Page 63 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

Exercise FINN GARHWALI – mountain biking in India
From the 22nd to 30th March 2017 a group of mountain bikers from 2 RIFLES, with varying degrees of experience, were fortunate enough to partake in a ‘zero-to-hero’ mountain bike expedition in the foothills of the Himalayas in India. In order to make this happen, Captain Kenji Ara lead the organisation of an expedition that will live long in the memory for all those involved; for the sweat and toil of the 4000 metres+ uphill, but also the thrill and speed of the descent.
The fatigue of the ight to New Delhi was quickly dissipated by the hospitality the team enjoyed from the British High Commission and Brigadier Goldsack (late Light Infantry), but was quickly reignited by a ten hour bus trip to the mountains. Once again India delivered restorative energy with spectacular views greeting the team in Mussoorie, our start point at over 2000m. Hard cycling followed through the beautifully sculpted but de nitively mountainous region of Uttarakhand with an average of 50 kilometres and 800 metres of steep ascent every day – no mean feat even for the determined team participating. The smiles worn by all at our highest point of 3267m were testament to the attitude on display. The team was rewarded with some culturally important sites for their trouble; highlights including the Tehri Dam (dispiritingly back down at 260 metres), the incredible ancient Hindu pilgrimage site of Panch Prayag (where the Yamuna meets the Ganga) and the town of Rishikesh.
Fine examples of junior leadership were displayed throughout by Ri eman Hobbs, Ri eman Davis and Ri eman Cross. This coupled with the true grit shown by Corporal Jervis (AGC SPS) and Ri eman Duck to complete every metre possible, were the
stand out performances of an epic expedition. It would be remiss not to mention also the tutelage of Staff Sergeant Thomas (2 RIFLES Physical Training Instructor), Corporal Rochester and our enthusiastic and welcoming Indian guides who were all inval- uable to our safe development to some challenging, technical riding. A phenomenal trip with reward found in the team’s achievements on the bike, but also a day white water rafting down the Ganges. Captain Gus O’Brien, Intelligence Of cer
The calm before the storm; white water rafting on the Ganga River
Team Garhwali Mountain at 3000m in the foothills of the Himalayas