http://www.london2paris2london.com

NEWS FLASH - 07/07/2011

2011-07-07T19:01:00.000+01:00

As many of you will know by now, the French Authorities managed to scupper our attempts to row the channel recently in stating that 'people powered vessels' could not generate enough speed to get out of the way of large shipping. We all know that would not be an issue as our Safety Crew and boats would either have called the event off for bad weather or advised the rowing boats to hold position or alter course long before any such incident became likely.

Also, the boats have to be self-baling. We don;t know what that means let alone of any rowing boats that meet that criteria, so time will tell if we intend continuing with our attempts at London to Paris or not.

Getting away from that, our first ever Tidal Thames Challenge will now take place with a 14 person crew on 28th July 2011 from North Foreland to Richmond, Surrey. The rowers are specially invited people.
Our new website is www.extremerowingchallenges.com Why not take a look and see if you are interested enough to take the challenge yourself!

The prices listed on another blog entry have had to be re-assessed as the cost have also altered since our first guess at what might need covering.

Roger G

Our latest events - continued!

2011-05-27T23:54:00.001+01:00

Well that's commitment!

I have just taken a massive step for me! I have bought the replica Carbon Fibre Cornish Pilot Gig Tiger from www.woodvale-challenge.com

We can now run our own events without having to rely on other people for a boat to use.
Take a look at our website too for other events that we intend utilising her on. The site has had a facelift already and has lots more information on it - along with some music that you may, or may not like! Take a look and let me know!! www.london2paris2london.com

There's also another photograph on there. This time of CRUSH. The Safety RIB owned by www.thamesworkboats.com She is available for hire for many jobs up and down the rivers and into the English Channel. They also have a 45' Nelson Cruiser that will be used as our number one Safety Boat on all of our rowing Challenges. She has berths on board for 12 people; has showers and toilets; full equipped galley and rest / ward room.

Here's a photo of CRUSH to whet your appetite.

She too can carry 12 people up to 20 miles from a 'safe haven'. Ideal for Channel Crossings where we are never more than 20 miles from shore in one direction or the other.

Thanks to Richard Bain of www.thamesworkboats.com for the photo.

OUR LATEST EVENTS!

2011-05-08T23:23:00.003+01:00

Our latest Challenge Announced at last!

In late June 2011 we intend holding our first ever "Roger Gould Tidal Thames Challenge" events.

We are hoping that the Carbon Fibre Replica Cornish Pilot Gig, Tiger presently on loan from WoodVale Challenge, http://www.woodvale-challenge.com will still be available to row from Richmond, Surrey to North Foreland on the Kent coast. This is only the outbound leg.

The event will then be run in reverse by separate crews. So, you can row it out of town, or back into town again! The choice is yours! Check out the website and get your application form filled in.

We intend to repeat this process each month until the end of October 2011. We intend starting the season again in May 2012 until October 2012. If you can't afford the time or money to complete the London to Paris to London events, why not try this one instead for a fraction of the time and money? Sure it's not quite the same distance, but then again, you're not rowing an Ocean either if you do London to Paris to London!

As usual, there is a non-refundable deposit. This time it is £75!

Take a look at the website for full details. There will be trophies awarded annually for the fastest team in either direction during that year.

Also, you can just row the distance to raise money for your charity of choice in no particular time at all! Just complete the course...

Get in touch soon because the clock is ticking on this one! Get your team together and get your forms in asap!!

The new website is live as of today!

2011-05-05T15:17:00.002+01:00

Well,

It's been a long while coming but at last we have our very own website to advertise our presence on the planet. Check us out at http://www.london2paris2london.com and see what you think.

As it's a new site, I am open to any feedback from you guys about it. Anything I should add that you need to know about? Let me know.

Anyone interested in the events can now download information and application forms directly from the site.

There is also a link to Nicola's email so that you can ask about her photography from the 2010 event and to book her for your important events. She's an EXCELLENT photographer with an ever growing resume for various sporting and civic events.

We have just been tasked to provide assistance for yet another Channel crossing later in the year too, so if any of you want to simply cross the Channel as opposed to rowing London to Paris, or London to Paris and back again - or indeed if you want to take on any other extreme rowing challenge, let me know and we'll see what the possibilities are for you. We take on all kinds of enquiries relating to extreme rowing events and challenges and if we cannot help you ourselves, we know someone that can!!

Roger G
Atlantic Rower 1997 & 2011.

The 2011 trip still has a few places left...

2011-04-10T00:57:00.001+01:00

Anyone still interested in taking part in our first ever Challenge should get in touch ASAP as there are only a few places left.

Our trip, scheduled to set off from Westminster Bridge on May 28th 2011 is going ahead at full steam with entrants taking full advantage of the vastly reduced price for entry. Next year, the full on Challenge between at least two teams will take place but at full price.
To take advantage of the less than half price cost this year, email me for an application form at rogergould@btconnect.com

Still available are also applications from individuals or teams for next years London to Paris to London Challenges too. We are intending to hold more than one Challenge next year and also looking to take on other Challenges with several cross Channel bookings already in hand and other enquiries for similar trips in the planning stages. So, if you have any ideas for fund raising or charity events in general that involve long distance rowing events in particular, just ask and we will give our advice and help with making your event a success.

Recruiting a crew for London. To Paris and return for May 28th 2011!

2011-03-30T21:02:00.000+01:00

Interested in making the trip ahead of anyone else?

Reply to me on rogergould@btconnect.com with your details and I will let you know our planned event.

This is a one off chance to be part of the first crew to make the trip. The price will be reduced to allow this to go ahead at short notice.

Applicants must be able to write off the dates to cover a 16 day period from May 28th, 2011 and preferably have some rowing experience as there is little or no time to train a novice.

Ideally, we are recruiting a team of twelve people. Male or female. It does not matter which.

Still interested? Give me an email! Now!!

Roger G
Atlantic Rower, 1997 & 2011.

Thanks to you all for your good wishes

2011-03-25T22:29:00.000Z

Just a few lines to say how pleased I am to be back and be able to read all of your messages that were left on the WoodVale site during my recent Atlantic Ocean rowing trip. I am pleased to report that I enjoyed the experience although I would not be rushing to do it again with such a large crew. The differences of intentions of some of the rowers was only evident after some days at sea. Most of us were out to break a record, but at least four people were there to make an Ocean crossing and not interested in making the record come true.
That being said, we all realised that the boat could not reach the speeds needed to break the record anyway! For some reason or other, the boat did not go much faster than 7 knots at the very best! Much of the time we could only manage 3 knots. Only at the end did we manage to get her going flat out. That was mainly because of the trade winds and currents kicking in.

Back now with full time concentration on the London to Paris to London rowing Challenges. Our plans for the recce trip during June are pressing ahead in spite of my temporary absence, and I must express my thanks to the Rievers 12 crew for their constant understanding during my time away. I appreciate there have been times when communications were impossible and now I am back at the helm, my eye will be firmly on the ball!

I will try to thank all those of you that sent personal messages to me once I have finished reading them all.

Best wishes,
Roger G.
Atlantic Rower 1997 & 2011.

Postponement of Presentation 6th March 2011

2011-02-19T09:24:00.003Z

ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSTPONEMENT OF PRESENTATION 6TH MARCH 2011

Roger's delay in starting his Atlantic Challenge has meant that he will be unable to attend, we have been anticipating his efforts and hoping that he will be back in time to make his presentation. For those of you tracking his progress it has become increasingly apparent he will not even be on dry land at the time of the event on 6th March.

Due to a high demand in SW England through Cornish Gig Clubs it has been decided that we will run a presentation in a more convenient location for the Gig Clubs. Falmouth Maritime Museum has been mentioned to us. The date and location of which is still to be announced and will wait upon Roger's return.

Taking these things into consideration I have taken the hard decision to postpone this event.

I apologise if this delay causes any problems but assure you that a future date will be set and we will update this site with the details when they are formalised.

Chris Gould
(On behalf of Roger somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on a small boat)

Further progess for us all

2011-02-04T19:48:00.004Z

Roger, now on his way and is making such progress westward across the Atlantic. Battling following seas of up to 3 metres high. Communications have been made between the boat and shore side and whilst everyone is sending messages to loved ones Roger has said....."Are we nearly there yet?"

Uncanny as this may seem, I bet if he has started this chanting, this far into the journey (3days) after another 30, the rest of the crew must be thinking about launching the Life raft and casting him adrift!

Whilst Roger battles the sun and heat, the London 2 Paris team are bounding on with preparations for the recce in May. This morning saw another trial with the Reivers 12 team using the Gig "Tiger" at one of the warmest places in England, Gravesend.

