EDITORIAL

Mike Allen

You will find both the SGM Calling notice and a leaflet for a charity event enclosed within this issue.

The 'Millennium Madness' event is being run to raise money for cancer research by the father of Mary Carlisle's godson, who sadly died two years ago. If you are unable to take part you may want to sponsor somebody who can.

The spring weather has encouraged me back into my boat for a session round the gates down at the club but despite three close calls I managed not to swim and will be puttingsome more river time in, before our first slalom on 8th and 9th April. Pete King has a comprehensive write up of what's been going on. if you can send me an article about a trip that you have been on, or want to let more members know what your group of paddlers have planned in the next couple of months I'll print it in the next issue. If individuals want to advertise kit and boats for sale I will put that in too - the next copy deadline is 22nd April 2000.

See you around.

R.I.P.

Broughton Baths Thursday Night General Sessions

DUE TO LACK OF SUPPORT AND FINANCIAL LOSSES IT IS UNLIKELY THAT THE GENERAL SESSIONS IN THEIR PRESENT FORM WILL LAST BEYOND APRIL 2000.

M.C.C. has had a general pool session on the north side of Manchester for as long as most people can remember. It has been a facility provided by the club and much used and enjoyed by many members over the years. Once lost, it will be very hard, if ever, to reinstate it if ever there becomes a demand for this facility again.

THERE IS HOPE HOWEVER.

February's sessions were very well attended. But April will probably be the last month at Broughton unless YOU, the members, attend in numbers and show that this facility is needed.

Most paddlers new and old benefit from pool sessions.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED - IT'S UP TO YOU.

Stan Oxley.

CHAIRMAN'S CHAT (PRESIDENTS PRATTLE)

Peter King

Sorry to say you are still getting the ersatz version rather than the real Tim. We are however moving on although slower than with his dynamism. There is a lot happening. For a start spring is almost on us which will give a chance for those who have paddled the Baths over the winter to get outside and find what it's really about. There will usually be people to help you on Tuesday evenings (yes, its probably going to be daylight 'til 8 soon) and Sunday mornings. Give me a ring if in doubt.

On a broader front you will find a notice calling an S.G.M. The purpose is to finally decide whether, given an offer of lottery money we should go ahead with building a permanent hut or whether the membership has so changed over the years that we no longer want it. Whatever you think, this-is an important decision for the club's future and I would urge you to attend.

Still on the site there is a working weekend on 25/26th March which while hard work does give you a chance to make a contribution to the club and not one of those who joins just for what they get out. We like to have the site tidied up after winter both to encourage those who train, either seriously or casually and to make a good impression on competitors visiting the site at the beginning and end of April.

We will soon be into the part of the touring year in which the choice moves away from the winter rivers to sea, surf, trips abroad and Wednesday evening tours locally. Thetouring programme as ever offers a lot of variety and as ever I hope to find the extra bit of time to be able to go on more trips so don't look too shocked if I turn out. If I don't, do enjoy yourselves.

SLALOM TRAINING

Peter King

Training goes on through the year by a devoted few. We still have one of the best club slalom training facilities in the UK. We also have a number of coaches who are capable of taking beginners through to top national level. Many beginners in the past failed to realise just how fast they were progressing. Slalom apart from being a good sport in its own right is a means of developing white water skills in safety and as such it is particularly good for teenagers between say 10 and 60. If you have made a start or want to improve from a low level please contact Peter King on 01663 746690 and we'll try to fix a time with you. If you can, a group of three to six who can learn together is more fun and often makes faster progress than a solo effort.

If you have got to, or close to Division Two talk to James Corden who will offer to help and let you know what groups exist and when they paddle.

We are very anxious as a club to increase numbers representing the club in slalom especially in interclub competitions which have a social side as well.

THE FIRST CLUB SERIES SLALOM - 29th, 30th APRIL, lst MAY

This is a new series aimed at bringing together paddlers with an interest (but maybe no experience) in Slalom for a weekend of Competition, Coaching and not least Socialising. We are organising the opening event of the series at Marple.

