The British New Army establishment that the AIF was ...



Dear Rider, Welcome to our second cycling event for this year, the VetRide 2017 RACV Great Vic Bike Ride.A number of the members of our Planning Group will be participating in this ride, so as to provide support and ongoing advice you may need during the event. There are about 4000 riders of varying experience on the road each day and for reasons of safety and a more enjoyable ride, it is important that we act as a team. One of the members of our Planning Group will act as a leader each day and the expectation is that you will look after your team mates and share the responsibility for everyone’s wellbeing. You are allowed 20kg in one or more bags and Bicycle Network have generously allowed us to include an extra team bag, in which we will carry a floor pump, a basic tool set, some spare tubes, a first aid kit and a solar phone charger.On the bike you will need your helmet, cycling glasses and gloves, water bottle (or two), snacks, gels etc. that you usually have for a longer ride, a spare tube, tyre levers and a pump or gas means of inflation. One of us will carry a basic on road first aid kit and some wipes (medical help is available for anything requiring more than a band aid or bandage). Off the bike you will need to bring a small tent or swag, ground sheet, a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, blow up pillow, ear plugs (snorers), some cash for the vendors, a torch, easy ‘handwashable’ after ride clothing, changes of cycling jersey, knicks, socks, powder form Gatorade, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, a cloth carry bag with ‘camping type’ bowl, plate, mug and cutlery, washing up brush, tea towel, a waterproof bag with a tie to hold a change of clothes, toiletries bag and micro fibre towel,small amount of clothes washing powder, sandwich and rubbish bags to protect your gear, bike lock, chamois and emergency toilet paper, Between now and the event, our very experienced Ride Director Steve Masters will be running a training program that will include rides and advice about what to expect. You may also be assisted by the VetRide website , under the heading ‘Ride Management’, for information regarding bike fit, training, diet and bunch riding skills. Your participation will include acting as an unofficial ambassador for those who serve or have served in our Defence Forces, the aim being to bring about an awareness of what that means for the men and women who do so; rather than having anything to do with defence at an organisational level. The following background information will hopefully assist you in this regard: Excerpt from our homepage: ‘VetRide is an organization dedicated through cycling to the welfare of all service and ex-service personnel of the Australian Defence Forces. At the same time it provides something meaningful older veterans can do for their younger compatriots, consistent with closely held values, given rise to in uniform’; andExcerpt from a letter sent to Tony Abbott, following his hosting of a joint Soldier On / VetRide morning ride: 708025030353000‘Although its genesis in 2011 was linked to the VVAA and it will continue to support Vietnam veterans who are keen on cycling, VetRide has its own identity, specifically so that it can include current serving and anyone with ADF service. Given Vietnam veterans were often blamed for the continuation and costs of that war, I am in no doubt that they would be keen to see support for younger veterans become their legacy.’ 2679700406400The WW1 theme has an obvious connection with veterans and although the events of 1917 are beyond living memory for anyone much younger than 90, they still have significance, exactly 100 years after the horrors of that time brought about the loss and shattering of so many lives.? For further information see eg, ‘The Third Battle of Ypres (31 July - 10 November 1917) has come to symbolise the horrors associated with the war on the Western Front. It is frequently known by the name of the village where it culminated – Passchendaele.’?0The WW1 theme has an obvious connection with veterans and although the events of 1917 are beyond living memory for anyone much younger than 90, they still have significance, exactly 100 years after the horrors of that time brought about the loss and shattering of so many lives.? For further information see eg, ‘The Third Battle of Ypres (31 July - 10 November 1917) has come to symbolise the horrors associated with the war on the Western Front. It is frequently known by the name of the village where it culminated – Passchendaele.’?You will also be provided with a custom event jersey and knicks, to keep as a souvenir of your participation. Continuing with the WW1 theme, the armbands of the jersey have two of the colour patches for the ‘1st Anzac Cyclist Battalion AIF’ – ‘A century afterwards, they ride again …on you ! ’ The British New Army establishment that the AIF was reorganised under in 1916 provided for a company of cyclists for each Division. When they got to France, they were reorganised as Corps troops, with a Battalion for each Corps. There were two ANZACs at this time, hence two Corps. The cyclist battalions were organised like infantry, with four companies of four platoons. When II ANZAC became XXII Corps in 1917, the Australian cyclists of the 2nd Cyclist Battalion returned to the Australian Corps as reinforcements. ?The cyclists were mainly used as despatch riders. During semi-open warfare periods in 1917 and 1918, they operated similar to cavalry. A brigade column in an advance would have cyclists attached. They weren't as mobile or flexible as cavalry, but didn't cost as much to maintain either. 39814506350Left: Contestants for the Cyclo Derby prepare for the race during a sports afternoon to mark the 20th birthday of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, in Vietnam, c. 1965. (AWM SHA/65/0071/VN)Right: Two participants in the annual VetRide event in 2012. VetRide, established under the auspices of the Vietnam Veterans' Association of Australia (Vic) is partly sponsored by DVA and encourages exercise, healthy living and camaraderie.(20120329 DVA_MF_1420)00Left: Contestants for the Cyclo Derby prepare for the race during a sports afternoon to mark the 20th birthday of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, in Vietnam, c. 1965. (AWM SHA/65/0071/VN)Right: Two participants in the annual VetRide event in 2012. VetRide, established under the auspices of the Vietnam Veterans' Association of Australia (Vic) is partly sponsored by DVA and encourages exercise, healthy living and camaraderie.(20120329 DVA_MF_1420) ................
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