Wednesday, November 21, 2012

A Grateful Thanksgiving


I have so much to be thankful for, 

An incredible wife 

soulmate and partner,

Loving children 

living productive, creative, engaged lives,

Great friends to share life with

A healthy physical body

Freedom to explore and discover,

The magnificence of Marblehead

Grace

And of course,

ROCK & ROW

What started as a freak occurrence

A magazine ad 

A chance meeting on the water

Becomes a living entity

An energy all its own

Full, rich and unique

I am humbly grateful 

for the beauty 

that is Rock & Row

Greetings on the dock

Early mornings on the sea

The incredible aliveness 

of a great row

Working my body

With best friends 

A mystical, pristine 

environment

And doing it again

The very next day

Each years’ newbie class

Bringing new life, 

new friends

Expanding our community

Expanding opportunities

YES

I am thankful 

For ROCK & ROW

And all of you

 

Her beating HEART

And SOUL.

  

Paulie Malloy

El Presidente

Thanksgiving 2012

Sunday, September 30, 2012

SEASON END CLEAN UP

Despite the ugly weather a great number of the faithful wandered down to the boat yard to help stack up the rest of our beloved fleet on to Bertha and breakdown the racks that so that come Monday. Thom can continue to bring boats into the shed for the winter. Pictured from left to right is: Tzivya S, Eileen P, Donald H., Erica C. Jon "The Viking" w/Coco, Shelia R., Stan R., Thomas V., Monica M, Roger P, Jean V., Terrie L., Paul M., and Chris L. (Missing the captn'). What a great season for RnR. I'll try to provide a re-cap in the upcoming weeks but all I can say is that 2012 was awesome but 2013 looks to be even better. Mark you calendars to join us the for the year end ANNUAL PIRATE BASH on October 27th and the second annual ALL MEMBERS MEETING on NOVEMBER 4th details to follow.
Additionally I have heard that Frank K will again lead us in an "over the winter" cardio challenge with Concept 2. Did I hear 1 million club miles? WOW!!
Lastly it's still not too late to get in your member's survey. We do want to hear from you.

Blessings and good health to all
Captn' 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012


Hello Rockers!

Have you taken the survey yet?  We've got a grand total of 24 survey results in… which means we might still be waiting for you!
Please follow the link below to give us your feedback.  The survey is just 14 quick questions, and should take you fewer than 10 mins to complete.

See you on the water,
Stephanie

Take the survey here:

Friday, September 14, 2012

FROM BRIAN C.- "Feeling Like Bait"

WE'RE GOING TO NEED A BIGGER BOAT (Click Here)

RNR RAISE $15K FOR YOUTHLINK

Dear Rockers,


I am delighted to send all you a letter of deep appreciation and thanks for the wonderful way the club responded to the Youth Link fundraiser. We brought in just over $15,000 in about six weeks with 24 members contributing. It speaks to the generosity of our organization’s members but also to a certain compassion and largess of spirit that that I often experience around our club. Every contribution counts and makes a real difference but I would be remiss if I didn’t especially thank Jack Tatelman and Paul Mazonson for enlisting their friends and associates in this campaign. Out of the 120 contributors, a large number came from their superlative efforts and, of those, a good number supported the Captain’s 100 mile August row to benefit Youth Link.
Fifteen thousand dollars in prevention goes far. A dozen kids from a troubled neighborhood in Dorchester will benefit from programs that prop up threadbare dreams and open up once-closed doors. Keeping a teenager out of court and in school has an enormous ripple effect on our economy and society; helping those kids find their voices and talents through the arts, through developing life skills and overcoming poverty is happening thanks to you. One beneficiary—Daniel —asked write his own thanks:
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Hey Rowers! I once met some of you on the beach in Gloucester when a few of us came up with Carmi Paris. You’d rowed over 20 miles and had terrible blisters! For those of you who didn’t visit the website, I’m seventeen and a senior at Madison High School in Boston. I live in the Franklin Field housing development in Dorchester, which is where my mom was raised when her parents came to the US from Puerto Rico. So you could say I’m third generation from the projects.

When I was younger, Franklin Field was known as Boston’s worst neighborhood. The year before Youth Link came here, there were eight murders and almost 30 shootings—a couple even in my backyard. I’ve grown up with the sounds -- guns going off, sirens coming and going, people fighting. As a kid, you really don’t want to get hardened to violence and the things you see. But you learn to be aware of who’s around you, and how trouble gets formed and shaped. You learn to hide your fear, even if you’re scared, because in my neighborhood fear is a sign of weakness.

Through Youth Link I’ve developed skills that are changing my life. In Youth Link’s Youth and Police Initiative, I learned public speaking and how to share myself openly, even to cops I didn’t know. I’ve been mentored in writing and have become a poet. Recently I read to students at Harvard and MIT (something I couldn't have imagined a year ago!) and this summer I’m performing in Youth Link’s Hip Hop opera, Hoop Suite (Just go to this link-- https://vimeo.com/44569362 - use the password – franklin). Check it out. It’s amazing!

Having programs and mentors has made all the difference. I have a dream of going to college, leaving the projects and making it big.

