Festivities

A slightly belated Merry Christmas! to all CBRC members, their families, loved ones & all other unfortunate folk who are tied to the club in some way.
Gurt apologises for the delay in festive wishes but he accidentally began celebrating a little early this year.

Back to the alka seltzer...

fundraising ideas?

The cameras were out on a frosty morning at Col and Jo's previous rowing club, as boys and girls from Bournemouth University posed for pictures for their 2008 calendar. http://www.bubc.co.uk/


Rumour has it that Col and Jo first met on the set for the 2005 calendar, when they were stroke/cox of the ladies 8. Check out those cheese-hips!

Alter ego

Morning oarsfolk of Bristol,

Randy and I have caught wind of a Christmas shindig happening this week?? You’ll be glad to know that we will be there, under cover of course. I hear the theme is ‘Bottle Green’. I thought that was Jane’s nickname, although it’s now ‘Bottle Hall’ I suppose. Photos and scandal to follow.

The venue is Alterego, the alter ego of which is a clothing company http://www.alter-ego.com/ “Feminine fashions for the taller figure who may be Transvestites or Crossdressers who like skirts, blouses and dresses in shiny satin and crispy taffeta”. Any takers from the women's squad? Or men's squad perhaps?

Billy?

Rob?

Cracking good fun

As most of the club who read the recent men's squad news letter will know, one of the fresh-faced new boys to the club has been sizing up the lovely Brizzle lasses. Whether or not he's been successful is not something we shall dwell on today although the situation is being closely monitored...
But no, what's taken Gurt's sizeable interest recently is the young Lothario's tactics for attracting the (much) fairer sex.



But what is it that the ladies can see that we can't? A rude slogan on the back of his Tshirt? Perhaps an offensive mural on the side of the van? It took us a while to crack the problem, but when we got to the bottom of it we creased up with the rest of them.
For those of you who didn't make it to the end of the video one unfortunate is heard in the background to cry "My eyes! MY EYES!" before succumbing to a dead faint. Poor soul.

Strange courting methods to say the least but most likely developed from many a long coach trip with rugby types (and let's hope Crusher doesn't get any ideas). But maybe Gurt's behind the times. I remember when all it took was a nod & a quick scrumpy to woo fair Gurtinas back to my shed.

At the moment we're only getting films from one of the many Mediterranean looking folk who keep hanging around the place. This is of course totally unfair and will not be tolerated much longer.
So just to get some variety, and to make sure that the antics of none are left unreported, anyone is free to send along any films of fair Bristol Rowing folk doing things they perhaps shouldn't to the usual address .

Anyone else anticipating the Christmas party?

Horse Play

At this time of year training just seems to be erg after erg after erg (or in the men’s squad’s case: erg after run after erg).

You may be interested to hear that I have discovered a new type of machine that allows for 'effortless exercise and body toning':

Could I suggest that the Concept 2’s at the club be replaced by a row of these? I’m sure the women’s squad in particular would love to saddle up and try for a 25 furlong PB.

Vesta Scullers Head - The results

There were few surprises on Saturday to trouble the BetLush office other than the surprisingly calm waters. All CBRCs scullers raced well with another great result for top boy Jack Mellow:

33 22:09.75 J Mellor

123 22:54.91 M Duffy 253 23:58.05 M Downey 277 24:13.88 N Bromwich 285 24:17.61 M Mumford

344 24:57.79 H Fullman

355 25:09.39 C Breen

The Phoney Tough and the Crazy Brave

With the weather forecast for tomorrow looking ‘a bit breezy’ the excuses have been flooding in thick and fast from scullers deciding that a gusty day on the Tideway is not for them. Top marks go to Ali who was so desperate not to compete that he chose to break his own fingers. Other retirees include Tony (illness), Nadia (injury) and Graham (illness).

Now looking to be a race to see who can actually complete the course regardless of time the conditions ought to favour the larger competitors. Pre race odds look like this:

Hazel – Strong and tidy 19-1
Neil – Going for gold 15-1
Charley – Determined to finish 21-1
Crusher – Stable as a battleship 10-1
Marcus – Like a cork on a tsunami 41-2
Mike – Compact power house 5-1
Jack – The Tideway's his second home 7-2

Good luck lads and lass!

