CANAL DU MIDI - The Wemmer participation in 2014 - an Extreme Week!!
Whilst it is fresh in my mind, there may be a bit of interest in the Rallye and Wemmer's participation this year.
Tim, Wendy and I were very keen to put together a number of crews for the 2014 CDM - hence the reason we proposed the idea nearly a year ago. Unfortunately, we only managed to put a single crew together but it is such a special event, that I think it is worthwhile adding to the Blog participants. If you haven't read the blog, check out - http://teamoarsome.blogspot.com
We participated in the 2010 CDM rallye and certainly from my side, there were a number of unresolved issues -the primary one being understanding the event - secondly, deciding what you want from it and lastly, to see if we could improve on our last rallye.
For all participants, the following applies
-A 5 day event over 206 km on the Canal du Midi
-Superb kit - and a consequently a level playing field.
-10 stages - on average about 20 km each of which 8 are timed. The other stages are not timed due to the number of locks and potential damage to boats or injury to participants.
-Youth hostel type accommodation, though you can opt for out for better hotels providing you pay for it.
-Superb food in quality, variety and quantity - Southern French cuisine at its very best - we have had everything from paella to lamb shank to Cassoulet. Simply brilliant!
The decision to be made is how you want to compete. There are a number of athletes (mainly French) who simply ask to be put into a crew. There are others who pitch up as a crew and just enjoy the event - much as we did in 2010 - and then there are those who wanna give it a go and compete. The difference in time can be as much as two hours between first and last on a stage!!
This year, there were 35 crews - 30 quads and 5 single scullers. Furthermore, there were a number of 'younger' crews and the competition was much stronger than 2010. We had made the decision to get a lot stronger and fitter and in my case a lot lighter (not that this really worked for me) than our 2010 experience. Ideally, we also needed some additional hosspower, not only for moving the boat, but also for getting the boat on and off the water and for the portages. So we enlisted my son Anthony into the crew, fresh off his Henley campaign - it was surprisingly easy when u pick up his event costs so nothing has freally changed since he started rowing 15 years back!! . In all, we had 7 'athlete's' available to row, so 5 in the boat and 2 on bikes.
We had a super build up to the CDM, a very solid Long Row, and after our last session in the Youlette's at Harties in last July, it was very obvious that the Ladies could slot into the crew seamlessly - and boy they certainly did that!!
In my opinion, the CDM is won and lost in the first day, and to be more specific the first morning! Your result is built over the event and it is quite possible to lose the event in one session - reminder, there are 8 timed sessions. From the 2010 event, we knew we had to be at the sharp end of the field after the first 20km otherwise we would battle to make up places and be competitive. The first sessions is the only one where (as a competitive crew and if you know what you are doing), you can get to the front of the race quickly and not get involved in the bottlenecks at the locks. After the first session, in order to bunch the field, the organizers reverse the field and send off the slowest crew first and the fastest last. We were in 2nd place after the first session!! Job well done..
What was fantastic is that our rhythm in the boat was there from the get go. We were able to main a rate of around 25 for hours on end and the cover never dropped below 5 meters, and for long periods it was much better than that. Our pace confounded the crews completely, even to the extent they were questioning the timekeepers times - very satisfying. But it is difficult to explain the level of effort. The CDM is an adventure race, and it combines rowing and portages. If you want to be competitive, you have to run the Youlette around the locks and if there is less than 1000 m (and even upto 1500 m), you lose too much time putting the boat back onto the water and getting it off again.. It was the one area where everyone other than Anthony battled. Ant would set off at a gallop with the boat. In tow would be Judy Shoomee hanging onto the Cox's mooring rope for dear life - her reasoning being she needed to hold the boat when it was launched again but really, if she didn't, she would have expired on the tow path. Between the rest of us, we tried to keep pace by running or swapping out on a bike - eventually getting it down to a fine art and it kept us competitive. At one stage it got so bad that Lesley loaned us her bike so all of us could catch up. She had a 2km walk to get it back again but she really saved the day. Only once did Anthony arrive at the next launching spot to be asked by the organizers if he was now rowing the boat on his own!! Fortunately, we arrived shortly thereafter. On another occasion Tim - and the debate is out on who hates running more between Mark and Tim - was effectively "La lanterne rouge" - the last competitor of the Rally - with the "Voiture balais" hovering close behind him. But the next day, he was effectively leading the Rallye - strange how things change in 24 hours!!
