It goes far beyond, the famous annual clash against rivals Cambridge, in the University Boat Race!
Twice a year, the individual Colleges that make up the University, take to the water & race against each other.
The Hilary Term/Spring event, 'Torpids' happened this week.
I was there on Friday, a bright Spring-like day.
Now, this stretch of the River Thames; as I've said before called locally the Isis, is far too narrow with too many twists & turns, to make conventional racing side by side, possible.
Therefore, the unusual concept of 'Bumps' was conceived.
It's a peculiarity of my city's rowing history!
Devised long ago, 'Bumping' involves the men's & women's coxed eight crews, starting these days 1.5 metres behind each other & at the sound of the cannon, rowing like crazy...
The aim is to overtake & 'bump' the boat ahead, without being hit by the crew behind...
Success means progress up their racing division.The ultimate aim being to become 'Head Of The River' ie Top Blades.
And, the said races finishing line is just yards short @ the appropriately named 'Head of the River' pub, my favourite watering hole, far left in photo...
Sunday Scenery is the gift meme of Tarheel Ramblings!
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Painted by B'Day twinny 
Thoughtfully created for me by 
"Lavender's blue, dilly dilly,
7 comments:
Great pictures! Looks like it's a lot of fun for everyone involved though I have to admit that I've never heard of "bumping" before!
We have a Thames River here where I live, too, but it rhymes with James and is nowhere near as scenic as yours!
Oh, and we also don't have the "beautiful Spring day" here yet eitehr, as a matter of fact, we're in for quite the winter storm as I write this. Ugh! I could use a nice Spring day!!
Wow here in Boston on the Charles River there is the Head of the Charles event hosting top university crew teams. It isn't as picturesque as the Thames, but a fascinating event.
Great Welshie shots. Very fancy and cute
Norwood
Great post.
Norwood mentioned Boston - our friends, Mike and Lauren were on that rowing team when they attended the university! We bet it would be fun to attend and watch this event!
Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch
Great post, very interesting with lovely pictures! Sorry I haven't stopped by in a while....Rosie has been romancing!
Hope you're well :o)
HA HA! Norwood beat us to the punch! We were going to tell you about the Head of the Charles( in October) Love A+A
Lovely, wish I was there. Love your Dreamingspires! Feels a tiny little bit like my Dreamingspires too.
Big smile ;-)
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