Around the clock and the world

[webberg]

Some years ago the club attempted - successfully - (I think twice), a challenge to have somebody rowing every minute for 24 hours.

The day was split into 30 minute segments with 48 rowers completing the line up.

Given the global spread of the club, whilst it may be tricky to have somebody do a stint from 3am to 3:30am in the UK, that is 10pm to 10:30pm on East Cost of the USA for example, which may not be so outrageous.

I'm wondering if there is any appetite for some similar early next year?

[Iain]

Might be worth a try, trouble is that a high proportion of the more active participants on the forum are in EUrope, leaving quite a load for those in other time zones, although I might be persuaded to help out in the night at the weekend.

[Mike Channin]

We did a 72 Hour Global Relay in December 2006. It was divided into hour slots, with the occasional obsessive doing a double slot.

viewtopic.php?t=343

I think other global relays have been done since as well.

But with the lower level of activity here these days, 24 hours sounds a fair challenge. 30 minute slots will take more organising, but are a nice low level of participation. I'd suggest having two rowers planned for each slot, just in case one has a last minute disaster...

[webberg]

Yes Mike, I was thinking of tailoring the time slots to meet the lower activity level.

I think timing is key.

I'd be looking at April next year. First because the clocks will have changed and lighter evenings may be more welcoming. Second, many will have individual season targets that might benefit from a little incentive.

[Mike Channin]

For anyone who doesn't know the history of Free Spirits, it's well worth reading through the original threads on our first attempt at this to see what fun we had.

viewtopic.php?t=393&start=225

Would be good to do it again sooner, if you can get the interest levels up a bit...

[Mike Channin]

Yes Mike, I was thinking of tailoring the time slots to meet the lower activity level.

I think timing is key.

I'd be looking at April next year. First because the clocks will have changed and lighter evenings may be more welcoming. Second, many will have individual season targets that might benefit from a little incentive.

April has been and gone, and now it's getting warm! There are some distance based C2 challenges on currently. Maybe start of May would be a good time to aim at next year?

[ngocnhungplaza]

Love this idea! I wasn’t around for the previous ones but it sounds like a brilliant way to bring the community together. I’d definitely be up for a 30-minute slot—timing would depend on the final schedule, but I’m sure we can cover even the tough hours with a bit of planning. Count me in!

[Mike Channin]

Welcome NgocNhung!

The current plans for a relay have gone off the boil for now, but I'm sure we will get organised and do one at some point.
(Late year tends to be a good time, so maybe November)

Also, we SHOULD MOST DEFINITELY organise one for the 20th Anniversary next year. And if no one else organises it, I will.

[duffyoz]

The 20th anniversary sounds like a plan. I can manage some of those crazy British times since they will be quite sensible here, as long as it's a weekend. Remember we are ahead of you.

[Mike Channin]

That's one of the main benefits of rowing around the clock and the world - it provides slots at a helpful time, regardless of where in the world you are, bringing us all together!

[Ian Bee]

Having had experience of random times of the day for rowing, a half hour here or there sounds like a fitting celebration of 20 years.