The CDM evolves as an event, and that is what makes it so special. You develop techniques to improve your pace.. Ant and I spent much of the event at Bow and 2. Eventually, we had my blades shipped and me ready to get out of the boat before the boat stopped. I'd be out first, Ant would release the dolly (aka Chariot) mounted and strapped on the bow and pass it to me and jump out. By this time, the rest of the crew was out. Ant and I would start lifting the bow, Tim would jump into assist, Wendy would hold the Chariot in place, Judy Shoomee would hang onto her rope, Sue and Mark would lift the stern if necessary, stow the blades and help in any other way needed. After a few days we had it pretty well taped. Getting back on the water is pretty much the same in reverse. Jumping other crews is undoubtedly the fastest way of getting past - indeed on one occasion we took the 'other road' and jumped 15 boats in one go! Effectively this move cemented our final position in the Rallye.
Pretty quickly it becomes apparent who are the hot crews and the poorer crews get out of the way fast. If they wont or don't, you take the law into your own hands.. On one occasion, when a crew in front of us wouldn't run and couldn't get out of the way, we took their boat and ran it for them!!
Remarkably, we were the best supported crew at the Rallye. Everyone shouted for "Les South Africain's" and the support was 'Tour de Franceesque' in volume. No-one could believe how well we were going. We had an on going battle with a Lyon crew on Thursday morning that went on for 40 minutes with our bow sitting on their stern. Lyon were so chuffed to beat us on the section (we beat them on time comprehensively), that they presented us with a couple of bottles of fine "Cotes Du Rhone" in celebration - a very civilized bunch!!
But the pressure is unrelenting. One cant get fit to row 5 consecutive daily Marathons but we didn't stop once on the tour(other than for bottlenecks which fortunately weren't frequent) - so the effort is immense and the team work essential. We rehydrated on the run and didn't stop at one 'tea break'.
But trying to remember everything is impossible when you are operating at this level of stress - its slowly comes back
Personal Memories
-The staggeringly beautiful countryside - South France is the breadbasket of Europe! The plain trees overhanging the canal on both sides.
-Judy Schoomee screaming "ATTENTION" with a French Accent and driving the boat past numerous boats, through numerous bridges, avoiding hundreds of pleasure boats and barges. On Friday Schoomee managed to drive our boat between two others in a channel no wider than 20 meters - scary stuff.. A top class cox is essential and Schoomee put us in the best position at every opportunity.
-On Thursday afternoon we had an hour long dice with the two leading crews with us just ahead - the rest of the field trailing in our wakes.
-On Friday morning, spending an hour following Anthony at stroke and me at 3 - fast, long and smooth - a Bucketlist row and something I will never forget - the ultimate Father and Son experience and a round of golf will never compete!! Equally, spending hours watching these murderously large puddles coming past from the bow - truly impressive!!
-Our crew working as a team at the top of what our game could ever be!! I cannot thank or congratulate my fellow crew mates enough for the most amazing experience and performing beyond our wildest expectations! We were at least 3 hours faster than the 2010 participation
-Our co-competitors and their reaction to us. Couldn't be bought. The respect and applause from them was mindblowing! We were told on numerous occasions that we had the best shirt at the Rallye and I don't think any of us have any kit left - well done Sue!
-The kindness and hard work of the organizers.. This is a massive event!!
-When Toulouse Aviron were putting us under pressure, Anthony reminding us "No Toulouse".
-On Friday, on the last 6km session on windy water, absolutely exhausted but still going strong with Anthony reminding me why I did 1000 miles on the Ergo!!
-Les cruising along on her bike with a wide grin on her face albeit with a very sore derriere....
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In conclusion, I have no unresolved issues with the CDM. It is the most incredible event and I cant encourage everyone enough to have a go.
If one avoids the attraction of combining it with another holiday in Europe, the Rallye can be done cheaply both in time and funding.. u only need a week off!!
But as with a lot of things nowadays, the event is under threat due to government 'health and safety' concerns - as the American crews commented 'there is no way this event would ever be allowed in the US as the liabilities would be uninsurable.'
If you are keen to have a go, register early and get fit. Its one helluva ride!!
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Keep it long and smooth...
Yours,
Simon Lester
Monday, August 18, 2014
Sunday, August 17, 2014
After
Walking the boats through Beziers. 7 locks next to each other. 
The overall winners - a young team from Germany. 
Aperitif at lunch.
Washing boats.
Ant winning the 300m race with a German team.
The trophies! Yes we're bringing one home!
Final day's images
Swapping Tees. The SA Tee was in such demand. They were being worn by all the other teams by the end. 
Roaring out the other side. 
Strategising in the pub.
Log jam at the tunnel.
Change over.
Final Results
RESULTS:
And the final results - wait for it....
