May Bumps Report 2022

May Bumps 2022 Report: Day 1 M1 M1 came into Easter Term off the back of a very trying Lents Campaign (where they unfortunately got spoons). They also started with a new cox and three new rowers (all ex-M2) in the boat (two of whom had noviced in Michaelmas). However, throughout term the crew have gone from strength to strength and the entire crew were eager to show it for Mays 2022.

M1 were a little tense on their allowed practice starts on the Reach and Plough Reach, however, this ultimately meant we managed to get all the nerves out before the one that counted. The 4minute gun sounded, then the 1-minute. Absolute focus. When the final gun went off it only sounded a distant thud.

We were quickly and confidently underway, chasing Queens’ M1 and being chased by Tit Hall M1. Thanks to our collected start, and some tight lines on the first corner, we had closed to within 1 whistle of Queens’ by the time we got to the A14 bridge. Despite holding this, unfortunately as we went around first post and entered the gut Queens’ and LMBC M2 were clearing (what turned out to be a technical bump) amongst the carnage. Cox Will was able to deftly navigate this and we were through, Tit Hall still on our tails. In the distance we had also seen that Selwyn M1 had been caught by Hughes M1 on First Post Reach meaning that we would now be pursued for the entire course.

Despite what the Tit Hall bank party might have been whistling, at no point were they inside one length of us… but that didn’t stop them from trying to keep their crew pushing. As we went onto the reach we were on station but a concerted push from our Christ’s men meant that we opened the lead to 2 lengths, then 2 ½, then 3 as we crossed the finish.

A very hard fought but confident row-over for M1 on Day 1, which given the results of Lents, was absolutely taken as a win. M1 are looking forward to chasing down LMBC M2 tomorrow and keeping Tit Hall M1 right where we know we they should be.

W1 Christ’s W1 start off their campaign with a new stroke, a new rigging (we do love a power bucket), and a new bow pair for those much coveted taps. We were feeling fresh and ready as we rowed up to marshalling and settled on station prepared to chase down Girton W1, whilst holding off Queens W1. The canon went, and we were off! Felix called our first few strokes… and then nothing. Bow 4, confused as to why they couldn’t hear the loving yell of our cox, continued rowing with enthusiasm and didn’t let the lack of a rhythm call stop them from settling into stroke’s new rhythm. A petite disaster had struck - the speaker in the bows wasn’t working. Nevertheless, the crew continued with gusto, and it wasn’t long before we heard our first whistle, then a second, then a third. A power 10 and an emphasis on the chonk did the job, and we caught Girton within 500m (before the first corner)! A great first day for W1! Whilst we don’t expect every day to be this easy, today has given us the motivation to get a bumps streak going as we take on Clare W1 tomorrow (with the bump that we saved for them from our last day of Lents).

M1 and W1 after W1’s bump

M2 For Day 1 of Mays, M2 were chasing down Catz M2. We were feeling optimistic about racing in some sunny weather for a change and knowledge of having previously bumping Catz M2 during Lent bumps. However due to some returning blues athletes, many of their current M2 were ex-M1. With the added free speed from our blue stripe facepaint, we were fast off the start, initially gaining on Catz and keeping a steady distance from Jesus M3. Maintaining the distance around First Post Corner, Jesus M3 had been bumped as well as what seemed like the remainder of the division behind them, meaning we were at least guaranteed a row over.

Despite our pushes, we weren’t able to catch Catz – a solid row over for M2. Tomorrow we will again chase them down, and with a new gameplan, looking to bump.

M2 mid-race. Credit: Giorgio Divitini

W2 With a new crew and bucket hats pending, W2 were ready to take on Mays 2022. Currently at the bottom of Division 3, with only the sandwich boat, Queen’s W3 behind us, we were hoping to bump Lucy Cav W2 to progress up the division. A slightly shaky start with a couple of air strokes left us slightly flustered, but with no gains made by Queen’s, we felt confident as we settled into our rhythm. Starting to gain on Lucy Cav, our progress was swiftly stopped as they bumped the boat in front. As our cox had to swerve to steer around the clearing boats, a tip down to bowside caused some boat-stopping crabs, and Queen’s quickly took the bump. An unfortunate first day, but we row again tomorrow at the head of Div 4, hoping to row over and then get our revenge on Queen’s.

