Look after your bike

Not satisfied with wearing lycra just once a day, I hear three of the Mens Squad are off to Wales this weekend to let their tendancies come to the fore. Apparently a trip to the Newport Velodrome has been arranged.

After the trouble I had getting back from Wales after my holiday in the Forest, I have issued a warning. My friend's son had his bike knicked in Newport, and he didn't even notice:

Kanye Munch and his missing bike

Sick Note

With the onset of Autumn I am sure it wont be long before we are dropping like flies with various ailments. In an effort to offer some of the finest medical advice cider can buy, I tracked down this handy guide produced by those lovely people on Whiteladies Rd.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/medical_notes/default.stm

Those items that maybe of particular interest:
Flu

Teenage Drinking

Winter Vomitting Virus

Stay healthy
Gurt

New training techniques

With the Women's Squad already well into their training plan and the Men due to start this weekend, I asked my friend Rod Munch to demonstrate some of the techniques that have made him a household name.

Click here for your chance to sample The Sporting Legend:Rod Munch

Techno techno techno techno

For those of you who love to leave comments on my ramblings, I have added a verification page that you'll have to fill in.

Whilst it is great to know about lesbian dating, depression and other "great blogs" - they are all getting on my goat.

So goodbye to blog spam - hello to intelligent comment...

Byzantium Part 2: Don't ya wish Stuey was hot like me?

Oh the pain...

Imagine this. You've been swinging yourself round the dancefloor with vigour for the previous 2 hours.

One fillie hangs herself round your neck, and removes your bow tie...

Then before you know it, another foxy lady has removed your cumberbund...

And just when you thought your clothing was becoming precarious, a different girl removes your braces...

Now at this point most red-blooded males would be struck dumb with choice. Most red-blooded males would probably pop to the bar for a pint to make up thier minds. Most red-blooded males would probably ask their mates for some advice.

But not Stuey... Oh no.

He gets in a cab to head home - only to realise (when prompted) that "he might have been IN there"!!!

Keep trying ladies - he's a tough nut to crack!

As hard as nails...

And so the injury list continues... but nothing will stop rowing!

I am ashamed to say that I missed a recent bit of trauma that was dished out in the annex. I hear Miss Jewel struggled with getting a blade off the rack the other morning, and dropped one onto her nose. Ouch.

So there was a slight watering of the eyes, a little yelp, and maybe even the odd expletive - but nothing was going to get in the way of the outing. She merely wiped away the blood, and got in the boat.

So next time you're up against her on the ergs, watch out for Iron Woman.

Every Little Helps

I've had a tip off from my mate the Gorilla....

The latest Tesco Voucher Scheme is not just open to schools, but clubs as well. This means we can get some new bits and bobs for the clubhouse, loudhailers and even stop watches if we collect tons of vouchers…

So time to use your powers of persuasion by:
- chosing the thick kid on the checkout
- chatting someone up in the queue
- carrying some old codgers' shopping to the car park
- standing outside your local tesco in your lycra, and asking for them...

However you do it, please collect as many as possible and put them in an envelope in the clubhouse post box addressed to Russell Crofts.

Byzantium Part 2: Oh Caroline...aah

And there we were again... Byzantium. What a venue!

I noticed later in the evening that the doyenne of the women's squad was feeling slightly unwell following dinner? Some suggested it was the starter, others the main course - but I have a theory...

Being almost tee-total myself I am at one with the effects of the odd early vodka, ahead of an evening of merriment. First the rush of blood to the cheeks (not those ones!), then the motor-mouth, and finally the need for Jane to hold my hair back.

A fine effort!

Walking wounded

I was a little concerned last night for one of the members of the ladies squad.

Miss Smith was stood patiently next to the ergs with tissues stuffed up her nose to prevent the onward approach of a week of heavy cold. Nevertheless, on she ploughed with her 20 min erg - before her outing.

It was only when she returned from her paddle and started her second 20 min erg that I notice the ankle bracing.

Some people dont know when to rest do they?!!

sun, sea, sand and s*x

News has it that Gurt is back, fealing refreshed and raring to go after a few weeks in the sun. Good news for some of you - Hopefully Bathrust should stop complaining now....

I'm sure all the readers that have kept up-to-date with the Lush over the last couple of weeks will be waiting with baited breath for an authentic Gurt story. But don't worry - I'll be dropping in from time to time.....

Cheerio

Randy

PS - tried to get a picture of Gurt on holiday - but couldn't bring myself to follow him any further....

ON - OFF - ON - OFF - ON

Looks like the ball is back ON again.....

YES that is right - We are off to Byzantium after all on Friday - For a ball with a twist!

We have been unable to cancel our booking for Friday, so we still need to go - Here are the details!

