Page 19 - Chiron Calling Autumn 2019
P. 19

Mountain Bike Enduro Racing is a fast growing discipline which involves long days of uphill riding, interspersed with short timed ‘stages’ which the riders must complete as quickly as possible. As a growing sport, a number of other Corps already have established teams, but 2019 was the first time the AMS has entered the fray.
The team compete in the British National Enduro Series (the national level competition) rubbing shoulders with some of the fastest riders in the UK at multiple events held across the summer. An inter-Corps competition, based on team and individual performances at each event, encourages a healthy (but friendly) rivalry with other Corps. Whilst this might sound quite intimidating (particularly given only one of our team had raced Enduro before the first event!) the encouraging and supportive attitude from everyone attending the races made each race weekend highly enjoyable.
Despite coming up against some stiff competition we were able to take third place in the inter-Corps championship beating five other corps including the Royal Logistics Corps and Royal Corps of Signals. These was fantastic in our first year and has given us a great platform to
build on for the future. Notable individual performances include Captain Burkinshaw (5AMR) making the top 20 in the combined services despite missing half the season and Sergeant Sam Ferguson (JHG South), our top ranked female rider. Ensuring the RAVC was well represented within the team were Lance Corporal’s Milne and Gilbert and Private Avey (DATR/1MWD) all of whom contributed in no small way to the overall result.
As well as racing in competitive events, the team also hosts training days and adventurous training events and would encourage anyone with an interest in mountain biking (regardless of whether
you want to compete) to come along. We welcome all skill levels and experience, and anyone interested should get in touch with Team Manager Sergeant Steve Redding at Steven.Redding998@mod. gov.uk.
A final thanks to the Commanding Officers of 1 MWD and DATR for supporting their Soldiers with the necessary time to attend training and events, the Corps SM for his support in getting the team up and running and to the Army Medical Services Sports Union for their generous grant for riding kit. We look forward to welcoming some new faces for the 2020 season.
Stay off the brakes! Army Medical Service Mountain Bike Enduro’s First Season
By Lance Corporal Sean Jones (1 MWD Regt)
  Not Forgotten Association Royal Garden Party
 It was a great privilege to be invited to attend the Not Forgotten Association Garden Party, in the presence of HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, at Buckingham Palace earlier this year.
From the moment I received the invitation in the post I was looking forward to attending; most importantly given it was a
By Captain Tessa Muir RAVC
gardens from afar. A fleeting moment later, it was time to partake to the most important activity of the afternoon, tasting the afternoon tea. A beautiful selection of delicate sweet and savory treats, and of course the obligatory cup of tea. It certainly did not disappoint and combined with the amazing setting is
without doubt the most memorable afternoon tea I have ever had.
There was plenty of time to explore the gardens; walking around there was a sense of tranquility, and I
thoroughly enjoyed exploring between theperfectlymanicuredlawns,towering trees and vibrant colourful flower beds. The afternoon concluded with Beating Retreat with The Band of The Royal Armoured Corps. All in all, it was a fantastic experience and great privilege to attend. A perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon in the beautiful gardens of Buckingham Palace and the weather certainly didn’t disappoint!
garden party I
was keeping my
fingers crossed
for perfect British
sunshine. Hat
affixed, and double
checking we had
all the required
documents it was
time to head to the Palace. With over 3,000 guests, the atmosphere felt electric from the moment we walked through the wrought iron gates and continued throughout the afternoon. Walking through the Palace itself to the gardens was amazing experience in itself, and provided a brief snapshot of the beauty and heritage within the walls of this historic building. On walking back outside, it was then time to pause, take in the atmosphere and admire the
 'With over 3,000 guests, the atmosphere felt electric from the moment we walked through'
  CHIRON CALLING 17






































































   17   18   19   20   21