Sorry if this is a stupid question, but.............

[ThePainInSpain]

On my ride last Sunday I got tangled up with a load more cyclists on MTB's, with maps on holders on their handlebars.

It was a family event, with, obviously different levels of competitors.

As I continued on my ride, passing and being passed by a variety of cyclists, all giving me quizzical looks (they all had numbers on, I didn't). I passed a couple of Orange/White markers with 'clickers' attached.

This was obviously the cycling equivalent of orienteering.

Is there a name for it, so that I can translate it into Spanish and find some information about these events, hopefully join in one.

 

[cyberknight]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brevet_(cycling)

 

[Zoiders]

Cyberknight is sort of right but he has the wrong event.

It's MTB orienteering - also known as a "Trailquest".

 

[henshaw11]

There used to be a good series here in the southeast england/reading area, run by trailbreak(.co.uk) - but sadly, it looks like they've given up, due to not being able to break even.

They're well worth a go - with out-and-out racing there's always someone fitter/quicker than you, whereas having to map read and plan your route according to terrain/number of points at each checkpoint (they differ) levels the playing field a little. That said, it's still more or a personal challenge in terms of getting more points than you did on the previous event.

 

[Fiona N]

As fair as I know, Wheelbase in Staveley runs a trailquest event or series of events up here in South Lakes. It used to be a regular Saturday morning event, going out and seeing hordes of folk on mtbs with maps thrashing up and down the local lanes. I haven't seen them so much this year but that could be because I've been away so many weekends since March.