16 February 2001.
So far the trip has been well organised. We have thought of
everything. Everything, except for magically migrating trailers..... The bad news is
that we have major boat problems and we have not even left England yet. Thursday
evening trip organiser Philip Munslow went to fetch the boat trailer from the car park.
The sight that greeted him sent him into a telephoning frenzy! A boat trailer
parked adjacent to the Maidenhead trailer had some how managed to ram our trailer, causing
some significant damage to the bows of one of the MRC boats. Phil contacted local
boat builder, Eric Sims at Eton Racing Boats, to see what could be done. Eric
assessed the situation and agreed to carry out emergency repairs to the racing hull.
Not the best way to start a training camp trip but the Maidenhead men will still be
able to take this boat to Mequinenza thanks to a quick turn around from Eton Racing Boats.
Watch out for more updates as they arrive from Spain - hopefully these will have happier
stories to tell!
16-17 Feb The Minibus Journey
 By the time the bus had been loaded up with
chocolate, kit, chocolate, people, chocolate, and a couple of snacks for the journey, our
departure was still reasonably punctual. As we trundled towards Folkestone, the bus was
filled with hearty banter, excited chatter, and a sense of camaraderie. Fearing things
were getting a bit too cerebral, Phil Munslow produced a tape that he had made as a
student four years previously - a fifteen minute medley of his own flatulence and
belching. We arrived at the Eurotunnel terminal with plenty of time to stretch our legs,
grab a bite to eat, and get told by an officious Frenchman the train was overbooked and we
had to wait for the next one. When we eventually boarded, the journey was quick and
uneventful, and as we rolled onto French turf and into the small hours, excitation turned
to sleepy calm. Not even watching our train leave without us, or listening to Munslow's
fart serenade could break our spirits. Bruce's hearty rendition of "Who the f*** is
Alice?" at 5am combined with the onset of deep vein thrombosis did begin to fray the
nerves, though. We stopped for Breakfast at around 7am, and the chance to unfold was more
than welcome. Cramp set in, and suddenly the extra eighty pounds to fly to Spain seemed
quite reasonable.
 As the day drew on, the French countryside rolled by, and a
democratic decision was made to get to Spain before we stopped for a meal, and by early
evening we had the sea on our left and the snow-capped Pyrenees on our right. We ate in
Banyoles on the edge of the lake as the warm evening sun slid behind the mountains. With
platefuls of paella and a couple of San Miguels inside us, we began the final leg of the
journey. We arrived in Mequinenza at 10pm, to the amusement of local teenagers. After more
than 24 hours in a stinking cramped space, nothing was more appealing than a comfy bed,
except perhaps a comfy bar, which was where we settled for the evening to indulge in beers
and sausages and malicious rumours about the 'girls' on the plane, before exhaustion
eventually drew us back to the hostel.
Sunday 18th Feb 2001
Sunday. Day one. The two travelling parties met over breakfast
and swapped tales of their journey to Mequinenza. The hardcore bus travellers were less
than impressed to hear about the flying party's luxury coach from the airport, complete
with video.
 
At 11:00am it was time to head down to Club Capri rowing club to unload our
trailer and rig the boats. Club Capri boatman, Pedro, was very helpful and supplied us
with all the racking and trestles we could wish for. We noticed that many of the local
rowers were proudly sporting their dark blue Aberdeen Asset Management T-shirts, recently
acquired from the visiting Oxford University rowers.
By 12:00 we were ready for a light paddle. Gordon Fraser was the first MRC
member to boat in his scull. A coxed four and an eight followed him out onto the water in
near perfect conditions with a warm sun to melt away all thoughts of flooding and cold
weather. The scenery is fantastic, with the seemingly endless stretch of meandering water
bounded by steep sandstone hills.
 
As we came back in, Gordon seemed to be very excited about something. Apparently
a large fish had leapt out of the water and nearly landed in his scull. Alas, though, the
fish had over estimated Gordon's boat speed and shot past his stern. The one that got
away, eh Gordon?
 
