Page 68 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2017

66 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) Exercise FREEWHEELING LANCER 2017
Ten members of the Regiment faced the long drive to the French Alps to tackle some of the monstrous climbs of the Tour de France. The team set out from Catterick on Sunday 9th July. Thankfully the 900 mile journey was completely unevent- ful and the team arrived at the first location near Samöens on the Monday afternoon. Immediately the cyclists suffered, with 30 degrees Celsius heat against fair English skin taking its first victims hours after arriving!
The first day of cycling came. A fresh morning and what I planned as a warm-up loop on some smaller hills. With the benefit of hindsight, I regret my choice of ‘smaller hills’ greatly. 100km, 2200m of incline later and summiting three separate Cols was a baptism of fire for some who had not ridden before. Col Joux Plane, Col d’Encrenaz and Col de la Ramaz were all ticked off on day one. On day two we had an out-back route planned up Col de la Colombiere. Post ride an intrepid few pushed on into the stunning Cirque Du Fer-a-cheval. In total, 130km distance and around 2200m elevation was clocked up.
On the third day we had a similar style route planned up to the ski resort of Flaine. The Col de Pierre Carrée was taken down by the team, again cycling 70km and gaining 1800m in elevation for their efforts. The fourth day saw us move location out of the Samoëns valley and into a charming village called Aime, about 10km south of Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Day five was probably the most gruelling day of the trip. The author had the excellent idea of tackling both sides of a famous Col called Cormet de Rose- land. 120km of distance was covered and nearly 4000m of eleva- tion gained. However, despite the stem eating habits of all, some time was made available to look at the scenery which was quite simply stunning. All participants put in an excellent effort to conquer the mountain...from both sides!
On day six we returned to the Col du Petit St. Barnard, a beauti- ful climb up to the French-Italian border where World War Two tank obstacles are still visible. The team swallowed up another 100km, and gained a further 2000m in elevation. Day seven gave the group a chance to relax as we treated the guys to a well earned rest, visiting one of the local outdoor pools and sampling some delicious French cheese!
On day eight we left Bourg St. Maurice. This was done via the Col D’Iseran; a formidable climb peaking at around 2700m with some 60km up-hill from our accommodation. The upside (quite ironically) was that we had a descent equal to that, making the 60km uphill slog well worthwhile! Another 120km covered and 2500m elevation gained.
On day nine the roads around us were closed. We had no choice but to rest and watch the Tour de France cycle through where we were staying on the Col d’Ornon. On day ten, the final day of riding, we made our way up the legendary 21 hairpins of Alpe D’huez. The team weaved their way up through the village and descended via Auris back into Bourg d’Oisans after 80km and 2000m elevation gained.
Exercise FREEWHEELING LANCER 17 drew to a close after 700km ridden and nearly 17000m gained in elevation. Not quite Exercise TRANSALP, which is covered elsewhere, but nonethe- less a significant achievement with some Lancers first time on a road bike, less the test-ride outside the Qaurtermaster’s store. Exercise FREEWHEELING LANCER will return in 2018, with the aim of going longer, higher and introducing more Lancers to the sport.
JNJ