Briefly clubs enter teams to compete against each other (in one hopes a friendly way). The format is for paddlers to race in teams of three on Saturday and as individuals on Sunday. Both count towards the score in a system designed so that beginners can influence the result as much as the more experienced (in fact the best paddlers in Div. 1 and Premier only take part as event officials and as coaches!). The event also includes a Division Four (entry level) event so you can if you wish, start a serious slalom career at the same time.

We need lots of paddlers and lots of help and support. We don't know just how the event will run (it is the first) but expect that there will be a large entry and Paul will be grateful of any offers, especially help to put the course up on Friday.

If you would like coaching before the event ask Pete King or Dave Bradshaw.

Friday Course erection and tidy the site from 11am on. Perhaps a chance to practice from late on.

Saturday Team runs, coaching, socialising

Sunday Individual runs and results

Monday Coaching session

STICK IT IN YOUR DIARY NOW AND JOIN US FOR THE WEEKEND OR AT LEAST PART OF IT.

GOYT RACE AND MERSEY RACE

Peter King

What have we done to deserve it? Two fine winters days, one for each event with plenty of water as well.

Entries are still too low but we seem to be re-establishing a nucleus of paddlers who enjoy river racing in the winter with some impressive times recorded in the club events, which in both cases were held at the same time as Ranking events so that comparisons were possible. It was also nice to see 2 Benjamins (12-13 year olds) in both races and 2 Ladies taking a C2 down the Mersey. The events can't be run without the help of non-paddlers and many thanks are due to Barbara, Lucy, Allan, Bill and Jill.

GOYT RACE - January 2000

VeteransTimePoints
1Ian DaviesR 13.0820
2Paul KellyR13.1019
3Pete KingS14.57 18
4Paul Newman S 16.14 17
Senior Men
1 James Corden R 11.38 20
2 Rob Watson R 13.01 19
3 Jim Krawiecki R 14.03 18
4 Mike Newby S 17.37 17
Junior Men
1 Steve Ireland S 18.01 20
Benjamin
1 Nathan Stevenson S 15.51 20
2 Bryan Sykes S 16.01 19
C2
1 Cooke/Bradshaw R 14.10 20
R = WWR Boat S=Slalom Boat

MERSEY RACE

VeteransTimePoints
1 Ian Davies R 14.34 20
2 Paul Kelly R 14.47 19
3 Richard Scaife R 16.49 18
4 Paul Newman S 17.01 17
5 Roy Bradshaw S 18.40 16
Senior Men
1 James Corden R 13.39 20
2= Ashleigh Dak W 15.58 19
2= Jim Krawiecki R 15.58 19
4 Robert Watson S 16.18 17
Poussin
1 Nathan Stevenson S 18.16 20
2 Bryan Sykes S 18.48 19
C2 1 Cooke/Bradshaw R 15.56 20
2 Cathy/Kay S 24.07 19
Phil Heald and Dave Sykes acted as escorts.
R = WWRacer, W = Wavehopper, S = Slalom

BOXING DAY

Peter King

This used to be described as a race at which a few feeling less keen on rushing round did a less energetic tour "to take beginners down". Now we find that the tourers outnumber the racers by about the 10 to 1 but it is still a sociable occasion. This year I went down to escort beginners but as there were few about at 10.30 I was escorted down the Goyt and had the chance to play until we got caught up with racers so dodging between them we ran down and enjoyed our soup and mince pies before migrating to the Navigation. Sorry I can't remember much more but it's two months ago and I seem to have lost the disc with this on. So much for computers and their drivers!