After a king size pasta lunch and an afternoon rest, we hit the water again at
4:00pm for the final outing of the day. With the water even calmer and our crews being the
only boats out on the lake we had a great opportunity to get some serious miles of
coaching under our belts - that is as long as Simon could keep the engine on the launch
running.
After tea, we headed over to a local bar to belatedly celebrate Roli's 30th
birthday. Then it was in bed by 10:30 ready for another day's training.
Report by Phil Munslow:
 
It's 8pm - and I am tired. The sort of tiredness you would be feeling if you had
not had much sleep over the last few days, you had completed three 90 minute sessions
today, and ate in between like a large mammal with four legs. (Ed: Phil eats like a
donkey and rows like one too! )
 But before I get into the details of the day, I would like to
tell you about the most unlucky man in Spain. Well, if one of your main pastimes is
mugging people for a living, then one person I would advise not to mug, would be PC Sean
Kerns. Anyway not only did this guy have the stupidity to pick on an off duty policeman,
but little did he know that when he tried to run off with his bag, Sean has been working
on his fitness just lately so chasing and tackling him to the floor was not going to be a
problem. In fact Sean has rowed a staggering 900,000 metres on the ergo since September,
all for the charity Comic Relief. If you haven't sponsored him to complete the 1,000,000
metres by March 16th, then Sean will be back in the UK with his sponsor sheet on 26th
March!
Now on to Bruce Gorton. I'm going to have to be reasonably nice now, because I
share a room with him and therefore am in constant threat of having something nasty being
put in my bed or something similar. Anyway, Bruce decided to get some sculling in this
morning before our 3 outings. Unfortunately no-one was there to witness his spectacular
backwards unplanned fall off the very unstable landing stages next to the boat house. In
fact the only evidence of his acrobatics was 500 metres of wet footprints from the lake
back to the hostel. What a muppet!
Back to the serious stuff. Three outings in one day was pretty harsh, but when
the weather and water conditions are as good as they were today, you must take full
advantage of it. With Sean arriving this morning it was our first chance to get the 2
eights out, and apart from some near entanglement with some very long fishing lines,
everything went very smoothly.
Finally turning to social matters, I have to say that I have never paid so
little for such nice beer. One of our regulars (where everyone is now - I have had to stay
behind to finish my homework) serves lovely cold large pints of "San Miguel" for
about 60p. The problem is, is that I have no energy to lift such a heavy object, and take
full advantage of this favourable pricing strategy.
Ben Lawrence's Report on Tuesday:
It was painful getting up at 6.30 on Tuesday morning - my eyes felt as if they
had been superglued shut. The idea was to squeeze in two outings before breakfast and then
take the rest of the afternoon off - and have a much needed rest. So we were out on the
water by seven o'clock, well before the sun had made it above the mountains. We put in a
lot of work on the water, and the conditions were absolutely ideal. All the water time was
definitely paying off - we were all switched on, the balance was good and the boats were
running.
 