It's been re-invented as an end-of-season night out, dress code whatever you like, the cost is the same (£35) and will still include drinks, food and disco.

Please, PLEASE say you can still make it if you previously said you could, and if there's anyone else who wants to sign up please do so now.

The pub social will NOT be happening, so Learn To Rowers please do come too - I'll come and see you on Sunday!

Please can you let me (Ruth Cullingford) know URGENTLY as I need to confirm numbers ASAP

Bored of Circuit training - Try Parkour

Looking for something a little different to keep yourself fit and increase your co-ordination. Both important in Rowing. All you need is "your body, mind and a concrete backdrop."

It appears that the Bristol Free-Running scene is building up quite a following, made famous by the BBC TV advert, and a mad french bloke.
I think that I may have to give jumping of walls and lamposts a try of a Thursday evening - anything to get me out of running round the docks doing squat jumps on the side of the road.

Don't get frozen out

Now that the ball has been cancelled, there will be an alternative club social night out.... See message below from our hard working social sec.

Following the collapse of the club ball, next Friday has been designated, instead, as a pub social. It will also be the first social of the new rowing year and the first social that the new club members and LTRs might steel themselves to attend, so I hope as many people as possible will be able to make it, especially all those that were going to go to the ball.

Venue: Zero Degrees (at the top of the Christmas Steps by the junction of Park Row and Colston Street).

Date: Friday 23rd September

Time: 8pm

If anyone wants to meet up earlier to have food, they do really nice pizzas and salads - please organise yourselves.

Otherwise - see you there.

RUTHIE

One for the ladies

It is time to don you dancing shoes and head down to town with your better halves this weekend for the big latin night out (and all day street party). There is chance to learn some steps in the workshops during the day, and then in the evening you can “expect wall to wall salsa, bachata, merenge from your favourite Dj’s to keep you dancing to the early hours”

Sounds like an event not to miss, and Mrs Randy is sure to drag my 2 left feet down there…. So don’t let me suffer alone and come and see what its about.

Welcome home

Well the ball may have been lost, but we have finally beaten the Aussies at cricket, and brought the Ashes home for the first time in 18years!

Beating the Aussies is always a good feeling (I remember my hangover from celebrating beating them in the Rugby World cup) but winning it at home was even better. No getting up at 7am to go to the pub or sitting up late at night - This time I could listen to it in the comfort of my desk at work (not that my boss was very impressed - I have not done much work over the last few days).

First the rugby, now the cricket - Just need the footballers to get the fingers out of their a***s and bring the football world cup home.

Sad News :-(

It appears that my attempts to sell the second ball was in vain. Unfortunatly we have had to cancel the ball due to lack of numbers. After much hard work by Ruth and Ros there has not been enough tickets sold to make it a viable event.

Shame on all those that did not buy tickets... I even had my DJ cleaned for the occasion!

I'll have a bacon roll, cup of tea and my fortune told please

Last night I was out in Oceana - See bog below - and stumbled across little miss cheerful from Gloria’s (The butty van round the corner from the boat house). At first I did not recognise her, as she had swapped her pinny for the fortune teller look.

Next time I am outside the van, I’ll have to see if she can guess my intended order. One thing for sure – I’m sure it wont be service with a smile ;-)

Lost at Sea

Last night Mrs Randy gave me a free pass for the night out with the lads and so I decided to check out the new ‘hot spot’ along the Waterfront – Oceana – 5 bars, 2 nightclubs, 2 restaurants, 1 destination!

Well the night did not get off to a good start, as I am not one for ‘shiny shoe’ establishments I was dressed fairly casually, and almost did not make it through the door. Luckily I was on the guest list for a private party, and so managed to blag my way in. The party was being held in the Aspen Ski Lodge, which is kitted out with ‘genuine imported American features and Canadian logs’ as well as chairs covered in fake animal hides, which actually looked quite good, and certainly different. First Job, get the beers in. Not the biggest choice of draft beer, so I opted for a Llabatts as the alternative was Stella, but at least I got a choice, which, I noted was not the case in the other bars where there was Stella or Stella!

After a few pints, and time for the rest of the place to open up and fill up we decided to go to a wander to see what else there was to offer. ON our way round the establishment, we popped into the Parisian Boudoir, Wakyama Tokyo, Icehouse Reykjavic for a dance, after leaving there managed the group got split up – A far too easy occurrence in a place so big! The remainder of us then went up stairs to the New York Disco for some good old 80’s music, and then out into the main restaurant Sydney Harbourside, where you can get out onto the balcony overlooking Millennium square.

In all an average night out with the lads, there is lots of novelty value there, but that will slowly fade, and I can't see how they will keep it full, but a good option on a rainy night as you dont need to get wet moving from pub to club. Here are a few pointers for a good night out.