Pimp My Scull

Spotted in the boat shed last night were some gold boat numbers on one of the Carl Douglas single sculls. What next, a fur lined seat cover and diamante encrusted bow ball?

Where can I place my order….

Next stroke...smile for the camera...go!

Downey Jnr works his socks off, as Downey Snr thinks "one for the album". Good work dad!

Back in business

As mentioned earlier my health is returning slowly and now I am well enough to return to my preferred haunt of the docklands.Yes, I've been a little under the weather with a dicky liver. This is due in no small part to a certain competition held over East way a few weeks back...

Once again the start of the Head Season proper saw an influx of country folk to that most strange of lands. The Tideway.
The CBRC contingent numbered seven crews: Two men's S3 Coxed fours, three women's S3 Coxed fours and two Quads from the new sculling squad.


130: 85 Sen2 4x- 20:58.87

Photos of crew 85

138: 404 Sen3 4+ 21:02.58

Photos of crew 404

161: 55 Sen2 4x- 21:10.28

Photos of crew 55

275: 373 Sen3 4+ 22:10.10

Photos of crew 373

350: 436 W Sen2 4- 23:01.33

Photos of crew 436

422: 528 W Sen3 4+ 24:26.25

Photos of crew 528

423: 501 W Sen3 4+ 24:32.44

Photos of crew 501

Well done to all on racing in, quite frankly, appalling good Tideway conditions. It was pointed out to several newbies that they "ain't seen nuffin yet."

But why oh why did that cause me internal damage? Well little was Gurt to know that none of the aforementioned buggers in boats would be leaving the area to return and drink in Bristol. As such this poor little chap was left all alone in the Dukes Head with a round for everyone. After a couple of days of waiting and with only enough left for two out of the seven crews, Gurt came to the conclusion that no-one was coming to party with him, and headed straight to casualty.
Where he was diagnosed with possible sirosis of the liver and severe-talking-in-the-third-personaritis.
But Gurt's almost Ok now, Gurt is.

I am keen to hear of any gossip that I might have missed during my state of ill-health. Rumour has it there has been a wedding. But more importantly there was a wedding reception. Photos must exist in plenty.
You know where to send them.

Place Your Bets!

Not a moment too soon BetLush is once again open for business and for the first time will be taking bets for one of the more testing events on the calendar: The Vesta Sculler’s Head on 1st December.

With a record entry from CBRC competing and some promising talent shining through there could be some tidy returns for the smart punter.


Nadia (WS3) – With training dogged by injury it’s likely she might not even make it to the start line. Worth waiting to see if the Doctor gives her the all clear nearer race day before parting with your cash. A long shot at 40-1.

Hazel (WS3) – Seated in one of the finest boats at the club Hazel can’t blame her equipment if she doesn’t perform. She has been seen giving some of the men a run for their money during training and will be looking to better them on the tideway. A possible top 5 finish at 20-1

Neil (Vet B)– Understated and low rating Neil could be the first sculler to complete the course with an average rate of less than 10. A steering incident at Ariel head left the bookies guessing as to his true speed but his solid technique could see him finish well. ‘I don’t believe it’: 16-1

Charley (N) – His unique racing preparation involving an evening in the Corrie Tap hampered his progress at Bristol Ariel head but Charley has been making steady improvements during his more sober sculling outings and is starting to look like a contender in the novice category: 43-2

Crusher (Vet C) – The surprise of the season for many, Martin ‘Crusher’ Downey has silenced his critics and is now snapping at the heels of the fastest scullers. Using one of the largest single sculls ever built is sure to give him an advantage if things turn rough out on the Thames. An optimistic 12-1

Marcus (S4) – Numerous underperformances during the build up to the race has left many losing confidence in this slender sculler. Sure to struggle in all but the flattest of water his result is well and truly in the lap of the met office. A doubtful 41-2.

