Captain Pegg Posted June 4, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2023 (edited) 21 hours ago, David Mack said: Does anyone know of a suitable tracking app (preferably free and available in android and ios versions) which participants could use to track their progress, and the organisers (or perhaps anyone else as well) would be able to see the progress of all the participants? I have debated this possibility with @Rob-M in the past. It would not suit everyone though so perhaps not something to make compulsory but I think it would be fun. 21 hours ago, agg221 said: We were discussing this en-route. Need to talk to @Richard Fairhurst The past two years the finish has been pretty central - no more than a few hours to head off the BCN via whichever direction. I know this year we and Ferrous had to head off and last year there were at least three boats which did. I think it may be an important factor to have somewhere of that nature now that the aim is to get to the finish (if you go back far enough, it wasn't, but it is probably better this way). Pelsall for example is a nice location but I suspect you would lose a few competitors that way. Alec Agreed, and I think to take the finish to the societies and folks who look after and care for parts of the BCN is a good thing. Although Longwood fits that criteria. Edited June 5, 2023 by Captain Pegg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob-M Posted June 4, 2023 Report Share Posted June 4, 2023 I did start playing with a web page where each boat would simply click a submit location button each time they got to a junction and positions of each boat was shown on a map but I never got time to fully work on it. There is also the photos and questions that need to be submitted as well so not just about tracking location. I was chatting to someone from Withymoor Island in the pub and they would be happy to host again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agg221 Posted June 4, 2023 Report Share Posted June 4, 2023 40 minutes ago, Captain Pegg said: I have debated this possibility with @Rob-M in the past. It would suit everyone though so perhaps not something to make compulsory but I think it would be fun. Agreed, and I think to take the finish to the societies and folks who look after and care for parts of the BCN is a good thing. Although Longwood fits that criteria. Longwood would have been particularly challenging this year. I wondered about Titford Pools (except we can't actually get in there) or do the BCNS still have the pump house at the top of the locks? Or Smethwick Pump House? Alec Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Pegg Posted June 4, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2023 53 minutes ago, agg221 said: Longwood would have been particularly challenging this year. I wondered about Titford Pools (except we can't actually get in there) or do the BCNS still have the pump house at the top of the locks? Or Smethwick Pump House? Alec Titford pumphouse is the BCNS HQ. It was the finishing location in both 2017 and 2018. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Herne Posted June 4, 2023 Report Share Posted June 4, 2023 (edited) Smethwick pumping station would be interesting, giving the option to arrive on either level. There are rings on both with steps in between. Anyone know if there's space in the building (now museum) for the reception and beer, or if it's available for such use? Might be space to pitch a couple of bays of the BCNS marquee outside. Urban Moorings at Horseley Fields have a clubhouse and a reasonably accessible location, but not much room for visiting boats with no suitable towpath nearby. Hawne similar, bit further out of the way but more mooring options and really cheap diesel. Dudley Canal Trust at BCLM? Or if it could be arranged to raise the swing bridge, inside the museum arm would be very neat. Centre of Birmingham would be great for publicity and choice of refreshments. Edited June 4, 2023 by Francis Herne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Mack Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 (edited) 7 hours ago, Francis Herne said: Centre of Birmingham would be great for publicity and choice of refreshments. The 2001 Challenge finished in the centre of Birmingham. This was the view back from Fulbourne down the Main Line home straight approaching the finish. Edited June 5, 2023 by David Mack 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob-M Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 2019 also finished in Birmingham, we long lined Scorpio and Leo up Aston and Farmers Bridge with Richard Parry on board. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Pegg Posted June 5, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 2016 finished at Hawne Basin 2015 at Bradley 2013 and/or 2014 at Walsall Before that there was a Longwood finish. I wasn’t aware that there was ever a time when there was no designated finish location and that originally Gas St was the finish. Central Birmingham has both advantages and disadvantages but remains a possibility. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob-M Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 Personally, I think the best finish locations are those that have a space where all crews can socialise together. For me the best end locations have been Hawne Basin, Titford, Withymoor Island and Tipton. Although the pub at Tipton wasn't great as the singing was too loud to have a conversation. