Phoenix 99 LEMC: Le Touquet Day Trip - When Instinct Takes Over

Our Le Touquet ride out was always planned to be a day of bikes, good roads, good food and great company. What we didn’t expect was for the day to become a reminder of why the values we carry with us matter — even when we are off duty and away from home. Shortly after arriving in France, the group came across a road traffic collision involving a young boy who had been knocked from his balance bike after being struck by a vehicle. Without hesitation, everyone stopped and stepped in to help. The team immediately carried out first aid checks, reassured the child and his family, supported the driver who was understandably shaken, and helped preserve the scene. Others managed traffic, keeping the area safe and ensuring emergency services could access the scene. Despite being away from the UK and without the usual equipment or resources, the response was calm, coordinated and instinctive. It was a real example of how looking after others becomes part of who you are, not just something you do when wearing a uniform. Thankfully, the young boy appeared to have avoided serious injury. A photograph of his helmet shows exactly why wearing one is so important. The damage tells its own story and is a powerful reminder that helmets are not optional, they can genuinely save lives. Once the situation was safely handed over to the French emergency services and our colleagues in the Gendarmerie, we continued our journey to Le Touquet. We arrived later than planned, but the delay was more than worthwhile. A great lunch, plenty of laughs and some time to enjoy the town, allowing Hazard time to get his souvenir sticker, before we headed back towards Calais via the scenic route. The return journey was a little tighter than expected, with the group arriving at the terminal with just five minutes to spare before check-in closed — very much in keeping with the Phoenix 99 spirit! A fantastic day of riding, but more importantly, a reminder that supporting others, protecting people and doing the right thing doesn’t stop when the ride starts or the uniform comes off. - The Hudd, Almoner

RIDE OUT'S