Ali (S2 LWT) – Unseen and untested choosing to train on foreign waters Ali could be the one to watch, assuming he has managed to stay away from the early Christmas excesses and makes it past the weigh in. A risky 12-1

Mike Duffy (S2) – Finishing just off the podium at Cardiff has got this sculler some welcome attention and many reckon he could be on his best form yet. Worth a punt each way at 6-1

Tony (Vet B) – The true contender for the crown of Bristol’s fastest sculler. Racing Elite in his youth and now competing for the Vet B pennant Larkman looks sure to be unstoppable. Clear favorite at 7-2.

Graham Davidson (Vet F) – The most ‘experienced’ entry but showing no signs of slowing down. With a win at Cardiff under his belt from this year and an excellent track record for the Championship Course Graham’s only weakness is his over enthusiasm. ‘Pick up the rate’ 19-1

Jack (S4) – A top 30 result last year has given Jack the number 18 start position. Racing alongside some of the top scullers in the country ought to help bring out his best but there is a rumour that he’s not as quick as he used to be. Still the only boat likely to give Larkman a run for his money: 5-1.

Keeping an eye on the men's squad

Greetings oarsmen of Bristol. What a relief to be finally discharged from Cinderford General Hospital. I'm on the mend and back, even if slightly yellow!

I have returned to news of nakedness and wig-wearing amongst eminent members of the men's squad. Gossip and counter-gossip is welcomed on this site.

Facebook is dead, long live Gurt Lush!

Ow Bist Me Babber?

Greetings oarsfolk, Reet Lush here stepping briefly into cousin Gurt’s shoes while he recovers from his latest liver transplant (3rd time lucky).

He would like to pass on his thanks for the kind gifts and cards that he has received particularly the book of amusingly shaped vegetables and the 8-Track of the latest Worzels album.

1st capsize of the season

I have heard news of the first capsize of the year (there may be more) but this one was down to a 'clashing of blades, as an LVIS crew ** went under one of the bridges "a bit central" and met with a UWE women's 2x also "a bit central", and the 2x come of worse after deciding to fall in.

All parties appear to be unharmed - but I bet it was bloody cold this morning after a dip in the docks!

** For those of you at the Regatta, you may remember the LVIS (Las Vegas Institute of Sport) racing the CBRC men's 8 in the final - they wear the dodgy purple and yellow kit!

Competition review

Of late I have tried not to copy anything off the Slug due to the amount of grief that I received, but this I thought important enough... and it's about rowing before any one else complains

The competition review has come back with some findings (and suggestions) as to make regatta racing better....

For those of you who have been around rowing for a few years will remember the times when S4 did not exist - you went straight to S3....

It appears that they have now effectively removed the S4 level again, renamed it all and spread things out a little.

Anyhow - as you will all be involved in the new system (and some people might not know about the slug) - here is the report, and you are encouraged to make any comments you may have to your divisional rep!

Stone, paper...

With the men's squad dinner this evening, it's time for a quick trip down memory lane for all those stay at home types. Here, for your delectation, is a small slice of what went on after the Head of the River cancellation in March.



Gurt is reliably informed that not only were all participants willing and able to take part, but that they suffered no lasting ill effects from the experience.

Half a mars bar & a copy of last night's Evening Post to whoever can name all the observers who can be heard in the background giggling at the plight of our cheerful little Beever. Time to be named and shamed.

How 'British' are you?!?

Came across this little bit of British Bureaucracy gone mad

The world-famous Red Arrows have been banned from appearing at the 2012 London Olympics because they are deemed "too British". Organisers of the event say that the Arrows military background might be "offensive" to other countries taking part in the Games. The display team have performed at more than 4000 events worldwide, but the Department of Culture, Media and Sport have deemed the display team "too militaristically British". Red Arrows pilots were said to be "outraged", as they had hoped to put on a truly world class display for the Games, something which had never been seen before. Being axed from a British-based event for being "too British" is an insult - the Arrows are a symbol of Britain. The Red Arrows have been excellent ambassadors for British overseas trade, as they display their British-built Hawk aircraft all over the world. The Arrows performed a short flypast in 2005 when the winning bid was announced, but their flypast at the Games was to have been truly spectacular.

It is to be hoped that common sense prevails If you disagree with this decision, sign the petition on the link below

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/RedArrows2012/?ref=redArrows2012

A Death

Message From Pete.....