Thank you Rock n Row for giving some of us a chance that even kids from the ‘hood can make it (that’s me on the right)!
Blessings to you all---
Jay Paris

MORE FROM JAY AND THE RALLYE DU CANAL

9/13/12 6:12PM
Hi all,

The romance of a row in Southern France has struck a fine chord among R N R ocean-going scullers! It looks like we could fill three boats. I wrote the Rallye contact for more information and received the reply below. I will attend the planned informational meeting this fall and then see how things gel in February as the organizers develop it. If for reasons beyond our control it doesn’t pan out, the concept of an exotic row seems worth exploring. Our own Thomas Vogel has been investigating the possibility of a multi-city and town river excursion in Germany and Austria and other possibilities can be discussed at our annual meeting next month. But, I will keep all posted as I learn more.
Thanks,
Jay Paris
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From: Susan Klein [mailto:klein.susan@comcast.net]
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2012 4:35 PM
To: Jay Paris (NAFI CORP)
Subject: RE: Rallye
Hi Jay. There’s no need to rush as event organizers won’t start planning until February. I’m casting a wide net early, knowing that with the travel time and expense involved, it may be hard to make this really happen. I’m building a list of interested rowers now and will send out more info soon. There will be an informational meeting sometime this fall. I suggest you attend that and then decide if you want to be part of a blended boat or mount an exclusive Rock N Row effort. There will be a lot of quirky cultural differences to navigate with this event, even for fluent French speakers. I’m happy to help with those.
FYI, I also heard from Seth Pappas.
Regards,
Susie
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From: Jay Paris (NAFI CORP) [mailto:JayParis@nafi.com]
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2012 3:16 PM
To: klein.susan@comcast.net
Cc: Paul Mazonson; sethpappas@netscape.net
Subject: Rallye
Fascinating opportunity. I’m a member of another club --Rock N Row in Marblehead-- and it is interested in signing up. Any suggestions on how to go forward?
Thanks,
Jay Paris

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Final Sunrise row for me this year


Sunrise is getting later.  Work is getting busier and so are travel requirements. So this was my last early morning venture this year. 

And what a beautiful morning it was -- amazing pink clouds streaking across the far side of the harbor, calm and clear with a slight chill. Absolute perfection.

Hilary, Bobbie and I started out in gentle swells and no chop so we decided to go around Marblehead Rock and Childrens.  Bit of wind outside the Rock and crisscrossing chop between the Rock and Childrens then rowing straight into the wind on the back side of Childrens.  Light hands on the oars and smooth strokes -- felt wonderful! 

Half way back to Little Harbor on a West heading there was a clear line between the light breeze and the flat water.  Sun was up, boats were few, and I had to stop and soak in the realization that it was too perfect to let go so quickly.  Just sat there for a few minutes and gave thanks to the sea, the boat, and the friends.

Now the Setup to a Lesson....Somewhere in the back of my mind, I realized that I had gone the entire season without putting my oars in backwards.  This morning, as I launched the shell for my last row of the season, I had to pull the boat back onto the dock and switch my oars to the correct sides. 

Later, as I was coming around the end of Childrens, I realized that for the first time in the whole season, I had not threaten any mooring, boat, harbor buoy, rock or island with collision during the entire circuit.  Those who row with me know -- this was quite a feat -- and it was done without a plan on my part.  I first noticed my good luck by missing the Nun by a wide margin and then it just continued from there. 

The lesson I draw from this is -- don't focus too hard on perfection and be sure to make your mistakes early on, the universe will reward you for your humanity.


JAY PARIS AND THE 32ND ANNUAL RALLYE DU CANAL DU MIDI

For your reading pleasure, please find listed below the e-mail string which developed as a result of Jay's request to find a team among us to row the Rallye du Canal du Midi. It sound as though what might have started as a chuckle might result  in an overseas RnR adventure row

09/10/12
1:45PM I would like to put together a team of ocean rowers from Marblehead (real men and women)…flat water, vin ordinaire, Monet landscapes…  (See below for description...)

Jay Paris

The Rallye du Canal du Midi is a 6-day,125-mile rowing rally on a tree-shaded 17th-century canal in southwest France. It typically attracts 200-250 rowers of all ages from all over Europe, as well as crews from New Zealand, South Africa and Brazil. But in the rally’s 31-year history, there’s never been an American boat!


We rowed the rally on a French team in 2011 and want to organize a mixed US boat(s) for 2013. It involves about six hours of sculling each day, portaging 48 locks and long, three-course lunches (with wine, bien sûr). Boats are a coxed quad standard throughout Europe known as a “yolette.”

Dates are August 12-17, 2013. The cost from rally start to finish—including boat rental, five night’s lodging in a medieval fortress, all meals, cocktail parties, transportation and a team of nurses for bandaging blistered hands—is about 480 euros per rower ($614 at today’s exchange rate) and a bit less for team supporters.

Interested? Want to know more? Reply directly to klein.susan@comcast.net.
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1.54PM  Can we say hell yeah! Count me in (Dave, too, but he doesn't know it yet). :-) -Emily
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2:04PM Where do I sign?

YES-Stephanie Brocoum
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2:06PM Jay,

How many boats can we fill?-Seth
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2:16PM I have been looking at the rules. There are three classes; singles, doubles and coxed quads.

The rules regarding crews are worth reading. It would probably be worth watching Rick Stein's French Odyssey in preparation. Some of those barge operators look pretty mean.
Cheers,-Rob
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2:16PM I'm in as well!  Sounds like an awesome time!- Shannon
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2:21PM (Regarding how many boats)

I’ll check…Jay Paris
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2:28PM The Midi is certainly a beautiful place and the castles are amazing. That is 6 Blackburns but with a break for lunch.

