On Saturday 12 July, the club’s annual bridge to bridge race will take place. Please note that some race preparations are similar to swimming strokes; in that most of the work happens under water.
One hundred per cent gratitude must go to Duff Kelly who spent a large portion of today, assessing, cleaning and preparing the start and finish areas for the race.
It seems that Duff acquired more than he bargained for in terms of wildlife. “I still had two tiny fresh water leeches on my leg when I got home (harmless things that wash off - as far as I know!)” said Duff. And he went on to say that “the advice for swimmers next Saturday entering and exiting for the Bridge to Bridge is to be careful. On entering it is best to sit down and scoot down the slippery bank at the Posh Café end and get horizontal (floating) as soon as possible. There are new reed beds planted since last year which you will have to go between at the start. At the finish, stay on this side of the wooden posts holding the chains that keep the boats out from under the bridge and again stay horizontal and right up against the chains which will also provide you something to hold onto as you pull yourself out. There is still a lot of thick weed in the shallows at the bridge end as well. If you go under the chains, there are large metal cages filled with sticks that block the way closer to the bridge. These were put in place as part of the effort to improve the water quality before the Olympics and remain on each side of the lake between the bridge and the chains. The safety boat(s) will want everyone out as quickly as possible and not swimming back.”
Once again, a big vote of thanks to Duff. As always, all swimmers must use vigilance and common sense to avoid injury etc. Those without common sense... we know who you are.
Following on with the common sense theme, Stuart Bowman has kindly offered (in writing) to bring his homemade lemon cake for the Saturday 19 July anniversary celebrations.