M3 M3 came to today’s race with a clear goal: not to panic. Starting in the third position, behind Magdalene M3 and ahead of Clare M4), and with two new members (Rob and Jakub were replaced by Abhi and Jonathan respectively), the team achieved their goal. Everyone was concentrated in the initial draws and winds, giving the team a good start over Clare. Clare seemed to gain on our M3 momentarily, and although the first corner was close, Clare soon started losing their gains. Unfortunately, Magdalene bumped Catz, so our M3 didn’t get a chance to bump up, but they kept going, rowing towards the railway bridge confidently. Clare fell behind and was eventually bumped by Fitz M3, although our M3 could hardly see that happen because they were so close to the finish. Considering this crew is very new (this was their first outing together), they did really well, and are excited to bump Catz tomorrow!

May Bumps 2022 Report: Day 2 M1 It was a long, hard-fought row yesterday to hold Tit Hall M1 off but we knew that we’d be able to do exactly the same today so we went into Day 2 of Bumps hoping for the minimum of another row-over. That being said, we were also chasing an old rival, LMBC M2, who had bumped us on the final day of this year’s Lents, and we were eager to return the favour if we could.

We had a much more relaxed and confident row down to the start than yesterday, with us hitting 1:21 on the practice standing start outside the Plough. This translated to an equally good start for us as the gun sounded, we got to a whistle off LMBC M2 but they were able to push us off back to station by the A14 bridge, where they would hold us for most the race. We made some good pushes but matters weren’t helped by the fact that Tit Hall were quickly bumped by Hughes Hall M1 at the outflow meaning that our adrenaline was maybe only 95% of what it was on Wednesday.

At points it seemed that we were making a dint in their lead as we went through the gut, with us then having a particularly good stint down Plough reach, but we all knew we were holding off for the long straight on the reach where we felt we had our strongest rowing yesterday.

However, disaster struck as we went around Ditton when bowside and then strokeside almost caught a crab (the responsible rowers shall remain nameless) meaning that our pace dropped off. Despite this, we quickly stamped back on it and finished the race with another confident row-over, even if we hadn’t managed to close to gap to LMBC M2 as we had hoped.

We are certainly looking forward to chasing LMBC M2 down again tomorrow, albeit not in the forecasted 30 °C heat, and not whilst being chased by Hughes Hall M1, a crew that bumped twice on day one (to become, and then escape being, the sandwich boat) and again on day two… they’ll clearly be keen to get their blades but this might just give us the kick up the arse that we need..

W1 Day 2 for W1, who were chasing down Clare W1, who had been bumped the previous day by Fitz W1. We were feeling optimistic that Girton wouldn’t be challenging us from behind, but we thought that we were in for a gruelling long row to chase Clare down. A sneaky observation of their practice start by our coach told us they were quick off the start, but top secret intel from undisclosed sources established that they might not have the fitness to keep it up. The canon went, and W1 quickly moved up to rate (with all crew members actually being able to hear our cox, always a bonus). It seemed like we were the only crew going for a sustainable race, with Girton, Clare and Fitz all going for a fly and die approach. For Fitz it paid off as they bumped, leaving Clare no hope of a bump, and Girton were able to hold off the crew behind them and briefly reach one whistle on us around first post. However, this quickly died off as we gained our first whistle, then our second and our third soon after. Clare appeared to tire quickly, unable to keep up with the pace from their start, whilst we kept moving on them. With a power 10.5 (a power 10 can have 14 strokes in it, right?), an excellently recovered crab from our stroke seat and slight panic that our bow seat was about to accidentally elbow the Clare cox, it was a bump! W1 bumped shortly before the plough, a much shorter row than we were expecting. We carry this enthusiasm and perhaps slightly fresher than expected legs into day 3 of bumps, where we are chasing FaT W1, who we bumped on the 3rd day of Lents.

M2 Hardened after M2’s first time getting bumped yesterday, morale was suffering pushing off the bank with the prospect Tit Hall M2 (who had previously received blades during Lent term) chasing us down today. Luckily Peterhouse M2, lower in the division, managed to break their boat and the race was delayed until its replacement arrived, giving us time stretch our legs and have a needed pep talk. After some deep breathing and manifestations for success, we climbed back in and the countdown to cannons began.

