E-News from Community Rowing, Inc.

Quoting the traffic pattern document: From Labor Day through Thanksgiving, from 5 am until 1 pm, the center arches of Western and River street bridges are upstream only, to accommodate crews and scullers training for the Head of the Charles regatta. In the afternoon, the center arches resume being bi-directional.
When using the center arches, all boats should stay to the right side of the river, and side arches should still be used as standard.
Also remember that powerboats appropriately use the center arches in both directions so PLEASE use caution, especially at Weeks and Eliot.

Construction:

We have heard that the DCR plans to repair the railings of the Weeks Footbridge. Little is known about this project, though we do know that barges and cranes will be used. We do not expect work to begin until late September, and have asked that the Cambridge arch be closed first but little information has been forthcoming. We'll let you know more when we know more, but keep your eyes open.
Longfellow has scaffolding and at least 3 barges working and they move. Take a good look before proceeding and keep an eye out for diving flags. The center arch is still off limits to all rowing traffic, as it always is.
BU is nearly complete and all remaining work will take place on the roadway. However, barges will reappear at some point to take down the scaffolding.
Work on Anderson will not begin until January, but it is possible that sampling at Anderson, River or Western may take place. If we hear that there will be barges or divers, we'll let you know (many thanks to MassDOT for good communications).

Reminders:

Think of the river in thirds, and stay out of the middle third unless passing.
Boats sitting idle or doing drills should be on shore and single file. Boats should NEVER sit more than one boat across, unless they are ready (as in, any second now) to start a piece (Sculling groups, that means you too).
Boats that are being passed move to shore. There should be no mystery or dance to it. Only during HOCR itself can the overtaking boat choose their course. The only time a boat should have to change course to move around you is if you are on shore with nowhere to go. Otherwise, you should move out of their way. Yelling "Sculler look ahead" is not appropriate unless you are on shore.
Overtaking boats should also exercise caution. In many, if not most spots on the river, passing 2 boats across is not safe. If passing will require you to cross into the center of the river, don't do it.
Stroke seats should communicate oncoming traffic to their cox'n.
Watch out for novices. They move slower and can't get out of your way as well as experienced crews.
Lights (both a red/green split for bow and white for stern) are not optional, they are required if you are rowing in the dark or anywhere near dawn or dusk. Get a good set and a backup set. Blinking lights are not allowed and those little frog light should only suppliment your standard lights.
Paint your blades the colors and pattern of the club from which you row, so that others can identify you. This is not only required by the traffic pattern document, it is required by the State Police who are the harbormaster of the river

Charles River Traffic and Bridge Info

Be Safe/Be Aware - Read Below For Important River Information

This Weekend on the Charles:

SATURDAY

-9:30am High School scrimmage on the Head of the Charles Course.

-Weeks Bridge Construction. Barge SHOULD be on shore or in the Cambridge Arch which does not alter traffic. Keep your eyes open.

-BU Bridge roadway closure, 8am to 1pm. They are driving piles, so if you are boating underneath, expect really loud noise. (see note at bottom)

SUNDAY

-7:00am Head of the Kevin II, informal piece on the Head of the Charles Course. Please do not jump into the middle of the race as it screws up timing. If you do not have a number, please add on at the end, and give a really big lead to Kevin participants to avoid passing. Riverside thanks all Charles River boaters for your patients and understanding with this event.

- Weeks Bridge Construction. Barge SHOULD be on shore or in the Cambridge Arch which does not alter traffic. keep your eyes open.

-BU Bridge roadway closure, 8am to 1pm. They are driving piles, so if you are boating underntath, expect really loud noise (see note at bottom)

Boston University Bridge Closures for Pile Driving Sept. 24-25

MassDOT crews will be continuing overnight work on the Boston University Bridge, which carries traffic over the Charles River between Cambridge and Boston.

On Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 25, MassDOT's contractor will close the BU Bridge from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for pile driving operations. Traffic will be detoured to the Mass. Ave. Bridge along the existing signed detour route. There will be loud noise impacts associated with the weekend work and delays are anticipated along the detour route. During the bridge closure, the western sidewalk will remain open for bicycle and pedestrian passage.

For more news and updates, visit www.mass.gov/massdot, the Mass DOT blog at www.mass.gov/blog/transportation or follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.

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Find the CRAB calendar at www.boatboston.org

DCR Traffic Advisory - Weeks Memorial Footbridge

Work on Weeks Footbridge Begins September 20

DCR Traffic Advisory: Weeks Memorial Footbridge and Charles River Use

WHAT: Beginning September 20, 2011, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will initiate work on the Weeks Memorial Footbridge to repair the original limestone balustrade handrails and replace a portion of the navigational lights above each arch on both the upstream and downstream sides of the bridge. This work is expected to conclude in mid- to late-January, 2012.