Whilst rowing in 30 degrees in the Mid-Atlantic was in the back our minds, we battled 35 knot winds and temperatures of around 5 centigrade. Mind, we should be comforted by the fact that we stepped back into the warm only 2 hours later and had some real coffee from McDonald's. All of which are not available to the guys who are quite frankly risking all for the World Record. Roger, we are all thinking of you and wish you the best for the rest of the crossing.

Everyone has their own reason for doing such a challenge. Some for charity, some for personal achievements, some for the experience, some for the rush of adrenaline. It is hard to understand why anyone would want to do such foolish challenges but what I can say is that what ever your reason you have to take part to know why.

Last year the Gravesend L2P team raised nearly £90,000 for charity. Proceedings went to a local Charity, the Lions Hospice. My grandfather was a resident in the Lions Hospice during L2P 2010 and was slowly loosing his fight with cancer. He was proud to say to the other residents that his new boat the "Sea Echo" was following the challenge and providing much needed support. Leslie, fought his battle until the challenge was over and we had all returned safely back to England. We all visited the hospice to let him know of our amazing experience. It wasn't that much longer after that Leslie passed away.

It was my Grandfather that got me into rowing and whilst I starting to train for one of the oldest rowing races in the world, The Doggett's coat and badge, I never took part. I could almost say that I am disappointed that I lost out of this chance, which is only open to Thames Apprentice Watermen. I can only say that organising the London 2 Paris challenge has inspired me to look at rowing in a different light and I am now organising such a race with my grandfather looking over me. Maybe one day I will take a row boat over this course and of course in aid of him.

What is your reason?

We landed at Denton Wharf, Gravesend, where the "Tiger" was lifted from the river and placed onto her new trailer. Purpose built for the London 2 Paris challenge, the single bunk roller trailer has the ability to transport "Tiger" anywhere in the country. Teams can now have more flexibility in their training areas. Over the next week, Tiger will be having some remedial work carried out and then transported to the Reivers 12 training grounds.

The Trailer built by De Graff trailers who are renown bespoke builders of trailers. They have actively built trailers for many of Britain's Olympic rowing teams. We have used their expertise to build us a trailer that will in future be able to double bunk a second Gig when the time comes.

The "Tiger" will be making an appearance in Kingston on the 6th March 2011 for the presentation event. Anyone wishing to Trial the Gig before entering the event is more than welcome to attend the meeting, all we ask is that you make us aware that you will be there.

Further developments with the challenge have been slow however nonetheless challenges for cross channel events are still progressing.

Don't forget that we cater for more than just London to Paris attempts. Plans are also afoot from other UK ports to France and, of course, the typical Dover-Calais attempt. If you have an idea and wish to talk to us about a challenge we can offer you safety, support and expertise.

Richard Bain

L2P2L Safety and Support

richard@thamesworkboats.com

Our start date is soon...

2011-01-25T16:49:00.000Z

AnyOne who can read a weather chart for our area of the world will see that this coming weekend shows unprecedented good weather over a really wide area of the Atlantic Ocean. We have been waiting in the Canaries for three weeks for a change in the weather, hoping for a slight change.
This weekend is THAT period, and the change is not slight. It is HUGE!
The trade winds that usually kick in at around 14' 45" North and are 200 miles wide, are spread out over a 3000 mile wide band from the Canaries to their normal southern limits. Sailors here are saying they have NEVER seen them so wide and so strong. Predictions are for 20 - 25 knot following winds and 3 meter seas all the way across. We may not need to deviate south at all to pick up those trades.
Our spirits are from zero to hero in one step! Apparently, this high pressure system is SO strong that the sailing fraternity are placing an over 85% certainty on it remaining there for our entire crossing! That is phenomenal!
Let's hope we don't get up too much speed and start surfing too hard! The only danger will be that of pitchpoling down big seas. (For the uninitiated, this happens when a boat runs head-long down a big wave and goes beyond 90' from the vertical, and it rolls end over end).

Here's hoping!

Thanks to Richard for stepping in to the control of London to Paris to London while I am away "enjoying myself"!

Regards,
Roger G

Rogers Atlantic Row

2011-01-22T08:50:00.002Z

Three London rowers are about to embark on a challenge from Gran Canaria to Barbarbados. To beat the record they need to complete the crossing in under 33 days.

If you check out http://www.itv.com/london/rowing-record92308/ and you might see someone you will recognise.

I will try to keep you all updated on Rogers progress while he crosses the Atlantic but I am limited to the information from the www.woodvale-works.com so keep checking it out and hope they cross swiftly and safely.

The London2Paris2London Challenge is, of course, still pushing on in Rogers Absence. We are awaiting the first trial oar for the Gig before we puch on and get the rest made.

We have had a few more people come forward to register interest in the challenge but may I remind you all that your first payment confirms your place in one of our Coded Pilots Gigs. You may attend our Presentation on the 6th March 2011 at the Royal Twickenham Canoe Club but again please get your names on the list of attendees.

If you wish to register your interest, please email Roger as soon as possible. Your email will be picked up by the office. rogergould13@gmail.com

Thames Workboats, (the company suppling the challenge with safety boat and support during the event) have now taken ownership of a 7 metre Rib. The vessel is coded for 11 passengers and will be providing you with that reassurance that you need should anyone find themselves in the water. The vessel was chosen for its ability to carry passengers, reach a speed of 40knots quietly and low emmissions from it's reknown engine.

If you would like to see the vessels Thames Workboats own and supply for the challenge take a look on www.thamesworkboats.com

For now

Richard Bain
L2P2L Safety and Support
07890 886369
richard@thamesworkboats.com

We're here - and still waiting to go!

2011-01-12T20:22:00.000Z

We arrived in time last week and have been held up with paperwork and poor weather. There is another large crew that set off the other day without providing any paperwork or getting permission from the authorities out here. This has created a real poor attitude toward all Ocean Rowers by the local government officials. Although we have provided more paperwork and insurance than is asked for, we have been told that we MUST. Have a support boat for our crossing. Now whe do you find one of those at this late hour. Never before has an independent rowing boat been asked for this level of cover. However, if we leave from Gran Canaria we need no such documentation or support boat! How crazy is that?
Our start is now set for this coming weekend instead of today - and it will be from Gran Canaria instead of La Gomera. That means packing up all of our belongings and our boat / equipment and transporting it all over to that island. No mean feat. So when some of the future London to Paris to London Challengers tell me they are being messed around with arrangements, I'll have a little chuckle to myself and think. 'You don't know what being messed about is yet'! I will understand however the frustration felt when you pay for something that doesn't always the precise way you expected it to. I am still making adjustments in my every day life that allow for things happening in a different way than I expect. It helps to keep a sense of humour.

We have some members of our crew that are to date 'fine boat rowers'. It showed tonight when we had our first row together as a crew at sea - in the dark. One particular member was SO STRESSED by others inability to keep time in rough conditions that they shouted instructions in such a vicious way that I laughted out loud! That person won't be very annoying after 30 days at sea... I feel a swift punch in the kidneys coming on...I am sure they will mellow once the reality of being at sea sets in. Things are not as simple out there as keeping time, and not catching a crab, or correct recovery done at a set time. Good times ahead.

Our project progresses nicely too for the London to Paris to London row in 2012. We now have our recce crew ready for their row in June 2011. The coding for e Cornish gigs is going well too and we hope the MCA will get back to us really soon wi their observations on Richard's hard work.

Wish us luck - and follow us on www.woodvale-works.com There is a tracker on our boat that will give out our positions as we move.

Happy New Year and so long for a while!

2011-01-01T20:05:00.002Z

As the title suggests, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year and to sign off for a while as I set off for La Gomera to go for a paddle on the mighty Atlantic Ocean...
I set out from Gatwick on Monday morning at VERY early o'clock and then, after a week or so of familiarisation on the boat and weather permitting, we'll set ofF on January 12th for Barbados.

Richard Bain will take over the technical side of enquiries and my wife Christina, will handle all other enquiries from the office until I get back. Email for Richard is richard@thamesworkboats.com Just send your emails to me as usual at rogergould@btconnect.com
You will get an out of office reply, but your emails will be read and any actions needed will be taken straight away.

Wish me luck. Be back soon!

Roger G

New Website opened for Atlantic Crossing news

2010-12-26T16:28:00.000Z

We have just received notice that to follow our progress online for the epic Atlantic Rowing Challenge in the Allum Cup, there is a direct link.
It's www.woodvale-works.com
There are some news photos on there that show the boat being prepared in case anyone out there is interested to see what she looks like.

L2P2L Open Day presentation still goes ahead

2010-12-24T13:14:00.000Z

Don't forget that there is an open day planned for March 3rd 2011 at the Royal Canoe Club in Teddington, Surrey.