3rd in Quads!!!
4th Overall!!!
A resounding victory and a podium place.
Go Team Oarsome South Africa!!!
Judy Van Es
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15 August
Well it's the last day of racing with no lockes. ( Thank goodness- bet Ant - alias 007 - is delighted) - A long session in the morning repeated by another long session in the afternoon. Crew looking a bit worse for wear but all happy and excited.
Tony continues to be "chef de mission" and organizes us with aplomb. Thank you for your support, finding ideal pubs, translating, regaling us with stories, etc. Incredible when you realize he is 78 years of age. At this stage he looks younger than the entire crew except for 007 - Ant - our secret weapon and Leslie who is now our cheer leader.
We all have learnt to translate one or two words - the most popular is when crew members and our support team snap "seal" or shout "seal". The French word for a seal is "phoque" - ( sound it out phonetically and you understand when the crew uses the word "Seal"). The team agreed to say "seal" whenever one needed to and we all understood there was some area of stress. The Americans thought we were nuts until we explained the logic. Naturally the idea was embraced.
Well all packed, bus fully loaded with luggage and surprisingly everyone chatting and animated. Extremely early after long race and late dinners which is normal in France??? - Leslie will be supporting us and hope she is still able to shout - " Go South Africa" or "Go Afrique Du Sud". This really motivates the crew. She tells organizers and crews often mention "Afrique Du Sud" in conversation... Of course the context is not clear???
On the bus other crews ask Team Oarsome South Africa to swop shirts at end of the day. Our shirts are a great hit. Remember they were designed by our artist Sue. Photographers have taken pictures of our shirts throughout the Canal Di Midi tour.
Today- for morning - (Wendy and Tim really) - the plan is to swop out two rowers every 20 minutes. For entire crew- Not to mention retain 4th place overall and 3rd place in the quad boat class. Let's see!!!
First session - boys start for 20 minutes - make excellent time- catch up to many crews- but rudder breaks - so wrap rudder around hands ( wire and it cuts hands - hell - but no doubt no worse than what rowers feel).
Then Wendy and me in stern pair with the dad and son team - "power house" in the rear. Rating 29 - highest so far and we pass various crews. Sue in the coxes seat and does well with barges and other boats. Some narrow calls.
Bicycles apparently hit cobble stones and mountain passes - by this stage rear end of cyclists feeling the pain- "Tour de Canale" - a real challenge!!!
Then Tim, Mark Wendy and Sue into a head wind??? Crazy - relatively light weight crew. Sue forgets to take back pack off and rows session with back pack??? Really nuts. Team Oarsome South. Africa known as different???
Then the boys are back and we behind Lyon crew - young, strong crew with "one older" person. Also a dad and son team and the nephew is coxing. We rate about two pips higher and stay on their tail. Best bit of coxing I saw. He was Oarsome! Youngster - probably weights 40 kg's. Flat out racing till the finish. They cannot loose us no matter what they try. Rating about 30 and move to about 31 at finish. whew!!! They keep upping power and rate. How many kilometers into race??? Brilliant rowing - at end we make friends for life. Both teams feel good and celebrate each others success. Their cox and me celebrated as best coxswains of Canal Di Midi. Oarsome!!!
Everyone wants our shirts - and Sue swops with a crew member who also designed their crews shirts.
Still 19 Km's to go this afternoon. Wendy and Tim organizing who swops into rowing crew when. Their selection and organization has been brilliant! Everyone buggered!
Off for a beer, coke and orange juice. Then to lunch! Tony arrives and tells us some interesting stories - takes the pressure off. Leslie plays "mom" picking up as members forget to get their stuff together. Thank you!!!
Lunch comprises a salad starter with egg and tomato, lettuce, artichoke and a marinaded radish of some sort. Then onto calamari. Went to find a spot in the bush to sleep for 10 minutes - so missed cheese and desert.
Nervous for last session- crew decides 30 minute pieces before swop out - gee - after about 190 Km's - wow??? Ambience is festive but tense to some extent. Me -I find a quiet spot with an old dog - a real dog - animals relax me. Leaning against a tree with a dog - 7th heaven.
Whatever happens - it has been Oarsome!!!
As mentioned, after lunch find a piece of wild country side partially under the shade to lie down. 10 minutes. Amazing how you can be so comfortable on rugged terrain! Have thorns in pants, shirt, shoes and everywhere else! Most of crew in similar positions.
Next session - We will be rowing through a tunnel of about 50 meters- timing is important as only one crew goes through at a time! We may have to wait - and that is not in Team Oarsome South Africa's vocab???
