Entries were mainly in the lower divisions with split starts for some classes. Beth & Sarah went off with the first 4 in Div 7/8 K2, while Kath & Shob took the second start.
The course for the lower divisions is a short 4 miles with a number of very narrow sections, but a wider area to turn. There were a few entries in Divs 4, 5, & 6 K1 with only 2 in the 5/6 The higher divisions did the same course as the lower ones & then carried on past the club over 3 locks to a turn again in a wider basin, before returning over the locks & back to the club. For people who have done Waterside they were easy, with only one slightly high (60cm) drop. Most of the mud on the course was around the clubhouse, so was no problem to the competitors, but like Glastonbury is all part of the fun for spectators.
Lightning paddlers did a shorter course which is ideal for young paddlers with access on the towpath for the entire length. The fun race & Lightnings got higher entries than most other Midlands events & they clearly have the foundations of a lively & successful racing club in the future.
Despite a few very heavy showers, the weather was mostly warm with quite a bit of sunshine.
The ladies did their race & managed a 4th & 5th place, then lazed around in the sunshine while I did mine.
I squeezed ahead of Mark Clive in a most enjoyable & civilized race. Having dropped the rest of the field, we did "bit & bit" until nearly the last lock & finished within a second of each other.
He just beat me at Leamington & it was a pleasure to race against him again. It shouldn't be long before he leaves me for "dead" & gets promoted to Div 4 and onward.
Despite the 200 mile round trip to Oswestry it was a good day out, yet again in excellent company.
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