Crash-Bobs inspire activity

HULL -- Boston has the internationally renowned Crash-B indoor rowing championships. Hull has the Crash-Bobs. On Feb. 3, rowers of all ages and aptitude can compete on rowing machines, or ergs, in what longtime participant Ed McCabe calls a "vague imitation" of the better-known event.

Sponsored by the Hull Lifesaving Museum , the first Crash-Bobs was organized by rower Bob Powers , hence the name. The purpose is to push athletes out of their winter lethargy and to reconnect with friends and family. "There's a plethora of events, by age, gender, and weight," McCabe said, "which guarantees, if you show up, your odds of getting an award are high."

In the middle of the erg events, competitors can take part in the Liffmann Challenge, a 5,000-meter row followed by a 2.5-mile hill run in Hull Village, over what McCabe calls "the most heinous roads imaginable. . . . Winning the Liffmann is beyond irrelevant. Finishing it bipedally is really the victory."

The action starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Jacobs Elementary School, 180 Harborview Road. A $5 donation is suggested. Registration for the Liffmann, which starts at 11:30 a.m., is required by calling McCabe at 781-925-5433

JOHANNA SELTZ