It was obviously all too good to be true - one of the eights managed to hit a
small tree sticking up just above the water, which not surprisingly brought it to a
complete standstill. Luckily, the damage was light and the first outing finished still on
a high from the quality of the rowing we were able to do.
The second outing went just as well, until Simon and Mike decided that an
outboard motor on the launch was cheating and that they'd be better off with out one - so
they steered into a tree just below the surface, and the engine jumped off the boat, to
the bottom of the lake, never to be seen again. Or if it is seen again, it'll be needing a
bit of a service ...
This was very amusing for all of us until we realised that (a) an outboard motor
would cost £2000 to replace (b) we weren't insured and (c) that our eight would have to
tow the launch and two fat blokes the 2km+ back to the landing stages. Like we needed more
exercise.
Phil M spent the next few hours putting emergency phone calls in place to try to
repair some of the diplomatic damage that losing the borrowed engine might do. This is
harder than you might think, especially when asking for more bread in Spanish is a
considerable challenge for us, let alone explaining that someone's prized engine is now 30
foot down at the bottom of a huge river and we can't remember exactly where we left it.
After a huge breakfast I took the opportunity to relearn basic sculling with Ed
coaching me - his positive reinforcement coaching technique had to reach new highs as I
wobbled tentatively down the glassy water. It was fantastic conditions and I kept thinking
how lucky we all were with this location.
After lunch we split into two groups - the party animals went into Barcelona (of
which more later) and the real athletes decided to run up the nearby mountain to the
Castillo. The climb was well worth while for fantastic views across the confluence of the
rivers and the old Mequinenza which was demolished when they created the dam. I may have
made up that bit about running ...
Barcelona Trip Report By Phil Cooper
Tuesday 20th February - Our afternoon of rest also titled Day trip to Barcelona
Morning training all done before breakfast, a group of 12 of us set off for
Barcelona with vast quantities of camera film and Phil 'Spielberg' Munslow at hand with
video camera to capture those priceless moments, "I believe Jeremy Beadle pays good
money for things like that!!!" (N.B. a possible new source of revenue for MRC)
A leisurely lunch on the quayside next to some very expensive looking boats
allowed us to take in some of the ambiance, culture and eat things that "... have
legs and eyes and wiggly stuff!!" (Phil Munslow)
The food duly dealt with and quick pit stop for large ice creams on route into
the city centre a massive 1/2 mile away, the now relaxed tourists from MRC had a chance to
use that camera film which has been burning a hole in our rucksacks. We were able to start
to take in some of the surroundings in particular Mike Turner, Ben Collins, Gareth Aitken
who towered over every Spaniard around them, and meant it was never difficult to lose them
in a crowd! It was also at this stage that Simon left us, screaming something about not
being able to take any more he jumped in the nearest taxi and headed for the airport!
(Only kidding, see you next week Simon!)
Barcelona is an incredibly picturesque city with tall cathedrals as well as an
amazing mixture of both ancient and contemporary architecture. Jill was keen to go and
find the 'Gothic Quarter' of the city, which when found was festooned by massive amounts
of laundry. I suppose they have to dry it somewhere!
Having trailed around, and seen some magnificent examples of Gothic Architecture
on buildings, and the magnificence of the cathedrals, and a rather surprising trip to see
a Multi-Storey car park (another great short cut from Bruce) we found a local hostelry to
sup some of the local brew, and meet the more than friendly natives. Congratulations must
go to Phil Munlsow again on his linguistic skills, which clearly worked, as he was
welcomed as a great 'amigo' by a local gentleman who took quite a shine to him! I am
afraid I couldn't quite understand his desire. (Might have been the evil orange vodka
drink he had!)
After introducing the Spaniards to our customs (Ben Collins finishing a swift
pint, Phil Lawton starting a destructive rampage by breaking an ashtray) and exchanged
pleasantries about football, we I must confess we know little or nothing about as a
collective, the evening went with a swing and I relented on my self-imposed alcohol ban
and allowed myself a couple of cold ales with the rest of the squad!
A Tapas Bar followed and we proceeded to eat some excellent Spanish food, rather
pleasantly followed by a bottle of champagne that the owner produced for us. Once again
great international relations were maintained through dramatic gesturing, a great deal of
smiling, and the one word we have all learnt in Spain ' Gracias'!
So in conclusion: 'Gracias' to Jill for driving, Phil M for his dodgy Spanish,
and everyone who came along. For those planning on coming to Spain I would recommend
Barcelona it is a wonderful city with huge variety, and if you see a little Moroccan lad
with a white T-Shirt then Sean wants a word!
ED'S WEDNESDAY BIT
On to Wednesday. What with Simon gone and the revelations of the previous night
in Barcelona starting to surface, there was some danger of the camp's wheels falling off.
For reasons unbeknown to myself, people were beginning to look to the more experienced
members of the group for organisation and guidance. With Phil M and Bruce feeling the
strain of the previous night's activities, some comedian thought that it would be a good
idea for me to take charge of the training schedule
. 
Soon after being charged with this responsibility and presented with the planned
training programme, it became clear that we would have trouble managing the proposed
workload, what with everyone's hands cutting up like ribbons (first prize undoubtedly goes
to Phil Lawton, although Gareth "Posh Spice" Aitken rates a close second). It
was decided that some emphasis on the finer points of technique was both required to make
the boats run faster and also to let us regain a little energy. The eights were sent
merrily on their way by the sight of Mike "Forrest Gump" Turner being chased
across the narrow bridge by the landing stages by a Scania Articulated lorry. Looking like
a cross between an unco-ordinated Inspector Gadget and Wile E. Coyote, the crews were
heartily impressed by his sustained burst of speed, which suitably relaxed us and let us
concentrate on the forthcoming exercises.
A lot of square blades and feet out rowing then followed which had a positive
effect on the crews' catch timing and application of power. The next stage of the session
was aimed at the catches and really getting everyone switched on to the finite movements
involved. This session was again interrupted by Mike continuing his Forrest Gump
impression to even more comic effect, as he proceeded to cross the older bridge further
around the course. He seemed to be in complete control until, from out of nowhere, a road
sign savagely leapt from its concrete foundations to ambush poor Mike with a crushing
right hook to the nose! (...so he says). To the crews observing from the sanctuary of the
water it was another moment of light-hearted relief until we noticed the damage to Mike's
face as we all straggled into breakfast.
 
