2004 Report - Race 2 - Mendips, 6th & 7th March

Questars hosted their first one day event that had a choice of taking part on either Saturday or Sunday, in the Mendips on 6 & 7 March. Spring sunshine greeted adventure racers on both days as they set off from the Cheddar leisure centre.

Stages 1 (trail run) and 2 (mountain bike orienteering) formed the main phase of the race with checkpoints of different values widely spread across the Mendips. The course was designed to enable teams to experience the great variety of terrain including the spectacular Cheddar Gorge.

Most teams opted to run first and were enticed by the terrain to go for some of the higher value checkpoints beyond the gorge on the open Mendip Hills. One checkpoint located by a tumulus on the very highest point was a worthy goal for many teams, who were then rewarded with stunning views across the Bristol Channel into Wales.

As dusk fell stage 3 started as teams took on the challenge of navigating in the dark across the matrix of paths and lanes stretching south over the Somerset Levels. Aided by a full moon and a perfectly clear night sky many teams were able to complete their route choice without head torches as the moonlight was strong enough to cast shadows across the lattice of rhynes and dykes. The leisure centre stayed open an extra hour to enable teams to have a shower or even a free swim, after returning from their night time forays.

Judging by the beaming smiles on many racers’ faces as they completed they had enjoyed the challenges presented by the Mendips. Many newcomers tried this as their first adventure race and commented upon how friendly it was - even with competitors helping each other out when mislaying that vital checkpoint. Cameras were another piece of adventure racing kit as some teams took time out to take a picture or two.

Congratulations go to all who took part over the challenging course, and especially to the following category winners:

Overall Winners – Team Bristol

The next Questars event will be on SATURDAY 3rd April and SUNDAY 4th April in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire – famed as the hideaway of Robin Hood and his merry men. This will be a two stage race of trail running and mountain bike orienteering. The terrain is considerably flatter than the Mendips and so will suit all abilities. Questars will also be introducing a surprise element to the race!