NEW YEAR WALKING (?) WEEKEND

Peter King

One of the best attended weekends for many years and one which lasted for five nights.Tim had booked us into the St Andrews Centre in Coniston, right at the centre of the town. Of course we had to be greeted with tales of how good the weather had been before our arrival but this did not prevent an exploration of the Grisedale Forest area on foot and especially by bike. The most serious walking seems to have been on Wetherlam on Friday by four (in steadily worsening conditions after the heat haze had failed to clear) followed by several parties setting out on a variety of routes to the Old Man on Saturday. The day had dawned fair but cloud came in to beat most of us to the summit and together with the wind, discouraged a few from making it. Perhaps the most successful ascent must go to Carol and Simon who became engaged on the summit and arrived back late. On Sunday the assault of further corners of Grisedale as well as the Hawkshead sale continued but other attractions were a paddle on the Brathay by no less than nine of us which was enjoyable despite being a little shallow for the heavier weights at the start. At the same time at least a dozen were taking the "steamer" down Coniston complete with a running commentary pointing out the Swallows and Amazons locations to the delight of one young addict.

TC dressed up

What about the Millennium? Yes it did get celebrated in a variety of ways. A mass meal, mainly the effort of Angus and Rick. The "styling" of Tim by youthful admirers. James's announcement of where midnight was up to as it approached from the East. Of Irish Pete's desperate attempts to tune a radio so that we would know the exact hour of midnight. Hugs, handshakes, kisses and a few drinks and outside to watch both public and our own private fireworks by Andy. Whatever the memories it was good to have spent it with so many friends.

The hostel was close to luxury. We struggled on Wednesday to get it coo[ enough to live in. The kitchen seemed small but we managed. Apart from the lounge and dining room there was a more than adequate games room with pool, table tennis and table football to while away any hours to be spared from chat.

Apart from the residents we were visited by Frank, Diana, Boots and Helena, John, Julie, Sophie and Stuart, Ross Purdy and Dave Manby while Dave Bradshaw and Kay journeyed up twice.

The aftermath. For a start after many years Tim has asked to be relieved of the task of organising New Years. Fearful that the world will stop without an MCC walking weekend, Angus has taken over. I can't remember just when Tim took over from Maurice but it must be many years ago. As someone who has attended most years - a HUGE thank you to Tim. Many of us have spent many happy hours together. Lesser aftermath's:-

A black and red cag thought to be Kayleigh's. Angus has it.

A blue child size Cag: try Janet and Peter

A steel flask at the same address

An empty box of mince pies (we thought they might not keep!) If you want the box back ask Higgy.

Next year after the luxury of Coniston the harsh realities of Glenridding. Costs not yet known but book earlywith Angus.

GOYT: NEW MILLS GORGE

Peter King

You may have seen reports of the opening of the Torrs walkway. It is an impressive structure and worth a visit if you are nearby. As canoeist it has an unfortunate effect which we will bring the notice of the EA. Some 150m after the vertical weir (where the Sett joins the Goyt) there is a sloping weir adjacent to the Mill.

One leg of the walkway now obstructs the old shoot on the right and there are also now some large rocks obstructing the right hand half of the river. At high levels I see no problem in the centre. Memory has it that there were some bushes on the right that it was easy to get swept into at higher levels as well as a ledge in the corner.

BATHS SESSION

Peter King

The BAD news. Thursday evening sessions at Broughton baths have run very marginally financially for some time and last year cost the club a tot. This may be acceptable if the members are getting good value but the greatest number of users lately have been non-members who had no intention of joining. The committee have had to close these sessions. Polo will of course continue (we hope) to flourish. Our thanks are due to Stan who has worked hard to keep these sessions going with very little help.

The GOOD news is that we have extended our booking at Hazel Grove to June 25th, missing out Bank Holiday weekends. During this extended period there will be a mixture of "open" sessions and organised training. We are looking into the possibility of extending the sessions to 90 minutes of which the first 45 would be organised training and the second open. This will mean that it is easier to control the organised training and at the same time make the baths less crowded on popular nights. Please let us know your views.

We are also looking for more members to train as pool lifeguards. The training is free at Jackson's Lane, usually on Wednesdays.

Roy has stepped down as Hazel Grove Baths Officer. We are looking for a volunteer who will look after booking the baths (about an hour a year) and organising a rota of people to be in charge each week. This is more onerous but there are a number of people who have already offered help and having got things set up the only other task is to review from time to time the need to repair or replace equipment.

