This year the Cookham Challenge involved Dragon Boat racing, Canadian Canoe Cats, volleyball, tug of war and the "silly walk" race (4 man skis)

The David Lloyd Vikings were put together Emma Buckland initially from the staff of David Lloyd Health club in Maidenhead, but after a few of the fit crew whimped out, the chaps from the Crawford Arms stepped in. 

There were a number of corporate teams as well as the local groups who were well represented.

The Vikings got off to a fantastic start with a victory in the opening volleyball match (by the skin of our teeth) and followed this up with a comprehensive victory over the team from NEC.  On to the tug of war which seemed to last forever where we scored another victory.

This was followed up by the dragon boat race, where the team took to the water for the very first time.  By the time we had reached the start line the nerves had disappeared and the team was ready for the race.

With a huge cry and a determined pull the boat was away and gliding to a comprehensive victory.  It was fantastic fun, even with a gale blowing and the storm clouds opening to soak us.

Buoyed by this victory the team took to the Canadian Canoe Cats (two Canadian canoes joined together, six paddlers and one person steering). 

This was a disaster.  The paddlers were fantastic, person steering was hopeless.  Oh that was me.  We must have traveled twice the course length and still only just lost.   I was difficult but in truth, I was simply hopeless.

On to the 4 man ski, silly walk.  This event proved to be challenging for us.  With two teams only feet apart, the shouts of left, right, left, right became confusing and we suffered defeat in both our races.

This meant that we had three events to go.  Another dragon boat race, canoe cat and tug-of-war. We needed to win all three!

The dragon boat race was decided without us having to raise a paddle in anger.  The other team had been depleted and could not paddle.  We were gutted, but took the victory.  Instead we turned our focus to the tug-of-war where we again scored a comprehensive victory.

The NEC lined up at the start and we struggled to get into position, we were all over the place.  At last on the fourth attempt we were set.  The NEC team had managed to hold position and must have thought that we were simply cannon fodder for their victory. 

We were on the start line, shaking, the supporters were on the bank shouting, the starter calls us to the mark, "take the strain…. go". We were off, three of four strong deep strokes to get the canoe moving and then into the tempo, one,two, one, two.  Faster and faster, focused on the person in front making sure that you didn’t clatter the paddles, making sure that you were in time.  One, two, one two. 

Out of the corner of my eye I could see the NEC, were we really in front or was it my imagination?  The team continue to row strongly and with a well timed stroke.  We were pulling ahead, and further ahead than we expected…..  Focus, focus we must not let up until we hear that whistle at the finish line….  The team pulled hard and we were victorious. finishing the race by more than a full length.  We could not believe it, we had won!

What a fantastic result.  And what a trophy!!! 

But there was an interesting collection including a battle tank, complete with rotating turret and water cannon!  (Unfortunately the paint was not waterproof and so it had to leave before the pictures were taken.

A new Citroen 2 seater!

Country Stoves have gone for some funky suspension and a rather fetching jet engine!

Cool Running returns with the 6 wheel -4 man bob!

It would appear that there is an entry from Bently Motorcars!

This year a Bugatti has been entered as well.

The new flower shop in Cookham  Fleure de la maison is entering a flower powered go-kart.

The coffin returns from the grave.  Although they are still building this one…

Now we have a 3 wheeled 4 person bike.  This will be fun to watch as it tries to corner at speed.

Last years winner the Air Ambulance racing team…  That is a rotor blade on the roof!

Now the Jolly Farmer Public House have entered the race with a piece of the bar!

Unfortunately it has to be returned before opening time!

Last year Curly Carver the local National Trust warden entered a replica of his Land Rover.  This year he has a lady bird (but it could not come out in the rain)   This is the second entry from the National Trust, which I hope makes it to the finish.

And the last of the carts entered for inspection.  A modified wheel chair.  I hope that they are going to be wearing some protective clothing!  The new road surface is quite hard on the knees.

Good luck to all entrants.  Also please support us by giving a little at www.justgiving.com/porteurandmike

The kart is here:

Now all we need to do is add the sponsors logos!

Here is Zach mixing it up with the other racers. 

I am in the red on the left.

Taking a quick drink and rest from the paceline that I was following on lap 7 & 8.

I was happy with my result, finishing 32nd in a time of 1hr 55min 20.3 sec.  My times were reasonably consistent.

Lap 1: 08:23.7  - 2.42 miles - started off on own then picked up paceline
Lap 2: 09:08.9 - 4.84 miles -skated with paceline
Lap 3: 08:53.1 - 7.26 miles - skated with paceline
Lap 4: 08:36.7 - 9.68 miles - closed gap to next paceline (bit too enthusiastic!)
Lap 5: 12:32.7 - 12.1 miles  - Stopped to help Zach complete 1/2 lap
Lap 6: 10:19.1 -14.52 miles - skated without paceline
Lap 7: 10:16.0 -16.94 miles - picked up paceline
Lap 8: 10:34.1 - 19.36 miles - skated with paceline
Lap 9: 12:33.5 -21.78 miles - hit the wall!
Lap 10: 11:27.2 - 24.2 miles - 1/2 lap with pace line
Lap 11: 12:35.4 -26.62 miles - struggled home on own.

• Lessons learnt -
• Take on more water,
• Skate towards the front of a paceline and behind someone who knows what they are doing.  (skating in time and keeping in contact with the person in front of them),
• Do not sprint off to the next paceline as you will pay for it later. 
• Always skate in a paceline when going up hill into wind!  
• Stay focused on the line not just the feet in front of you (you may get dizzy). 
• If you drop off a paceline find another one quickly.  
• Do some training if you want to do well! 

I am looking forward to next year and intend to be better prepared!

Zach and his cousin Matthew took part in the Mini race of 4.84 miles, which they completed in style.  Along with some blisters…

For me this was the first race that I have ever skated and having entered only two weeks ago there had been little opportunity to train for it.  The goal was to complete the course in about 1 hour 40 min and finish in the top 30 (out of 312 racers)

Completing the race in 1 hour and 54 min and finishing 32nd I was really please.  I learnt a lot about skating in a group or line and realise just how much faster you can go when working with others.

I am looking forward to the 2009 event and hope to be in a position to put some training in before the race!

The body work of our cart will be appearing next weekend so there will be some updated pictures…

At this time there are another 224 competitors, which should make for an interesting day out.

So if you would like to join me go to Goodwood Roller Marathon and register.  Then drop me a line and we can skate a few laps together.

 There is a video of last years event which you can see below.