----- Original Message ----- From: "Steve Haywood" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 10:05 AM Subject: Re: [canals-list] Speeding (but off topic)
>I really have to disagree with you here, Guy. In fact I think that method >is > very damaging. What I've done for years - and remember, I moor on the > Oxford > - is to secure the bridge with a mooring stake. I have a special one I > keep > for the job with a large eye through which I thread a short length of > rope. > I know it means more bother mooring on the off side - and life would be > materially improved by the provision of lock platforms at both sides as on > the K&A. But the alternative of bringing a two hundred year lump of Grade > 2 > listed crashing to the ground has to be worrying. > > The alternative is to put the kettle on and put your feet up. This is the > Oxford, after all. You'll never wait long for another boat. > > How are you, BTW? Long time since we've passed. > > Steve > > 2008/8/12 Guy Morgan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Steve Wood" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> To: <[email protected]> >> Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 8:12 AM >> Subject: Re: [canals-list] Speeding (but off topic) >> >> >> > Bob Wood wrote: >> >> 2008/8/11 Steve Wood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: >> >> >> >>> ... that's what I was told some years ago when I lived near to an >> >>> infamous road of this type (which now has a manual 50 limit.) >> >> >> >> How fast can you go if you drive an automatic? >> >> >> > Haha not sure where I got the word "manual" from but I think you know >> > what I mean. I blame those bl***y Oxford Canal lift bridges (how does >> > anyone else single hand them?) for over-tiring me yesterday ;-) >> > >> > Steve >> > NB Bream >> > >> >> >> The trad way is to use a "Banbury Stick" to prop the bridge up. >> However >> another answer is to use a heavy weight shackled to the bridge chain once >> it's down. I carry a couple of stage weights. Another possibility is >> to >> put a large nail or screw into the stump (if there) where the chain comes >> down and hook the chain on that. We're heading down the Oxford >> ourselves >> today but fortunately with a crew. When single-handing I tend to use >> the >> Banbury Stick technique. >> >> Cheers >> Hi Steve I accept your admonition :-)} However I don't think it does any more harm than managing the bridge in the conventional way. I've yet to see anyone trying to "lower" one from the off-side. AFAICS people get them started and then let them close at their own rate. Miuch the same as happens when you puull the stick out with the length of line. I don't do the s Oxford single-handed very often so don't add greatly to the general wear and tear. Anyway there are very few which are left down these days, certainly several less than when I first went that way in nb Thorn 12 years ago. BTW the one that defeats me is the one on the way into Lower Heyford. AFAIR I've always had to wait for a helpful person to open that one. BTW before anyone says that it would be easier if the bridges were worked from the towpath side, there's a reason! I asked the same question all those years ago and was reminded that it would have beeen difficult for the horse to step over the bridge arms! Cheers Guy - at Napton Top (Adkins Lock) for the night -- Guy Morgan First Light Services nb Virgo, WFB, Stockton, GU