Some of you may know that my Great Aunt passed away a few weeks ago. I spent some time with her at her death bed, where I promised to name a boat after her dearest friend, the late Bibbi Boatt (the famous Kazakhstani international sculler).
My aunt met Bibbi in her university days, where Bibbi was known as 'Bali Fast' Boatt. I am not sure whether this was a reference to her way with men or her sculling skill. Apparently some years later, my aunt travelled with Bibbi to the Soviet Rowing Champs, where they encountered that famous Russian supremo - Paulaurarmoff, in his prime, and another conquest for Bibbi. Bibbi Boatt had many grand-children, many of whom were impressive rowers; we all recall the Kazakhstani eight in the Olympics in the eighties, and of course there is her famous grandson Borat .

Marcus will be officiating on Sunday with the boat naming ceremony, and the one minutes silence.

Pete

Crazy Fools

The thought of 31 miles sat in a rowing boat on a pretty much straight piece of drainage ditch between Boston and Lincon is not my idea of fun, but it obviously sounds like a good idea to some of us...

Message from David "walls look a bit dreary" Kearley follows!

Myself, David Cranstoun-Plemming, Billy, and John Thwaites entered and won our class and broke the course record for a novice quad with a time of 3:52 over the 31 miles or 50k for those who like metric.

So, City of Bristol has taken on clubs from all over the UK, Wales and Scotland included, beat them and shown what we can achieve. A very special mention must go to Nicole Fellows who drove all the way up and supported us providing drinks and encouragement all along the course, we couldn't have done it without her.

Our hands kill and I personally have booked myself in for re-constructive bum surgery.

You won't get any sympathy from me - if you are foolish enough to enter, then you deserve sore hands and arse!

Private Ads

Would you believe it? Not content with being the resident HoneyMonster it seems that a certain Gentleman of the Club has branched out into the horticultural scene.

Gurt knows of at least one 'happy' and now tomato-less customer already, who when asked about the work carried out commented: "It's like acid. The poor little blighters never stood a chance."

Fill in the Blanks

Well, OK it has nearly been a week since the half marathon. I have got some times, but I think some of the runners must have been running under other names. (cannot guarantee 100% correctness - especially if you have a common name!)

So here goes - if missing and you want it shown for general consumption, then post a comment!

Chris Sparrow (in dog outfit) - 2:15 - well done - I bet it was hot in there!
Russ - 1:58
Jo (Mrs Russ) - 1:35
Gav - 1:51
Marcus - 1:26 - Ousted
Rob McKenzie - 1:21 - Fastest so far
Jane - 1:42
Neil - 1:42
Colin - 2:07
Alex Chenery - 1:37
Malcom Cambell-Ritchie - 1:36
Philip Denny - 1:44
Nick Baker - 1:55
Katy - 1:59
Mrs Baggy - ?
Dr Jones - ?
Sam Bailey - ?
Beever - ?
Sniffer - ?

The Sparrow Dog....?

Rowers or Runners?

Now that the summer season is only a memory, it is the time of year when half the rowing club decide to become runners.....

The Bristol Half is almost upon us, and there should, as normal be a number of CBRC members running. A couple of names I have heard is Marcus Mumford, and more interestingly Chris Sparrow, who for the day will be turning into a guide dog.....

He will be collecting money for Guide Dogs For the Blind, and you can sponsor him on his justgiving site (including the picture of his costume, and why he is doing it). His aim is to do it in under 2h45.

And the winner is....

The end of the regatta season has reached us yet again, marked as usual by the GBR weekend.

In most unusually sunny and wind free conditions the docks looked almost rowable this year - although the size of the buoys were a topic of hot debate - they were more man size that buoy size - with the outcome of a lot of coxless (end even some coxed) events being determined by who didn't hit one of the course markers.

The most important races of the day was the inaugural CBRC corporate rowing event where local companies were pitted against each other. The winning crew of the day went to Rach, and the Edward Drummond crew. Which saw Rach pocket the winnings from pot! The wooden spoon race was grudge match between the ParsonsBrinkhoff crews. I think that all involved enjoyed the day, and there were certainly many mumblings about joining up for real!

