LONDIST Throwdown Competition 2013
T
he LONDIST Throwdown Competition, a physical challenge composed of a series of weight lifting and sprints, was held at Victoria Barracks, Windsor on 20th March 2013. The Regiment entered a strong team and found themselves pitted against the service Regiment and, we are pleased to say, HCMR came out on top. The event was extremely physical and all competitors should be proud of their efforts. The Regiment looks forward to continued success in 2014.
The winning HCMR Throwdown Team 2013
Results: Winners: HCMR Runners up: HCR
Household Cavalry Cresta Run 2014 by Lieutenant J H S C Harbord, The Life Guards
T
he Household Cavalry returned to St Moritz in January of this year, to compete in the Army Inter-Regimental Championships on the Cresta Run. Capt P J R Chishick LG was on hand to coach the team for the first two weeks, unfortunately not riding due to a riding injury of a different nature sustained on Summer Camp five months before. The team consisted of a few returning faces in the form of Lts Barnes RHG/D, Harbord LG and Seccombe LG, as well as two newcomers, LCpl Tonkin RHG/D and Tpr Grossman LG. All beginners are required to report to the Clubhouse at 0630 hrs on the morning of their first ride, so as to enable them to attend the infamous “Death Talk” (the highlight of which involves being taken through an amalgamation of x-rays, totalling an entire body, showing the injuries sustained by members of the Club's Committee - it never was clear whether a serious injury was an essential for Committee membership). Having confirmed that their insurance was organised, and been assured that they themselves were entirely liable for what they were about to do, our intrepid beginners stepped out into the morning chill for their first course of instruction, delivered by a 'Guru'. The Gurus are chosen based on their ability, experience and authority; not necessarily their patience. To impress them, you must do exactly as they ask and complete your first run in the golden 70s. Too fast, and you have been reckless and ignored their teachings. Too slow, and you may be berated over the loudspeaker for “WASTING EVERYONE'S TIME”! The trick in these first few runs is to be able to 'rake' effectively. Your rakes are attached to the front of the converted
The Cresta Team 2014 Front Row: Lt Seccombe, Capt Chishick, Tpr Grossman Rear: Capt (Retd) Viney, Lt Barnes, Lt Harbord, LCpl Tonkin
rugby boots and, as you slide down the ice, you must dig your toes in to slow yourself down. Easy to say, but it takes some practice to know really how to do it. After watching our two beginners, the Guru on hand seemed impressed, as was the rest of the team. Something they managed to maintain throughout their time on the ice. There are two main types of toboggan used on the run; all riders begin on a 'traditional'. This is a 40kg lump of steel with a big seat that slides up and down, to aid you in moving your weight. They are fairly cumbersome but a lot of fun to ride. Once a rider is able to get down
74 ■ Household Cavalry Sports Round-up
the run in consistent 48s, he is able to 'convert to a flat-top'. These are just as heavy, but more agile enabling you to hold more speed. The run itself has two starting points: 'Junction', about two-thirds of the way up the run for less-experienced riders; and 'Top'. To qualify for Top, you must be riding 48s on a traditional or 46s on a flat-top. To ride from Top was the main effort for Harbord and Barnes, and both of them achieved it (although Barnes got there earlier than Harbord, something the author was livid about). The Army Junction Championships