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Post by Telemachus on Dec 3, 2018 21:33:41 GMT
Well not with all his flesh exposed, it has to be said. But on the BCN challenge (that slightly scary and daring event that I doubt many or even any on here have the balls to compete it). And then some other time at a lock, can’t remember which one. And then on the one occasion I foolishly wasted time watching a succession of old rust buckets going round and round and round at Braunston. I think there is a reason why the BCN challenge involves racing around Brum in the quickest time and getting back to the comfort of your home as quickly as possible. No, in all seriousness, it’s something we’ve wanted to do...but too scared! We went through the heart of Brum (and past the Post Office tower) a few years ago. Also took in some unusual parts of the cut (took the wrong turning). I think it was the peripheral areas which were a bit scary, but all in all a very interesting trip, Hmm.food for thought. I think the point is that a) the Northern stretches of the BCN especially Perry Barr to Brownhills (and most especially Anglesey Basin) are actually surprisingly nice - in fact most of the BCN except the dreaded Walsall canal - and b) there is something rather cool about chugging through it all at midnight and “on a mission”. And the beer at the end is good! I’d recommend it. Unless you are a scared girly type of course.
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Post by Mr Stabby on Dec 3, 2018 21:36:36 GMT
When exactly did you meet him ‘in the flesh’ Nick? I think most people are Ok, despite internet bravado, when it comes to meeting to face to face. As I think I have said before, the only person I’d be worried about meeting in real life is myself! But on the BCN challenge (that slightly scary and daring event that I doubt many or even any on here have the balls to compete it). Well, it's more that going until 2200 and then starting again at 0400 doesn't give me much time for my beauty sleep. I mean, I wouldn't even want to do it on nice canals.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2018 21:45:39 GMT
I think there is a reason why the BCN challenge involves racing around Brum in the quickest time and getting back to the comfort of your home as quickly as possible. No, in all seriousness, it’s something we’ve wanted to do...but too scared! We went through the heart of Brum (and past the Post Office tower) a few years ago. Also took in some unusual parts of the cut (took the wrong turning). I think it was the peripheral areas which were a bit scary, but all in all a very interesting trip, Hmm.food for thought. I think the point is that a) the Northern stretches of the BCN especially Perry Barr to Brownhills (and most especially Anglesey Basin) are actually surprisingly nice - in fact most of the BCN except the dreaded Walsall canal - and b) there is something rather cool about chugging through it all at midnight and “on a mission”. And the beer at the end is good! I’d recommend it. Unless you are a scared girly type of course. TBH, it’s not a patch on having your prop clogged up with crap going through Hanwell on your own, then navigating the tidal Thames on a boat not designed for the job. Actually the BCN was the first place I discovered TV’s and fluorescent strip lights floated. Still sounds fun though. We’re looking for ideas for next year so who knows.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2018 21:50:37 GMT
I think the point is that a) the Northern stretches of the BCN especially Perry Barr to Brownhills (and most especially Anglesey Basin) are actually surprisingly nice - in fact most of the BCN except the dreaded Walsall canal - and b) there is something rather cool about chugging through it all at midnight and “on a mission”. And the beer at the end is good! I’d recommend it. Unless you are a scared girly type of course. TBH, it’s not a patch on having your prop clogged up with crap going through Hanwell on your own, then navigating the tidal Thames on a boat not designed for the job. Actually the BCN was the first place I discovered TV’s and fluorescent strip lights floated. Still sounds fun though. We’re looking for ideas for next year so who knows. When we went up the 100' there was a huge CRT TV bobbing about in the no man's land where neither tide nor fluvial river can get shot of it. Couldn't quite tell if it was a Phillips or Hitachi - looked as though it would have been a good quality and expensive set in it's day. The bastard things probably still there 5 years on
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2018 22:01:32 GMT
Telemachus has a point about sodding about late at night with infernal combustion powered machines. In a former life I used to assist signing on and scrutineering for the MCC Exeter and Lands End Trials. We would get to Haynes motor museum at Sparkford or The Bridgewater services on the M5 for 21:30 ish ready for a 22:00 start and finish the last competitor at around 01:00. Once the last competitor was signed on we'd drive off and catch a few sections a couple of hours down the road - breakfast in Barnstaple then head back up Salisbury way and get some kip at the side of the 303 before heading home late afternoon. Something ever so slightly naughty about competing through the night when most are safely tucked up in bed.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2018 22:10:09 GMT
TBH, it’s not a patch on having your prop clogged up with crap going through Hanwell on your own, then navigating the tidal Thames on a boat not designed for the job. Actually the BCN was the first place I discovered TV’s and fluorescent strip lights floated. Still sounds fun though. We’re looking for ideas for next year so who knows. When we went up the 100' there was a huge CRT TV bobbing about in the no man's land where neither tide nor fluvial river can get shot of it. Couldn't quite tell if it was a Phillips or Hitachi - looked as though it would have been a good quality and expensive set in it's day. The bastard things probably still there 5 years on So far we have an Avon trip and a Nene/Ouze trip on the cards. It’s all very dodgy with our mums being in the 90’s though!
