BCN Challenge 2013

[Keeping Up]

Next year we just HAVE to take part!

 

As BCN Challenge virgins we won't bring Keeping Up for our first time, so does anybody want two extra crew members, please?

[beerbeerbeerbeerbeer]

Why not bring Keeping Up?

 

Glenn

[Keeping Up]

We need to crew first time to understand what it's all about and how to formulate a strategy, so that we can assemble a crew and win it the following year.

[RLWP]

We need to crew first time to understand what it's all about {snip}

 

That's pretty ambitious. It makes very little sense to me, and this is our fourth year

 

Richard

[Keeping Up]

That's pretty ambitious. It makes very little sense to me, and this is our fourth year

 

Richard

 

Oh I do believe in being ambitious. It doesn't mean it'll ever happen, of course, but you've got to have a dream, if you don't have a dream how you gonna have a dream come true

[beerbeerbeerbeerbeer]

 

Oh I do believe in being ambitious. It doesn't mean it'll ever happen, of course, but you've got to have a dream, if you don't have a dream how you gonna have a dream come true

You have to take the bull by the horns, and go for it.

Your first year is your 'recky'.

This was mine

 

See you next year

 

Glenn

[Mrs Trackman]

Thanks to everyone for your posts. I enjoyed following some of your travels. I think it's great youi all do the challenge, that's what the BCN needs, more boats. My favourite picture is of boats passing on the Wyrley and Essington, now that is a rarity.

[RLWP]

I'm delighted with this from the BCNS Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/BirminghamCanalNavigationsSociety

 

 

CWDF joint effort with Tawny Owl swapping to the inside of Cobbett, Cobbett steered by the crew of Iona, Cobbett crew fending and Red Wharf crew on ropes

 

Great fun

 

Richard

[wrigglefingers]

Oh I do believe in being ambitious. It doesn't mean it'll ever happen, of course, but you've got to have a dream, if you don't have a dream how you gonna have a dream come true

 

Tsk! It was my fourth BCNS Challenge and my main aim is not to collect the wooden spoon. I didn't find it floating about and I'm pretty sure it's not slunk aboard; although with Clarrie not finishing, it's by no means certain.

 

It was a splendid Challenge this year even though the weather was, well, weird and sunny and all that. Many thanks to Ange and Dave from Iona and Gingervit for crewing and to all of my friends, old and new for being so welcoming and lovely at the end when we were all blinkin' knackered.

 

Finally, a huge vote of thanks to Roy and John and Brenda of the BCNS for a magnificent event again. We shall see you all at Pelshall in three weeks time.

[winja]

How many boats took part ?

[john6767]

I see the BCNS have us on their facebook page too, coming out of the top lock at the finish (that decoration looks worth 5 points to me )

 

Finally got the boat back at 9:00 last night, so another 10 hour day yesterday, shame the weather was not good yesterday, but great that it was so good Sat and Sun.

 

Many thanks to the crew of Diesel and Dust, who helped us down Rushall and up Ryders Green.

How many boats took part ?

Apparently 24 (but one may have pulled out last minute)

[wrigglefingers]

How many boats took part ?

 

I have a vague recollection that there were 25 boats entered and 21 finished.

[winja]

Thank You

[Nine of Hearts]

Tsk! It was my fourth BCNS Challenge and my main aim is not to collect the wooden spoon. I didn't find it floating about and I'm pretty sure it's not slunk aboard; although with Clarrie not finishing, it's by no means certain.

 

With Clarrie in the DNF category, I think I shall be acquiring some new kitchenware. Hurray!

 

Finally got the boat back at 9:00 last night, so another 10 hour day yesterday, shame the weather was not good yesterday, but great that it was so good Sat and Sun.

 

Did you enjoy the lovely crosswind on the mainline? If I'd have had your contact details, I'd have pinged you to tell you which fisherboys not to bother slowing down for.

 

Apparently 24 (but one may have pulled out last minute)

 

Catholics, eh?

[RLWP]

Apropo of nothing in particular, we stopped at Brownhills on Monday while another boat took on water

 

Tesco is in the field at the bottom, the water point to the right of the arm:

 

 

http://www.britainfromabove.org.uk/image/epw015100

 

Richard

Edited May 28, 2013 by RLWP

[Odana]

We thoroughly enjoyed the End-of-challenge afternoon at the pub and promise to make a better effort to participate next year. Keeping Ups- welcome to join Team Poppy. We need committed crew because I'm normally wore out by May and fit only for galley duties unless chivvied out of apathy. You can get lost with us.

[john6767]

With Clarrie in the DNF category, I think I shall be acquiring some new kitchenware. Hurray!

 

 

Did you enjoy the lovely crosswind on the mainline? If I'd have had your contact details, I'd have pinged you to tell you which fisherboys not to bother slowing down for.

 

 

Catholics, eh?

Main Line was fine, did not notice any anglers, I must have been going to fast to see them!

 

What did get me though was between Worcester bar and Salvage turn, the moorings were full, a trip boat was coming the other way and a gust of wind blew me sideways into a moored hire boat. Very embarrassing, I must stop doing this slowing down for moored boats nonsense .

[Keeping Up]

We thoroughly enjoyed the End-of-challenge afternoon at the pub and promise to make a better effort to participate next year. Keeping Ups- welcome to join Team Poppy. We need committed crew because I'm normally wore out by May and fit only for galley duties unless chivvied out of apathy. You can get lost with us.

 

Thanks, we just might do that

[Odana]

Sitting at home today with the rain lashing down, and the heating on, makes me reflect on what a truly splendid weekend you had for the Challenge. Today the mere concept of sunburn seems alien!

[Tony K]

Enjoyed reading the 'live commentary' and banter guys and gals - and thanks for posting those pictures RLWP & John6767

[Laurie Booth]

Got as far as Brownhills but the last lap defeated us.

Followed "The Cat" up Factory locks who very kindly set the locks for us.

Hope to do better next year. Great event with great people, thanks to one and all.

Going on the "Explorer" next week, followed by Pelsall.

[beerbeerbeerbeerbeer]

Got as far as Brownhills but the last lap defeated us.

Followed "The Cat" up Factory locks who very kindly set the locks for us.

Hope to do better next year. Great event with great people, thanks to one and all.

Going on the "Explorer" next week, followed by Pelsall.

 

Met 'pearl' yesterday who are going on the 'explorer'.

The first few nights we will cover what we did on challenge.

And Wolverhampton, I stayed night before last, when I frit off two youths trying to climb in me cratch!

See you then then

 

Glenn

[Laurie Booth]

Met 'pearl' yesterday who are going on the 'explorer'.

The first few nights we will cover what we did on challenge.

And Wolverhampton, I stayed night before last, when I frit off two youths trying to climb in me cratch!

See you then then

 

Glenn

Be seeing you

[beerbeerbeerbeerbeer]

Be seeing you

Will be good to chat, rather than just wave each time we pass.

The weather will be cracking again.

 

Glenn

[madcat]

Next bit of excitement is Pelsall , looking forward to that.

Totally off topic but I managed to type in such nonsense that the spellchecker suggested site snot as an alternative to excitement