Thameside 1 2017

John and I decided to use the Thameside race series to add a little spice to our DW training and we took part in Thameside 1 on Sunday 26 th February. This was a 12 mile paddle with 13 portages, from Aldermaston Wharf to Reading Canoe Club.

The weather was dry, about 10 degrees with a moderate tail wind to Reading.

Waiting to start at Aldermaston

We started with a couple of K2s who sprinted off to the first portage. We overtook one before we put-in and overhauled the second before the next one. We squeezed under a very low bridge and were grateful that we were not wearing buoyancy aids.

The pattern of the race meant that we held our own or gradually overtook the K2s on the water, but it was at the portages that we overtook so many boats. The open cockpit of the canoe meant we were out and back in so quickly.

It was fun going through Reading town centre, but very bumpy due to the refracted washes. I was glad not to be in a K1.

There was a bit of a queue at Blakes and as we turned left to join the Thames for the upstream section to the finish, the combination of the current and the head wind made progress very laborious.

Battling aginst the competition, the current, the wind and the waves

We were still overtaking boats as we approached the finish.

Crossing the finish line at Reading

We achieved a respectable time of 1:58:26 finishing in 5 th place out of 8 boats. Only 4 minutes covered the first 5 crews.

Thameside 1 – C2 results

Next up is Thameside 2, Reading Canoe Club to Longridge, 18 miles and 8 portages on Sunday 12th March.

The Darkness on the other side of the world

Before we get to the main topic, a quick post-script on the Frank Luzmore. Turns out that we diggers made a good account of ourselves and a number of crews were promoted.

Frank Luzmore C2 promotions

John went from Div 9 to Div 6 in a single race, and I also crawled up to Div 6. This means that we no longer have to wear buoyancy aids in Hasler events, hurrah!

So, what about The Darkness C1 trip to Oz? Well it made it. After many weeks at sea, the boat docked in Brisbane as 2017 started.

The Darkness at Brisbane docks

Frank and I incurred more costs as the freight company asked for a further £164 because of the weight of the crate, and Brisbane customs and import taxes also insisted on being paid too.

The Darkness arrives at its new home

However, Frank and his mates picked it up from the dockside and transported it home.

All in one piece

Seems like all that effort put into packing the boat out paid off, because it arrived in tact.

On the water in Oz

Like an impatient child at Christmas, Frank immediately took it out on the water.

Frank on a crazy mission

Not it seems he’s doing some crazy 1,000 km challenge. Good luck Frank.