Today we were chasing down Churchill M2 who had bumped us the day prior. We knew they were slower off the start but had great endurance so we knew our only option was to finish the race quickly. At the cannon, with sound ringing though our ears having started at position 7 under the motorway bridge, we flew through the water. Another great start to the race and likely our strongest to date. We managed to keep the distance from Tit Hall around First Post Corner and make strides towards the bow of Churchill. Sharp corners from our cox Immi and

huge bowside pressure meant that by time we turned around grassy we were only half a boat length away. To our despair, Tit Hall had also made up ground on us. Racing down the Plough Reach, it was up to fate whether we would bump or be bumped. Despite a valiant effort from all the crew, it was not meant to be today and we suffered our second loss.

Although it was not the desired outcome, we are very happy with our performance, having improved on our racing each day of bumps so far, we’re determined to lick our wounds and come back strong tomorrow for the final day.

W2 Sitting as sandwich boat at the start of day 2, we were full of trepidation about the prospect of rowing twice on one of the hottest days of the year. With the only option being to row over, and with a speedy Caius W3 chasing, we knew we were in for a hard day. As the cannon went, we got a decent start, but Caius were already closing quickly. Before we’d even hit the rhythm call, we needed our first power ten to try and avoid being bumped. However, Caius were just too fast, so we ended the day hoping that they’d bump Queens in the division above and bring them down for a revenge bump.

M3 In yet another permutation (today with Jonathan in David’s stead), M3 was optimistic they could bump Catz M3 (whom they had nearly reached in the first race). At the same time, the crew was wary of the boat right behind them—Fitz M3–who had triumphantly risen by three spaces the day before. After a couple practice starts and extensive sunscreen-slathering, Christ’s M3 got off to a great start, in terms of both technique and speed. In a spectacular moment around the second corner, Christ’s was just two whistles away from Catz and Fitz was almost two whistles away from Christ’s. With Sergio’s skilled steering, our M3 evaded the threat pursuing us, but unfortunately Catz just about slipped away like a small fish through a net. Once the reach was reached, the distances between all boats had grown, the boats ahead and behind had been taken out of the game, and our M3 were left with no choice but to row through. They did this with exceptional—albeit entirely unnecessary—vigor, continuing at race pace well past the finish line . The crew’s (sort of) third outing was therefore (sort of) successful! Chelsea buns were consumed at the boathouse during the strategic planning that ensued.

May Bumps 2022 Report: Day 3

W1 Day 3 for Christ’s W1, who today were chasing down FaT W1, a reminder of the day 3 of Lents 2022. A searingly hot day required copious amounts of water (and thus multiple pre-race bathroom breaks), as well as damp T-shirts and of course our lovely visors to keep us #CoolAsACucumber. We knew that Clare W1 behind us had a fast start, as did FaT W1 ahead.

Therefore, our goal was to match their intensity of the start, and then hold onto them through the race, where our endurance would prevail and we would gain the bump. As the canons went off, we moved with this goal in mind. The painfully hot weather meant the crew were short of breath much faster than previous days, but they held firm, matching the splits and rate that had earned them the bump previously. We gained 1 whistle, then briefly lost it as FaT responded.

Our cox and bank party observed FaT making a move on Fitz W1 in front, closing them down, and so the call was made for an early move to be made, to avoid them bumping before we had the chance to catch them. A quick call for a power 10 enabled us to quickly regain the one whistle, and an excellently taken corner allowed us to cut the distance and obtain the second whistle. From there, we dug deep and found that extra 5%, pressing hard whilst staying clean and technical. Max’s call to ‘BREAK THEM NOW’ ringing in our ears, we put down the pressure and took up the rate to achieve the third whistle, then overlap, then a bump! We bumped shortly before the Plough, much to the delight of the spectators. We finish our campaign chasing Churchill W1, hoping to end our week in high spirits.