This will be a VERY informative day for all concerned. There will be advice on sponsorship and how to raise the money needed to make your trip come true. Not many people can afford to pay the full amount needed up front - so you are not alone here! There will be people there to advise on how it can be done. Many people - including me - have afforded the trip through obtaining the right levels of sponsorship. Doubtless you will have to find some money yourself - and some time off work. It's your dream. SO MAKE IT HAPPEN!!

We are planning to feed everyone that turns up, so if you haven't told me that you are coming yet, please do so asap - or you may have to watch the rest of us eat!

You can also have a row in either Tiger, or A. N. Other Cornish Pilot gig on the day. We plan to have two boats there so you can test yourselves against each other - or simply try out the Gig to see if you are suited to it or not. No pressure.

Here's our new Team Jacket with the new logo on it. The new logo will also appear on your team 'T' shirts. We are currently having the wording 'ROWING CHALLENGE' added under the rowing boat shown. Personally, I think that leaving it out allows conversation to be struck up. People look at the logo and ask. "What's that all about then"? Then you can tell them - and ask for sponsorship! Neat idea, eh?

(Sorry about the fat, bald bloke in the jacket - but he gets into most pictures. He's the only model we have!!)

If you have recruited some team members already or have people nibbling around the edges wondering whether to commit, why not take this as the ideal time to sit in a boat alongside them? Travel down together.

Tell anyone that might be remotely interested to come along. There will be a presentation from Jock Wishart - a veteran explorer and extreme events enthusiast on the former London to Paris Rowing events that is a joy to see. He will also be on hand with other former rowers, to 'tell it like it is' and give you the answers you're looking for.

Merry Christmas one and all!!

Richard Bain is working SO hard on L2LvP !!

2010-12-18T14:07:00.000Z

Richard deserves a great deal of thanks as he is working SO hard behind the scenes on the organisation for our event. He's not only put together the Crisis Management Document in conjunction with the MCA and WoodVale Challenge Ltd, (the company that organises the Ocean Rowing Races) http://woodvale-challenge.com but has also been working tirelessly to come up with variations on our logo's and advertising documents.

What do you think of this then? Let me know your thoughts. It is our intent to put this on our merchandising - such as polo shirts, caps, sweatshirts, fleeces and advertisements.

We have been bashing documents back and forward between us at the rate of ninety to the dozen all week! All this and he's holding down an important job outside of L2LvP too.

The latest thing we have to overcome is the fact that the authorities in England and France have produced some interesting reading regarding crossing the Channel at the Dover Straights. If you are interested, go to this link.

http://www.mcga .gov.uk /c4mca/mcga -hmcg _rescue/channel_navigation_information_service__cnis _/dops _-_all-sar _cnis _unorthodox_crossings.htm

There is an interesting viewpoint in there from Mike Oram at Dover Sea School too. For those that don't know, Mike is considered THE leading authority on accompanying cross Channel swims, rows and other crossings and worked tirelessly with Jock Wishart (formerly the organiser for these London to Paris events) to make sure they ran smoothly.

The main issues raised by the French - who want to openly ban any and all crossings of swims, and small vessels of any kind in case there is an accident, is challenged by Mike who likens it to our government banning anything other than 42 ton lorries from using the M25 in case they hit something smaller than them! A pretty accurate analogy I feel. There would be uproar!

The regulations point out in general that providing anyone organising an event has planned and co-operated with the authorities on both sides of the water and can provide suitable action plans that have been carefully thought out and have advised the French in particular, of their intentions in advance, then there should be no problem - providing the escort vessels comply with the relevant regulations and advice for avoiding collisions at sea.

In this day and age, all commercial vessels carry an item of kit that tells everyone around them who they are, what speed and course they are following and what they are doing. These devices talk to each other too in one way or another and allow crews to take avoiding actions wherever they can. As the MCA document does point out though, the large container and commercial vessels using the Channel can take a LONG time to avoid, slow down or stop in cases of conflicting manoeuvres with smaller craft.

All of our Safety and Support vessels carry these warning devices and are capable of towing our rowing boats out of harms way in case of dire emergency - other than that, the gigs are made for pulling at sea at speeds that have beaten lifeboats to the scenes of some serious shipwrecks in the past. That's why we have gone for them in the first place. They are designed for the job in hand - unlike the formerly utilised Thames Waterman's Cutters.

I'm off to the gym now - if I can battle through the snow, to get some of my own training in for the Atlantic record attempt that is rapidly drawing closer!!

Atlantic late crew changes - we have females on board!

2010-12-17T01:42:00.003Z

Good news tonight.
We were supposed to be holding a training row over the next two days from the river Hamble to the Isle of Wight and back. However, the weather doing what it is (freezing rain and high winds), the brave chaps at WoodVale dare not take the boat on a trailer from her resting place in Totnes for fear of damaging her. So, the row will be at Totnes instead. Trouble is, I can't get there because of that same weather between me and there!
However, there has been another twist in the tail. The all female crew of Oyster Shack, due to leave at the same time as our crew, have lost another team member and cannot go to sea. We have taken five of them on board our boat instead, so we will have a total of 15 on board! One good thing is that it means we will be able to spread the rowing out between more people and get a little more rest.
The women will also bring another dimension to the all male team environment. I look forward to the challenge more than ever now.
Don't forget to follow us at www.woodvale-challenge.com We can be found under the link to the Allum Cup 2011.

Happy Christmas one and all!!

Back from Ocean Training and more applicants flood in...

2010-12-13T16:46:00.000Z

That was a fun way to spend eight days of training! My brain ached after the celestial navigation. As Ian Dury used to say in one of his songs. "There ain't half been some clever bast***s"! Someone, way back in history, decided how to work out the positions of the stars, planets in relation to our position on the earth! THEN, they had the wherewithal to compile several tables that enable us (with proper direction) to look up our position according to which day of the year it is! Took me all week just to get the hang of their tables and conversion tables, let alone finding my position and plotting it on a chart. Anyhow, I managed it in the end and am back to tell the tale.

We have had several more applicants send in to me this week. Some are still asking about using their own gigs. The answer to this still has to be 'No'. We have had to prepare a case to put forward to the MCA (Coastguard) to enable us to get our gigs Coded so that the French cannot refuse us permission to enter or leave their waters. The precise lay-up of the GRP used, and dynamics of our gigs means that they are very specific about which boats can and cannot make the trip. WE have to place certain items of safety equipment on board and have the design of the boats scrutinsed by the MCA so that they come up to scratch. Only then can we use them.
If anyone did want to use their own gigs, we'd have to insist that they have them coded too, to the same standard as ours have reached so that we have a fair playing field for all applicants. I can see that having a super slick wooden gig, or maybe even one similar to our carbon fibre one off gig, Tiger would have a real advantage over all others, so we have to ask that you stay with us, and agree to use our gigs only. The price is going to be negligible anyway by the time you try and get yours coded and buy all of the safety kit that we will be providing for ours!

Taking part in this venture is for some, expensive. You just have to realise that as a fact. We will be running an event every year from 2012 onwards, so, if you want to take part, please start saving and fund raising now.

We still have some places left for our presentation in March if you get your names in soon.

Keep smiling!

Ocean Training is SUCH fun!

2010-12-05T20:35:00.000Z

Here I am at KTY Training on the River Hamble near Southampton being trained on the hoof to get all of my Ocean qualifications that will allow me to take part in the record breaking Atlantic Ocean Rowing Record in January 2011. It stands at 33 days at the moment and we are hoping to complete it in less than that - hopefully by three days!

Day One was an introduction to the VHF short range radio. Now, I have to say that I have been using one for years and never realised I needed to do a course or have a license to operate it. It seems to work fine without one. :-). However, I was impressed with the depth and usefulness of this course. It was very good and made me understand a lot more about our Coastal and local radio arrangements.

Day Two saw us completing Ocean Safety with letting off flares and performing lifeboat drills in a local pool. Fantastic fun and we all learned so much under brilliant instruction.

Day Three is all about Sea First Aid. I think that even with my fairly extensive knowledge of First Aid gained over SO many years experience and practice, I still learned lots of useful tips and hints.

Tomorrow sees us starting five days of Ocean Yachtmasters on land training. This is a minimum qualification that the Spanish authorities are looking for in all Ocean Rowers before they sign off against the start of any organised Ocean Rowing event.

Let's see what the first day holds in store. Apparently there are lots of mental maths to perform and we have been told to bring our calculators with us! Sounds like I'll need to make my shoes and socks off to use my toes as counters. All about lats. longs. Degrees, Minutes and Seconds. Whatever that means!! He said, laughing. (I know really).

