Speakmon 2011  

written by Anne Jane

We started unloading in the dark and cold at this year's Speakmon Regatta - a sign that head season is really here. The wind eventually chased the clouds away but stuck around all day adding interest to this fairly straight course. Despite the substantial wind gusts it was a good day for TRRA Masters Women.

It began early with a first (E boat) and third (B boat) in the Masters 8+ race which set the pace for the rest of the day. The mighty 4X dominated their race taking a first and the Open 4+ held their own against younger rowers to take another first. Coach Alyssa jumped in a 2X with Eva and proved she still has it as they brought home a second place. Finally the Masters D4+ sped away from the field and took second only to a boat which was rumored to have been Masters National Champs in 2010.

Add to this the famous grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup lunch at Colin's Coffee Shop (and Joanne was not left behind), bright sunlight for most of the day, two experienced guest coxswains and  efficient loading/unloading/rigging/de-rigging by the the team made this year's Speakmon memorable.



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Head of the Cuyahoga 2011  

written by Anne Jane

The Head of the Cuyahoga had a new course this year but it was just as bendy and challenging as in previous years - it started upriver from and ended at the Rivergate Boathouse. Four TRRA teams attended: Beginning Masters (their first race), 2 Day Mixed Masters, Men's Masters and Women's Masters. Thanks to some great rowing by all teams, TRRA beat Western Reserve for the Team Points Total by 1 point!


The weather cooperated and the threat of rain cleared in the early morning leaving behind a generally sunny day. There was plenty of flat open space for trailers, boats and vendors. And for those finishing their racing day early (you know who you are!) there was even an outside Beer Garden. 

The course winds through a post-industrial setting, making the row up to the start interesting. But the real appeal of this race, at least for coxswains and small boats,  are the three major curves that require steering finesse and strength. The MW placed well in many races and came home with  medals in the Masters 2X, Open 2X, Open 1X, Masters 1X and the Masters 8+.  Some of these were in small fields but were still deserved. 

You can find photos of all teams participating in the Head of the Cuyahoga here.



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