Pal
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2:29PM (In response to the barge operators) But when they experience long-toothed drooling pirates… Jay Paris
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3:01PM I'll start training now for a spot on the team, or go as a "team supporter", whichever assures that I get there!- Gail
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------  3:04PM  Oh my god that is tempting. I think the answer is yes if you'll have me. It's two days before the Mt Washington race I think which won't be great for my time but I've done that before and I haven't done this!!-Trish     

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09/11/12 6:30 AM Count me in as well-Eileen
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7:49AM- Me too-Hilary
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8:04AM- Count me in!- Bobbie
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8:09AM (In response to Pal's comment about 6 Blackburns)
Remember though, a quad goes 8 mph at an easy pace on flat water and lots of stops for locks and meals. It's maybe three hours a day of actual pulling and not at a Blackburn pace. It's not easy but not that hard for those of us willing to come in last with our R  and R ethos intact, enjoying France up close and personal.-Jay
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9:02AM- I'm in!-Karen
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9:21 AM (In response to Jay's comment about RnR ethos)
R&R ethos...you mean our water bottles are filled with wine and our Goo packets are replaced with fine local cheeses, right?-Seth
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10:09AM Please count Jenny and I in as well. Jenny may be useful as a cox but will certainly be useful with her near native French.-Robert
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10:11AM (In response to Seth's description of RnR ethos)
Sounds delightful- Karen
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1:07 PM Both Doug and I would love to go -- he with the strong back to support us logistically. Jumping right to the logistics -- How would we train on quads?-Pal
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2:18 (In response to Pal's comment about how do we train)
The only way is to go there for a minimum of 3 months in the middle of winter, I think. Shouldn't be too cold in the Midi at that time.
Plus we need to acclimate ourselves to the regional gastronomy. ;-)-Seth
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4:54PM Is this anywhere near Cannes?-Paul
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5:02PM Farther west...on the Mediterranean but closer to Spain and the Bordeaux region. We should look at the calendar and see how this might affect our P-town row options-Seth
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09/12/12 10:43 AM Only in the sense that they are both in South France. Toulouse is in the center of the area halfway between the Med and the Atlantic. Languedoc is the wine region. Cheese is sublime. The Garonne river which along with the Canal is simply beautiful.

It's the land of Fois Gras and everything duck. It is also the source of the Inquisition as Rome tried to destroy the Cathar dualist christian belief system that was undermining the Catholic power and coffers in the 12th and 13th centuries.
The mountains to the south are lovely to hike in, were the old boarder with Spain, and are the foothills to the Pyrenees. It's an area to love.-Pal
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10:58 AM (In response to Paul's question about Cannes) Rallye du Canal du Midi-Pai


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6:05PM We should also assign someone to keep Paul's impulses to jump in the water after a row at bay:

(It is forbidden to bathe in the canal, even at the end of the stage in the evening, as you can get
leptospirosis in many rivers and canals.)-Carlton









Monday, September 3, 2012

Row. Ride. Rum. That’s how we roll…


It was billed as the Pirate Triathlon.  A 12+ mile row from Marblehead to Gloucester, a 20-mile bike ride back, and some number of celebratory flagons of rum raised at the boathouse on our return.  Yet I suspect this order was somewhat misleading, for surely it was rum that started it off – an audacious goal cooked up in some dark corner of a local tavern by some club diehards after one too many.  And yet there we were, a couple dozen rowers gathered at dawn, looking out over calm seas towards Cape Ann as it disappeared into the distance.

You can’t overthink these things.  A couple weeks back when the long-range forecasts first started projecting the day’s weather, I was dismayed to see a chance of thunderstorms.  A few days later, the forecast had changed to ideal clear skies with a light following 5-10 knot westerly.  Pleased with this forecast, I subconsciously avoided looking at updates.  That was the weather I wanted – that was what we would get.  Until the night before, that is.  While we were loading up the bikes on the boat trailer, I was killing time checking the marine forecast.  Wind on our nose, building to 15-20, with 2-4’ seas.  Gusts up to 25 knots later in the day.  Not satisfied, I checked other sites for a second opinion, with little improvement.  In the process I also determined that the tide would be against us all day.  But you can’t overthink these things – it may not be ideal, but there were no storms on the horizon.  Best put it out of mind and wait and see what tomorrow brings.

The dawn brought clear and calm.  Ideal conditions for crossing Salem Sound for the first stop at Misery Island.  Knowing it wouldn’t last, a certain amount of anxiousness crept in.  Let’s go.  Let’s get on the water.  Let’s row while the seas are flat.  And with great efficiency, the boats were launched and group-by-group the row began.

In the weeks leading up to the rally, I developed a strategy for getting through the row.  The key was to conserve energy early on.  I had done several 8-mile rows in training, and felt if I could keep myself from getting too worn out on the first two legs, I could will myself through the third.  That the last leg was the longest – well as I said, it’s best not to overthink these things.

The first leg went mostly according to plan.  I concentrated on clean and efficient strokes, using care not to pull too much with my back or arms.  As we glided along, I made sure to be aware of my surroundings.  It was a beautiful day – and we were doing something remarkable.  I wanted to take it all in.  The one hitch started just before we entered the north channel of Salem Sound.  My left stretcher was getting loose at the toe.  I tried to reach around and tighten it, but couldn’t get a good position on it.  We were close to Misery, so I eased off and tried not to put much pressure on it, but sure enough the bolt came loose before I was across the channel.  I limped in to the beach at Misery, and was fortunate to find the nut and bolt still in the boat.  An easy repair during our first pit stop.

Misery is usually my turning point.  On a typical row there, I would be heading back, and like a horse heading home, I would be less concerned with conserving energy, and more concerned with getting back to the stable.  The trick here was to break that habit.  We were headed east, not south, and the row was just beginning.  With the bow headed towards Kettle Island, we departed the limited protection of Salem Sound for the open ocean.  As soon as we left the cove, we felt the breeze start to kick up for the first time.

Whoever authored the traditional Irish poem about the road coming up to meet you and the wind being always at your back, was most certainly no rower.  The wind was building steadily at our backs, but our backs are facing forward.  We all had a decision to make – row a longer distance next to shore, or row the shorter distance straight to Kettle Island.  I chose the latter – thinking the lee shore would offer little relief from the wind.  By the time we hit the halfway point, all thoughts of conserving energy were gone.  At one point I stopped rowing to take a sip of water.  By the time I had unscrewed the cap I noticed the wind was blowing me rather rapidly back the way I came.  I took an extra sip – sliding backwards was too disheartening to allow myself another break on this leg.