After a lengthy discussion with Phil M and Bruce, we decided that it would be in
the group's best interests to abandon the afternoon's session on the water in favour of
rest and recouperation, which was obviously lost in the supposed rest afternoon of the
previous day. It was at this point that the group experienced it's first conflict,
resulting in a "rebel" four going out while everyone else was resting. With
hindsight, however, it appeared to do those four guys some good as they were all ready,
willing and able in the final session of the day. (And their catches had improved!) Before
the final outing of the day, Mike Foran presented an "off games" note - saying
that he didn't feel well and thought it would be best to not row. In all seriousness, Mike
had been ill before we came on camp and we could not afford to lose him to illness for any
longer, so we accommodated his request.
This meant that the final outing of the day was performed in one eight, a
coxless four, a pair and a scull. I think that everyone relished to opportunity to put
what they had learnt in the eights into practise in the smaller boats, as well as giving
some much needed confidence to Steve in terms of stroking a fast boat, and to Roli in a
scull and to Ben & Sean in the pair (although boats don't flow very well over trees,
guys). Oh, and the 4- kept up with the eight in the work pieces, regardless of what they
might say! (Ed: I guess MunSLOW wasn't in it then!).
 
The evening session was performed on possibly the calmest water we have yet
experienced, giving everyone that "how lucky we are" feeling once again. Only
two days to go!!
Gordon's Thursday report:
Went rowing again!
Life seems to consist of a never ending cycle of sleeping, eating and rowing.
Up at 7.15 a.m. to meet at the boathouse for 7.45. Some of us grab food such as
bananas, malt loaf, mars bars and wine gums to fuel us through the first morning outing.
The air is cold and the water has a slight ripple on it. Crews and outing plan are
announced. Two eights boat and do a 16km work outing.
The water here is such that you can row for miles uninterrupted with only
fishing lines and the odd submerged tree to negotiate. It is Bruce’s ambition to try
and get to the end. I think the rest of us are happy to go as far as we can in 40 minutes,
knowing that we have the same again to get back. The river is wide and the water is for
the most part calm.
 