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonka Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 On 03/06/2023 at 22:51, Goliath said: Well done I was dead impressed with the totting up of the scores and the presentation of trophies on the day, that was a good idea. Whether that’d be possible with twice the amount of entrants 🤷♀️and the time it’d take. on that thought: in the past it were ok to finish anywhere and post in the results up to perhaps a week later. I guess this year that matter never arose because all Challengers came to Tipton (I think). But in the future could that be a problem? For example: the Finish Line is Tipton but one gets as far as 🤷♀️ Walsall the beer was Ace! very good. And to Dolly: I’m so sorry if I were a noisy neighbour with music. I’m sure we were noisy. I hang me head in shame. Sorry. But hopefully not as bad as the Karaoke you suffered 😃 @Goliath There is no need to apologise about being a noisy neighbour. Because we have a dog we did not go to the pub apart from me who went and got a takeaway from there. Your music was nice and perhaps you and your lady friend Amanda could be the entertainment at next year's finish 9 hours ago, agg221 said: Longwood would have been particularly challenging this year. I wondered about Titford Pools (except we can't actually get in there) or do the BCNS still have the pump house at the top of the locks? Or Smethwick Pump House? Alec Can I ask why Longwood would have been challenging this year. We came through as part of the challenge late Saturday night and we draw 2ft 6in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob-M Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 16 minutes ago, Tonka said: Can I ask why Longwood would have been challenging this year. We came through as part of the challenge late Saturday night and we draw 2ft 6in When we were heading that way Saturday afternoon we were told there was a problem at one of Rushall Locks and you couldn't get through so we reversed back to Newton junction and changed our plans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Fairhurst Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 11 hours ago, agg221 said: We were discussing this en-route. Need to talk to @Richard Fairhurst I really need to finish off my iOS canal map app (and do an Android port)! A live tracking feature wouldn't be too hard to implement and would be a lot of fun for events like the Challenge. Remind me. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonka Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 As a new entrant to this event we found it very enjoyable. It was well run and thoroughly good fun at the finish. Not sure what the idiosyncrasies @Captain Pegg was referring to in his post. A couple of the rules need greater clarification. Firstly you get "A bonus of 15 points will be awarded to those whose challenge ends at the designated finish before 2.00pm" but surely there is a time that it comes into affect I.e 1.00 pm or could you go straight from the start to the finish and get the 15points. Secondly with regard to walkers , now I assume that it is to do with paired boats but as we have a dog at some points the wife got off and walked with the dog. Could we have recorded this as walked and got bonus points? All in all it was a fun weekend and one which we had taken part in earlier then we did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beerbeerbeerbeerbeer Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 Yes it was fun. I do like the idea of a finish in the Black Country Museum, that’s definitely a bit of the canal I’ve never took my boat. Would it mean no fees need paying paid to CRT ? otherwise I generally like the idea of finishes where boats don’t usually gather. I think it’s good to remind locals we exist. regards completing digital records or paper records I’m a supporter of paper and pen everytime. For fun we produced a sketch this year in place of a photo. But hey, I’ll go with the flow. It’s always enjoyable, so long may it continue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie Booth Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 4 hours ago, Rob-M said: Personally, I think the best finish locations are those that have a space where all crews can socialise together. For me the best end locations have been Hawne Basin, Titford, Withymoor Island and Tipton. Although the pub at Tipton wasn't great as the singing was too loud to have a conversation. Brownhills would be a good finishing point. 1 hour ago, Goliath said: Yes it was fun. I do like the idea of a finish in the Black Country Museum, that’s definitely a bit of the canal I’ve never took my boat. Would it mean no fees need paying paid to CRT ? otherwise I generally like the idea of finishes where boats don’t usually gather. I think it’s good to remind locals we exist. regards completing digital records or paper records I’m a supporter of paper and pen everytime. For fun we produced a sketch this year in place of a photo. But hey, I’ll go with the flow. It’s always enjoyable, so long may it continue. The Black Country museum is nothing to do with CRT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Mack Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 (edited) For those who weekend their boats to/from the event, start and finish locations which offer (or are close to) safe moorings to leave the boat unattended for a few days would be an advantage. Edited June 5, 2023 by David Mack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beerbeerbeerbeerbeer Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 8 minutes ago, Laurie Booth said: Brownhills would be a good finishing point. The Black Country museum is nothing to do with CRT. yes and I know where you want the finish 😂😂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie Booth Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 2 hours ago, Goliath said: yes and I know where you want the finish 😂😂 Fazeley is an obvious ending point much ignored by the organisers 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victor Vectis Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 7 hours ago, Rob-M said: Personally, I think the best finish locations are those that have a space where all crews can socialise together. For me the best end locations have been Hawne Basin, Titford, Withymoor Island and Tipton. Although the pub at Tipton wasn't great as the singing was too loud to have a conversation. And I was told the bars on the windows are to keep undesireables in. 