We’ve collected answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Indoor Racing. If you don’t find your answer here, email us at midwintermeltdown@mendotarowingclub.com. 

What does C.R.A.S.H.-B. stand for?

C.R.A.S.H.-B. is an acronym for Charles River All Star Has-Beens, the governing body of the World Indoor Rowing Championships; a.k.a. The C.R.A.S.H.-B. Sprints. You can visit their website by going to Crash-B Sprints.

What is the date for this year’s C.R.A.S.H.-B. Sprints?

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Do I have to “qualify” to enter the race?

No, anyone can enter. Last year over 1800 people competed ranging in age from 14 to 90. Olympic athletes row side by side with people who have never even been in a boat! Entry forms are usually available either from C.R.A.S.H.-B. or Concept2 in the late fall. The qualifying times that you see listed on this site are for qualifying to win a free trip to Boston to compete in the C.R.A.S.H.-B.s.

I heard something about “free trips to Boston?”

Qualifying times in each of the C.R.A.S.H.-B. age, sex and weight categories are set and round-trip airfare to Boston are provided for up to four qualifiers from each of the 21 regattas official satellite regatta sponsored by Concept2. If there are more than four qualifiers from a given race the race organizers, not Concept2, decide who will represent their race in Boston.

How are the qualifying times determined?

The qualifying times are based on the previous years’ C.R.A.S.H.-B. results and are designed to select people who will be very competitive; i.e. capable of winning or medaling in their division.

Are all of the races 2000 meters?

Yes, 2000 meters is the official race distance. However, we offer other events such as 30 minute rows, 500 meter sprints, and team relays.

What are the rules regarding the setting of the damper on the Indoor Rower?

The damper setting is totally up to each competitor. Most all of the races do have a rule, however, that the damper setting cannot be changed once the race has begun.

Will the “Slide” be used at any of the races?

Slides are used at some races for demonstration events or for team events. It is never used for individual 2000 meter races.

What 500 meter pace will give me the best score for 2000 meters?

That is not an easy question to answer as it depends greatly on your individual body type, age, weight, strength and conditioning. You should do a number of time trials as part of your training to help determine your optimal pace. Visit the training section of the Concept2 web site for some helpful information.

Can I buy an Indoor Rower?

Order a new Concept2 Model D erg at the discounted price of $850* plus free shipping and save $100 (retail price is $900 plus approximately $50 shipping). Ergs are delivered to the event site and will be used for the races. Purchasers must pick up their ergs on the day of the event by 3pm. Contact us for order information. Order deadline is January 1, 2010.

*Model D with a PM3. upgrade to a Model D with a PM4 for $30 more ($980) or a Model E with a PM4 for $1200.

Who can I contact for more information?

midwintermeltdown@mendotarowingclub.com