The Tully Bar, the Tay Descent, the Tully Bar and the Tully Bar

The night before Battle...Ben prays, Louis prepares for the worst

A short report on the Tay Descent weekend…
On the Friday Cortisone and Beaujolais met up with Louis and Ben at Duck Bay, Loch Lomond. Louis and Ben had the first paddle…1) On Loch Lomond, 2) In the Lilo, 3) Together. Ben in front looked particularly lively, perhaps as he was doing most of the work. Louis as the experienced member of the crew electing to coach/ relax rather than paddle. As Louis has completed the DW it could be argued he as already done his life’s share of paddling.

The Rev Richard in relaxed mode- no pre race worries for the Bish. Louis however hits the sauce and puts away a pizza

Following a cracking breakfast in Corries at Balloch we ditched Cortisone, and independently headed North, the Boys from the South diverting to a Distillery! Later when they eventually found Perth, we headed to the Scottish Canoe Association Campsite at Grandtully. The Campsite is a superb resource, with no frills but all the essentials. This includes the Tully Bar situated a short distance away.

A good night pre race was had in the Tully bar, managed by the irrepressible Claire and Terry, offering a a traditional Highland Welcome via the East End of Glasgow (their words). Never in recent history has Beaujolais enjoyed such a splendid evening in a bar. A roaring fire, Stovies and Oatcakes, Haggis and Black Pudding Pizza and Stewarts Real Ale. Their was only one missing ingredient, my partner for the race, Richard, who showed up at last and was welcomed into the warmth of the gathering. A great bar, filled with a mix of locals and paddlers, including Douglas who rescued my paddle last year– all chust sublime.

The next morning was race day. After toing and froing, leaving a car at the finish at Perth and returning to Dunkeld, both crews readied themselves for the race. A few prayers, many wine gums, and a frantic drag at the Lucozade Sports (who needs to train when it comes in a bottle, some gasps as the boats were inflated and all was prepared.

We boated together, but did not cross the start line together. Somehow Louis and Ben falling significantly behind as we crossed the swollen river for the start line. On crossing the start line, Richard set a dazzling stroke rate and started powering down the course. Although Beaujolais in the back kept on suggesting it might be polite to wait for the boys, Richard was having none of it and the race was on. That really set the tone for the rest of the event. Richard ruthlessly targeting the crews in front, only allowing Beaujolais a few moments rest, and the two handfuls fo Jelly babies, during the course of the whole race. Campsie Linn proved a doddle with the inflatable, Stanley weir, even easier, Thistlebrigg a joy. Soon Perth was in sight, Richard once again took the rating up, picking off two further crews just prior to crossing the line. “Our” unofficial time 3 hours and 6 mins- the official time was 3 hours and 14 minutes, as we apparently missed our official start. A few hours later Louis and Ben arrived in Perth. Louis looking most comfortable in the back, having coached Ben down the course. All Louis was missing at the finish was a large cigar, and a large glass of brandy.

Fond farewells were said to Richard, who had to head back to Helensburgh. We headed back to Grandtully, now once again the company of Cortisone, who now the event was over suddenly appeared on the scene. Another great evening in the Tully Bar, as good a morning the next day watching the Rugby World Cup Final. A lovely place, lovely people, their where tears in our eyes when Cortisone and I finally bid farewell to Louis and Ben… Until the next time…