We had a good training session on Sunday doing a 10 mile kayak run. Decided to go somewhere different yet still do one of the official segments from the Cheshire Ring Race. 90 miles to go….
Another day during the week…
Three weeks to go when all this can finally finish…
Work….
Later in evening….
Where will we be on race day and at what time?
Since supporters are starting to ask about where we will be on race day I decided to stitch together four photos of our map to hopefully make a highly zoom-able image. Not the best stitching software (or photos) but you can indeed zoom in to see what is going on and when.
Clicking on the below image will give you an idea of the route. There are rough times in the center of the map (which are times we are aiming for). BUT stay tuned as we may have a live tracking solution on the kayaks for real time positioning. We are in the process of testing our solution before announcing it to everyone.
Route plan for race day
Finally managed to get the route plan for race day done. For those that are interested here are the details. PDF file which outlines where and who.
So how are we getting on in the Falcon K2?
We have run out of time using the Falcon K2 and we need to get the miles in. We have talked to the race organizers and are officially allowed to use two kayaks. In fact, anyone can use as many boats as they want as long as they are registered. The problem is that us “bigger chaps” are having problems in this 220 liter race kayak but Steve and Matt (the little ones) appear to be mastering it. So the current plan is to use two kayaks on race day. None-the-less we have all made a good effort in the Marsport Falcon K2 and have improved greatly. YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feDc_dYU61s
From this….
To this….
To this….
The long lonely hours as the miles pass by
It has been a few weeks since my last update. Basically we have all been putting in the long lonely miles, visiting portages and finalizing logistics.
We are getting better using the Falcon K2 with some personal adjustments
This is video shows our third day using the Falcon K2. The initial falling in is with the seats in and the second half of the video is with the seats out…
Spot the difference!
New low profile seats are now on order. Well done chaps as it is not fun falling into the canal when it is cold and the water is extremely dirty!
YouTube video here:
Before and after lowering the seats
Our poster is complete and will be appearing all over Macclesfield soon
Special thanks to Dan Chaloner who has completed our advertising poster. Looks brilliant Dan, nice job and thanks from all of us…
If anyone feels inclined to print this out and place in your office, business or in the back of your car, please feel free to do so.
New low profile seats for the Falcon K2 on their way
After our session with Neil from MADCC last Friday Neil recommended that we lower the seats in the Falcon K2 to give us more stability. So Steve phoned Marsport and they are now going to be making us two custom seats especially for the Falcon K2 at a discounted rate (custom molded) . These new seats will be around an inch to an inch and a half lower than our existing seats. Now this does not sound like much but it does make a HUGE difference in a serious race boat like the Falcon K2 lowering our center of gravity and making the boat more stable when paddling.
While discussing monies for these new seats between the Jolly Paddler team members David Stebbings from the Storm Brewing Company overheard the discussion and literally put his hand into his wallet and gave us cash for the full amount. Thanks Dave, that was very generous and kind mate and much appreciated!
The new seats ought to arrive next week some time and Marsport has also donated free delivery given the nature of what we are doing.
Brilliant job Steve for spending the time to sort that out (we all know it took quite some time on the phone during working hours), Dave for financing them and Marsport for working out a solution at a discounted price and free delivery. All this done within 2 days – yet another result!
Our map for the Cheshire Ring Race is up in the Jolly Sailor
We decided to make a map of the “Cheshire Ring Race” route so that people we talk to get a perspective of what the race involves. Special thanks to Glenn (the proprietor of the Jolly Sailor on Sunderland street) for letting us have some wall space. Cheers mate..
Kayaking for care. A team fundraising event for East Cheshire Hospice. 