Other races of note was the S2 8+ with the CBRC crew showing the CBRC 'elvis' crew that age, experience and cycling training is not enough!

All the other results are on the CBRC site.....

In need of some help

We are still looking for volunteers for the Regatta this Sunday.

Any club members racing at the regatta will be expected to help out when not racing, but to be sure that you get a job you want to do, then volunteer NOW!

The weather is looking as if it will be kind to us, so if you are not racing, but have some spare time then come and sit outside in the sun and hold some boats on the stake boats, or flip some burgers on the BBQ!

Please let Nick Baker know if you are going to be around - or what you would like to do to help out.

A smooth running regatta will encourage more people to turn up next time, and the more people that turn up the more money we get to buy some new equipment!

OH - and you also get to watch the corporate rowers race after only a few weeks learning, so that should be quite comical!

what really did happen in Oxford?

It was a moderately successful weekend for CBRC at this years Oxford Regatta, although we failed to repeat the success of last year in the Mixed Medley by loosing out in the first round of the Mixed 8 on Sunday morning pushing us down from top to fourth....

The rowing success's went to the WS4+, in their first regatta since winning their novice pot at Llandaff, and the S34+ finally winning a pot that they deserved, and making sure that the heaviest cox in history came home with a pot! On Sunday it was the turn of the 8's to win with both the men's S3 and women's S2 8's winning.

Gildas won the value for money prize with a grand total of nine races over the weekend and a pot.

Special mention should also go to the youngsters in the N2x, who made a better job on the steering to beat Colin and Evan.... I think Colin was still drunk going by the line he took down the course!

But it was the off the river antics that was really the source of newsworthy gossip, with Billy and Jack attracting the attention of some of the women's squad (or was it the other way round?!?) Apparently there was much tent swapping going on in the dark of the camp site, but all members were keeping very quiet on the evening activities!

Corporate Betting

It appears that things have moved on since the last post, and some actual money has been put down.

The format is £10 per cox into a winner takes all pot.

The word on the street, sorry docks, is that Nicole's crew is odds on favourite for the win.... But all will become clear when we see them in action on Sunday at Bristol and Avon Regatta

Fears over drowning subside

Bet Lush is open once again....

We have 8 crews corporate crews racing at Bristol Avon Regatta in hope of winning some shiny pots, although the main aim for most crews will be avoiding the wooden spoon prize . Scenes of spidery crews drifting up and down the river are no more as each crew has come on in leaps and bounds in just 2 weeks.

Andy Porter has put forward two crews from his company, ParsonsBrinkhoff who are reported to be doing very well although doubts over one crew have been whispered as they've recruited 4 learn to row hopefuls (no experienced rowers allowed). This could go either way and after one outing, feedback is positive about their form as they managed to row all 8 together on their maiden voyage. Ruthy and Emily are currently holding the reigns and it will be the ex-women's squad coxswain, Katy, who takes Emily's place on the day. Could the club's best female coaching talents turn things around?

Nicky B/Emily/Katy joint effort- 3:1
Ruthy's L2R/Porter composite - 4:1

BAE, coxed by the our resident international coxswain Diego, have been moving together well. Could be a winner and have been consistent throughout.

Bet Lush odds - 5:3

Entec are also moving well but are disadvantaged by their coxswain, Jane - can she steer a straight line? If her sculling is anything to go by, doubts are well founded.

Bet Lush odds - 3:1

Gildas's employer, Nallatech have had a shaky start with holiday staking president over rowing. Still, they're a strong crew, possibly weighing in as the heaviest including their coxswain, and brute strength may prevail over technique in this instance.

Bet Lush Odds - 4:1

Unity, put forward by Stuart, have also had availability issues but are remarkably neat and tidy. The exact counter-argument to Nallatech's approach, could technique be the overall winner?

Bet Lush odds - 4:1

Edward Drummond are another crew benefiting from dedication and consistency. The keenest of the lot perhaps, inspired by the lovely Rach, and with an unparallelled competitive edge, they are hotly tipped.

