Page 21 - Bugle No. 17 Spring 2021

2 RIFLES
FROM
BLUE TO
BLACK
MOUNTAIN BIKING FOUNDATIONAL COURSE
I had done a little mountain biking as a child and it was always something I enjoyed. It is not something however
I have had the chance to do much of lately and therefore when the opportu- nity to participate in the Mountain Bike Foundation course was presented, I leapt at the prospect.
We started off practising the basic core skills: the attack position, braking, cornering, ascending, descending, as well as when and where it is correct to change gear.
On the first day, we started with a blue route which is suitable
for novice riders. These routes
were good as it gave riders the chance to use the skills that
they had just learned and gave our instructor the chance to assess the rider’s abilities.
On the second day, we
moved location to Rostrevor.
We set off on the red trail only
to be met by the biggest hills
I have ever seen; however we
were told the views from the top would be worth it - they were amazing! We were really put to the test on that red route but using the skills that our instructor had taught us on the first day we were all able to accomplish it. Once we were all at the bottom it was time for a coffee and a chat about what we had learned that day.
The final day came, and we set off once again to Rostrevor, this time to attempt
the black route! This would be a true test of our nerves and ability. As we stood on the summit, we took a minute to anticipate what we were about to descend, but we all knew we were able to do it because
of our newly acquired skills. Some of
the lads took their time to get over the obstacles, but we all accomplished it. All the ascent had been worth it for this, flying down hills - having fun with
the lads and all of it whilst at ‘work’! We got to the bottom with massive smiles on our faces! Everybody agreed, it had been an exhausting but enjoyable week!
There is something therapeutic
about mountain biking because
when you are up on the top of the mountain; it is just you and the bike.
No cars, no traffic - just you, the
bikes, and your mates! This mountain biking adventurous training has re-ignited
my passion for the sport, and I cannot wait to be back out there again - flying down a hill with a huge smile on my face! Rfn Pounder
No cars,
no traffic – just you, the bikes, and your mates!
Rfn Pounder and Cpl Clark enjoy some time
out of Barracks on their Mountain Bike
Foundation course. The mountains, scenery,
and challenging routes near Rostrevor saw
some tired legs but happy faces
RIFLES The Bugle 21