B. Stortford Winter Series marathon

B.Stortford WS
Date: 7 November 2021

Schedule:
10:00 - Check-in opens
11:00 - Check-in closes
Race briefing will be circulated as a written document in advance
12:00 - Start
15:00 - Prize-giving

Distances:
Group 1 (classes 6-9)  -  7 miles  -  6 portages
Group 2 (classes 2-5)  -  5 miles  -  3 portages
Group 3 (classes 1, blue, red, GP, yellow)  -  3 miles  -  1 portage
Course:
Course Records:
The present courses have been in use since 2006 - download the list of course records.
Portaging:
When portaging, paddlers in the u14s/u12s classes (Blue/Red/Yellow) must get out at the main landing stage & not enter Southmill Lock.
As stated in the Winter Series Rules, paddlers may receive assistance at portages if they need it (typically u14s/u12s, and Paddle-Ability paddlers), but
  • helpers must walk only, carrying only the rear end of the boat
  • assisted competitors must give way to unassisted competitors
  • parents/supporters must not crowd the portage or enable their paddlers to queue-jump
  • helpers must use safe lifting & handling techniques - involvement is at your own risk
Team Leaders who have queries about assistance with regard to particular team members should speak to the Race Organiser about it in advance.

Please remember at all times (and especially when portaging) to be courteous to other river users and respect others' right of way. Follow marshal's directions, remembering that inappropriate behaviour could result in time penalties or disqualification.
Click photos of portages for larger view. Left/right refers to orientation when heading downstream (Clubhouse is on left bank)
Southmill Lock, upstream side.
Groups 2 & 3 get in above Southmill Lock. Blue/Red/Yellow classes must use small split-level landing stage (right bank) when getting in and portaging back downstream. Other classes may choose.
Southmill Lock, downstream side. 
Groups 2 & 3  may get in immediately below the lock (left bank) or make a long portage to the landing stage outside the clubhouse.
Group 1 competitors get in at either of these locations for their start .
Twyford Lock, upstream side.
Group 3 turn (Turn 2).
Groups 1 & 2 may portage on left above the weir, on the wooden jetty (on right), or to the left of the mouth of the lock.
Use extreme caution when crossing the road.
Twyford Lock, downstream side.
Only access is via a well-built landing stage.
Spellbrook Lock.
Group 2 turn (Turn 3).
Group 1 portage on the left. Take care crossing the road.
Tednambury Lock. Portage on the left.
There is no road access to this lock, and no marshal present.
Continue to Sawbridgeworth Lock where Group  turn (Turn 4)
Race entries:
If you are part of a club team, your Team Leader will place your entry. Registered Team Leaders and Independent paddlers should send race entries to Secretary@FlatwaterRacing.org.uk by 6pm Friday (6pm Saturday for amendments). On the day, only registered Team Leaders should come to the booking desk. Payments can be accepted as cash or cheque.
To register as a Team Leader or Independent paddler for the current series, see the WS Registration page.
Please remember that all boats must be licensed for use on CRT water. Additionally, all paddlers must have Public Liability cover though On-Water  BC membership, club membership or BC Event Insurance ("Day Ticket").
Responsibilities:
  • Race Organiser - Joe Fitzpatrick WinterSeries@StortfordCanoe.org.uk (07825 371434)
  • Safety -  Ken Duncan (07947 339214) & Dave Cayford (07814 757986)
  • Welfare, Safeguarding and First Aid - Anne White (07976 847925)
Safety Notes:
All participants must be aware that canoeing and kayaking is by its nature an unpredictable sport and therefore inherently involves an element of risk. General safety notes and Race Rules which apply to the whole series can be found on the main Winter Series page
In particular please
  • DO NOT ATTEND if you, your family or any contacts have symptoms of Covid-19 or have taken a positive test in the last 10 days, or if you are isolating.
  • We strongly recommend that all persons attending should take a lateral flow test in the 4 days before the race.
  • To reduce risk, the changing rooms will not be open except in cases of special need.
Rules:
This is not a Hasler race! Please read the Race Rules which apply to the whole series on the main Winter Series page
Location:
Bishops Stortford CC clubhouse, Styleman’s Lane, Hallingbury Road (A1060) near CM22 7QJ.
For directions please see  www.StortfordCanoe.org.uk/find-us.html
The car park next to the clubhouse will be reserved for disabled visitors and those towing trailers. Everyone else should be able to park on the large field immediately adjacent to the clubhouse. If weather conditions make it necessary, marshals will direct cars to an alternative car park at Twyford Lock (Pig Lane).