Bet Lush odds - 5:1

Last but by no means least are an EC Harris, Bristol Airport composite who were introduced by ex-club member Nicky Heappy. They have had some early substitutions rocking the not-yet-stable boat. Just like their employer, this has caused problems in take-off but they have the potential and could put in a strong finish with Nicole's expert tuition.

Bet Lush Odds 3:1

Odds are changing rapidly, so keep up to date on their odds as the weeks progress...

Car problems?

Llandaff international washout.

This weekend saw the start of the local pi$$up regatta season now that all the serious racing is over and done with!


The weekend did not get off to a good start, with the regatta being postponed by two hours while they waited for the water level to lower, as they were a little worried that they might loose some boats over the weir due to the faster than normal flow. They also shortened the Saturday course to 500m free start, and then due to even more rain on Saturday night, shortened the course even further on Sunday by finishing further up the river to give boats enough time to turn without getting mixed up and going over the weir - which caught some Bristol crews out on the Saturday.


The first casualties being Diego, and Katy, who after racing each other for WN4+ decided that they liked each other too much and very nearly going over the edge, with only the tree to cling to, and eventually a safety launch to pull them to safety. The men's novice 8, also had the same problems, but also holed their boat with the oppositions bow ball!


There were also some of our new juniors racing on Sunday, and the WJ124x+ coping with the weir a lot better that some of the more senior coxes out there!


As ever there was a very good BBQ selection, and cake stall, with Crusher talking himself into lots of free cakes from a certain Llandaff lady, not quite what the husband had to say!


It goes without saying, that there was also much drunkenness in the evening, eventually resulting in some nakedness, but only by some of the younger racers - and I know that there were several camera's around - so email some of the funny ones over, and I will post them up for all the none facebookers....


Winning Results

Saturday
WN 4+ (armstrong)
MN 8
MS3 2-
WS3 2x
MN 2x


Sunday
WN4+ (ford)
WS38
MN2x


More details on the CBRC website


Finally, a picture on how to tie a boat on woman's squad style!

Maunder makes the national press!

It has only been a week, and already she has managed to get herself into the national press.

For those of you who read the Sunday Telegraph, I am sure you read the article. For those of you who missed it here is the electronic version.

My favorite quotation being -

"The whole thing's shaking," exclaimed Julia Maunder, her face furrowed in concentration.

But also some of CBRC should take note of some of the training rules, one in particular -

"If they turn up late for a training session, they won't be allowed to train. If you turn up late for your Olympic final, you've missed your race and your chance of a gold medal"

The Blog of all Blog's

If you want to know what a GB athlete has to go though....

Try reading this

And then she was gone

I think that everyone present at Julia's going away party had themselves a jolly good time. Now that she is safely up in Nottingham, here are a few photo's from the night!

There was drinking......
Dancing.....
Some mutual appreciation - especially by Jimmy!
Many successful attempts of the La Rocca Challenge....
Lots of dancing - so much that it started getting a little sweaty....
Which resulted in Nakedness (and more appreciation by Jimmy!)

HRR Result.....

Not good news to report today I am afraid to say - with a 1st round loss to tideway scullers by 1 and a quarter lengths in a time of 7.40

The unlucky Henley experience for CBRC continues!

HRR draw....

Luck does not appear to be smiling on CBRC in Henley this year, with the Men getting a tough draw in the Thames Challenge cup, which sees them up against the seeded Tideway Scullers' crew in the first round.

The full draw is available here

1st race 3pm tomorrow (Wednesday)

Qualification (with results)

Today is qualification day for Henley Royal Regatta.......

Good luck to all the boys in the 2nd eight racing today for a go at the real thing. Racing starts at 4pm with the 8's off at 6.30.

Will update when I hear any news.

Full results here....

Last orders..

Time has unfortunately been called on Miss Maunders time at CBRC, as she heads up towards the middle of the country to swap her rowing oar, for a kayaking paddle in Nottingham as part of the GB Kayak squad.

She will be leaving us this weekend, but not before one last visit to her favourite club in Bristol. Yes, that's right - LaRocca her she comes.... I hope they have got a good supply of straws!

Meeting in Baroque at 8:30, then heading over the road some time after that! So come on out and say one last goodbye to Jules in the place where she become known as the red squirrel...