'Testing' day at Gravesend

2010-11-28T15:10:00.000Z

This morning saw us all up at sparrows f**t to go and try out Tiger at Gravesend.
It took a good while to clear the ice off her decks and thwarts, but it was worth the wait. Richard and Andrew Bain of Sea Echo were there to welcome the crew of Reivers along to try her out. Once underway, the crew seemed to be 'flying' along! I think the frost helped them to 'glide' over what was the River Thames...
Seriously though, they made really good and efficient progress after just a few minutes of getting familiarised with the different rowing positions. The oars that were tested are the normal 12' 6" Macons in carbon fibre. The collars and buttons seemed to be out of sync with the thole pins that are fitted to Tiger. We have some possibilities to explore here and any comments made will be much appreciated.
One choice is to leave the pins alone and alter the positions of the collars and buttons. That's an easy option but maybe not the one we want to follow.
Another is to change the size of collars (widen them out a bit) and use the same oars. Another choice might be to change the oars altogether and use longer slightly thicker ones.
Another choice could be to use thicker thole pins to stop the oars we have from wallowing around in the space between them.
Or, do we fit standard rowlocks to her and either go with the oars we have, or buy longer ones.

So many choices and so much input needed to decide. The variables we have are numerous too. To buy any more kit just increases the initial cost of the recce trip that we are training for. However, it is essential that we have the best possible set-up if we are to set a good time for the following years of Challengers to try and beat.

Meantime, I have forwarded the lengths of the distances between gunwales and thole pins for each rowing position to Jock. He has a method of working out the exact length needed for maximum efficency from each set of measurements. (If that makes sense).

So, down to the rowing bit! Having settled down, we discovered that the crew of four that turned out, could pull against a 3 knot tide at a steady 1.8 knots! Not bad for a crew that hadn't trained for a wee while and were in a new boat!! Then, someone said. "Where is this swell coming from"?

The cox said. "Look over your shoulder guys"! He gestured to their left. They looked, and they saw...

"That explains a lot". Came the response.
They turned around shortly after this shot was taken and we followed them back downstream with the tide at an almost eye-watering 8.5 knots with a medium / slow outgoing tide! I had to wonder what these guys had for breakfast! Just then, I realised they hadn't been able to get any breakfast as they had got up SO early and everywhere in Gravesend was shut when they arrived (apart from MacDonalds, and that doesn't count as breakfast, does it?)

We dispatched Richard in the small Safety Boat off to the pier where he knew of a secret place to buy bacon, egg and sausage rolls! He returned with lots of hot buns full of goodies as soon as he could. The crew had rowed the Tiger back down to her moorings, tied her up (kinky, eh?) and left her dangling off a small boy! Sorry, that should read 'buoy' before anyone gets too excited! "Anyway"...as my offspring say whenever I get 'inappropriate' and embarrass them), "moving on". Short work was made of the bacon, egg and sausage butties while they discussed the alterations needed and dreamed of how they are going to take on the Challenge of London to London via Paris.

Any comments, please join in and make them. Advice will be heeded and may even be utilised to make your trip(s) better than ever. We're open to suggestions on bits of boat kit.

A Tiger in the water!

2010-11-26T20:56:00.001Z

This photograph shows the Cornish Gig, Tiger on the day she was placed in the water at Gravesend. This is the style of boat you will be rowing in the future London to London via Paris Rowing Challenges from here on in.

Photo taken by Richard Bain.

Richard is our Safety Officer and was with us on this years London to Paris Challenge, 2010 as the pilot of the Committee Boat called Sea Echo. He saw the cutters first hand and now reports that the Gig is SO much more stable than them in the water. He has a lot more confidence that these are the right boats to use in our events.

Watch this blog for more photos of Tiger in action. This years crew from team Reivers are coming to Gravesend on Sunday for a trial row. They will report through me what their impressions are.

Some people have already replied to me about the meeting to be held in March 2011. Please keep the replies coming in so that we know who will be coming along. If you just turn up, that will be fine, but there will only be enough food for those that let me know their intentions. Also, we can't say if you will actually get in if we have too many people turning up on the day. We are limited to 60 people - so, first come, first served. Be sure to get your replies in asap.

First meeting for London to London via Paris, 2012 and beyond

2010-11-26T11:08:00.000Z

ANYONE WISHING TO TAKE PART IN ANY LONDON TO LONDON via PARIS rowing Challenge - meeting and presentation date for your diary:

We are proud to announce that anyone wishing to get to know us - and each other and to learn more about the Challenge, should come along to our first meeting and presentation.

It will be held on Sunday March 6th 2011 at The Royal Canoe Club, Trowlock Lane, Teddington and will start at a time to be announced later. Snacks and hot drinks will be provided.

We intend having the rowing boat Tiger, a carbon fibre Cornish Gig on hand for you to look over. This is the style of boat we will use for all future challenges (although not made from carbon fibre). If you want ot have a short row, bring some rowing kit with you and we'll see what we can do.

Anyone wishing to attend please let me know well in advance as space is limited to around 50. We also need to know how many to cater for. PLEASE also let me know if you intend having a row of Tiger on the day so that we can gauge the level of interest.

Replies and further information can be sent to and obtained from rogergould@btconnect.com

Off to the gym now for some training for my Atlantic Row in January 2011.

More news on the Allum Atlantic Challenge 2011

2010-11-19T20:58:00.001Z

The decision has been made now, and I'm off to carry out extensive Safety Training that is needed prior to the Atlantic Challenge. I will still be available during this training for email enquiries and, while I'm away actually on the row during January and February, our on land support team for the Lonodon to London via Paris Challenges will deal with all emails and phone calls as usual. You'll either end up speaking to Chris or may be re-directed to Richard Bain (our Safety Expert) for any technical issues.

Other than that, we have a team from the 2010 L2P event taking one of our Gigs out for a test row or two hopefully within the next two to three weeks. This will take place at Gravesend.

Also, Richard is pressing ahead with the issue of getting the Gigs coded for our future events. This is necessary so that the authorities on both sides of the water are happy with our plans and designs.

A couple of people have taken the step of phoning in to make sure there are still places available for them in the 2012 Challenge. The answer at the moment is always 'yes'. There are various people in different parts of the country who are looking for other rowers willing to take part. I have a list of people that want to go and are desperately looking for sponsorship too. If any of you out there have sponsors and are looking for crew members, please look up London to Paris on Facebook. Apparently, a page has been started by a Richard Bain (more technically gifted than me) where you can all talk to each other about all things LtoLviaP.

Enjoy!

The Atlantic Ocean calls - again!

2010-11-18T12:54:00.000Z

Oh dear, oh dear! What am I thinking of??

For those that don't already know, in 1997 I took part in the first ever Atlantic Rowing Race. It took my partner and I 66 days to complete the task.
This weekend Simon Chalk from WoodVale Challenge, another veteran of that first race and several other Ocean Rowing crossings since (they organise all of the Ocean Crossing races), talked to me about an adventure across the Atlantic Ocean to be held in - January through to February in 2011. He said there is a spare place, and guess what? I'm filling that space!

Does this sound logical? No! Obviously not! But life is too short to miss out on opportunities when they come along. The things that race through your mind at times like this are ... Am I too old now? Am I fit enough? Will my back ache hold off for long enough to finish the event? The answers to all these could be a resounding 'Yes'! Especially the one about being too old. However, this is going out to all of you that might be dithering about whether you can do London to Paris, or Paris to London, or London to London via Paris in 2012 and beyond. You'll never know the answers about yourself unless you give it a shot. As my wife said to me when I got off the phone with Simon. "You'll never have another chance like this again! It's up to you. But I am sure you wouldn't forgive yourself if you didn't give it serious consideration".

That's me then! I'll keep you updated about this challenge and the London to London via Paris as I go along the way.

Team Enquiry received again...

2010-11-18T11:09:00.001Z

This week has seen the same high level of interest shown from enquiries.
One person has got back in touch after completing other personal tasks to say he now has a team of six people with others nibbling in the wings! This is great news!
Remember, if you have a friend or two that want to do This mammoth event, you do not have to find an entire team. There are other individuals around the country that are looking for you - they are in the same position as you. They need people to make up a team.

We are pressing forward with a recce trip over the same course that will be covered in 2012. Arrangements are ongoing and I will keep you updated from this blog on our progress.

Still keeping up the high level of interest! Don't get left behind...

2010-11-09T16:26:00.000Z

After another few days of frantic activity online, I am pleased to say that we are still getting around four requests for information every day! At least half are from women. This is reinforcing my plan to have two female teams to compete against each other.

At first when people applied for information, I simply provided an email explaining what we are doing and how to get involved. Now however, with every email of information I send out, I am also sending an Application Form for the One Way and Two Way trips. Hopefully, this will get things moving as we need deposits coming in to get boats built. Time is running out as the first actual payment (after deposits) is due to be in with us by the end of June 2011. At that stage, we will decide if the event goes ahead or not. Don't let it slip by guys! There will never be another chance to be the first to take part in the return London to London via Paris Rowing Challenge.

