MERCIA CANOE CLUB

THE AVON DESCENT 2003 STRATFORD on Avon To BIDFORD on Avon

Date: Sunday November 9th 2003 Note. Start upstream of Stratford on Avon

Start: The Recreation Car Park on the A439 , 1/2 mile out of Stratford on Avon . Approaching Stratford from Warwick on the A439 , turn left just past the entrance to the Welcombe Hotel and before entering the town .Note there is

a 6 foot height barrier at the entrance which will be locked after the start. This is a busy road , take care do not cause an obstruction. Free parking.

Check in: Before 11.30 am Briefing : 11.40 am

Start : 12.15 p.m.

Course: 10.25 miles downstream to Bidford on Avon with 6 weir shoots or portages. When portaging, avoid fishermen and people standing on paths, lock islands or alongside locks .The finish is just after the bridge at Bidford on Avon. A reasonable race time is 1.5+ hours .Do not park on the field at the finish.

Classes: K2 -- marathon divisions 1/2, 3/4, 5/6,7/8 with handicap times K1 -- marathon divisions (1 - 3) , (4 - 6) ,(7-9) with handicap times K1 White Water Racers / Wavehoppers

C2 Racing ( over 5.5 m )

C2 Touring ( under 5.5 m )

Slalom and Touring Boats less than 4.2 m

Entries will also be welcomed from paddlers who are simply interested in touring this pleasant stretch of the River Avon. Classes may be combined.

Prizes : These will be awarded to the first in each class and other places according to the entries .There will be a prize for the fastest Lady , Veteran and Junior

Safety : Pay attention to any particular hazards announced at the briefing .Everyone is advised to and all competitors under 18 years MUST wear a buoyancy aid. A crash helmet is strongly advised .All paddlers in closed cockpit boats MUST wear a helmet and buoyancy aid .If you can, look at some of the weir shoots before the race, as they may not be obvious on the river. There will be a set of sketches at the start. Weirs are dangerous and all competitors take part at their own risk. Boats must have adequate buoyancy. Marathon rules apply.

Entries : £5.50 per seat : Juniors ( under 18 ) £ 4.00 : late entries £ 2.00 per seat extra

Closing Date: Friday November 7th 2003

Entries To : Nigel Wooltorton , 11 Brayford Avenue , Coventry , CV3 5BS 02476 418796 or wooltorton@jings.com

B.C.U : Competitors must be members of the BCU,WCA,SCA, reg. Junior Section (7-9 only) and a valid card MUST be produced at check-in. (B.C.U. Marathon Rules). Other paddlers must purchase a £2 event ticket, at the check-in.

Numbers : All racing K1's and K2's must use upright yellow plates. All others must be displayed clearly on either the front or rear deck, facing to the left. Competitors must use a clean white disc for this purpose.

Retirements: MUST be reported to the finish marshal before leaving for home. Note that the race clock will be stopped at a time announced at the briefing.

2003

Like all Descents the conditions on the course will vary from extremely low water to dangerous flood conditions. Competitors are therefore advised to ensure that they are capable of completing the course in a safe manner, wearing clothing appropriate to the weather and water conditions .It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the hazards involved.

IF YOU RETIRE REPORT TO SOMEONE AT THE FINISH AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Please park considerately in Bidford on Avon .You may need to park in the Free Car park in the town, if the small car park at the finish is full.

A handicap system is used for the amalgamated Divisional classes of 3 minutes per Division for K1 (1 - 3), ( 4 - 6 ) and (7 - 9) .Likewise for K2 1/2, 3/4, 5/6,7/8 this is 6 minutes per division.

A Paddlers View of The Avon Descent

The start of the race is upstream of Stratford. Approaching Stratford weir, just over a mile from the start, the first obstacle is the steel cable and buoys across the river. Go to the far left of the cable (to the right of the lock) and you can get under the cable fairly easily, close to the bank.

Paddle past the stepped weir and shoot the sloping weir at an angle, by the trees. Note there have been works on the stepped weir and it is not safe to shoot the stepped weir on the left down the slide. There are many rocks just below the surface. Do not go near the sluice at the far right corner, furthest away from you. If you portage take care of people out for a Sunday stroll!

The next weir is just a few more minutes downstream. Having passed an island you will see the lock cut on your left. The weir shoot is on the right side, about 5 m from the bank, line up with the overhanging tree above the weir. As you approach look for the current at the bottom of the weir to guide over this rocky drop.

Luddington is the next one. The shoot again is on the right, 3m from the bank but it requires you to turn left tight to the island above the weir. Reeds in the river above the weir may make this a tight turn. There is a route down the middle if you know where you are going. NOTE THIS WEIR IS NOW VERY ROCKY FOLLOWING MODIFICATIONS

There is a long paddle now to Welford. As you come round a bend, continue on past the lock cut on your right. You will see the mill house straight-ahead. This long slope is best shot on the right, picking a line through the reeds above. If the level is low, don't go too far right, as it will be dry. There is a small drop at the bottom of the slope into the weir pool .If the river is up, be careful of the trees at the exit of the weir pool .You will need to paddle hard left after you shoot the weir to fight the current.

The weir at Bidford Grange is to the right of the Lock Island. With a reasonable water level the shoot is straight over this small drop, 5 m from the left bank. Keep paddling as the stopper does have a tow back.

Barton weir is on the left of the river. Take your time to see the current flowing away from the weir and shoot either close to the right hand bank or pick your way over the large boulders in the middle.

The finish of the race is on the left bank, one mile further on, and just after the bridge in Bidford on Avon.

A river update will be given at the briefing.

2003 Entry Form and Conditions of Entry

All competitors must be over 14 years of age on the race day unless ranked Division 1-5 Marathon, Division A or B WWR, Division Premier - 3 Slalom or they paddle the race with a competent and responsible adult. All paddlers under 16 must send with their entry a letter of consent from a parent or guardian. A club official must sign all club entries. Current Marathon Racing Rules apply to this event.

Shooting weirs can be dangerous. The organisers cannot in any way be held responsible for loss, accident or damage whether to property or life.

Classes K1 (1-3), (4-6), (7-9), K2 1/2, 3/4, 5/6,7/8, WWR/ Wavehopper, C2 Racing (over 5.5 m) , C2 Touring ( under 5.5m) and Slalom and touring boats ( under 4.2 m)

CLASS	Marathon Division K1/K2	NAME	BCU etc no. or Event Ticket @£2	F - Female V- Veteran J - Under 18	Fee
				TOTAL FEE

Cheques made payable to 'Mercia Canoe Club'

Declaration I/We certify that the above are able to swim 50 metres in light clothing and accept responsibility for themselves, craft and accessories , before during and after the race and that they are aware of the event conditions.

Club Official (signed) .............................................................................................................

Name / Address of Club / Organisation ...................................................................................

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