And here are a few photo's from some of her previous visits to remind you!

If you have any other embarrassing/incriminating photo's of Julia in LaRocca, then email them over, and I will put them on! (if you can't embarrass her when she is leaving, then when can you!)

Henley Royal

With two eights entered this year (probably on one the biggest CBRC entry for quite a long time) hopes are high for the men this year round.

Good news coming through is that the 1st eight have pre-qualified, which should make their draw slightly easier. The 2nd eight are going to have to go through qualifying, and are racing for 7 places out of 20, so are looking at a tough race on Friday.

Women's Henley

The weather was not really playing ball at the weekend, with some heavy storms making the going underfoot VERY muddy indeed, and resulting in all the trailers getting stuck in the trailer park!

As far as the Bristol results went, it was not good reading. The 4, despite one of their better rows (but several inches of rain in the boat) lost out by five seconds in their qualifying race. The 8 had a good qualification race, but then got a tough draw against Edinburgh and despite having the fastest time in their heat (up to 35s faster that some heats!) went out in the 1st round - Just going to show the harshness of knockout racing!

The only 'crew' to get to race on Saturday was CBRC's very own 'pocket rocket' Jane Green, who again had a tough draw against a GB trialist and went out in her first race in the Senior Lwt 1x - not bad considering she has only been sculling for a few months!

Henley, Henley

Henley (in one guise or another) is the word of the week this week, with the Girls having a go down the famous course (well most of it anyway) this weekend - starting tomorrow, and the boys in a few weeks time!

All the action, and the results from this can be found from the website, which should post the results as they come though!

Good luck to all the Ladies rowing this weekend. Make sure you keep up to date with the intermediate 4's and 8's (qualification races Friday morning), and not forgetting Miss Green in the senior Lightweight 1x! (1st race at 1.38 on Saturday!)

And then it is time for Henley proper, sorry Henley Royal! Qualification is next Friday, and the entries are online so you can measure up your opposition!

I make it PIMMS o'clock!

Elizabeth Beever

In a move from the normal blogs, I have to report the very sad news in that Rob Beever's sister, Elizabeth, was tragically killed in a train crash in Sardinia at the weekend.

The thoughts of the whole club go to Rob and his Family though this tough time.

In memory of Elizabeth, and in Rob's absence, the Men's 1st 8 raced at Reading with a black band around their all-in-one, and card was signed by all those present at Reading over the weekend.

2x4 or 1x8

Some interesting crew selections are going in the men's GB squad, with the top 4- being joined by another four members, and racing in an eight, against the squad 8!!!

Should be interesting to see which one comes out on top?!?!

yet more reasons for cider!

Yet more reasons why cider is a great drink.

Not only does it taste good on warm summer days (not including girly Magners on ice!), full of vitamin C, good for you, gets me really pi$$ed and makes me do silly stuff!

But now I can swim in a nice warm swimming pool safe in the knowledge that my ice cold cider has warmed the water up for me!!!

Social networking

Looking through some of the comments that have appeared here recently, it appears that I am missing out on where the gossip happens. I was only able to get a few photo's of the Rubix night, but apparently there are loads of them on this 'Facebook' thing.

I was about to join (too see what all the 'kids' were up to), but then I read this and decided that being that I am 105, I might be a little past it!!

Debate for the day!

Personally I have nothing against the colour....

Is gingerism as bad as racism?!?

Who knows - you decide!

Sun and Suntans at Metropolitan....

The sun was out, and the wind that was so very there a few weeks earlier at Wallingford had not returned with near perfect racing conditions - even possibly a little hot for 2000m racing.

Yes apparently that really is Dorney lake - it can be wind free!

Rob had even brought some fake tan to make sure that he got ahead of the tanning game, but ended up with streaky legs - and then he ran out of fuel on the way home on the M32!

On the racing front, there were no medals for CBRC, although all crews had some good racing. The best result coming from the Women's 1st crew in S38's coming in second behind Osiris. The men's 1st crew deciding to hit above their weight entering S2 and S1 8's had a little bit of a tougher time, but not doing a bad job getting into the finals in both events.

