eneumeier Posted November 22, 2003 Share Posted November 22, 2003 Alex is bored. Alex wants more competition in the women's division of the Blackburn Challenge. I want more company back in the pack. :-))To those of you who have been thinking "I couldn't possibly do that" - if I can do it so can you. Read on.The plan is to practice the course in easily manageable sections during the winter and early spring so we are ready for serious training when the weather breaks. Alex will be with us, sharing tips, when her schedule permits. The course breaks down like this:1) The start: 3 NM out the Annisquam River, against the incoming tide. (They pick a date when the racers have to paddle against the current to make it more of a "challenge.") We'll do this section when it is too rough elsewhere, studying the currents, eddies, sand bars, channels, etc., and learn to paddle strong against the current without wearing ourselves out. 2) The fun part: 4 NM, point to point to point past Lanesville, Folly Cove and Halibut Point to Andrews Point in Rockport. People on the rocks cheering. You are warmed up but not tired. Rah, rah, rah! Lots of comraderie. Oh yeah! I can DO this!!!3) Sandy Bay crossing to Straightsmouth Straight (boring): 2 NM and traffic starts thinning out. Check in with the folks in the boat and you are halfway home!4) Straightsmouth to Emerson Point: Only 1.5 NM but how close can you stay to the rocks to save time and distance? 5) Heartbreak hill - Emerson Point to Braces Cove: 4NM if you stay on a heading of 235, which is to say offshore. If there is a headwind, as in 2003, you are already tired when you hit it. I found paddling offshore by myself disconcerting because it was so hard to tell if I was making any forward progress. Was I ever happy to see red nun #4! I want to practice this stretch a lot to get more comfortable with that. Who wants to think about bailing when you have already gone more than halfway?4) Where is that damn lighthouse and how long is this damn breakwater - Braces Cove to the harbor entrance: the longest 1.3 NM ever paddled. 5) The finish: 1.6 NM From Dogbar to the beach: Boats stay out of my way I'm in a race. How hard can you paddle when you are really tired?We will learn all the course headings and visual markers. And (Ken: you might want to skip this sentence), where all the bailout points are. If you are not having fun, you will know exactly what your nearest options allow.On the thread Ken started about paddling skills, I said I learn best when I am relaxed, not scared. So, that is the approach here. For those who like living/paddling more on the edge, please enjoy doing your own thing. All I ask is that you refrain from drinking all the Ipswich Ale at the beer tent before I get there. :-))Alex and I want to help more women get ready for the Blackburn Challenge in 2004, but guys are welcome to join us too. The only rule is no whining about the pace, being too cautious, etc. If you want to be put on the list for "training" dates, post here or send me an email: eneumeier AT earthlink.netMost of the paddling will be done on Sunday afternoons, starting (if Gale stays away) in January. Post questions here.Liz N. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted November 22, 2003 Share Posted November 22, 2003 Liz,Please keep me posted. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stnoonan Posted November 22, 2003 Share Posted November 22, 2003 I would love to join, and trust me when I tell you that you won't hear any grouching from me. I probably won't make every Sunday (there is good skiing in the winter after all), but I am interested in becoming a better racer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Gwynn Posted November 22, 2003 Share Posted November 22, 2003 What a great idea...Sundays are perfect for me...please add me to your list.BillP&H Capella...All White Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 22, 2003 Share Posted November 22, 2003 Liz,Please count me in. I would love to give this a try !Deb Dempesy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eneumeier Posted November 22, 2003 Author Share Posted November 22, 2003 >I probably won't make >every Sunday (there is good skiing in the winter after all)I ski too. This won't be every Sunday. I'll figure out a tentative schedule but we'll have to be guided by the marine forecast, in addition to conditions on the slopes. I hope to get enough dates in to cover all sections twice before June 1, then start piecing sections together before doing the whole thing at least twice before the race.Liz N. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 22, 2003 Share Posted November 22, 2003 ok - I'll bite. Last saturday taught me the need to work on my forward storke in the wind. Count me in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 22, 2003 Share Posted November 22, 2003 count me in-les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leong Posted November 23, 2003 Share Posted November 23, 2003 Count me in as an occasional show. At the least, I can carry the boats.P.S.Liz, you'll have to wait until next summer for my next bluefish dropoff.Leon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eneumeier Posted November 23, 2003 Author Share Posted November 23, 2003 >Count me in as an occasional show. At the least, I can carry >the boats. Or tow anyone who wants to see how it feels to go over 7 knots. :-))>Liz, you'll have to wait until next summer for my next >bluefish dropoff. I had a piece of the last one for lunch. It is still delicious.Liz N. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 23, 2003 Share Posted November 23, 2003 Great idea. I'm interested.Please keep me posted.Helen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulariegel Posted November 23, 2003 Share Posted November 23, 2003 Please keep me posted too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suz Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Liz,Count me in.Suz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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