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Post by Trina on Dec 3, 2018 22:17:16 GMT
We moored on the BCN until 2 years ago but never did the challenge.There were too many bods(cliques)who made us want to kill...We visited strange areas of the BCN in our own time.I'd say visit if you get the chance.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2018 22:26:41 GMT
When we went up the 100' there was a huge CRT TV bobbing about in the no man's land where neither tide nor fluvial river can get shot of it. Couldn't quite tell if it was a Phillips or Hitachi - looked as though it would have been a good quality and expensive set in it's day. The bastard things probably still there 5 years on So far we have an Avon trip and a Nene/Ouze trip on the cards. It’s all very dodgy with our mums being in the 90’s though! Rail links are good in East Anglia, not a lot of help if you are in the back of beyond miles from a station though!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2018 22:56:40 GMT
So far we have an Avon trip and a Nene/Ouze trip on the cards. It’s all very dodgy with our mums being in the 90’s though! Rail links are good in East Anglia, not a lot of help if you are in the back of beyond miles from a station though! If it goes tits up, we can always find someone to give us a lift (taxi). Some things are more important than worrying about paying for a lift in an emergency. The main problem, like everyone else, is finding our own life balance. My mum (98) insists on being independent (and we try to help that wish as far as possible). Chris’s mum (90) is very social and has been on our boat a few times now...even when she had cancer. The tricky balance is trying to enjoy life without it being to the detriment of others. My current theory is that if someone genuinely needs help, they will ask, then we’ll run there like a shot. Well that’s what I wouuld hope when I get older. I guess things like stubbornness, pride and..dare I say it....love for your family, can get in the way of asking for help. Sorry, I digresss...
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Post by Telemachus on Dec 3, 2018 23:49:28 GMT
But on the BCN challenge (that slightly scary and daring event that I doubt many or even any on here have the balls to compete it). Well, it's more that going until 2200 and then starting again at 0400 doesn't give me much time for my beauty sleep. I mean, I wouldn't even want to do it on nice canals. Well I have to admit that when the alarm went off at 5am and I went straight out the back to set off, I did slightly wonder why I was doing it. But then Jeff came out shortly after with steaming bacon and egg rolls and tea and all was fine with the world!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2018 5:51:16 GMT
As I sit here at 5.45am, about to head to work for another nine hours of fun and exercise, the idea of disappearing back to my boat and pootling around the canals in peace and tranquility is wonderful. Why in gods name would anyone wish to combine the worst elements of working with the most hideous parts of boating ... other than to impress the weak minded Rog
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Post by patty on Dec 4, 2018 6:55:15 GMT
Guess part of it could be the social element as over the way they'd plan strategy for months pre event. I went to view once but it poured and I got lost in Brum so for me a non event. I did consider having a go but realised tad ambitious as solo and i didn't really know anyone to join with as they all seemed to be teams. Anyway suspect not really for me..I preferred a chug along at my own slow speed watching wildlife.
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Post by thebfg on Dec 4, 2018 9:23:31 GMT
I've confessed a few times I would love to do it, either in lieu time or as crew.
i can both be in it to win it or have a laugh, few beers at the same time. or both.
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Post by kris on Dec 4, 2018 9:28:22 GMT
I've confessed a few times I would love to do it, either in lieu time or as crew. i can both be in it to win it or have a laugh, few beers at the same time. or both. sounds like a thunderboat crew should be entered then, that should put the cat among the pigeons.
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Post by Telemachus on Dec 4, 2018 9:39:16 GMT
I've confessed a few times I would love to do it, either in lieu time or as crew. i can both be in it to win it or have a laugh, few beers at the same time. or both. sounds like a thunderboat crew should be entered then, that should put the cat among the pigeons. This is the BCN we are talking about. The pigeons have all died from the toxic sludge and the cats have all been hanged by the local yoofs. I‘ve only done it once but it was really good fun especially if you haven’t been to the nether reaches of the BCN. I would (and still may) do it again but it is mid - May which is peak gliding season in Scotland.
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