Monday, September 3, 2012

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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