Days don't come much more miserable, but there were still about 30 NKC paddlers out training in K1 or K2. Not content with high water and weather discomfort, the majority opted for adding to the pain pleasure by doing a long paddle to Beeston or even Barton Island.
Some people also added to the pleasure by swimming a little to cool down as they headed upstream, but most paddlers settled for gritting their teeth and carrying on round Barton Island and back downstream to Beeston.
The conditions downstream of the weir added extra spice to the mix which offered more swimming opportunities for some. Fortunately others on the water or bank were on hand to make sure it didn't get too exciting. Particular mention must go to Nigel for a starring role as lifeguard and his skill, prompt response and loud voice all proved invaluable.
Music featured in the videos from CCMixter: The Final Rewind - Tryad This River - loveshadow Drops of H2O (Filtered Water Treatment) - djlang59
Despite cold and windy weather, Abbie/Pat, Zyggy, Max, Rex, Pete/Geordie & Mick/Caroline completed the 20 mile session to Radcliffe & round The Loop yesterday.
Freezing conditions didn't deter Rex and Alison turning their training sessions into Bi-athlon events. We understand that both survived the experience intact and will be out there again in the very near future.
Two paddlers are reputed to have aged considerably during yesterday's training session.
Who said spring was on it's way? The lumpy bits near Clifton & The Flats say different! The girls, the old men, Cathy & Kath did the farmhouse session last night. The river was down, but there was a cold upstream wind. Geordie thought I was soft, wearing pogies. I thought Ralph was soft, doing a paddling machine session. Ralph probably thought all those who didn't turn up at all were soft! Michael, Norm etc. are really the only hard ones - they did Beeston! A few others were out doing their own thing, but I expect it was winter where they were too.
Last night was the last of Mix & Match sessions for this winter - so we must be into summer training. I don't think the weather agrees! The session was a particularly good one with 7 seniors (mostly veterans) & 3 juniors taking part. Although a bit chilly, the river was calm, the wind fairly light & a bit of daylight for the first half. The girls showed just how ready they are to get started on this season's racing, by stroking 3 boats powered by the "old men." Actually that includes me, although mine was powered by the "old woman!" One of the most enjoyable sessions this winter!