Two critical thoughts would strike me here, way beyond anywhere I have rowed before.  The first thought grabs me as I gaze out on the horizon to starboard, where I can just make out halfway rock.  This islet always beckons me, particularly on calm mornings when I am deciding where to row.  I have only rounded it once, but always felt it was an accomplishment – something to challenge me when conditions are right.  But from here it is a small dot – an afterthought.  Today I have eclipsed that challenge, and I am only halfway to where I am going.

The second, more profound thought hits me as I shift my view to port.  This is magnificent coast, the gold coast that Joseph Garland memorialized, his shingled shore of the 19th century well to do.  This is a view you seldom get – sealed off on private beaches and behind gates and long pristine driveways.  But we’re out here, enjoying the rocks and islands and birds and trees and shore under our own power under beautiful skies.  It’s a fabulous day to be out here and a wonderful way to be connected to nature.  I am truly glad to be out here and now.

The fleet is scattered as we approach Kettle Island.  Some boats are hugging the shore, others have taken an outside path.  A few seem to be headed to the wrong island.  A fear strikes that we will be unable or unwilling to land – losing the opportunity to stretch, refuel, recharge.  I keep turning my head, looking for a sign that I am headed to the right place.  Finally, as I get close, I can see a couple boats on a small beach there.  I pull hard – anxious for a brief respite.

Kettle Island does not provide the relaxing break I am looking for.  Unlike Misery, the beach is small and the boats try to crowd in, but there is not really room for everyone to land.  And there is an unspoken anxiousness among the rowers.  The wind is building, the next stage is long, and the waves and rising tides keep threatening to pull the boats out to sea or crack them on the rocks.  I quickly squeeze down some Gu, and a couple peanut butter Girl Scout cookies, washing it down with water and Gatorade. I do my best to stretch and loosen by back which has been tightening up.  Soon I am back on the boat, maneuvering back into formation with my group amongst the fleet which has all converged.  We pull out again, and head for the next point.

It is here that reality strikes me.  My plan was to conserve energy on the second leg, but pulling against the wind and tide has left me more tired after 8 miles than I expected.  In pulling through that second leg, I told myself that this was as bad as it would get, yet rounding the next point we’re faced with the full brunt of the wind.  And deep down I know, while this is the third and final leg, we are not nearly two-thirds the way through the row.  Paul’s words ring through my head: “When you round the point towards Gloucester harbor – It’s going to blow.  You just need to keep on rowing”.

Here is where the whitecaps begin.  Waves are breaking over the bow and cold water is icing my already tightened back.  I push forward and keep on rowing.  Water begins to fill the boat faster than the auto-bailer can keep up, and I keep on rowing.  Each point I round reveals yet another point I need to round, and yet I keep on rowing.

I catch up with Roger who, in an Alden Star, is struggling to keep the waves from washing his gear off the boat.  He says he is fine, and I keep on rowing.  Now the water in my Echo is nearly up to the seat, and my seat stops sliding.  I stop to investigate and discover that the nylon strap is floating into the wheels.  Roger passes by and this time inquires about me – I let him know I am fine as I am able to get going again.  Moments later I see one of Rogers water bottles floating past and I see that he has lost the battle of keeping his gear on board.  I keep on rowing.

As I pass the breakwater, I expect some relief, but the wind and waves continue – they are coming out of the harbor, not off the ocean.  I’m beginning to miss strokes on a regular basis – sometimes pulling with an oar out of the water, sometimes nearly dropping an oar.  This is truly a slog.  I need to shorten up my strokes and pause at the catch – make sure the oars are in position before the pull.  I keep on rowing.

At this point I know exactly where I am, and yet have little idea where I am going.  I see Stage Fort Park – where we were originally planning to land – but know we have to row further into the harbor.  I can barely make out a few beaches now, but each one seems to be littered with boats, mostly kayaks I suppose, but can’t tell kayaks from shells at this distance.  No matter, I just keep rowing.

Boat traffic is picking up.  Big commercial fishing boats go by trailing large wakes.  Pleasure craft speed in and out of the Annisquam channel.  Little goes through my head at this point. Except just keep rowing.

And finally, the sea starts to flatten just a little bit.  I can regain a semblance of rhythm.  I can row again without full concentration.  I am tired, yet the thought of the finish line gives me a little boost of energy.  I pick the easternmost beach I can see and pull in that direction.  I first make out a pier and try to decide which side of it I need to land.  As I get closer it dawns on me – this is not a pier, but the greasy pole.  I’m in the right place, and that realization gives me another boost of energy.  A teen on a paddleboard now urges me on.  Somehow he’s aware of the rally – and is providing words of encouragement.  I’m almost there.  Just a little bit further.

There is exhilaration in the finish.  The joy of knowing I’ve made it, and meeting the others that have done the same.  I stumble around a bit, giddy with the thought of what we’ve made it through.  I find my bag, pull out a banana, a PB&J sandwich, more hydration.  Gradually recovering enough energy I haphazardly make a slow transformation.  I peel off the water shoes.  Toweling dry, I change into my bike shorts.  My drenched yellow Rock and Row shirt swapped for a fresh white one.  Doing my best to wipe off my sandy feet, I pull on my socks and sneakers.  Swapping off my hat takes some time – I need to feel ready and committed before I put on the bike helmet.  All the while I am rehydrating.

Group momentum builds quickly once the first signs of movement begin.  Riders saddle up and it seems the time has come.  We pull out of the parking lot in single file, snaking our way through the side streets and gas stations before finding our way to Route 127, and then the pace begins.

The ride was always an afterthought to me.  I had planned out and executed training rows.  I visualized the water legs and mentally sketched out a strategy.  Even as we pulled through the mess outside Gloucester, I was drawn on by the realization that I had made it.  The 20-mile return trip was blocked out.  I would not overthink this.  I had completed many 20 or more mile rides before.  Just not in this century.  Not after this row.  I was trying now to recall the cliché, but it kept coming out as “It’s just like falling off a bicycle…” No, that can’t be right.