My other plan to have different categories is also being reinforced by people saying they would like to be 'Challengers' as opposed to 'Competitors'. Remember that you don't have to enter this with a team of racing snakes, going all out to set the fastest time. You are welcome to come along and complete the course - for personal achievement, or to raise money for charity.

As time gets nearer to the Challenge, it is important to realise that expressing an interest is one thing, but getting your money in and ensuring your place in a boat is THE only thing that counts. We've all talked about getting involved in something that challenges us before, and regretted the lost chance when we didn't commit to our dream. The only way to make this happen for you is to make that decision a reality.

Shortly, we will be announcing an open day meeting for everyone that wants to get involved to come along and meet your potential team mates. This meeting will be held in the Surrey area at a location to be decided. We will have a Cornish Gig there for you to look over and will tell you all a little more of what is required to get yourselves ready for this mammoth Challenge.

Remember. We supply the boat and Safety Boats. You provide the will power and personnel to carry out the task. Without you being there, it doesn't fly!!

Check your emails! There's been a new announcement made...

2010-11-05T15:58:00.000Z

FYI.

After much discussion and heart searching, it has been decided to reduce both the non-refundable deposit AND the event entry fees for all trips - either London to Paris; Paris to London or London to London via Paris...
We've only been to achieve this because the Gigs will not cost quite as much as we first feared, AND more importantly, the crews of the Safety Boats have given us a further reduction in their costings. This is a fantastic effort on their part because they could be making a LOT more money by staying home and doing their usual jobs on the river and around the coast. To be honest, I think they are seeing this as an adventure for them too! Let's make it worth everyone's while and an event to remember.
There have been other developments too on the publicity front. A TV documentary company have voiced an interest in covering the event from now until it ends. Get your sponsors on board now and they will not be disappointed.

Anyone that has already voiced an interest will be receiving an email with the new details of payment and Application Forms attached too.
Anyone else out there that would like to receive an up to date Application Form, please get in touch on my email at rogergould@btconnect.com asap to avoid disappointment!

Happy Days!
Roger G

Lots of female interest...in the best possible way!

2010-11-04T00:24:00.000Z

It is quite staggering to find that we have had over 24 women express an interest in taking part in the 2012 event so far. I am pleased to see such a large number of women getting involved in what has been to date, a male dominated event.
My intention now is to open a Facebook page dedicated to the London to London via Paris rowing Challenge, so that interested parties can get in touch with each other online and arrange teams. I would love to get two female teams to enter the Challenge and possibly compete against each other. Fancy being one of the first female teams to compete in this event? Why not? Let's get this started here and now!
I will send an email to all the applicants to date, and ask if it is alright to put their email address online. When and if you agree, you can all get together to share views and ideas. Who knows, maybe a team or two will emerge from it?

The cost of this event will come down if we can get three or more teams involved. To make this event 'float', we need at least three teams, or it runs at a loss. We can only provide a discount if, or rather when, we get three or more teams to take part. If we get the right number of people to take part, we will take a serious look at refunding a proportion of your entry fees once the event has finished.

Together we can make this THE most memorable Challenge to date!

Get involved now and avoid disappointment later...

This is Really Good to see!

2010-11-01T23:15:00.000Z

A big thanks to everyone that has asked for more information throughout today. Thanks have to go to British Rowing for their coverage of the Challenge. It has generated a lot of interest. This evening alone I have sent out four Application Forms to enthusiastic people wishing to take part in The Challenge, while six other people have asked for more information. We hope that they will like what they read and ask for Application Forms too.

What we really do need to see now are some of those Application Forms being turned into actual Fee Paying Entries. Remember, that we have to set a deadline on entries as the Safety Boats have to be booked in advance. No Entry Fee = no Safety Boat. No Safety Boat = no place in the Challenge. Simples...

Another week older and still more interest!

2010-10-31T09:51:00.001Z

Another week has passed and there have been another 18 emails from people expressing interest in the event.

Anyone wishing to take part though, needs to give serious consideration to getting money organised and sent in asap. There are two payment dates that will need to be met after we receive your deposit or you will not be able to take your place in the 2012 line-up. Remember, just saying you're interested is not enough to get your name on the list. If you have not made your final payment by the end of December 2011, you will not be going in 2012.
You will be allowed to carry your wish to take part forward to our event in 2013 instead, so all is not lost. It just means you will not be in the first ever event from London to London via Paris Challenge. There will NEVER be another FIRST CHALLENGE over this course.

We have had to set a deadline for payments or we cannot organise the Safety Boats needed to escort you on the trip. These boat owners get booked up months in advance and we cannot expect them to hang around waiting for us to decide if, and how many of them we need. For us, the event is a challenge. For them, it's their livelihood!
Also, as we have to have your boats built once we receive your payments, we are depending on you to forward the funding to do so. This will not happen overnight! Boats take time to be built. No money coming in - no boat to row in!

We strongly urge those of you that have not applied yet and are serious about taking part, to get your application forms and deposit in asap. It's a serious undertaking that needs serious commitment by each individual wishing to complete the Challenge of a lifetime. Only one part of The Challenge is the actual rowing of the boat. Before that starts, you have to be realistic enough to see that you have to make a serious financial commitment to achieve your dream.

Remember one and all, you can now opt to row one way - from London to Paris; Paris to London OR 'Both Ways' - from London to London via Paris. The 'Both Ways' trip will cost a full fee plus an extra 50% price of the single fee again to get back to London. This reduction across the board is thought to be the fairest way to get as many people out there rowing both ways. We still have to meet our obligations to the Safety Boats to get you back again - and time is money!

Furthermore, there are two categories for rowers.
They are:

Competitors, and
Challengers.

The first group will be trying to set the fastest times - either from London to Paris; Paris to London; or London to London via Paris.

The second group will be covering the same three options but will concentrate on simply getting there! The Challenge for them will be completing the distance.

Remember why this second category has been introduced. It's for those that may not realistically have a chance of competing against or in the same boat as, young, fit racing snakes in peak physical condition - as well as those that simply wish to enjoy the Challenge of taking part in a long distance rowing Challenge.

The choice of which category you enter will be up to you in the end. When you return your Application Form, please give serious consideration to the category you wish to enter in and mark it clearly on the form when it is sent in.

Don't miss out! The date for the first full payment to reach us after your deposit is 30th June 2011. Eight months and counting down...

Roger G

Yet more enquiries and interest!

2010-10-24T10:28:00.000+01:00

This weekend has seen another glut of enquiries regarding our Challenge. There seem to be a lot of women applying this time around. One idea springing from this is to have an all female team. Why not? Come on ladies. You compete at all levels of international events. Why not find a boat full of Challengers or Competitors that are all female? There are countless sponsors looking to sponsor female Challenges. I know that I have had over 12 women ask for more information about this Challenge.

Don't forget the difference in categories.
Competitors are those trying to set the fastest time against other teams either from London to Paris; Paris to London; or London to London via Paris.
Challengers are those trying to complete the event (however long it takes) by either getting from London to Paris; to London; or from London to London via Paris!

The Dream:
Two boats (maybe even three) of either gender competing against each other to set the fastest time. These crews can also be mixed gender as has been done before.
Two (maybe even three) boats with crews who are Challenging themselves to complete the event and / or raising money for Charities along the way.
Why not have a Competition for male crews and one for female crews so that records can be set for both genders?

Keep the enquiries and comments coming in!

2012. Different categories of applicant needed.

2010-10-18T11:36:00.001+01:00

Right. Here's the thing! In previous Challenges, everyone that took part seemed to be ultra competetive and was intent on setting the best time possible for their Challenges. This is understandable, but this year in particular, it also meant that two people were not allowed by their other 'crew mates' to row on the River Seine as they were not thought to be adequate rowers. The fact reamins that they had paid their entry fee and felt cheated.

For this reason and also regarding the question of age and infirmity of potential adapted rowers, I am looking at running the Challenge in 2012 with two categories of applicants.

One group who will be wanting to set the best time they can.
Another group rowing the course for the experience, adventure and raising money for charities.

Of course the 'best time' group may also be raising money for charities too and well done for that, but if anyone simply wants to complete the task, why should they be placed in a boat with racing snakes intent on breaking the water speed record?

What are your thoughts?

New Challenge Announced for 2013!

2010-10-18T11:19:00.000+01:00

It has been decided, due to interest so far, to run another rowing event from London to Paris and return in 2013.

The cost is likely to be similar - based on anticipated rises in inflation and cost of living but we will keep it as low as possible so that as many people can take part as possible.