WORKING WEEKEND - 25th/26th MARCH

Peter King

Every year over the winter the site (despite the best efforts of Alan) deteriorates and work is needed to get it back up to scratch. We try to do this before our first slalom so that Visitors get a good impression. It also makes the site better for our own use.

There are lots of jobs that need doing and for many no great skill or strength is needed. We will be more than glad to provide any training that you need.

Among jobs planned are:

If you can come for a day (or both) or even for a couple of hours your help will be very gratefully accepted. If you can tell Paul Newman in advance it will help us to plan the weekend better and also might mean that you get to choose a job rather than be drafted into one - but no promises.

ps. It can be useful if you bring along anything from a spade and pickaxe to a pair of secateurs.

MANCHESTER VELODROME

Mike Allen

I know this is nothing to do with paddling but I thought as many members are also keen mountain bike types it may be of interest. I was lucky enough to be given two places on a 'taster session' at the Manchester Velodrome indoor cycle track for my birthday. I had been along to look at the track before, with Caroline, when no racing was taking place and the velodrome was certainly impressive to took at. All the track is banked, shallow banking on the straights and much steeper banking on the bends. I decided to recruit my brother in law Andy as moral support, he used to race mountain bikes and is generally in much better shape than me. When we arrived, we had to sign a form saying any bruises resulting from a tumble were our own fault and then we went to the changing rooms to get kitted up. I just wore a sweatshirt and track pants, Andy wore his cycling kit. The centre's bikes are kept down below the track in a secure compound and they have various sizes to suit all leg lengths. I was impressed by the standard of the bikes - lightweight frames with good quality wheels and chain set. Brakes? Gears? There aren't any! You have a fixed rear sprocket so you cannot freewheel. To stow down you just resist the cranks as they try and push your legs round. We had a short concise briefing by the coach "to keep power on in the bends and not to back off if we were scared on the corner, or the rear wheel may skid down the banking and you may not just fall off yourself but take down some riders following you!"

The track is an oval with a flat inner ring of green painted concrete which you start out on. Holding on to the inner guard railing I got onto the saddle and fitted my feet into the toe clips, a bit of a wobble and the coach shoved me in the back to send me off on my warm up taps to get used to the fixed gearing (Coach Tip 1 - don't cane it, he said, you'll slide off on thecorners as the green paint can be slippy) speeding up and slowing down is a strange feeling, as if you are connected to a big gyroscope or flywheel. We did two or three taps then came in to confirm we were happy. (Coach Tip 2 - Don't grab the guard rail for support at speed, or to try and stop yourself, unless you are going very slowly, you'll (a) break your wrist, or (b) pendulum the expensive bike into the railing.)

We set off again, told to get onto the gently banked inner ring of the wooden track. The first two feet of boarding are only at about 5% and painted pale blue. 'When we were ready' the coach said, move onto the banking proper at the start of either of the straights and don't forget to keep the power on in the bend. It took me five Laps on the blue boarding to work up enough nerve to move onto the first banked section of 'real' track, after another five Laps I was trembling with nervous energy and decided to slow down and have a breather. Andy seemed to have the measure of the track already and while I collected my wits he went back out again to tag onto a rider who had travelled up from Flint. I set off around the green-inner section then up on to the blue banking and then further up the track to the middle line and gave chase. The coach had said that once you on the banking, at any section its angle is constant regardless of how high or Low you are however the higher up you are the greater the distance round the curve you have to pedal. Tell me about it, I was starting to fade. I could not catch the two of them up, in fact they were reeling me in steadily, swapping places as 'front man' every three laps or so.

The hour was soon up and at £6.20 including use of the Velodrome bike I think it was excellent value for money.

If you are grabbed by the 'track' bug the next step is a 'skill' session to learn about team riding, manoeuvring on the track etc

I need legs in stronger shape before I think about that one!


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