We return at 9.30 exhausted and ready for breakfast. The hostel are now very
used to the eating habits of rowers, Oxford taught them well. Every meal is dominated by
vast quantities of carbohydrate, breakfast is cereals, bread and jam, lunch is usually
pasta and evening is rice. I don’t know how many calories we consume a day but it is
an enormous number and we devour everything that is put in front of us. Meal times start
off pretty quiet with everyone spending time getting food into them and as the meal ends
we start to chat.
Noon we go for a technical paddle this time in a variety of boats with an eight,
four, pair and a scull and are back by 1.30 pm for lunch.
We are having a blister competition and Phil Lawton seems to be winning at the
moment with a huge raw blister on the palm of his hand (see photo). Rumour has it that
people are suffering on other parts of the body caused by sitting in a boat for too long
(photo withheld - MRC is not that kind of website!). Anyway Mike Foran has forbidden me to
say anymore.
After lunch we rest and sleep for a couple of hours, before boating for the
third time at 5 pm. The evening outing is long and hard steady state for another 16km. We
reckon we cover 50km a day which is 14 lock to locks.
We return to the hostel to shower and refuel before going out for one or two
beers. Come 10pm everyone starts looking at their watch’s and heads for bed.
This is Gordon live from rowers paradise signing off.
Ben Lawrence - Friday Report
 
Friday, our final day of rowing, started bright and early at 8 o'clock on the
water. Once again, the conditions were ideal - Mequinenza had stayed blue skied, sunny and
calm all week for us. Jill didn't quite make it back in time from dropping Phil Cooper off
at the station, so we had one eight, a coxless four, a pair and a scull out on the water
together. We put some work in and then went back for a much needed breakfast, and then a
trip to the dam.
 |
Using a combination of Phil's Spanish and Jill's French, we
learnt a considerable amount about the dam, how much water the lake holds, how much
electricity is generated etc etc. Unfortunately I can't remember any of those statistics.
However, I can remember that the lady from the council who was translating for us said
that, believe it or not, the river had been only a stream two weeks ago and that they let
water out of the dam to make the river rowable because they heard we were coming! After
lunch we completed the cultural week by having a tour of the inside of the Castillo, which
was beautiful. |
5.30pm saw us meeting down at the boat shed for our last outing of the
Mequinenza 2001 Training Camp, all dressed in our Maidenhead T shirts, ready to present
the special blade that Ted Harris had made to the Club Capri guys. They were absolutely
delighted with it and then took pictures for us of the two eights together on the water.
The conditions weren't ideal for the last row - the wind had really got up - but we
couldn't really complain. When we came back from the outing, the Club Capri rowers invited
us back to their club room and presented us each with a beer and then invited us to join
them that evening in their bar - "Charlie's Disco Pub".
The bar was a great place - totally taken over by Maidenhead Rowing Club on
tour. Mike Foran had organised an award ceremony for the week - the winners were as
follows:
Blister of the Week - There were several contenders for this award, but Phil
Lawton won hands down (ho ho) with his painful red raw palm.
Donkey of the Week - Nominated were: Bruce for his back flip from the scull and
Ben and Sean for rowing the pair into a tree, but Mike won for his fantastic Forrest Gump
run directly into a road sign.
Stink of the Week - There was only one real nomination for this award - Ed,
Rollie and Russell's whole room. The hostel's cleaner had to wear special protective
clothing when doing the daily clean of their room. Ed was voted unanimously as the real
source of the odour.
Comedy Translation of the Week - Only one person could really receive this award
- Mr Phil Munslow for consistently doing a great job with Spanglish.
Timing of the Week - Mike, Phil and Ed were all nominated for this award - but
Mike picked up the award for keeping the whole squad waiting for an outing.
Tart of the Week - This award was to recognise the person who had consistently
found the time to shower after each and every outing, never had a hair out of place for
any photo and ordered his T shirts specially fitted to his biceps. A big hand please for
Mr Gareth Aitken.
 |
We will at this point draw a veil over the rest of the night's activities on
the dance floor and at the bar. However, it is safe to say that our enormously rewarding
week of training in Mequinenza was celebrated in suitable style - well into the early
hours of Saturday and with various Spanish concoctions. |
|