Several people mentioned how flat this ride was.  I suspected now these people were riding carbon fiber bikes with skinny tires.  I was pulling my mountain bike up the first hill right after Stage Fort Park.  These legs were tired.  This was going to burn.  But the positive side of each hill is the backside, and we settled into a rhythm of slow climbs and fast glides with long straightaways in between.  Sights were now set on Captain Dusty’s.

We made two unscheduled breaks on the first leg.  Outside of Manchester, we made a restroom break at a gas station as we regrouped.  Then outside of Beverly farms the railway gates dropped in front of my path with bells and lights blazing.  The group in front of me disappeared, but it was no matter.  I could smell the ice cream from there.  As the commuter train headed off towards Boston, it was a short pedal to frozen goodness.  The first half had passed remarkably quickly, and despite soreness in my back and neck, I was in good spirits as we started the final leg.

The cruelest part of the whole day, for me, was the Beverly Bridge.  This is where the feeling first crept in, the feeling of being gassed.  And yet, the other feeling that came with it was one of determination and persistence.  And the thought that if I stopped once more I might not get going again.  The ride here started to become an individual challenge.  Traffic lights and shortcuts had split up the peloton.  It was now just Jack and I as we cut down Congress Street and veered back onto Lafayette.  And then somehow it seemed I was riding alone.

Truth be told, I did have a plan for the ride back.  It was a simple plan.  The plan was to avoid the heartbreak hill just past Lead Mills.  I had been pushing my fat knobby tires all this way, I was damned if I wasn’t going to put them to some use, and I cut off onto the rail trail.  The loose cinder trail seemed like wet concrete after so many miles of asphalt, but knowing I had little left in me, anything was better than that hill. 

The smaller hills in front of me would be bad enough.  How many more could my weary legs take?  I was calculating the better route.  West shore from Tower or rail trail to National Grand.  I knew the trail became softer as it approached Village, so it seemed the road was the better choice.  Just keep pedaling. 

They may be molehills, but I was counting them down nonetheless.  Three hills left.  Just keep pedaling.  Two hills left.  Just keep pedaling.  Last hill up past the Community Store.  Downshift.  Just keep pedaling.  Downshift again.  Down to my lowest gears but still moving forward.  Almost there and then…slowly at first, and gaining speed…coasting. 

Made it.  Downhill from here.  Past home.  Past Grace Oliver’s.  Now wrong way against traffic for the last block to the yard.  Riding over the gravel and around to the front of the shed.  Friendly faces, a bottle of water, a sip of rum and to stretch out on the dock to rest and reflect while waiting for the party to begin.  Such an incredible day and an incredible journey.  Many thanks again to all the planners and support crew.  Let’s do it again sometime.

SOME RAMBLING THOUGHTS AND THANKYOUS FROM A GREAT 1ST ANNUAL PIRATE RALLY

Hi Rockers-

We are now only 9 days away from the inaugural Rock 'n' Row Pirate Rally, and plans are coming together. We have created a little custom website at http://rocknrow-rally.herokuapp.com/ with details; it should be pretty self-explanatory but please take a look and share questions, concerns and comments.
As the front page says…

Rallying? Take a look at the Rally Schedule and the Launch Groups.

Helping? You probably want the Support Schedule.

Looking for details on the Rally course? Try Maps.

Any other questions, try the FAQ first, then email Brian if you can’t find what you’re looking for there.

What I need most urgently from participants is for you to take a look at the Launch Groups page (http://rocknrow-rally.herokuapp.com/launch-groups) and confirm that:

- If you are rowing, your name shows up in one of the launch groups with the boat you are planning to row.

- If you are rowing but *not* biking, your name has an exclamation point after it.

- If you are biking but *not* rowing, your name is in the "Ride Only" list at the bottom of the page.

Please let me know NO LATER THAN FRIDAY 8/24 if you see an error, otherwise I will assume that your plans are correctly recorded.
Thanks!
Brian
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On Thu, Aug 23, 2012 at 4:24 PM, Carlton Sparrell wrote:

Looks good - one question: Is the Cap'n Dusty's rendezvous at their location in Manchester, Beverly or Salem?
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642 Hale St, Beverly! I tried to place it correctly on the Ride Map (http://rocknrow-rally.herokuapp.com/maps), but it may not be exactly right.

[Though I, for one, could easily be convinced to stop at all three.]
Thanks,
b
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Preliminary weather forecast says sunny and dry but....
North winds 10-14 kts up around Eastern Point (Gloucester) by mid-day.
I suspect there will be some waves as well but cannot get a relevant forecast for the waters we will be in.
At the very least, this will add some time to the trip. Let's keep an eye on it.
Thoughts?

Seth
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Getting really breezy in the city - I'm looking out at water taxis bouncing around the Inner Harbor.
One of you "old-timers" needs to be prepared to step up and gently tell some of the newbies that it's too rough if that turns out to be the case - I am acutely aware of my limitations and the conditions I'm willing to go out in, but I'm worried that several others are not very self-aware. Let's see how the afternoon goes and talk tonight at Paul's...
Best,

B
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Who's calling us old? No worries. It will be a great day for RnR
Jack
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Here's what NOAA says for the Gloucester area for tomorrow as of 5PM today:

