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!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
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….
Where can I place my order….
Monday, November 26, 2007
Next stroke...smile for the camera...go!
Downey Jnr works his socks off, as Downey Snr thinks "one for the album". Good work dad!
Friday, November 23, 2007
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."
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.
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.
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!
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!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
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.
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.
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