Un voyage de 30km en Suisse (CH)
Report by Elizabeth Bostock
In September a group of 23 Tees RC masters rowers took part in Bilac 2025, a 30km row from the lake shore at Neuchâtel through the Zihlkanal and along the length of the Bielersee.
Organised by Dick Wilkinson, whose list of international rowing contacts seems to know no bounds, the tour was just one of many he has organised over the years.
The logistics of transporting two 8+s and a 4x+ across Europe was undertaken by Richard and Marion Olver, who heroically overcame a mechanical issue with the trailer on the way and got the boats to the start location.
We were told we had the best conditions for years. Under sunny skies, all crews completed the course along with more than a hundred other boats, including a few canoes and some hardy single scullers.
The three Tees coxes had to navigate the wash from ferries and coax some increasingly weary rowers over the last few kilometres to the finish line. A challenging but enjoyable row surrounded by beautiful scenery.
The event was topped off in true Swiss style with beer, sausages and cake in the festival tent.
A few then cooled their aching muscles and blisters, in the clear, glacial waters of the lake before heading on to the evening delights of Solothurn and Biel.