And the race begins... Team Oarsome South Africa get called to the start - the start is through a bridge which doesn't fit a quad with blades extended. After the bridge 3x half strokes, lengthen and we off. Solid rowing - effective rowing with a tail wind - we go like the wind! 30 minutes later a fast change out and off we go again- passing crews at a rapid rate weaving between the crews - some hair-pin bends - then we swop out before 50 meter tunnel as only one boat can go through at a time and there is a queue. Loss of valuable time. Two crews ahead bash into the walls of the tunnel. So even slower. Crew chomping at the bit... You have to row very short strokes at backstops. Interesting. We loose about 10 minutes -Out of tunnel and the power is on - wow!!! We weave down hairpin bends over taking crews narrowly missing each other. Blade clashes take place in narrow sections with boats, barges and logs in canal... Some slower crews are so kind they move over and let us through - wonderful people. The fraternity are just incredible! Then we hit head winds of note - grit teeth and pump with everything you got. Heads drop and you can see it is now about mental strength. Heading for a very narrow section and just as we enter - a barge enters from the other side- oh dear - stop, back it down - ??? another minute and a half lost??? Noooooo!!!
Once again a start and now it is grit and determination! Team Oarsome South Africa has great mental strength- make their bodies go beyond the pail...
Still a darn tough head wind so it is very tough! Feels like the longest ( although not from a distance perspective) and hardest section.
Eventually Wendy and Sue who are cycling this leg call out - "400 meters to go".... Do not know how the crew did it - but felt like a propeller was inserted on the boat - we fly through the finish! Wow!
Then the crew collapses and stops rowing. A very well deserved rest. We have finally finished racing!!! Leslie, cycling team and Tony yelling us to victory ( if you finish you feel like an Olympian.
Then get boat and trolley out the water and loaded up. Tim suggests him and me take the bikes and find somewhere to buy beers and coke. On tired legs we cycle all over- no luck!
Then just to really loosen up - all the teams walk their boats and bikes about 2kms to a field where tables are set up - but that's for dinner. On the side of a river- once again amazing.
Naturally Team Oarsome South Africa find a pub - decked out in a beach theme - and all join. Festive music, lots of photos, lots of stories, lots of laughter ( probably a little hysteria as the Canal Di Midi race is now over!) No answers on who comes where. That will be announced tomorrow???
Onto the bus and off to the hotel in Bezier - only a 5 minute drive - get 45 minutes to shower and change ( for girls sharing that's a challenge - also with all the tired legs and arms and backs showering at breakneck speed is a challenge for all!).
Then into the bus back to the river side for dinner. Get told must be back at bus at 11-30pm. Wonder how many of us will fall asleep at the table. Eagerly awaiting results!!!
Arrive at dinner -cannot stop chatting - Tony is so helpful with translating. The Amarula fruit cream chocolates and fudge and the story of elephants getting drunk on Amarula goes down a treat! Gifts for selected members from us. Even better connections established.
Lyon team - wow! Aus lady - incredible, Americans - buying beer and amazing, Germans a treat, and the list goes on and on. The bus driver is also a hoot.... Just incredible... Organizers deserve masala... Arranged everything and it ran like clockwork with a herd of motley oars people! Well done!!!
Then dinner - think for the first time all food was partially ignored while the chatting and drinks were great!
Eventually poor buses left at about midnight with last stragglers slowly coming in.
For me- a first Canal Di Midi - but an amazing experience. Old hands tried to explain what it was like - they did not come close. It is an adventure, a historical experience at breakneck speed, a opportunity to meet "Oarsome" people, - a trip of a life time.
It is sad that the trees on the canal have a disease - and are marked to get cut down ( believe me you look for every portion of shade).... But a lot is being done to resuscitate the region and replant the trees.
Also, it is sad that regulations are getting so tough in France that the Canal Di Midi may not last for much longer... This is hearsay.... But would be a travesty...
This year was a resounding success with the most number of entrants and highly competitive crews.
Truly we were blessed to be part of this "Oarsome" event!
On an almost final note - thank you to our team
Tony - at 78 you can teach youngsters ( anyone younger than you) the meaning of life.
Leslie- you have proved what grit and determination can do and you added a sparkle to our team. Not to mention a caring motherly nature to all of us when needed.
Tim- or Dr Hutton - you provide leadership and are a Mr Fix It of note.
Wendy - organizer par excellance and get hands, feet and every other part if your body dirty and is the glue that hold all together. Simon- your sense if humour is only surpasses by your strength - you flip that huge boat out the water as if it is a toothpick. A real dad, husband and leader.
