Page 59 - LBV 2017

INTER-COMPANY TRAINING & VISITS
OCdts pose for a mountainside snap!
the brakes on these bikes certainly
added to the number of falls. By the
end of the week, everyone but Staff
Hall had come off their bike in one
way or other. The worst injury was
sustained by the expedition leader,
OCdt Tse, whose knee required
three expensive and painful stitches
from a Doctor who, after complaining that he was too filthy to be seen, was eventually convinced to abide by his Hippocratic oath.
In our free time around the campsite, we made use of its swimming pool and volleyball court
and watched the Bastille Day fireworks. OCdts Bussandra and McClean also particularly enjoyed playing Monopoly with the kids on the campsite.
Overall, the trip was an incredible introduction to mountain biking in a stunning and challenging
environment. Each of us learnt and developed biking skills as we pushed ourselves. What struck me the most was how much mountain biking is a mental sport, where confidence, boldness
and an embracing of speed and even aggression were essential
elements to success whilst self-doubt and fear inevitably led to failure. Mental pep talks and encouragement from others on the trip were essential to getting through the toughest parts. Ultimately, we all learnt the importance of picking ourselves up from a fall and getting straight back on the bike.
OCdt Geraghty,
King’s College, University of Cambridge B (Ladysmith) Company,
OCdt McLean
OCdt Zalas
Overall, the trip was an incredible introduction to mountain biking...
THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER 57