Royal Marines Association membership is spread across 95 active Branches worldwide, each of which is unique and provides lots of opportunity for camaraderie throughout the Corps Family. We hope that this new Branch Focus will help to inspire and encourage even more of our supporters to join the Royal Marines Association.
There’s no stopping Branch Secretary and dedicated cyclist, Matthew Cawthorne, when he changes gears and starts enthusing about the many benefits of being part of the 280-strong RMA Cycle Club Branch. It started in 2008 as ‘just a bunch of chums who loved cycling’ and has continued to grow from strength to strength.
“Supportive camaraderie, a desire to keep fit with physical activity that isn’t joint-injuring (like that suffered by many of us from the pounding taken during our years in the Marines); being part of a team that uses plenty of kit which needs looking after, managing and tracking performance coupled with technology – it’s an ultimate combination, and exactly what the Cycle Club provides,” he explains.
With active members up to 70 years of age and over, it’s not all about ‘Bootnecks in lycra’…the Club attracts those from the other Armed Services, too, and one of their keenest members is the mother of a serving Royal Marine.
“We’re particularly proud to have one big thing that sets the Club apart and, we think, one that makes it unique amongst other RMA Branches,” adds Matthew. “Because as well as having thriving physical geographic nodes throughout the UK, we are also a fully functioning virtual club that meets regularly twice a week online. It works really well and is highly recommended should any other Branch club look to consider doing something similar.
The app we use provides a highly immersive synthetic training environment. Yes, it does ‘gamify’ cycle training, but actually does have a strong, personal and social element, particularly during team races when members can communicate through a near real-time voice app. This is ideal because if someone is lagging behind a bit or finding the going a bit tough, we’re able to offer suitable encouragement, almost exactly as we would out on the ‘real’ road.
Taking full advantage of virtual technology, members from different parts of the country, and even the world, can train together year-round and, in the depths of winter, can stay in touch and remain fit in the comfort and safety of their own homes.”
The RMA Cycle Club therefore has the world at its feet, with the ability to ride anywhere they want although one a regular highlight is close to home: a tour around the Isle of Wight, enjoying its very smooth tarmacked roads, complete with refreshment stop for the mandatory flat white and slice of cake!
Up to 15 riders can take to the saddle on the Club’s virtual rides and recently they’ve even been delighted with the surprise appearance of a serving Royal Marine deployed to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean!
Quite apart from the virtual cycle element, the Club also offers an active programme of ‘real’ events where members join up to take to the open road in person, all in large part ably driven by Events Co-ordinator, Justin Hagan.
This year, the packed programme includes a trip to Girona Province and three rides over a Gallipoli commemoration weekend in Pocklington, Yorkshire at the end of April; a ‘Chase the Sun East to West’ close to the longest day of the year in June; and a series of events involving members from other branches at the Dartmoor Yomp and Sportive in July. Much information is passed on Facebook through a private group where members’ privacy is paramount, although there are other information channels for those who don’t use social media.
Safety is absolutely paramount during rides, stresses Matthew. To this end, the Club has purchased four helmet cameras that are currently in the safe keeping of the Pompey troop which organises regular weekend rides: and all cyclists are strongly advised to carry next of kin details at all times.
“We do enjoy the thrill of a race, but speed is not always what it’s all about. Everyone in the Club is so supportive of one another, with the ethos that the peloton keeps to the speed of the slowest ship so even the sick, lame and weary can enjoy – at least to a certain extent!”
RMA Cycle Club’s membership fees are £10 a year and, through its fundraising, it recently made a generous £500 donation to RMA – The Royal Marines Charity to help towards the lifelong support it offers to the Corps Family.