- Tuesday 29 April 2025
This month we catch up with Patricia Daas, a seasoned Questars racer who’s been involved for over two decades and has racked up over 60 races (and counting!). From dummy checkpoints to sheep racing, Patricia’s journey captures everything that makes adventure racing so unpredictable — and so much fun. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned racer, we hope that her insights, advice and stories inspire you to get out there and give it a go. Enjoy!
When did you participate in your first Questars adventure race?
I can’t remember exactly but before 2006
Roughly how many Questars adventure races have you participated in?
Over 60 most likely
What do you like most about Questars adventure races?
The formula of bike, kayak, run/trek is kept simple and it’s all so friendly
What do you like most about adventure racing?
No race even in the same area is ever the same and why is everyone else always going the other way round to me?!?
Why did you first get into adventure racing?
I was bored with running 10k road races week in week out with a club – I always loved being in the countryside – I just wish I had known it existed earlier!!
What advice would you give to someone just getting started in adventure racing?
Don’t be afraid to just try one – it’s the only way to work out what you’re good and not so good at it, so you know where to focus any training.
What is the best piece of advice that you were given when you started adventure racing?
Cliff blocks – given to me by Nick Gracie as I was standing in a line feeling nauseous but needing to eat! Another example of how friendly the sport is!
What is your strongest and weakest race discipline? How do you combat your weakest discipline?
My strongest discipline used to be running – sadly not now due to various age-related ailments – I just go with the flow now. I would say my weakest discipline was kayaking as I had never been in one much before Questars races!! Although core gym work nowadays as opposed to running has made me stronger in that area! Hey, pluses and minuses.
What does your training plan for an adventure race look like?
A lot of gym work basically to keep my core and flexibility moving as I age disgracefully. Lots of walks, jogs, etc with the dog.
How do you fuel yourself for a Questars adventure race?
Generally porridge oats, bananas before the race and during it would be various protein bars, gels etc.
What type of bike do you normally use for a Questars adventure race?
Giant hardtail mountain bike
What’s the one piece of non-mandatory kit in your bag that you could not do without?
Buff – such a versatile bit of kit.
What’s the worst mistake you’ve ever made during an adventure race?
Yeah, I have to fess up – once going for a dummy checkpoint!!!
What’s the weirdest/funniest/strangest thing that has happened to you during an adventure race?
Being overtaken by three sheep when mountain biking uphill – it seriously happened – I have witnesses.
What is the most difficult part of adventure racing?
Mechanicals on the bike!!! Annoying more than difficult to be fair!
Over your Questars career you have raced solo and also as part of different teams. What are some of the main advantages of racing as a team versus racing solo and vice-versa?
Racing in a team is a great laugh due to the camaraderie, etc. although you have nowhere to hide your mistakes. It also stops you being lonely in a longer race when it’s peeing down with rain, freezing cold and someone else is swearing more than you are! (You know who you are!)
Team mates can be annoying though as well when they keep saying sorry for something (again you know who you are too!)
What are your top five tips for adventure racing success?
Eat well the day before and rest.
Eat during the race and drink plenty.
Study the map but be prepared to make alterations as you progress through the race
Prepare that mountain bike – new tubes, chain lube, etc
ENJOY – Don’t forget to stop and look around you – Questars have their events in some fabulous countryside.
Thank you, Patricia! A brilliant read! Fancy giving adventure racing a go? Check out our latest events at the below link:
