Page 72 - The Wish Stream Year of 2022

Exercise TRAILBLAZER
OCdt Hargreaves
In late April of 2022, a group of OCdts from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, attended a week-long adventurous training package in
South Wales, where they were given tuition in mountain biking. Through this challenging activ- ity, in an equally challenging environment, they were able to develop their confidence and lead- ership ability.
The activity was conducted in various locations in South Wales, including the Forest of Dean, Afan Forest, Cym Carn and BikePark Wales. Although there are fantastic opportunities for mountain biking elsewhere in the UK, it was decided between those involved in the planning phase, that Wales would offer the best combi- nation of training value and excitement. Fortu- nately, the spring weather came through, offer- ing glorious sun for the entirety of
group’s physical ability. Everyone agreed that the downhill sections were well worth the climbs with a combination of speed and beautiful Welsh scenery on offer. Having said that, the uplift ser-
the week.
The difficulty of the trails increased as confidence grew, with the group taking on red routes and even one black route!
vice available at BikePark Wales was welcomed by all, allowing maximum time for downhill riding.
The difficulty of the trails increased as confidence grew, with the group taking on red routes and even one black route! Plenty more uphill sec- tions ensured the team kept grafting and later in the week the instructors gave individuals the responsibility
The week’s training was very pro-
gressive owing to the novice level
of the participants. Initially their
basic skills were tested on a pur-
pose-built area within the Forest
of Dean, which focused on navi-
gating corners, drops and jumps,
prior to developing these skills
on more technically challenging terrain as the week progressed. Despite a few initial scrapes, nobody was lacking confidence!
of leading sections of the rides and teaching specific skills like navigating sections of techni- cal terrain or basic bike maintenance. This not only enhanced the leadership qualities of the cadets, but also contributed to the qualifications that they all gained under the Mountain Biking Instructor Award Scheme (MIAS).
The training was a definite success, with all OCdts seizing the opportunity for self-develop- ment and pushing themselves as far out of their comfort zones as they were able. Through the award of the MIAS qualification, they all now can plan and execute their own adventurous train- ing packages for soldiers and officers alike, at their future unit, further increasing the value of this expedition.
As the days went on, the team began tackling blue routes of varied complexity, including a large amount of uphill riding, which certainly tested the
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