The second crews did not have quite so much success not making the finals, but still looking good for Henley qualification. Even the women's 4 who had to pull Jimmy's fat arse down the course!

Things are looking good from the prospective Henley's which are fast approaching.

What colour were you?

Julia just about managed to survive her first quarter of a century - although, I think it touch and go the following day, when she headed off to her other family for a BBQ, and had to stop off to be sick out of the car!

Anyhow - here is a small selection of all the pictures that were taken!

Bow 10 warming up, stern 10 sitting the boat

Now I would like to see this racing through the docks.... Brewery bend could be a bit of an issue though!!!

http://pagopago.com/fautasi/fautasientrance.html

Tick Tock

Ever wondered what make the Women's captain tick?!?

Well now you can find out from her very own website and blog....

I am assuming that the blog will come to life when she spends every waking hour training to get into the GB kayak squad!

Sleeping beauty

So who is this who is taking her rowing so seriously that she has decided to sleep at the boathouse....

Looks like someone has been working hard in her races.

white, orange, blue, green, red or yellow

Which colour will you choose to end up in at the end of the night!?!

Any body fancy a punt on who will be -

a) the first person to get some kit off
b) the winner

I know where my money will be for a)

clic,clic,clic,clic,clic,clic, clic,clic,clic,clic,clic,clic, clic,clic,clic,clic,clic,clic, clic,clic,clic,clic,clic,clic,

While most of us, especially the women who endured 8 hours of seat racing in the wet and wind, were getting wet on the water, Mr Mumford was hurling himself round a mounting bike in the clic 24 hour race.

The weather, before and during the race did not help -

"Perpetual rain the week before had turned large sections of the course into a quagmire making progress tough during daylight hours and very tricky at night!"

He didn't quite make the full 24 hours, with bike and body falling to bits, but still managed a very respectable 170 miles (third overall in the individual event).

well done mate - you crazy fool!!

Evesham and Wallingford Regatta's

This weekend saw the first regatta's of the summer season, and a selection of the club were out competing in the sun of Evesham, and then the wind of Wallingford (at Dorney Lake).

Evesham was it's normal chaos, but this year even worse than normal, with racing still going on until after 8.30 in the evening! The club's showing was not as good this year as last, with the only pot coming from Jane in her billy no mates scull.... although there was a number of good races, and a last minute withdrawal of the WS34+ opposition in the final scratching, and denying a potential pot. Oh, and did I mention the men's double that hit a buoy, and capsized?!?

Wallingford on the other hand managed to run pretty much on time, despite the strong cross tail wind making life difficult on the start keeping the boats straight. There was some good racing, but little reward, the SS 2- coming in a close second, if they had nailed the start then it could easily have been a very different story. The WS48+ won their heat, but came in third at the final, but a good result for a scratch crew on the day. The WS24+ also had a good showing in their heat, but the conditions, and the weekends racing I think taking their toll in the final and coming in close 5th....

Place your bets

Think you know what's what in rowing?

Then place your bets here, and see if you really do know which club is on a roll this year!

http://rowing.inklingmarkets.com

Not seen CBRC mentioned much... time to prove them all wrong?!?

Mix alcohol and rowers....

And this is what you get.....

Lots of daft photo's and some handsfree desert eating whether you like it or not!!

(check back soon for another video.....)

What no more Gurt Lush Awards?!?

As Gurt Lush, I can not really complain about this, but normally one of the Lush awards at the dinner is the romance of the year which was sadly missing from the bill this time around....

A possible nomination?

You might have to zoom in a little

Boat Race CBRC style! (men)

Forget the Oxford v Cambridge boat race, or the upcoming Bristol varsity grudge match, this is some proper racing (with just a little bit of cheating) between the Men's and Women's squads....



With Julia looking forward to her go at the end of the men's race!

Boat Race CBRC style! (women)

Rowing Cornish Style

The return leg of the surf boating tour happened last weekend, and from the reports we have had back sound as if they had a fun day out in our 'skinny' boats, but were glad to get back to what they know best.

Looking at the pictures they look as if they took to it quite well - in fact it is quite had to tell the difference between the two different sets of rowers!

For an idea of the type of conditions they are used to, check out their website, and wait for the video to load up!!