It is hoped that anyone wanting to take part in 2012 that cannot raise the money in time, or have other commitments that year, can still participate in what is after all, a brilliant Challenge to take part in.

The example here is the young man wishing to take part from Gibraltar who will be a year older in 2013. Maybe that will suit his needs better in his preparation for the attempt in rowing the Med in 2014? Also, there is a man who is soon to be a father and wishes to put the Challenge off until the family are more established.

Youngest applicant to date; an Adapted Rower and The RAF!

2010-10-17T19:41:00.002+01:00

Now there's a first. Of all the things I never considered having to consider!! Having sent out information packs to various places, one such place was Gibraltar where I know they have a very good and strong interest in open water rowing. While there doing some training courses over the past two years I had the fortune to be introduced to some of their very keen rowers.

As a direct result of leaving an advert there with a rowing club, I have just had a phone call from a fourteen year old young man who wants to take part in The Challenge in 2012. By then he'll be sixteen and will be two years away from his dream of rowing the Mediterranean Sea!

My first thought was that he is too young! However, he has already been rowing for a number of years and has won many recent honours at the sport. So. How old is too old and how young is too young?

We've had interest shown from veterans rowing clubs too - asking if they are too old to take part! Surely if their doctor says they are fit enough to go, then who am I to argue the point?

The next point is that an Adapted Rower has also expressed an interest. He has no legs and would need to have his place in the boat specially designed. With a lot of our armed forces lads and lasses spending more time in hot and sunny places and suffering horrendous injuries, there are a heck of a lot of them coming home with bits and pieces missing! They are still fit and well aside from the missing bits. To my mind, this doesn't make them any different to the rest of us and I for one would be honoured to have them along as part of our crews.

We have also had interest in today from an RAF base in North Wales who wish to enter a team.

Wouldn't it be GREAT to have so many variations in our Challenge during the London Olympic Year of 2012?

Let me know your thoughts please. Leave comments below if you like.

Decision on Entry Fee almost finalised!

2010-10-17T10:59:00.000+01:00

Well,
The latest rounds of talks regarding our costings for boat builds and hectic meetings to discuss the overall pricing for the return trip has resulted in what I hope will be the final cost of the event for each crew.

Those wanting to row one way or the other will probably be £3,250 plus VAT each. (£3,900 after VAT @ 20%).

Those wanting to make the trip both ways will be asked for a full fee one way BUT would get a 50% reduction on the return fee. So, your fee is likely to be around £5,850 per person after VAT.
Of course this will depend on having enough people to crew one boat each way. We need however, crews of 12 to do the both way trip or it won't work at all.

For that reason, we'll be asking for a slight increase in the deposit too if you express the desire to go both ways. The difference is, that a proportion of that will be refundable now if we do not get enough entries for the each way trip. We feel that if it is your fault that you drop out, then you lose your deposit, but if it is unavoidable due to lack of entries to make a complete return crew and we have to cancel a boat, then you will get your return deposit back (plus of course any other money you have paid in for the return trip).
That's only fair on everyone, because if one person decides to drop out of a both ways crew, the remaining crew would have difficulty but still be able to continue on. If three or more dropped out though, it would be even more difficult to continue as the question of crew rest between rowing stints would be decreased considerably too. We'd have to consider the enormous burden placed on a diminished crew and decide if it would be safe to continue.

Let me know what you think about this idea. I need to know your thoughts! We are hoping to make this as inexpensive and open to all comers as possible - but you need to be seriously interested and able to make the physical and financial commitment.

Have you got what it takes? Email me on rogergould@btconnect.com for more information...

More Interest as days go by...VERY encouraging responses!

2010-10-15T18:00:00.000+01:00

Just got off the phone to a guy who is very interested in taking part in the Challenge. He has just done some other long distance events and is looking to do more still!

We've also had communication from Mike Gilbert from Langstone and another few others. Mike is known to us already as a veteran rower! (Veteran in many ways - all good)... He has offered to either bring some of his club up to London or for us to take the Gig we have, down to them so they can have a practise in her. As we don't have our own trailer yet, they may have to travel up to London for the day / weekend sometime soon, to have a try out and see if they feel suited to rowing the Gigs. We all hope they will!

Keep those applications coming in! As we have already said, anyone wanting to row this Challenge both ways, now only has to pay a full fee one way, and a half fee for the return trip and NOT just the first crew to pay their fees as previously posted. I'm trying to make this as appealing to everyone as I can!! Give it a go! Be the first to do it!

Entry fee is being reconsidered - Two reasons

2010-10-12T10:52:00.000+01:00

For everyone's notice...
First of all - Since we have all but decided on the use of the Cornish Gig for our events in future, we are negotiating a deal to have them made at a price that is cheaper than the Cutters. This means that our overall costs are being reduced. That reduction will be passed on directly to our Challengers as soon as we work out the differences.

Second. After much deliberation and consideration, we have also decided to reduce the entry fee for the return trip by 50% for all such applicants and not just the first crew to pay their fees. This means that anyone entering for the two way trip will pay the new reduced fee (once decided on as mentioned above), PLUS half that fee again for the return trip.

Anyone that has paid their deposit will receive the relevant reductions through their payment plans that are already in place.

As soon as we receive the quote for boat builds, we will work out the Race Entry Fee and notify everyone by email who has already expressed an interest.

Thanks for reading...Any comments, please feel free to make them!
Stay in touch.
Roger G

Friday meeting with WoodVale Challenge, Simon Chalk

2010-10-08T19:44:00.000+01:00

Today saw Richard Bain and I travel down to the hub of WoodVale Challenge in Ashburton, Devon.

Simon Chalk and I both took part in the first ever Atlantic Rowing Race back in 1997. Since then, Simon has moved on and now runs many ocean rowing races around the world. You could say that he is now the for most authority on Ocean Rowing. He has also 'Chalked' up several ocean crossings himself. The Atlantic and Indian to name just two. He also has a wealth of experience in designing and building sea going rowing boats. So why do you think we went to see him?

Being in the market for new design sea worthy rowing boats ourselves, we decided to go down and get his expert advice first hand!

The day began very early as Richard is based in Kent, and me in Surrey. We arrived in Devon at around 14:00 and spent a long time looking at various rowing designs. Sone on paper, and others in the flesh - so to speak. Simon was very helpful and upbeat about the whole Challenge we ar taking on. He also sees the opportunity to use the London to Paris Challenge as a "warm up" for some of his Ocean Rowing competitors too.

We have settled on taking on the Cornish Gig as the boat for our use on future Challenges - unless that is, our trials over the next two months prove against it. We are going back to see him on Sunday to bring one back to Gravesend with us. Then we intend getting the three crews from L2P 2010 to river test her for us and give us their comments.

There is a lot we can get from each other and we intend to maximize our efforts by working alongside each other in the future.

Created a new Challenge on Explore Rowing website

2010-10-08T19:35:00.000+01:00

I've just ventured into the wide world of rowing on the Internet!

Am I excited? Hell yes!

This has opened up the Challenge to everyone listed on the British Rowing website and the Explore Rowing site too. We've already had two people get in touch since I posted there this afternoon.

Happy days!!

Have we found our Challenge boat?

2010-10-04T21:41:00.000+01:00

This weekend saw Richard and Andrew Bain and myself travel down to the offices of WoodVale Challenge. Simon Chalk is the Organiser of the Ocean crossing company that make dreams possible for anyone wishing to row any ocean. He and I go back to the first ever Atlantic Rowing Race in 1997. We have worked together on and off since then. We really needed his advice on different possibilities for boats to use for the L2P Challenges.
He had a Cornish Gig at his complex that had been used for an attempted round Britain row made by Leicester Tigers rugby club recently. He suggested that we take it away and trial it.
After a second trip down there all the way from Gravesend, we collected the Gig and it has been taken back so that the crews from this years 2010 event can try it out for us. Who better to let us know their opinions?
The Gig is in common use all around the coast and there are slight variations in build and type. For our Challrnge, it is vital that each boat be the same in order to avoid claims of unfair advantage. For this reason, if we do go with the Gig design, we will be making our own. This means we have control of what goes on them and what does not!
This news seems to have already leaked out, because tonight I have had two calls and one email from excited potential Challengers!
Presently, we are sourcing some oars for the Gig we have as it came without any at all.
I'll keep you all up to date as we get further into this process.

Lots of new interest shown

2010-09-30T16:59:00.000+01:00

After the advert in the Rowing®atta magazine, there has been a great deal of interest shown. We have had over 20 emails and phone calls asking for more information.

Take a look at www.britishrowing.org for more information. They have asked us to provide details for their news articles.

