Mountain Biking: ACCT UK Fuels Adventurous Spirits
7 October 2024
Subscribe to get ACCT UK news in your inbox. We’ll send you updates on events, grant deadlines, challenge events and more.
7 October 2024
This year, we ignited a spark of adventure. How? By supporting Dyfed & Glamorgan ACF’s purchase of Bikepacking Expedition Equipment. This set the stage for an unforgettable mountain biking journey through Wales’ rugged terrain.
But first, what exactly is bikepacking?
Well, bikepacking.com describe it as “a mix of all-terrain cycling and backpacking… Bikepacking involves carrying the essential gear – and not much more – on an off-road-capable bike for an overnight or multi-day ride… It’s all about pedalling further into places less travelled…”
Dyfed and Glamorgan ACF had a vision. They wanted to expand their adventure training. Mountain biking caught their eye. Soon, senior cadets were clamouring for a twist on their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) expedition. Bikes, not boots, they said.
The county loved the idea. But there was a snag… Traditional kit? It’s just not cut out for two-wheeled treks. ACCT UK’s grant was a game-changer, providing specialized gear for these budding bikepackers.
Picture this: young people, bikes loaded, embarking on their Silver DofE expedition. The location? The majestic Eryri National Park. From Conwy to Barmouth, they conquered a gruelling 100km route. Hills rose to meet them. Valleys stretched below. Every turn brought new challenges and breathtaking vistas.
For these cadets, the journey was transformative. Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what Cadet Sergeant Mantegna from Port Talbot had to say:
I thoroughly enjoyed the DofE cycle expedition. Being able to navigate both roads and tracks on bicycles with close friends made it even better. The ever-changing weather only added to our experience and our journey through Snowdonia National Park was nothing short of breathtaking. The expedition was a meticulous blend of challenge and reward, leaving myself and the other cadets with long lasting memories of our highlight of our year.
Cadet Sergeant Mantegna
His words paint a vivid picture. Friends navigating together. Unpredictable weather adding spice to the adventure. Snowdonia’s beauty unfolding before their eyes. More than a bike ride, it was a test of endurance, a lesson in teamwork, and a memory to last a lifetime.
The bikepacking bug has bitten. Now, these young adventurers are dreaming bigger. Gold DofE Expedition next? They’re eyeing the Normandy coast. Imagine cycling past D-Day beaches, history unfolding with each pedal stroke. It’s more than a physical challenge. It’s a journey through time.
ACCT UK’s support goes beyond mere equipment. It’s reshaping cadet training. It’s showing how traditional programs can evolve, capturing young imaginations in new ways. And the impact? It’s spreading like wildfire.
More cadets are catching the vision. They’re eager to follow in the tyre tracks of their peers. This equipment is not gathering dust. It’s enabling adventure after adventure, year after year.
This grant didn’t simply fund a trip. We invested in people. In confidence. In resilience. And in the kind of experiences that shape character.
These cadets aren’t just learning to ride. They’re learning to lead. To overcome. To adapt. They’re gaining skills that will serve them well, long after the bikes are stored away.
Thanks to ACCT UK, the road ahead is full of possibilities. And these young adventurers? They’re ready to tackle whatever lies around the next bend…