George Cross Island Association George Cross Island Association The George Cross Island Association is a charitable organisation that was initiated to honour and remember those that suffered during the Siege of Malta (World War II). The association has branches across the UK and a branch in Malta. The Patron of the G.C.I.A. is HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, KG, KT, Prince Phillip who himself served in Malta. The George Cross Island Association was founded by retired British Navy man Fredrick James Plenty (1921 to 1996). With the help of his one time Captain and a group of like minded veterans and servicemen, the association
Cross-country cycling Cross-country cycling Cross-country (XC) cycling is a discipline of mountain biking. Cross-country cycling became an Olympic sport in 1996 and is the only form of mountain biking practiced at the Olympics. Cross-country cycling is defined by the terrain on which it is performed. XC courses and trails consist of a mix of rough forest paths and singletrack (also referred to as doubletrack depending on width), smooth fireroads, and even paved paths connecting other trails. Until recently cross-country trails were deemed "easy" or "intermediate", due to the old school concept that this discipline of mountain biking relies more on physical prowess