We have had interest shown from one of the main rowing clubs in Gibraltar too! So the net is widening our appeal already!

The armed services have also expressed an interest in putting in at least one team to raise funds for Help for Heroes charity. If this comes off, there will be a heap more interest from the media. Great news for us all when it comes down to getting sponsorship!

Let's see where is takes us.

Get your applications in now and beat the rush! Be one of the first to sign up and get ahead of the game. Your details will be posted on the web to show sponsors the true power of international advertising.

London2Paris2London for 2012! It's a first!!

2010-09-30T11:05:00.002+01:00

Jock Wishart has decided to pass over the baton of running the very successful London to Paris Rowing Challenge to Shadows.

Our first Challenge will take place in 2012 and will see teams battling it out to see who can set the best times for rowing from London's Houses of Parliament to The Eiffel Tower in Paris. This usually takes around five and a half to six days to complete.

(See Page 45 of Rowing&regatta Magazine's Issue #46 for September 2010 for our advertisement. Also see http://www.britishrowing.org/ ) for more information and other events to Challenge yourself.

The Challenge has been run as a bi-annual event until now. Our intention is to run it every year from now on in order to give more people the opportunity to take part.

The other very real difference starting from 2012, is that we intend running the Challenge as a two way event! Yes, that's right! A Challenge to row from London to Paris, and another to row the same course in reverse. Those wishing to can sign up to row both legs of the event!
Are YOU brave / strong enough to attempt that? If so, send me an email and I'll tell you more.

The other major difference this time round and for all events in the future, is that we will have to design and build our own boats. In 2012 it is not only the year of the Olympic Games in London, but is also Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Anniversary. This means that all of the Thames Watermans cutters that we have used to date, will be used for ceremonial duties and we cannot hire them at all.

This design stage is in it's infancy at the moment but we are very excited at the prospect of having our own craft to use - not just for the L2P2L events, but for others too. We have plans to run other long distance Challenges such as coastal rows from London to Plymouth or Southampton. Maybe even around the Isle of Wight too! Once we have our own seaworthy rowing boats, the world is our oyster...

Interested? Look at the website attached as a link http://www.london2parisrowing.com/ or email me for more details at rogergould@btconnect.com

Gibraltar Training - a Great Success!

2010-07-02T10:33:00.001+01:00

www.GibraltarMagazine.com/
See Page19 in the July edition of the Gibraltar Magazine link above for details.

Late June 2010 saw me travel to Gibraltar again for the second year of training for the only Security Company that seem to be interested in providing training for their guard force. Security Express GibLimited.
This time we trained the Security Teams that cover both the National Sea Port of Gibraltar in the latest International Standards for Port Security (ISPS) and the Security Teams that cover The Gibraltar Hospital to the CFSMS NHS Standard (plus some extra things they needed specifically for their role there).
http://www.gibraltar-security.com/

For the future, their Director and Co-Founder, Charles Polson (QPM), has told me that he wishes to continue the training for his teams well into the future. He has been satisfied that they have learned from the yearly training and now wants it carried out each six months, and later, if all goes to plan, he intends running courses every month or so for other companies in Gibraltar. That means more work than I will be able to cope with alone. I will make use of my already wide circle of trainers that I know I can trust to provide the same standard of courses and won't let either of us (or themselves) down.

The bay of Gibraltar itself is crowded at the best of times and really comes to life at night when the oil tankers that are moored in the bay are unloaded by a succession of smaller craft. The oil is taken ashore where it is stored and shipped into the mainland and on through Europe. Throughout history this port has been one of the most important trading posts in the world. Steeped in history it boasts many underground caves and caverns, some natural and others man-made that have been used to cache stores, supplies and indeed armies to fight off enemies.

We relish the prospect of returning to continue the good work of carrying out training and refresher training, for the brave souls who continue to protect this far flung corner of The British Empire!

Business in Gibraltar coming up

2010-06-18T00:45:00.000+01:00

Security Training in Gibraltar

16th June 2010.

Just got back from a recce in France and Spain into the next job. Important research into the hospital in Gibraltar and the Port itself have highlighted areas that can be included in my training program. I've also included the International Maritime Organisations recommendations on Port Facility Security Officers training package. That should make things very interesting for those taking part in the training and will also give their management something to look toward too.

Sunday 20th June sees me fly out to Gibraltar to run some Security Training Courses for Port Security and Hospital Security Officers. Security Express Gibraltar Limited are a very forward thinking company and wish to have all of their teams trained up to our SIA standards as soon as they can. We ran some courses for their Static and Patrolling guards last year around about the same time and found the standard of their officers to be very high. So far, the Gibraltar government haven't implemented the SIA standards over there, although the country is covered by UK law.

This time, we are running two two day courses for the hospital team and two two day courses for their new Port Security team. This puts Security Express ahead of any of their rivals so far.

Any updates, I'll leave them here!

It's over! All home safe and sound...

2010-05-31T15:12:00.000+01:00

31st MAY 2010

So! The rowers could not cross The Channel due to really foul weather and the following time constraints. The cutters were taken across on one of the cross Channel ferries, as were the rowers on board coaches. The weather was that bad that the row had to commence again from La Havre on the tidal section of the River Seine.

The following two and a half days along the river section were hectic for the rowers, and if you look at the officialo website, you'll see how the rest of the story unfolded.

For our part as land support, it went well. We were ahead of the game all of the time and had the welcoming party ready and waiting at the Marina L'Arsenal in Paris as the crews came home. After they helped getting their boats out of the water and loaded onto the trailers, the rowers were treated to some bubbly stuff and some well earned beers! The evening reception was also sorted before the rowers and their families arrived at the hotel in Paris. All in all, a good performance all round!!

In 2012, we are hoping to hold an even bigger Challenge. This time for around six crews of twelve, so if you know of anyone brave enough to enter, send them our way!

Until next time - bon voyage!

Roger G

Weather problems cause concern

2010-05-10T10:29:00.000+01:00

SUNDAY 9th May 2010

News just in from Jock that the trailers will be stood down for the night but will be needed on Monday to take the cutters and their crews to France on the ferry as the weather is getting worse in the days ahead. I phoned Richard and Malcolm to let them know the news, and they, like true professionals, ask questions but understand the need for caution and take it all in their stride. After all, they have both rowed this route themselves and between them are extremely established and record holding long distance rowers. If ever you want someone in your corner helping out, these two are your men!

At 08:30 on Monday 10th May 2010 I received a text from Nicola stating simply. "Gravesend - sunk. Reivers - towed, Outloars - result". I was amazed and worried at the same time. Phoning Nicola, I discovered that Richard and Malcolm had been phoned direct by Jock in the dead of the night to get them down to the coast to pick up the crews and cutters to take them to France on the ferries. The Gravresend boys had apparently taken on water and had to be lifted off by their safety boat. The cutter was emptied and taken to shore without apparent damage. Reivers were taken under tow by their support crew who obviously deemed it too rough to continue rowing, and the Outloars, who were in a slightly different area, managed to valiantly struggle on in difficult conditions to complete this stage. All were now in the Herne Bay area regrouping and looking for breakfast!!

Who says this is not exciting stuff?

So it begins...

2010-05-10T10:14:00.007+01:00

SUNDAY 9th May 2010

Follow the Challenge on http://www.london2parisrowing.com/
Challenge Day started early for everyone today. Both Nicky and I were up and away by 03:00 to meet with Richard Carless and Malcolm Knight of Marine Film Services http://www.marinefilmservices.co.uk/ at Richmond Bridge Boathouses to tow the two cutters to St Katherine's Dock. The Paul Satow and Arthur Alcock looked really gleaming in the early morning haze. The weather was clear and very chilly! First stop, Richmond Lock. A really wonderful experience travelling through one of the oldest pieces of architecture and engineering in the country. It always fascinates me just how ingenious mankind can be when we put our minds to good instead of discovering news ways to injure or overthrow each others way of life! That being said, we progressed through a waking City of London with only one other craft on the water for the entire distance travelled.

Arriving at St Katherine's on the pier of the dock, we find all three crews already there along with the support vessels. http://www.doverseaschool.co.uk/ My jobs included placing the Small Ships Registration numbers on each of the three cutters. With those firmly gaffer taped to the forward hulls of each, I press on with the next issues. The spare bits of kit brought up from Mark Edwards at the boat house are stowed on board the committee boat and I set off to the Dickens Inn, where the staff have come in extra early just for us to enjoy breakfast and a final briefing. With breakfasts ordered, Mike Oram delivers the final briefing.