M1 M1 went into day 3 of bumps, chasing LMBC M2 (who we had closed to off the start but then went on to row-over with on the previous day) and being chased by a very fast Hughes Hall M1 (who had bumped every day of their campaign so far, including twice on day 1)… we therefore knew that we’d have to adopt the so called “fly and die” approach if we stood a chance. Given that it was also the hottest day of the year so far, a short chase to get Maggie before Hughes got us was also preferable. We had even gone to the extent of soaking our allin-ones with the hose at the boat house before pushing off, just in an attempt to stay cool during marshalling and the race itself (32 °C). We were able to close to LMBC but not enough before Hughes Hall went on to bump us just before first post corner. It had been another great start for us and despite it being a short race we felt pleased with what we had done; being bumped by a quicker, very deserving crew, that are looking to get blades by the end of the week, is nothing to be ashamed of. Our one constellation was that we had given Hughes their longest chase of the week so far, with them having caught all others by the A14 bridge!

M1. Credit: Giorgio Divitini

M2 Hardened after M2’s first time getting bumped yesterday, morale was suffering pushing off the bank with the prospect Tit Hall M2 (who had previously received blades during Lent term) chasing us down today. Luckily Peterhouse M2, lower in the division, managed to break their boat and the race was delayed until its replacement arrived, giving us time stretch our legs and have a needed pep talk. After some deep breathing and manifestations for success, we climbed back in and the countdown to cannons began. Today we were chasing down Churchill M2 who had bumped us the day prior. We knew they were slower off the start but had great endurance so we knew our only option was to finish the race quickly. At the cannon, with sound ringing though our ears having started at position 7 under the motorway bridge, we flew through the water. Another great start to the race and likely our strongest to date. We managed to keep the distance from Tit Hall around First Post Corner and make strides towards the bow of Churchill.

Sharp corners from our cox Immi and huge bowside pressure meant that by time we turned around grassy we were only half a boat length away. To our despair, Tit Hall had also made up ground on us. Racing down the Plough Reach, it was up to fate whether we would bump or be bumped. Despite a valiant effort from all the crew, it was not meant to be today and we suffered our second loss. Although it was not the desired outcome, we are very happy with our performance, having improved on our racing each day of bumps so far, we’re determined to lick our wounds and come back strong tomorrow for the final day.

W2 Day 3. The hottest day of the year. With a division starting in the middle of the day, our aims were simple: 1) To row over in front of Clare W3 and 2) to not get heatstroke. Another solid start kept us around station with Clare for the first few hundred (despite the immediate whistles from their slightly optimistic coach). By grassy corner, after a couple of dodgy strokes, they had begun to close us down, and the pressure was on. A push out of grassy took us back to around station with them, but they kept on coming, clearly determined to get a bump after days of being bumped or rowing over. Round fen ditton, disaster struck once again, and a round of crabs (on stroke side this time) settled our fate. We row again tomorrow, hoping to avoid the dreaded spoons and take revenge on Clare.

W2. Credit: Giorgio Divitini

May Bumps 2022 Report: Day 4 W1 The final day of racing, and despite the slightly cooler, rainier weather, W1 were in high spirits and ready to take on Churchill W1 to try and claim those blades. Given that they were bumped at the railway bridge yesterday, we were envisioning a long and gruelling race, compared to a 500m piece. We stayed cool, calm and collected on the row up, appreciating the support of everyone who had come to watch, and the many calls of YEAH CHRIST’S! As the canon went, we took one of our fastest starts yet, and settled at an ambitious rate 39 with a 1:35 split! The thought of a final bumps and blades giving us that extra push, we moved away from FaT and shut down the chance of being bumped almost instantly. Within a short space, we had our first whistle. At this first whistle, we went all in and made our move, and further whistles came quickly. Churchill didn’t stand a chance. Turning the screw, we bumped in front of the Christ’s picnic, shortly after first post corner. What a day! For the first time in years, Christ’s W1 has achieved blades in Mays! We are so grateful to the support we have received from everyone at the club, our coaches, our teammates and the CCBC community. YEAH CHRIST’S!