Given the historic nature of the footbridge, DCR has been coordinating with the Cambridge Historic Commission, the Boston Landmarks Commission, and the Massachusetts Historic Commission.

At any given time, half of the footbridge will remain open to the public for use during the construction project. In addition, navigational access will be maintained through at least two of the three arches at all times during construction. DCR is working with the contractor in an effort to schedule the single arch closures during October, November and December in a sequence that minimizes impacts for rowing and boaters. This schedule will be posted on DCR's website by October 1.

To accommodate for the Head of the Charles event in mid-October, all work on the footbridge will be suspended, and full public access temporarily restored while the event is taking place.

It is anticipated that a barge will be staged in the Charles River in order to complete the necessary work and to provide the necessary containment. In addition, a containment system made of netting will also be installed to prevent any debris from entering the Charles River.

Per Coast Guard requirements, the barge will be equipped with navigational lights and positioned and anchored to the side of the river during non-working hours.

These immediate investments in railing and lighting repairs are a first step in a larger, multi-phase renovation and restoration of the Weeks Footbridge that DCR expects to unveil to the public through a public process and to commence in the Spring of 2012.

WHEN: Beginning on Tuesday, September 20, and running through mid-January 2012.

WHERE: DCR's Weeks Memorial Footbridge, the Charles River.

CRI Jacket Orders- Friday Sept 23 Deadline!!

Final Reminder:Early Fall Boathouse Sports Gortex Jacket Orders Now Being Taken

REMINDER!!!

CRI Gortex Jacket Order Deadline this Friday!

Last chance to order CRI's Boathouse Sport Gortex Jacket for the Fall 2011 season! Order deadline is this Friday, September 23. Contact Laurie at ltenaglia@hotmail.com with questions. Thanks!

Boat Bays and Preparations for October 1st Celebration!

Pardon Our Appearance While the Boat Bays are Readied For The Coaches' Appreciation Night

Beginning on Tuesday, September 27, we will begin clearing out the boat bays in order to prepare for the party and celebration to be held inside the bays on Saturday night, October 1st.

We will do our best to keep disruptions to a minimum and keep programming running as usual. Your patience while we prepare for our community celebration is greatly appreciated.

Introducing our IRL Fellows

Have you met the IRL Fellows studying here at CRI?

Take a peek at faces of the IRL.... Get an introduction to the Fellows. Visit their IRL web page and find out who they are. Check out their photos so you can say hi when you see them around the boathouse running to and from class and coaching!

Here is a link to their new web page:
IRL Fellows

Novice Boys Team/Parent Meeting

Wednesday, September 21, 6:45 PM

A parent meeting for the Novice Boys will be held tomorrow night, Wednesday, September 21, at 6:45 PM.

The meeting will take place in the Community Room on the second floor of the boathouse.

It is strongly recommended that at least one parent per athlete attend this meeting, as we will cover important information about team policies, coaching philosophy, scheduling, and a few other details about the season.

Private Events For This Weekend

Read for Private Events/Second Floor Closing Information

FRIDAY, 9/23

2^nd Floor CLOSED @ 2:30pm

Private Events this Friday and next Friday!!

Friday, September 23^rd & Friday, September 30^th

Junior Rowers-----Friday's Practice will not have access to the 2^nd floor at all. If you need to move ergs downstairs this needs to be done before 2:30pm, or on Thursday.

ROWERS---On Friday please prepare to:

-Keep Valuables at home or in your car.

-Change in the downstairs bathrooms and/or in the Portable toilets, which will be located against the Main Boat Bay no the downstream end, waterside.

-Store bags in cars, or cubbies. (Please keep bags out of front lobby area.)

Coxswains ONLY will be allowed to go upstairs to grab their basket and cox box.

The Private Event begins at 6pm on Friday. The front lobby must remain clear from 6:00pm to 6:30pm. Please try to be as quiet as possible and exit through the main boat bay rather than the front lobby doors.

SATURDAY, 9/24

2^nd Floor CLOSED @ 8:30am

Junior Rowers please take note---We need junior rowers to put ergs back in the weight room after practice on Saturday.

In This Issue

Coaches Appreciation Night Have You Ordered YOUR Tickets Yet!?!

Volunteer Meeting - Coaches Appreciation Night

Charles River Traffic and Bridge Info

Meet Our IRL Fellows

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