Page 45 - The Wish Stream Year of 2021 (Crest)

After a bluebird Sovereign’s Parade, five OCdts from the Intermediate Term pre- pared to depart to South Wales on adven- turous training.
As the Sovereign’s Parade ended and the OCdts collected their kit and equipment for a week of mountain biking, the excitement was palpable. An escape from colour sergeants and an oppor- tunity to find a new hobby or at least seek some thrills was truly enticing. Making their way to their accommodation in the Afan valley, chatter was of jumps and extreme hill climbs, the OCdts were not to be disappointed. Spending their first day acquainting themselves with mountain bikes and techniques to climb and jump, they quickly progressed to more challenging feats.
On day two, y Wal or ‘the wall’ in English, was attempted and conquered. A technical 2100ft climb followed by some epic downhill tracks, encompassing steep berms, jumps, and sheer drops. After an exhausting second day, the weary and saddle-sore OCdts feasted on enough spa- ghetti bolognese to feed half of their commis- sioning course. Washed down with some even- ing games, spirits were high in preparation for the challenge of day three, White’s Level.
Day three was the most technical of the week, the climb managing to dismount even the groups finest rider. Climbing higher and higher should have provided the most spectacular views; how-
OCdt Holland
ever, this is Wales in December so sideways rain had to do. Following a rapid descent from the mountainside, the now ‘seasoned riders’ re- energised with coffees and brownies in a nearby café.
The final two days were spent at Bike Park Wales, a state-of-the-art mountain biking heaven. With the benefit of an uplift, the park enabled the OCdts to hone their skills further by spending the maximum time going downhill. Jumps got higher and drops steeper, all navigated with ease under the guidance of their instructor. It could not be a more epic way to round off a fantastic trip. One OCdt even got so enfranchised with the sport that he bought a bike at the end of the week! The OCdts leave having challenged themselves physically and mentally, whilst also gaining an understanding of planning adventurous training and having a smashing time.
Exercise MOUNTAIN BIKE
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