Sat: N winds 15 to 20 kt...becoming NE 10 to 15 kt in the afternoon. Gusts up to 25 kt. Seas 2 to 4 ft.
Sounds like the beginning of a Nor'easter.
I have not rowed from Misery Island to Gloucester so I do not know what to expect.
15 to 20 sounds a bit heavy for many of our rowers....so here's a plan.
We all row to Misery and regroup to assess people's feeling...and the conditions.
Anyone who has doubts can turn back with one chase boat...getting back should be a breeze with this wind.
The chase boat will rejoin those who want to continue on (along with the other chase boat).
If the wind is definitely blowing upwards of 20 kt (and seas are approaching 4 ft) then I think we should all reassess continuing on.
For every boat that does not make it to Gloucester, that's space on Bertha for several bikes (so the non-finishers' bikes will just make a round trip).
Thoughts?
Seth
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(That Morning...)
It's pitch dark out!
Maybe we should cancel this event!!!!
Still waiting for a cancelation email!
Jon Hancke
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On Sat, Sep 1, 2012 at 2:25 PM, Frank Kashner wrote:
Awesome job! Thanks to all those who organized and assisted! - Frank
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On Sep 1, 2012, at 2:51 PM, Sheila Reilly wrote:

Ditto!! A fantastic job planning and executing! Definitely one of my summer highlights......and we haven't even done the 3rd event of our RnR "triathalon." ;-) Frank, thanks for the assist at the Beverly/Salem bridge on the way back!!
See everyone at the boathouse later today!
Cheers,
Sheila
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On Sep 1, 2012, at 4:52 PM, Loretta Attardo ADR wrote:

Congrats to you all! What a crew
Is anyone rowing Sunday at 8? L
Loretta Attardo
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Great time with a bunch of people in way too good of a shape for my taste. :-). I am beat to a pulp, but I did find America today.

Jon Hancke
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On Sat, Sep 1, 2012 at 6:44 PM, wrote:

This was a perfect 'first annual' event. Looking forward to many such events in the future.
Well Done!
Sarah
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On Sep 1, 2012, at 7:04 PM, Jaye van Dussen wrote:

Thank you to all the helpers and support people and to the club members who participated!
I love the spirit of this group!!
Jaye
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What an amazing day! Thanks to all who made this happen! I agree - it is amazing what you can accomplish with such positive energy and drive all around you. Woohoo!!!

Kim
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That was approximately the craziest thing I have ever done, but totally worth it. Thanks to everyone who helped - especially Connie who boat-sat and Craig who helped load and unload Bertha. You guys are all rock(-n-row) stars.
Rest up,
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Congrats to all what a breezy sunny not to hot September 1st
Lesli M

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I love sleeping more than most, and, after yesterday’s Triathalon, stayed in bed til 11:30 AM! While I got up and started reading at 7:30, I then read, and dozed, and read, and dozed. I am really beat! (and I had not a drop of alcohol, I guess I’m only a biathlete, not a triathlete).

My hat is off to Seth and Brian, who took the lead in organizing the event, and the many others who helped – the chase boat crews, the chef, the set-up and clean-up crews, Connie-the-patient, the drivers.
One pirate, who’s rowed the Blackburn more than once, quipped to me: “This was harder than the Blackburn.” So for those of you who haven’t rowed long distance before and were thinking yesterday, “Why did I decide to do this?” or even “Where’s a recuse boat when you need it?,” that was an amazing row we all did!
Thanks to “Charlie’s Angels – Joy, Sheila, Jaye, Gail and Kimberly – for helping to make it a great day for me.
Chas
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Yes, a great spirited event!  Many thanks to the planners, implementers, expeditors, and supporters - especially those who bolstered my waning confidence during the rough "voyage".  Any chance we can plan it next time with calmer seas?
Gail

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With the hindsight that only comes with the benefit of 32 hours rest, 48 fluid ounces of Pirate punch, 4 pony bottles of Corona, 2 scoops of Cap'n Dusty's finest mocha chip and 6 Advil (and counting) - I have to say that was one epic adventure yesterday! Given the last mile before entering Gloucester Harbour was more accurately described as sinking than rowing - its a testament to all RocknRowers' intestinal fortitude that everyone (Blackburn winners, club veterans and newbies alike) made it to Pavilion Beach in one piece.



Big thanks to Brian, Seth and the entire organising committee and support group who did a fantastic job!

I hereby volunteer my services to help organise next year's Pirate Rally.

See you on the dock,

The Jolly Roger
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Bertha's back in her resting place, still a little more clean up to do, have a yellow west marine vest and a seat pad from my car, does it belong to you? will leave at the clubhouse this morning

Paulie ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I left my shoes and socks in the BMW X3 chase car. Where can I pick them up?

Jon Hancke
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FOUND A SMALL BLUE NORTH FACE PACK IN ME CAR, red lifevest, kool hat.......YOURS????
Paulie
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Oh yeah it is mine- sorry - can I catch up with you in a few days... Still moving.

Thanks for the help I getting me out there Paul!
Kim
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Tuesday, August 28, 2012

HEAD OF THE CHARLES LOOKING FOR HELP


Hello Fellow Rock n' Rowers,


Just wanted to let you all know that volunteer registration for the 48th Annual Head of the Charles is now open (please follow the link below). We are currently looking for volunteers with rowing experience from the local Boston area. Please sign up soon as spaces tend to fill up rather quickly. This is a great opportunity AND you get a snazzy jacket as a thank you for your participation. There are several volunteer opportunities to choose from, just be sure to fill in the section about your rowing experience and a little about yourself. Leaving it blank is an automatic dismissal of your application.

I hope to see some RnR pride out there representing on race weekend. I will be in charge of 3 locations along the route so let me know if you will be volunteering, rowing, or attending as a spectator so that I can keep an eye out for you in my travels.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

48th Head of the Charles Regatta

October 19 - 21, 2012

Volunteer Link:

http://hocr.org/volunteering/volunteer-registration/

Rock On,

Shannon Tarrant
HOCR Race Operations
Committee Co-Chair

SHAMELESS PLUG STRIKES AGAIN

Click here to read about Jack Rowing 100 miles for Youth Link

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

SOME GREAT "EARLY MORNING" ROWING ADVICE FROM PAL BICKFORD

Hi Fellow Rockers


For those who row in the mornings, the sunrise is now at 6am which means those of use who are getting on the water closer to 5:30 definitely need lights. Today the cloud cover was very heavy and the light was exceptionally flat so even at 6:15 - 6:30 the fishing boats still had their lights on.