😃 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenA Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 (edited) 21 hours ago, David Mack said: Does anyone know of a suitable tracking app (preferably free and available in android and ios versions) which participants could use to track their progress, and the organisers (or perhaps anyone else as well) would be able to see the progress of all the participants? We have a half built PWA for canalplan (so no app to install and can even run on a PC) which has the ability to share your location with "friends" We've done some running tests on the shroppie between Drayton and Wheaton Aston, and need to add some better caching so it can run without a good internet connection - and yes I know one of the image isn't the Shroppie but that's when we put it in test mode. Edited June 5, 2023 by StephenA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Pegg Posted June 5, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 The point about the finishing bonus is an interesting one. The BCNS encourages boaters to take the six hour break. However it isn’t absolutely mandatory. So perhaps the bonus should only apply to those boats that take at least 6 hours break and arrive at the finish by 1400. I don’t think the BCLM is a suitable finishing location. The museum is unlikely to let ordinary leisure boats gather in the arm, and what would happen after 1700ish when the museum closes? Perhaps the tug gathering has a solution to that issue. The CRT moorings are generally full of other boats and I don’t think the BCNS would favour pushing them out since they are visitors to the attractions. The DC&TT area is generally full of their own boats. Ending at a location where boats can be left on secure moorings is a good suggestion. Start location is as convenient as it ever could be since you can start anywhere on the BCN including Fazeley Junction; a place at which the event will never finish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEngo Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 I know Wolverhampton Boat Club is a little bit off the BCN but their facilities might make a beer, prizes and tall tales destination with the actual finish at Aldersley junction. A Sunday stampede down the 21 would be interesting at the least. N Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie Booth Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 54 minutes ago, Captain Pegg said: The point about the finishing bonus is an interesting one. The BCNS encourages boaters to take the six hour break. However it isn’t absolutely mandatory. So perhaps the bonus should only apply to those boats that take at least 6 hours break and arrive at the finish by 1400. I don’t think the BCLM is a suitable finishing location. The museum is unlikely to let ordinary leisure boats gather in the arm, and what would happen after 1700ish when the museum closes? Perhaps the tug gathering has a solution to that issue. The CRT moorings are generally full of other boats and I don’t think the BCNS would favour pushing them out since they are visitors to the attractions. The DC&TT area is generally full of their own boats. Ending at a location where boats can be left on secure moorings is a good suggestion. Start location is as convenient as it ever could be since you can start anywhere on the BCN including Fazeley Junction; a place at which the event will never finish. Why would it never finish at FAZELEY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Mack Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 1 hour ago, StephenA said: We have a half built PWA for canalplan (so no app to install and can even run on a PC) which has the ability to share your location with "friends" We've done some running tests on the shroppie between Drayton and Wheaton Aston, and need to add some better caching so it can run without a good internet connection - and yes I know one of the image isn't the Shroppie but that's when we put it in test mode. Can you track multiple 'friends' at once? For the challenge it would be good to have map of the BCN with moving dots for all the participants. A bit like the Harry Potter Marauders Map, really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Pegg Posted June 5, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 Just now, Laurie Booth said: Why would it never finish at FAZELEY The point of the Challenge is to promote usage of the lesser used sections of the BCN so asking every boat to navigate for 25% of the available time on a canal that’s used by lots of boats every day isn’t going to achieve that aim. It would also be very limiting on where boats could get to in the 24 hours. The outlying places on well used canals - Fazeley, Aldersley and Delph - are only available as starting locations. I think similar applies to Wolverhampton Boat Club even though the facilities themselves would be suitable. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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