Mark - our gentleman - will handle every situation with aplomb. Appears laid back - but a great team player is hard to find...
Ant- 007 - secret weapon - and total power house - not to mention probably the "poster boy" of the entire Canal Di Midi - girls watch this space
And Sue - a stalwart - just keep going - this was her dream and she followed her dream - and she will be celebrating her 50th birthday soon...
What an Oarsome South African team. Thank you for a life of memorable times in a mere week! You are amazing!!! This is what life is about!!!
Fianally to everyone who was part of this trip if a lifetime, including all competitors and organisers and support members - A BIG THANK YOU from Team Oarsome South Africa!!!
That's it folks.
Judy Van Es
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14 August
Second last day and long stretches of rowing. Also timed morning and afternoon. So pressure on. Today the girls joined the boys club- so we have names like Wynand ( Alias Wendy), another Simon ( alias Sue), etc. the crew decides 007 is young so he can do it all. He gets a bite by something in his check, but carries on regardless. Youth is a wonderful thing and also youthful talent! No times.. Yet... But let's see. Pressure is mounting!
Leslie cycled entire length - 21.4s.
This afternoon another 21.4 Km's. racing. Times are relatively tight and the crew would like to retain this 4th place. The German crew from Stuttgard wants to take this position. from a boat class perspective - the quads- we coming 3rd. Let's see. Everyone tired and still okay - only an occasional snap.... But forgivable levels.
Lunch was ham and bread as a starter with a special aperitif ( read a delightful wine - a rose wine but stronger- Simon and I water it down with water and much improved.). Everyone lying down in different poisons of repose. Absolutely tired but happy. Maybe partial exhaustion - but who knows???
Of course the vistas and surroundings are amazing.... Pity you cannot stop but merely appreciate them at racing speed.
While rowing narrowly miss barges, take on and pass other crews and call " bonjour" as you go past.
Tonight all will be in bed very early as last day. But let's not get ahead of ourselves... Still have a long afternoon of racing....
The afternoon session was rather tough. When we finished we had rowed and carried the boat ( read run the boat around the lockes like nut cases) for 155 Km's.
Launching the boat down cliffs in brambles has resulted in our legs bearing cuts and scrapes - we look like we have done an African safari on foot - then hands are all plastered - seriously we look like hospital cases and this is touring France???
Today when following a barge up to a aquaduct, the barge stopped suddenly ( novice driver) and then reversed??? We were 20 meters behind at racing speed! Sudden call to hold hard and another barge squeezed through the aqueduct in the opposite direction. No space to pass so we loose valuable minutes. The cyclist team were yelling, the crew was vociferously explaining to the barge driver exactly what they thought of his driving skills - really hope he only speaks French. Mark manages to maintain his gentleman status or prehaps he was not shouting as loud as everyone else??? give him the benefit of the doubt. Eventually get through the aqueduct and with tensions high the power in the boat was "Oarsome" - we were flying.
Leslie took the afternoon to relax and engage with the organizers and the French . Rather hard to do when some do not speak English. While sitting listening to other teams and organizers chatting she noted that a lot of people were talking about the South African or Afrique Du Sud Team. We seem to have made an impression. .
Dinner - lamb shank and veggies and bread and cheese and wine and water... Lamb shank outstanding!!! Beans - well okay- hope they do not create wind - but who knows may make the boat faster???
Nearly forgot - had to run the boat between two lockes as ONLY 700 meters between the lockes - (ONLY???) - - and you also run past and around lockes- so read about one km- ( through rough terrain ) - for me felt like a marathon. Once again Ant - our 007 Secret Weapon single handedly pulled the boat with me hanging on - really getting crazy - The rest swopped out and ran and cycled. Ant then Ant launched the boat with his dad and I barely managed to grab the blasted rope before it flew down the bank about 2 meters. These boats and the trolleys are really hardy and survive absolute abuse. In the running sections sometimes you have to choose a route. Simon strongly recommended the high or top road - the crew took the low road - about 100 meters later - the crew recognized the error of their ways - so the crew dragged the boat up a rugged bushy section to get to the high road. This was an excellent decision and we made up time. Well done Simon - we all were a bit befuddled but eventually saw the light.
Repairs to the boat - duck tape and garrots make it functional but it looks a sorry sight - a bit like the crew!!!
Simon and Wendy continue their managing roles and Sue manages to hold riggers and not turn the boat over. Bruises delux to prove it is not an easy job.
Last sleep at the castle and citadel - so packing tonight!!! Aaa awww gee!
Till next time...
Judy Van Es
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