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The Madog Dash from Pwllheli to Porthmadog. Saturday 16th April 2016

Saturday 16th April 2016

The Madog Dash from Pwllheli to Porthmadog. Saturday 16th April 2016
Captain's Log
Wisey Crews set off on friday for a weekend of drunken debauchery and a bit of rowing in North Wales, staying  at the very pleasant 'Lion Hotel' in Criccieth.  After a delicious pre-race meal at 'The Spice Bank' Indian Restaurant, a couple of rowers sloped off to the hotel bar, while everyone else turned in for the night.
 
Spirits were high on Race Day, weather was gloriously sunny if not a little chilly, with snow peaked mountains as the backdrop for what was to be a pretty choppy crossing, although conditions were much improved on last year!  After the coxes brief in the very snazzy new marine centre at Pwllheli, Wiseys crews gathered on the beach for pre-race team photos.  
 
After a beach start, the boats took off across the bay for the first stage of the race, with the first marker now being one mile in the wrong direction, deviations were in place prior to the race, with the lead boat zig-zagging off into the distance.  Wisey's Ladies had a strong start, not to be slowed down by wardrobe malfunctions and the Wisey Mixed boat then pulled away from the pack keeping in the top 4 for the duration of the race, unfortunately the other boats had a chance to gain ground during the crew swap, but the very strong team pulled away again, catching some lovely waves and gained a lot of ground on the boats ahead who seemed to be tiring.  Gary was clearly lonely now he was rowing and took the opportunity of catching a crab to have a quick cuddle on Brent's lap, but they still held 4th place as they cleared 'The Bar' and entered the river.  The Ladies had similar difficulties, however they were sabotaged by the wake of a passing cruiser, causing newly returned Elen to be thrown from her seat.  Not to be disheartened, the Girls recovered quickly for the final race up the river.
 
Meanwhile another speedboat further up the river had brought the Mixed boat to a standstill, blocking the route and oblivious to the cries of the very frustrated rowers stuck behind him.  Their efforts to catch the lead boats were unsuccessful, finishing 4th in 2hours 13mins 40secs, just 45 seconds behind the other boats.  The Ladies team did a fantastic time of 2hours 18mins 44secs coming 1st in Ladies and 9th overall.  Everyone had thoroughly enjoyed the race and returned to the clubhouse for a very well hosted evening again by The Porthmadog Rowing Club.  During the presentations, Wisey's newest members Alys and Elvie stole the show, turns out that Alys armed with 2 carrot sticks is enough to give Bryony nightmares for weeks to come!
 
Everyone was very please to receive their bottle of Purple Moose Beer, very kindly donated by Lawrence from The Purple Moose Brewery, who had also been racing the boats today by running the 23miles across land and coming in just over a minute after the first boat, regretting stopping for that pint half way we assume now.
 
Needless to say we are over the moon to be returning to The Bridge with the very prestigious Purple Moose Trophy, now on show at Wiseman's Bridge Inn.  Thanks to everyone for making this a really great birthday weekend, special thanks to Di for organising and Gary for towing...and supplying the Birthday Crispie Cakes!
 

CREDITS
 
Ladies Cox.....................Gabi Slaughter
Ladies Stroke................Caroline Ball
Ladies No.2...................Elen Jones
Ladies No.3...................Libby Lloyd
Ladies Bow....................Di Hodgeson
Ladies Mascot...............Elvie Collings
 
Mixed Cox.....................Gary Hodgeson
Mixed Stroke.................Nikki Nelson
Mixed No.2....................Jim Ball
Mixed No.3....................Brent Lang
Mixed Bow.....................Bryony Jones
Mixed Mascot................Alys Lang
Cheerleader #1...............Simon Collings
Cheerleader #2...............Natalie Lang
Special Guest..................Peter Jones
 
Team Captain.................Di Hodgeson
Towing............................Gary Hodgeson
Hair/Make-up.................Nikki Nelson
Music..............................AC/DC