Other than the BIRC what UK based ergo comps are there?

[Gammmmo]

but starting at a national competition is a bit daunting.

it's exactly what I did. BIRC about 2004 at the NIA. I underperformed admittedly (~6:58 when was probably capable of ~6:50 at the time) but nonetheless an interesting half-day. Nothing verntured, nothing gained....do it.

[Pie Man]

Ok Gammmmo you have convinced me, I'll talk to my wife and see if my sister in law will have space on the 10th.

I can imagine the conversation may be a little odd, especially when she realises I am not spectating but taking part at the Velodrome...

[Papy]

I'll belatedly second Glenn and Gammmmo's comments and heartily recommend taking part to BRIC, even if this is your first event.

I took part last year in the 40-49 HWT after only 3 months of indoor rowing, that got me properly hooked and motivated since. Finished unsurprisingly dead last at the opposite end of Mr Benton in 7'49 but the day was an absolute blast. It is genuinely open to all age & ability etc and everybody get properly cheered and encouraged throughout the day. Last year, the GB Men's and Women's 8 were there too, I am sure considering their recent Olympic success, they won't miss an opportunity to showcase them again. That's definitely a race to watch.

Here's my post about last year (+ pictures underneath)

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=98103&start=45#p320963

I have registered for this year again and if current back pains clear in time and allow for a decent training run before then, I will definitely race. If not, I'll definitely be there as a spectator. See you there, then ?

[Bloodbuzz Corio]

Interesting about going for the open class, maybe coming in high 30s in the open is a bit more interesting than high 20s in the 40-49, especially as in both the winners will be coming in a good minute ahead . I'm in the same position, I'll probably wait until November before entering and see if the training is making a stab at sub 7 plausible but it would be good to know if there were others to share the pain with.

John - you're obviously significantly closer to a 7:00 historically and presently than me - and whilst my ambition is certainly to break that mark at some stage I have no idea if I'll be anywhere near it by early Dec - and have decided to enter BRIC regardless (have actually done so already). I think I'd rather go along for the experience and give a 100% effort which still turns out to only be a 7:10 than wonder what might have been!

Certainly not saying that means you should do likewise - I just really thought putting pressure on myself to only enter if I was at a 7:00 standard was completely the wrong approach for me. I didn't really consider the open option to be honest - I entered the 40-49 LWT - will be giving it my all but don't really care where I finish!

[hjs]

Concept2 races are for everyone, young, old, fast, less fast, if you feel you want to race, don,t let think a few seconds faster or slower makes any difference. Just go for the experience and the opportunity to see others. Certainly the topraces are a nice sight to be seen. Also gives an idea about technique, which will differ even among the very best.

[JohnAd]

Ok, you got me, I'm in, I'll enter the 40-49 HWT and just see where I am at the time, a PB would be nice but agree that it shouldn't be the main reason for going. It will be good to catch up with everybody in person and watch each other push ourselves.

I need to try and convince one of my daughters to give it a go too.

[hjs]

Ok, you got me, I'm in, I'll enter the 40-49 HWT and just see where I am at the time, a PB would be nice but agree that it shouldn't be the main reason for going. It will be good to catch up with everybody in person and watch each other push ourselves.

I need to try and convince one of my daughters to give it a go too.

Gives you a nice goal to work to. You will enjoy it!

[Bob S.]

There are significant differences between doing time trials at home and actually competing at a racing event. One major difference is at the start, although it is possible to get some practice with that by using software that simulates a racing start. I believe that RowPro has that feature. Another is the logistics of getting in your warmup at a reasonable time before the race. The crowd and the noise are other factors that might affect your performance. For all these reasons it helps to participate in the event just to get the experience.

Bob S.

[G-dub]

One thing the race has going for it is that it is significantly harder to HD in front of all those people than when alone in the basement! If it hadn't been for my sister and brother in law, who happened to show up to watch (that actually might be as crazy as doing the race!) I might have seriously limped it on in and been very disappointed in myself. Instead hung on for a PB and was happy as a clam. And when you do something like that the adrenaline lasts for a while.

It is a great experience and to me really keeps the motivation high. Its also inspiring to see others putting it on the line regardless of shape, size, potential or age.

[hjs]

One thing the race has going for it is that it is significantly harder to HD in front of all those people than when alone in the basement! If it hadn't been for my sister and brother in law, who happened to show up to watch (that actually might be as crazy as doing the race!) I might have seriously limped it on in and been very disappointed in myself. Instead hung on for a PB and was happy as a clam. And when you do something like that the adrenaline lasts for a while.

It is a great experience and to me really keeps the motivation high. Its also inspiring to see others putting it on the line regardless of shape, size, potential or age.

If you keep your nerves together a perfect place to pb. With a good raceplan though, people going of beyond their pace is common. Ergs are new, people cheering etc.

[G-dub]

Absolutely. Especially us mid packers. It's easier to get out of your own head with all the energy in the room. Just need to start well and not go nuts the first quarter. The last quarter is sweet with people cheering you on.

[Pie Man]

Had a conversation with my sister-in-law and she will be happy to let me park and even drive me close to the venue. So all I have to decide now is which class to enter, Open LWT or 40-49 LWT (and make sure I keep under 75kg)

The Open LWT appeals as when else can I possibly be in the same race as an GB rower (I'm assuming that with the relatively small numbers of LWT open rowers they will all go in one heat) Decisions decisions

[Gammmmo]

Had a conversation with my sister-in-law and she will be happy to let me park and even drive me close to the venue.

Luxury! On the morning before I raced last Saturday I got up v v early, spent 3hrs first thing on my feet, then walked the dog for ~50 mins, and then drove myself to the venue! TBF I'm used to it so don't think it made much difference at all.

So all I have to decide now is which class to enter, Open LWT or 40-49 LWT (and make sure I keep under 75kg)

The Open LWT appeals as when else can I possibly be in the same race as an GB rower (I'm assuming that with the relatively small numbers of LWT open rowers they will all go in one heat) Decisions decisions

Depends what your goals are...I understand your thinking (and there'd be more entrants I'd have thought so might seem like "more" of a race) but OTOH if you think you might be quite competitive in the 40-49 LWT category, I'd be more inclined to do that.

[Pie Man]

I am hoping it will remove some of the stress in getting to the event. Your preparation for the 5k makes your time even more impressive.

Looking back at the last couple of years results the Open LWT doesn't attract as many entrants as the 40-49 LWT. Neither are like the HWT's with 40+ but the Open has only had 8 or 9 for the last two years, the 40-49 group had about twice that although last year 3 out of 16 didn't make the weight.

However, to be competitive in either (top 3) I need to row sub 6:40! Currently if Pete is to be believed then my pyramid pace of 1:48.1 indicates a 7:12 time which would put me third/fourth to last in either group. Even if I can get to 7:00 (I can dream) I would only go up a couple of places in either class.

I presume you have/will enter the 40-49 age range Paul?

[Gammmmo]

I presume you have/will enter the 40-49 age range Paul?

I've not entered yet largely on the grounds of the day's cost but also because the 2K distance is not a priority right now. That said, I used to live in London and like going there from time to time, and if I could make a weekend of it, I may well enter. I'd enter whichever race I thought I could do "best" in. I also have no idea of what I am capable of yet as I've barely started training, so if I stay motivated, I can see myself getting to ~6:40 standard.