For those without lights and wondering how to address this situation, here are a few options:

West Marine sells suction cup lights for boats -- both the white and the red/green. I've lost a couple by the dock over the years but such is life. (Luckily, today the red/green stayed put on the boat and the white one floated -- not sure why we were so lucky.) Hilary found the white one slung over the foot stretchers rather than stuck to the boat worked fine and was safer.

I've decided a headlamp works really well -- it lights up the inside of the boat barn and then when I'm rowing, I'm facing the stern with the white.

For the bow, I found little rowing lights from a rowing site for red and green which can attach to the riggers or the elastics on the deck. Sarah tells me that they aren't very visible but I haven't tried them again this year yet.

My alternative suggestion for color bow lights is a red bike light -- wish I could find a green one but haven't been able to do so. A bike light at least provides coverage against the minimum requirement. The advantage of bike lights are they can be attached to the elastics on the boat deck so they don't dive off when suction releases. You could also attach them to the back of your hat/head light band.

I don't row in the evenings so I'm not sure on timing, etc. Sunset is now around 7:45 so I suspect people going out after 6pm need to keep lights in mind, also.

Pal

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

DESPARATELY SEEKING SCULLER(S)- FROM ROGER PELLICIOTTI

New pirate in port seeks swashbucklers for regular rendezvous at discrete hideaway near Brown's Island. Adventure lover who "rows both ways" and open to trying new things ideally looking for sculler(s) with similar desires and abilities for a mix of longer (6-10 mile) rows focused on technique and rhrythm with an ocassional speed session to pump up our max heart rate and VO2 max.



Work from home and very flexible during the week between 9:30 - 5:30 but also open to an evening or two during the week if that works best (just need to coordinate with the wife and kiddies so they're none the wiser). So whether ye be interested in an occasional summer-fling, short-term relationship or a longer-term commitment - give this pirate a shout.


Roger Pelliciotti


a.k.a. The Jolly Roger


Vital Stats:


• Male, age 49


•Newbie rower at Rock n Row


• Sculling Ability: Level 2


• Boat of Choice: Alden Star or Maas Arrow


• Former sweep rower in high school and college (about a hundred years ago)


• Fitness Goal: Prevent early onset obesity and survive the RocknRow Rally


• Cell Phone: (617) 800-4202

Friday, July 13, 2012

3RD NEWBIE ROW TURNED INTO A "SURVIVAL ROW"

Last evening's "Survival Row" is one for the record books. What a blast!!! Attached are the 7 brave pirates who mastered the high seas yesterday.


Cheers,

Sheila

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Blackburn Cometh


Saturday
partlycloudyClear in the morning, then partly cloudy. High of 88F. Winds from the SW at 10 to 15 mph.


All SMILES!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Fluorescent and Styling

Sunrise Rowers are known to be brightly colored but I've added a twist -- Fluorescent Blade colors.  I'm told I was visible from across the harbor to Beverly. 


Lovely row yesterday and today -- flat water, lovely sunrise, great friends.  Rest of the week looks to be the same

Best thing about this week, though, is that Eileen has joined us for a few days!!  What a thrill to see her on the dock and in the boat.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

CHECK CHECK


“Rumor has it Blackburn crew heading out at 6AM for a distance row, I’m all in, You?”, came the text Friday night.
“I’ll be there” was the reply without hesitation.
After a rest day and a dose of antibiotics felt good to go and go we did. Jean, Terrie, Seth, Chris, Charlie, Steph and Paulie. 
Where to? 
The morning is cloudy, overcast, showers threatening to the north. Steph has a time constraint wanting to be back by 10 we head out to Marblehead Rock planning to round Tinkers and head east to Halfway Rock then around Bakers and Misery, definitely a long row. The wind is up from the west, northwest, rounding the neck we pause and discuss changing the route, Steph wants to go for Egg Rock off Nahant. 
Egg Rock, you know, the crouching elephant lying low on your left shoulder as you head out Lynn Shore Drive towards Boston. Its out there off Nahant and once we pass Tinkers its open water all the way. 
Can’t see it, just head 240 degrees or so and she’ll come up as we get closer. Thankfully she does and we arrive sitting in the swell to rest and refuel. Upwind on the way out we were pretty slow but the promise of a fast ride back is uplifting.
I remember my first Egg Rock row. I did it alone in Wings. Jack had been out there a few times, I was feeling somewhat intimidated by the distance and exposure. One morning I’m out in a breezy chop heading to Tinkers and just decided, felt compelled really, to go for it, cranking away into the stiff breeze, up and over each choppy bit until finally Egg Rock. 
Coming around a fisherman said, “Where’d you come from?” 
“Marblehead”, I said, to his look of wonder. 
Yesterday morning, arriving with six of my best friends, all planning to row Blackburn next Saturday, feeling strong and alive, fortunate to be rowing in the magnificent waters off Marblehead. 
“Check check”, she says, completing our annual pilgrimage to Egg Rock, the crouching elephant, 15.5 miles around!

