Rowing

Body parts

Today a post about different body parts. Like feet, knees, fingers and head. Let me begin at the beginning. Yesterday we should be rowing, but because of the ice on parts of the canal that wasn't possible. That's why we 'enjoyed' some 40 minutes of time on the ergometer. Because of this I was home early that day because I also could not coach because of the weather. The chain on Ocho, my velomobile was making a bit more noise lately, so I decided to lubricate it after a bit more than 2600 kilometers. That also gave me the opportunity to slide the pedals a bit forward.

Curb edge in the snow

Yesterday evening we had a course at our rowingclub to become a referee. You will help the race run smoothly. Someone takes care that all the boats are aligned at the start, another starts the clock, someone else takes care of any obstacles and bridges to see if everything is safe and by the rules and another is at the finish. A lot of responibilities. That's why we have a course, with in two weeks a exam.

After a succesful night I went home through lots of snow with Ocho, my velomobile. Boy o boy, it's pretty tough cycling over a snow covered sidewalk. I'd better get out and walk a bit towards the corner of the street. Once back in my bike I realize after 15 meters that I have a flat right tire. Earlier that night I took the corner to sharp when trying to get up on the curb and that wheel hit it pretty hard. The rowingclub is about 100 meters away and the snow on the sidewalk made me not notice it. Until I wanted to get home.

Puncturrific

Two flat tires less then 150 kilometers apart. That can't be a coincidence. Lately I've had some trouble with flat left tires, like today. After doing my weekly erg-session (love it!) I went home and the bike went like lightening. But half way home I felt that it didn't steer as tightly to the right and that the bike drifted a bit. I stopped, pinched and yes... soft. The other times I couldn't find the cause, but now I noticed the puncture was at the same spot. No coincidence. At the side of the road in the dark with my phone as a flashlight I searched for the cause. Yes...

Shopping with 7 ladies

Lots of weeks ago I made a 'deal' with the ladies from the rowing team Dolies. In exchange for my steering capabilities a few of them would join me to do some shopping (men don't like to, women do). Last Saturday it was time. But I didn't think there would be seven of them coming along. Two or three was doable, but seven...!

Feestboek was a success!

I never thought it would be this much work to organize a party. Get some games, order foot, rent the club, laptop, projector, profile stickers, drink vouchers, decorations, balloons, prizes for the games, music, Like stickers, to much to mention. And of course, promotion for the party. And of course not everything goes as plans. I received the stickers to print the profile stickers on and bought the paper for the vouchers and the home made memory game. Turns out my printer ink was empty. I quickly ordered a new cartridge and printed and cut everything the day before.

Rowing 18 km for one beer

Like every Tuesday night we went rowing in the 8+. The water was as smooth as a mirror and there was no wind at all. Perfect rowing weather!

Surprising victory!

It's some one and a half week ago, but on March 18th the Head of the River Amstel was held in Amsterdam, the 80th edition. After our team (Fier) came in at the 10th place (of the 29 competing teams) last year it was time for a second try. Only thing was that I wasn't 'selected' to row. No problem, because some weeks before the race I was asked if I wanted to steer the ladies of the Pazzipanten. Of course I wanted to do that!

0.4 second

Last Saturday was the 35th Gyas-Hunze race. A rowing race about 2.7 kilometers long though the canals of Groningen. The race was supposed to be held on February 12th and 13th, but it was moved because there was ice.

Gyas Winter Competitions 2012

Last Sunday my team competed in the first competition of the year, the Gyas Winter Competitions. A race over 3 kilometer and it had to be covered as quickly as possible. We could start first with our 8+ in our block. That's good, because you don't have any trouble with other boats and the waves they make. Just after we started a experienced 4* team caught up with us, but fortunately we could stay ahead of them by 10 seconds.

Patch work

A week later then planned, but here is my story about New Year's Eve and what happened next. It was a busy weekend with a afternoon of rowing on Saturday. First I rowed from 11 AM to 1 PM and after that I coached a ladies team from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Everything went well and the weather played nicely. Afterwards we drank a cup of tea in the club house and then I climbed into my bike to go to my youngest brother and his wife in Stadskanaal. I've cycled the route before so I could almost do it blindfolded. And that's a good thing as it gets dark very early in the day.