Trailquests
What Are They?
20 to 30 control sites of varying values are positioned alongside bridleways, byways or forestry trails.
Competitors identify these sites at the competition Event Centre on pre-printed maps, or by copying from master maps onto their own Ordnance Survey Map or from grid references .
Depending on the event, between 2 and 7 hours are allowed to visit as many sites as possible in order to maximise the points total, making route choice and navigational skills a high priority.
Where appropriate, competitors may approach the controls on foot.
Lateness of return incurs severe penalties, so sensible pacing is an important consideration for most riders.
Control sites are identified by red / white / orange markers, each of which carries a unique punch, enabling competitors to punch the appropriate position on their score card or an electronic tag
SPORTident to provide proof of visit.
Tie Break
In the event of a tie, the winner will be determined, in order of preference, by considering the values of the check points visited.
- the competitor(s) that has visited the most high scoring checkpoints (and returned within the time limit)
- the competitor(s) that has visited the most checkpoints (and returned within the time limit)
- the competitor who started earliest
Events are organised by affiliated clubs. All competitors must be either a Full member or Associate member.
While the basic format of each event is the same, entrants will find that each event will tend to have its own particular style. Details can also be obtained from the
Events tab on this web site, and last minute changes are notified on the TCA forum and via mass email .
Classes
In many classes, solo riders and teams of two compete against each other. All classes are related to the age of the competitors, so you are competing against your peers unless you enter the M21 or W21 classes which are Open to anybody.
All classes included at the discretion of the event organiser.
National League
Each year upto nine events are selected as National League. The number of events that you may count towards the championship is usually 5 from 9. Your best counting scores will be added together to determine the National League position of a competitor or team at the end of the year. Minimum qualifying scores are 200 points from counting eventst. One additional event will be nominated as an organisers national event. This is to enable event organisers of National League events an extra qualifying in lieu of the event they organise. Each class winner at each event will score 100 points. All other finishers who have registered their TCA number on their entry will receive a pro rata percentage of the winners score. e.g.. Winner scores 400 points = 100 points, so a competitor scoring 300 points will score 75 league points. Both members of a team must be TCA members in order to score league points. Scores for leagues can not be back dated. All amendments to league scores must notified to the results officer within 3 weeks of the scores first being circulated to members. Both members of a team must be TCA members in order to score league points. Scores for leagues can not be back dated. All amendments to league scores must notified to the results officer within 3 weeks of the scores first being circulated to members. Prizes will be awarded in each league category at the end of the season. The number of prizes in each category will be determined by the number of teams or solos reaching the minimum qualifying standard in each category. The prizes will be awarded at an event to be nominated. In the event of a tie, the following will be used, in order of preference, to determine the winner:
- Where the competitors have competed against each other in one or more events, then the better mean of such scores only will be used.
- The greater number of class wins.
- The next best discarded score(s) will be added.
In addition to the Nation League there are numerous Regional Leagues (mini leagues) (North, Central, South & Wales) administered TCA clubs in the region.
Rules
Trailquest is a young sport and the aim is too keep rules to the minimum to achieve good public relations, safety & fairness.
- Competitors must report to the finish even if they retire. Failure to do so may render entrants liable to search and rescue costs.
- Competitors must wear a helmet. & should carry a whistle and 1st aid kit - minimum of plasters and dressing to stop a severe cut bleeding.
- Competitors may use tarred public roads, RUPP's, BOAT's and bridleways and any forest, estate tracks or white roads specified by the organisers. Use of footpaths or any other road or trail or 'out of bounds' areas will result in disqualificationfrom the event.
- Team Members must keep in voice contact at all times - including control sites and finish. Penalty 25% loss of overall score.
- Individual solo and team competitors must navigate and ride independantly of other competitors. Penalty 25% loss of overall score.
- Competitors must close all gates, pass or overtake walkers and equestrians slowly and courteously, treat the rural commmunity with due consideration and aim to cause no damage to the environment.
- Competitors must offer assistance to any competitors who are injured or in danger. Compensation for time lost can be awarded at the discretion of the event organiser.
- Any disputes will be handled by the event referee appointed by the organiser. Any appeals will be adjudicated by the TCA committee. An Appeal fee may be charged
- Preriding an event area is not considered to be within the spirit of the event.
- Competitors should punch controls in the appropriate numbered box. Genuine mistakes must be reported on the finish line as mispunching. Failure to do so may mean that you will not be credited with the points for a control.
- Event organisers may add their own local rules but may not ignore these rules.
- Towing or the use of towing aids is not allowed