Sunday, July 1, 2012

AWESOME SUNDAY TURN OUT


BLOODY MARY SUNDAY
Maybe it's the fine weather or the promise of Robert Keith to host a Bloody Mary Sunday, but the "faithful" turned out in large numbers to make this Sunday the best turnout yet. Czar Chas was out of town for this week's event but he would have been proud of those who stepped in to take up his role. I'm thinking we had 14-15 pieces of equipment on the bay not including a pod that departed from Maryellen's to train behind Browns'. Ms Stephanie and David G departed on the earlier side to get their Blackburn miles in. the rest of the crew has wet by 8:15 which is very impressive for this crowd. At one point I counted 8 shells scattered around the dock. I arrived at the club at 7:30 AM to find both Sarah and Howard already preparing for the morining with slings on dock and pairs of oars coming down. "How many should I bring? ", Sarah asks. Her husband replies "Probably all of them". One by one the rest of the Motley Crew found itself down on the dock with equipment, greeting of old friends and introduction of new ones. Having Terry and Chris Leake "pushing the string" as they say made for an orderly and quick departure from the dock. "Is that your shell? set her  your next in line to launch". Once we got into the bay, the grouo quickly broke into pods based on skill and how much of the ocean they felt like biting off for the morning. Chris, Sarah, Shelia, Susan and Robert teamed up for a mid-bay row, the rest consisting of Frank, Gail, Heather, Terrie, Roger, Howard and myself captured MHD Rock, Childrens and Eagle with Howard and Roger adding another mile or two by heading into the bay b/4 returning into the basin. My GPS said 7.5 miles when all the dust settled.Returning home we met up with Stephanie and David and of course a Bloody Mary and Bagel brunch. BTW we now have a table to set the food on. Very nice touch by one of our club members. Those who couldn't make it were missed.
Blessings

Friday, June 29, 2012

KIM WALLER CHECKS IN FROM OSLO, NORWAY

(LISTED BELOW IS AN E-MAIL FROM ONE OF RNR'S FAITHFUL WHO IS IN NORWAY AND FOUND A PLACE TO ROW)

Hey Guys and Em,


I hope all is well. We are in Norway now and I went rowing on a gorgeous lake just outside of Oslo this morning!!!! It was exhilarating! As you are aware I am not familiar with racing boats and for the first few minutes I felt like I was hanging on a thin thread over the abyss .... then I started to reach some balance... it was crazy! So much fun- thanks for the tips Jack I clutched onto your words like a mantra-- at one point I let go of one oar and almost took a digger but I think yoga saved me and I quickly latched back onto the oar and understood the oar-boat-balance... all this with foreign on-lookers asking-- 'you have rowed before right?'

Then I did not shame RnR and rowed up and down the lake with more ease - willing my fear away...I went for a 40 minute row in the rain. It was thrilling. I never would have had the experience without Rock n Row! THANKS guys!

Here is a link to the club in Norway: http://www.christiania-roklub.no/ They have a boat house on the Fjord/ ocean built in 1878 and in the summer they retreat to the lake to escape the boat traffic - then they row back on the ocean in the winter-- the only thing that stops them is ice in the ocean!

See you soon-- going sailing down the Norwegian coast with some friends and then heading back around the 10th of July.

Abrazos,

Kimberly




Thursday, June 28, 2012

RNR TAKES NO PRISONERS ON 1ST WEEKLY NEWBIE ROW

The threats of thunderstorms or the freshening NNW breeze or even the Wednesday night race series was not going deprive, the seven of us from what I had hoped to be a great RnR rowing adventure. Three Newbies took to the salt that afternoon Joy Rontondi, John McIver and Roger Pelliciotti along with the veteran Blue-eyed Viking Jon Hancke who has been on the DL list for over a year now with a prior back injury, freshman rower Robert Keith and the club's two co-founders Paul and Jack.
Paul sizing up the rowing skill made the executive order to split the group. He would take two Robert and Joy. I would lead the other three John M, Roger P and the Viking Jon H. Now let me digress from this narrative to share with you that I have missed Jon Hancke. He had been my afternoon rowing partner for a few seasons now and it was great to have him back among us especially rowing in the stink of the PM where wind and chop played played an integral row in our routes. We have done some serious survival rowing among the sheared off white caps of the bay. "TAKE TO PRISONERS" would be our battle cry as we tried desparately to keep right side up wave sliding our down wind leg back to the basin. And so it felt like a deja vu as I lead my fledging Newbies out into the bay for a real taste of open water rowing. Chasing down the protection of a small lee off Coney Island, found us pretty much in some major swells and chop produced by that fine NNW fetch that originated in Beverly Harbor and was pretty impressive by the time it got to us .Leisurely row HAH. Maybe by our standards, We continued to slog ourselves to the lee side of Beverly where the waves and chop would eventually slacken at least by comparative values. John and Jon, cut the corner to return home while Roger and I being a glutten for more punishment pushed ourselves back to calmer waters off Salem Harbor before turning back. A flooding tide made for a tight turn around Peaches and some wonderful flat water strokes behind Browns b/4 touching the dock.Paul's group also faired well. They too having got a major dose of what the ocean can delvered. Back on dry land and the calm presence of our basin home, we congratulated ourselves on a very successful first week Newbie Row. Next one is Tuesday July 3rd. Come play with us and find out water ocean rowing is all about

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

100 DAY ROW FROM MIAMI TO NEW YORK CITY

From Henry Livingston
Sounds like a pretty amazing trip
From Miami to New York City.  this guy arrived at the Intrepid after a 100-day row from miami


The learning curve was still pretty steep. He had some terrible headwinds the first week but toughed those out in admirable fashion, he showed he had some good common sense by making a couple of very good judgement calls early (one involving a tanker, one involving an open-water crossing), he NEVER went out to sea to avoid the alligators (Huffington Post claim, I suspect he was joking but they made it sound like it was actually part of his trip planning - in reality the entire trip was within the relative shelter of the Intracoastal Waterway and I'd bet that had been his plan all along) and all in all it sounds like his first rowing trip ended up being a good one. It never sounded like it quite got easy, but he seemed to have a good time meeting people and seeing the East Coast, and he's raised quite a bit of money for Alzheimer's research in the process.