• Wear shiny shoes
• Be prepared for a night on the wife beater
• Keep your mobile handy, or wear a flashing beacon on your head – you’ll need it to track of your mates!
• Behave - There is CCTV everywhere, and half of Bristols bouncers now work here!
  

AGM - A note from our secretary!

Hello City of Bristol Rowing Club rowers

Just a short note to remind you that the Club AGM is
on Thursday 15th September at 7.30pm.

This will be held at Clifton College (Guthrie Road
entrance) and as usual there will be signs directing
you to the room. Parking is on the road outside.

This is an important date in the club calendar and
we'd like as many of you as possible to attend.

We will be voting in a new committee (there are still
a few jobs available) who will be working hard for the
club during 05/06.

An agenda will be sent out next week.

Club dinner tickets (Friday 23rd September) will also
be on sale so please bring your cheque books.

Look forward to seeing you all there.

Caroline (Club Secretary)

LTR need YOU!!

Yes - It is that time of year again! Time to welcome with open arms the new recruits to club. If only they knew what they were getting temselves into - Wonder how many Stu will scare away come the first cub social of the new rowing year!

Now to the serious bit -

There will be over 30 new starters coming down to the club starting this Sunday (11th) and will be continuing every Wednesday evening and Sunday morning up until Christmas. The first few weeks are of vital importance to get as much help from existing cub members as possible until they know which end of a blade is which!

If you can help then let either Rona or Tom know. You should be able to find their email on the members area of the club web site! Failing that stick a comment on this post, and I'll pass your details on!

Dungeons

My sources tell me that some of the club weights may well be winging their way back, as Captain Pete's neighbours are beginning to talk about all the men friends who come in and make loud grunting noises in his garage, accompanied by clanging sounds and sweaty bodies leaving...!

Free music from the Hoff

For those of you that know Mr Crofts, you will probably be aware of his unhealthy obsession with the Hoff.

That's David Hasselhoff for those that have no idea what I am going on about!

Whilst trawling through the interweb last night when Mrs Randy was watching rubbish soaps on the TV, I stumbled across something useful from the Hoff....

Click here for some free music! But be quick you have only got until Sunday 11th to claim it!

Close but no frogs legs and vin rouge!

Maybe he should stick to rowing…

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4214782.stm

Although it is looking as if he is not required in GB 4- going on their present form...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/rowing/4210938.stm

Any volunteers (use the comment button) to cross the Bristol Channel to raise some cash for the club!

Gone Fishing

Whilst taking the ferret out for its weekend stroll along the banks of the feeder canal I was amazed to hear one fisherman’s story about the evening he caught a 20 footer….

No need to panic about giant fish – It was actually Steve and Neil in their pair!

After managing to unhook themselves from said fisherman’s rod they decided it would be nice to have a little swim just to cool off...

I hope this is not the skippers idea of a modern triathlon – Row, Fish and Swim!

the second (of the year) annual ball

Don’t forget this years second annual ball is fast approaching and the tickets are now on sale.

To get you tickets then catch hold of Nick or Ruth when you are next down at the boathouse, with £35 of your hard earned cash to secure your place for the best night out of the year – If we sell lots of tickets they will give us lots more booze for free!

If the first of the annual balls was anything to go by then you can expect a night of…..

Good food ....

Fine wine ....

Dodgy dance floor moves ....

And lots of loving....

Hope to see you all there – Strawpedoes away!

Randy Blogger

Greetings to all the lush people out there - Randy Here!

I am sure you will join me in wishing Gurt and his lovely missus on a fine few weeks of frollicking in the mud flats.....

I shall endevour to keep you up to date with all the goings on in and around in Gurts absence!!

See all you lovely people soon.

Randy

Meet Randy, he's one of us...

Finally, I am taking a break.

The missus and I are heading back to the Forest of Dean for a week for our summer holiday. As a special surprise we are also managing to squeeze in 4 nights at the exclusive Severn Beach Resort and Mud Flats. I've heard you can see Wales from there...

So I am leaving you with cousin Randy. He's going to make sure you are all looked after for a couple of weeks, and are kept fully informed. As per usual, you'll be able to find him either in the LLandoger Trow or the Ostrich if you pick up any titbits.

In the meantime, don't forget that there's lots of rowing on the telly this weekend from Japan, and that the AGM is on 15th Sept.

Cheers me dears.
Gurt

Whass'at yu're on about?

Whilst having a couple in the Ostrich last week I was rudely interupted by someone from the BBC claiming to be researching local accents.

I didn't expect to become a star...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/articles/2005/08/24/voices_dockers_feature.shtml