Everyone is shocked to hear the news that the French authorities have blocked our attempt to row the Channel. Reasons given are that the event is too dangerous and will compromise the safety and security of the crossing area in the port of Calais. Mike has been carrying out these events and escorting such crossings for too many years to remember, and he is flabbergasted that they have known about this event for so long, and waited until Thursday before sending a rushed email, telling us of their decision. In their email, they tell us that the safety boats will all have to pay hundreds of thousands of Euros in fines if they persist with the crossing, and added that the cutters will be impounded for two days and charges made to get therm back! It is obvious that they have not read our Risk Assessment or looked at the safety precautions taken to ensure things are met with safety in mind.

However, the weather looks like it will not allow a safe crossing anyhow so the problem will not arise. Our Plan B will doubtless be put into full swing with Richard and Malcolm trailering the cutters to France and the rowers pulling them along the French coastline to La Havre.

This brings to notice another interesting rule VERY recently imposed by the French. It seems that Self Propelled boats (rowing boats), that are not automatic self-baling, are not permitted to be more than 2 miles away from coastal cover, and that Self Propelled boats that are automatic self-baling are not allowed to be more than 6 miles from shore cover! Effectively, this cancels ANY attempt to row the Channel, ever again.

The only way I see round it in future, is to change the type of boats used to something more substantial that have the ability to be sailed. For example, Whalers. These are 29 foot long, weight 29 hundred weight, and designed to carry 29 people in an emergency. They are usually rowed, but some have a facility to be sailed also. This would obviously change the event completely for the future, but if the French stick to this decision not to allow Self Propelled vessels further than 6 miles from their coast, the only answer is to make the event one that accommodates their choice.

The crews gave a mixed response to the news that they were unlikely to be allowed to row the Channel. This ranged from quiet acceptance to bewilderment and in some cases, underlying rage. You can understand this and appreciate that these people have been selling an event to themselves and their sponsors that includes a row across the Channel, only to have that game plan changed at the last moment by an authority that is outside our control. I'd be fuming if it were me! It's like climbing to base camp of Everest, then being helicoptered onto the final ascent and climbing the last 20 feet or so.

The Challenge started dead on time as the chimes of Big Ben sounded nine o'clock. The crews set off with the Gravesend Boys leading the way through the incoming tide. They were followed by the Reivers crew in Arthur Alcock with the Outloars in Paul Satow bringing up a close third.

By the time I left them at Greenwich the places were the same; apart from the fact that the spaces had increased a lot, the crews were still looking strong as ever.

However, read on for developments later in the evening!

More photos for sale...

2010-04-11T17:14:00.030+01:00

Once more, these are £5 each.

Look for the "Buy Now" PayPal button please...

Photos for Sale - London to Paris 2010

2010-04-07T23:38:00.003+01:00

A10

A11

All photographs are £5.00 each.

To order any photos above, please ask for the photo reference number in 'Instructions to seller', click on the Pay-Pal link at the bottom of the page and follow the onscreen instructions. You will then receive a copy of the item requested without the Copyright marker for your own use via an email attachment.

Don't forget to leave your email address when you have completed your orders.

Motorcyle Training / Coaching

2010-01-10T14:52:00.000Z

Pass Your Test:

As a police trained motorcyclist and member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists we can provide coaching once you have passed your Compulsory Basic Training) known as CBT, to help you gain the confidence needed to pass your test.

Having successfully got my two motorcycling children to pass their tests with a little coaching, they both now ride large machines of their own all year round.

We believe that riding a motor bike is fun! It should be tempered with a lot of safety, and our belief is based on the fact that if you like riding your bike so much, you should not place yourself in a position of danger that might mean you can never ride your bike again! Does that make sense? Another way to look at it is that if I bend my bike doing something 'too exciting' right now, it'll be in the garage getting fixed for a long time and while that is happening, I'm not riding it. You can have all the fun you need - and more - and still be sensible with it.
I'll never forget the look of sheer joy when my second son then aged 17, came in from college one winters afternoon, cold and wet, with a beaming grin on his face. His comment was. "I love my life! I love my bike! Thank you dad for not letting me have a scooter last year"!

This rubs a little with some other bikers, but at the age of 16, my son would not have been ready in his mind, to ride any form of mechanised vehicle on a public road. You know what I mean by that mums and dads. You just know certain facts about your own children. He pestered for a scooter. We had several youngsters racing along our one way street - the wrong way - on one wheel, without wearing a helmet, often with a mate on the back, with no helmet, no 'L' plates and hence, no insurance.

One of his friends who did have a scooter once said to me. "Mr. Gould. I've only had my bike for six months and I've fallen off it every other day. I can't understand it". Then he raced off on one wheel, round the first turning in the road and struck an oncoming car! My opinion, some young people should not be allowed to ride until they are sensible enough to appreciate what life and death are all about. We all reach that age at different times. So placing a minimum age limit of scooter riders is pointless. The CBT should, in my opinion, have a part of the test designed to evaluate the riders ability to show common decency and an understanding of when to use speed.

That's me off that soap box for a while. Riding bikes is GREAT FUN!
We need to temper FUN with SENSE.

Another example might be - we all drive too fast. That's a fact. Ask yourself how often you have to stop at traffic lights? Did you overtake someone on the way to the lights? Almost certainly you did. Were you doing a speed within the speed limit as you approached the lights? Probably not. All the way from the last set of lights? It's almost certain that if you had to stop, you were racing between the sets of lights. And the point on going that fast was what? You used more fuel than you needed to - you had to brake harder than you needed to if you had stayed within the speed limit - you undoubtedly had to concentrate even harder and were closer to 'the edge' than you needed to be - and lord help anyone that stepped out or pulled out in front of you! It was obviously their fault that you had to swerve or brake hard to avoid them! Even though it was YOU that was breaking the law.

It's a frame of mind. Settle into safer driving habits by taking your time. I don't mean you need to hold everyone else up. By all means keep up with the flow of traffic if you're happy and confident enough to do so, but also allow yourself time to think. That way nothing takes you by surprise. Don't use that phone. The world will carry on spinning round outside your vehicle even if the phones rings and you don't answer it. If you have someone else in the car / van / lorry with you, let them answer your blasted phone! You've got peoples lives at stake here guys and girls! How'd you like it if someone was taking such an important phone call while driving, that they knocked down and injured / killed your nearest and dearest? You'd want them hung from the nearest tree! DON'T DO IT YOURSELF THEN!!!

That's another soap box put to rest.

A lady turned up late on one of my training courses recently - every day she turned up 40 minutes late. Now I don't mind if you don't come to the courses at all. I still get paid. Her attitude was funny though. She said that it was the bus company's fault. The bus left her area at 09:40 each day and then there wasn't another one until 10:20. The journey takes her 20 minutes. The course began at 10:00 every day for four days. On day three, she said. "I don't know what I'm going to do about this. I always miss that bus at 09:40. What can I do about it"? The answer is SO obvious, isn't it? Get up a few minutes earlier each day then...I put this to her as politely as I dare. The next day she was on time! She said. "Do you know what Roger? I took your advice and got up ten minutes earlier today and look, I'm here on time"! This was fully grown up human being! Should she be allowed out on her own? She drives a car for Pete's sake! This is not a sexist thing - it could just as easily have been any number of men too.

Human beings often cannot manage their own time effectively, so why when you are driving, do you expect them to be sensible? If you expect everyone else driving / riding on the roads to be an idiot, you'll never be disappointed or surprised again. SIMPLES! Compare the drivers.com

Happy Days! If you're in our area and need help to get through your motorbike test, give us an email to rogergould13@googlemail.com

Roger G

That's me!

2010-01-10T14:16:00.000Z

Self-Employed Security Consultant:

That means I work from a small office as a Security Operative in various fields. Qualified and Licensed Close Protection Operative under the Security Industry Authority scheme, I also work as a Surveillance Operative, either alone or as part of a team.

Another aspect of the business is as a Trainer in the Security Field.
We run Close Protection and Surveillance Courses;
First Aid Appointed Person and First Aid at Work Courses;
Conflict Management Courses for the Licensing Trade and many other walks of life;
Personal Licence Holder courses for the British Institute of Inn-Keeping (BIIAB);
and assist in further training and advice on Advanced Driving Techniques.

We also carry out investigations for individuals and large companies into various irregularities but try to steer away from domestic matters (husband and wife issues). As you never know what has gone on before, it's really hard to remain positive when you find out the employer hasn't been absolutely truthful with you!

Being fully trained in the fields of providing evidence to a standard expected by courts of law over several decades, we provide all the evidence needed to submit a case before the courts - if that is what the employer requires. Some clients just want to find out intelligence about matters going on in and around their business. We provide video and photographic proof of what actually took place. This is often of help to employers that believe their staff are not being totally up front with where they are and whether they are fit to go to work or not...if you get my drift.

Any enquiries for us to work for you, just email rogergould13@googlemail.com