SCBC

At 07:40 we were to meet. At 07:35 Chris left to go and pick up the rigger-jiggers from the boathouse that he had mistakenly left there. At 08:00, Chris arrived at the bus-stop, wondering where everyone else was... 08:01, and they arrived.

We got to Bedford with plenty of time, with Iain and Chris quickly remembering the way to the river. After a full inspection of the course (and pointing out the narrow bridge to Matt), we went off to the start to find our boat, discovering that if we do it efficiently, the boat can be put together in no time... amazing that!

The time went pretty quickly, and soon it was time to push off. As has been the theme for the rest of the term's outings, we were amongst the first. We had a slightly nervy, but focussed row up to the marshalling area, with a few short bursts, then began the waiting.

Eventually, the racers were off. We were fourth to start; we took the rate up sluggishly, but I think that was mainly because we were nervous about the bridge. As the race began properly, the rate and power went up to where they should be to start. A single "rhythm, go" from Matt, and we were down to the most relaxed 34 any of us had felt in quite a long time. We held the rate consistently through the race, and responded well to Matt's calls to get the pressure back up. As we crossed the finish, there was a great sense of satisfaction with our row (and a fair amount of fatigue!). We'd had a strong row exactly as we'd planned it. What more could any of us ask?