M1 We knew the following things before reaching the start of our final bumps race: 1) we could never catch Hughes Hall M1 based of their performance the previous day (not that we’d want to anyway, they’re great chaps and deserve their shot blades), 2) We have an amazing start that is quicker than Selwyn M1’s, the crew that would be chasing us, but they would likely do better over the whole course, 3) St Catherine’s M1, who would be chasing Selwyn, and were probably the fastest of all 3 crews. As has become standard for our crew, we had an absolutely blinding start and were able to hold Selwyn off as we approached the motorway bridge. We could see Cat’s taking huge chunks out of the gap to Selwyn with each stroke and before long there was some overlap between the crews. We had done it, Selwyn were on station with us and the bump would be called any minute, we had surely secured ourselves a row-over! Then, just past the outflow, we saw the Cat’s crew drop off very suddenly, surely a bump! But Selwyn were still going hell for leather… perhaps they were just clearing… Cat’s started up again… Elation turned to dread. As it transpires, the Cat’s bank party had foolishly declared a bump and told their crew to stop but the umpire hadn’t! Cat’s were left scrambling to start again but it was too late, Selwyn were off and now had us firmly fixed in their sights. Despite our best efforts to push them off, through the gut and around grassy they were able to close to 2 whistles and then 3 as we went down plough reach, both crews being spurred on by masses of spectators! We were glad to have put on a good show, keeping things tense until there was overlap and then a bump on us as we rounded ditton. A grave mistake for Cat’s and very well fought race by Selwyn all things considered! M1 end their May’s campaign on -2 but given that we got spoons in Lents, had been predicted spoons again by other crews, our 2 seat had a sub all week due to a fractured rib on day one, and that we had 3 rowers and a cox who noviced this year in the boat we’re taking it as a small win. We did some fantastic rowing (we certainly punch above our weight) and we can all be proud of that! We’re optimistic about what could happen next year with the talent developing in the club right now!

M2 For our final day of racing, M2 were chasing down Tit Hall M2 and being chased by Emma M3. After two consecutive bumps, we had complete dedication not to allow a third. Adorned with lucky white flowers (Christ’s college colours) from the bank at the site of our marshalling, we lined up for our last row of term. Off the start we initially gained on Tit Hall, a credit to how hard we worked perfecting our draws and winds. Based on Tit Halls previous

performances, we knew catching them was unlikely and our priority was to keep our pursuers, Emma, at bay. Spurred on by cheers of ‘Yeah Christ’s’ from the many Christ’s supporters along the bank, we pushed on through the pain required to keep distance from Emma, who had been following closely the entire way. At moments, our chances looked bleak, however, rowing past Churchill M2 (who had successfully bumped Robinson M2 ahead of Tit Hall) meant that the prospect of securing our first bump was still a possibility. Down the reach was the most difficult part of the race, as soon as we would push away with a power 10, Emma would respond. We kept our cool with support from our bank party, despite the occasional whistle for Emma. It was the closest race I’ve experienced to date, but with all of the boys full effort and some fearsome coxing, we successfully rowed over. A day I don’t think I’ll ever forget! Despite facing tough competition and our bumps campaign no going as desired, M2 showed some of our best rowing to date, fiercely holding off Emma today and nearly bumping up the two days prior. We’ve improved to new heights and developed a great base to work on for next year. I can’t wait to see a successful M2 next Michaelmas. It might not be blades this time, but at least we now have some serious tan lines to show off!

M2. Credit: Giorgio Divitini

W2 With one row left to avoid Spoons, the pressure was on W2. We were hoping to catch Clare in front of us, but most importantly to avoid Fitzwilliam who were chasing us after a strong campaign with two bumps and a row-over. W2 lined up on their station and soon the cannon sounded. Clare, whom we were chasing, quickly bumped Clare Hall – alas, we were now hoping for a row-over. Fitzwilliam were gaining on us, but luckily Sidney Sussex, the crew chasing Fitz, were even faster, and managed to bump Fitz before they became a true threat.

Relived, we completed our row-over with no Spoons in sight this time. Never has a row-over felt so victorious!

M3 On the final day of bumps, under a thickly clouded sky and in a bit of drizzle, M3 rowed down to marshaling hoping to get a bump and thus return to its initial position. Standing in front of Emma M4 and behind Homerton M2, the crew knew they had to be very quick in catching the boat ahead. Although they did come close, Homerton skillfully slipped away and our disheartened M3 was reached by the pursuing Emma M4 relatively quickly. As this unfortunate defeat happened early in the race, M3 was left with a lovely long paddle back home, during which the crew came up with inventive nicknames for the BCD. Much of the crew returned to the scene of the crime later in the day to watch, cheer for, and congratulate W1 on their legendary achievement.

Final results W1: Blades!

M1: -2 W2: -3 M2: -2 M3: -2