage called Royal Wedding as they crossed the start line. This revealed that the differently coloured sets of checkpoints (CPs) were in fact royal wedding guests.
At the far side of the spacious event field an Information Point showed the location of a final set of two - the bride and groom. Collect a whole set of checkpoints and an additional bonus was earned. One of each set of wedding guests was out on Poole Harbour and had to visited by kayak. All the other CPs were scattered within the forest and surrounding hills and heathland offering many different route choices. Teams departed the event field on bikes in all directions.
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