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All race reports for Dan Jane

Event: Cambridge Autumn Head 2001 -
Posted as: Dan
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The lads remained unfazed by seeing the twisting corners of grassy et al for the initial time minues before their first ever race. Of course, for many of them it was their first time in a boat since the week before due to the flooding. Dispite my concerns the crew concentrated as Will went over the final thoughts [including 'what to do if you catch a crab !'] and main areas to concentrate on. The sun was shining as the condemned men got into Titan, their trusty steed....!

I just hoped they'd come through over the next twenty or so minutes - and did they ever ! The rolling start saw the eight moving as a crew, and the power really did go down through the water. Special mention should probably go to all of them for a stirling effort, but to summarise: Henry and Matt for a superb grassy corner [I hope that stroke side wasn't spakking when I wasn't looking !], Ed for catching up 3 outings worth of technique without complaint after recovering from injury, Andrew for finally getting the hang of slowing the slide a bit, Mike for the incredible blade bend picture, David for keeping on rowing when Viktor crabbed and Mike had to stop, Viktor for crabbing at stroke (!), Ally for crabbing during the 'last twenty' [don't worry mate, we've all done it.] and Will for coxing at the last minute, doing a fantastic job with a novice eight during a real race, and not crashing this time...

Event: Cam Sprints 2002 - College lower VIIIs
Posted as: Dan
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FaT 3 had a fantastic start and so did Sidney Sussex. Then we began to pull away and things looked even better. THEN (after some aggressive coxing by Chris) things looked brilliant as SS spakked straight into the side. No problems! A win, and Pots for the 3rd VIII!

Event: Cam Sprints 2002 - Men's IVs
Posted as: Dan
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With forearms burning from the deplorable rowing of our semi, we were well up for the next race - St. Neots in the final. A fantastic start and amazing boat speed meant an easy win.

Event: Novice Fairbairn Cup 2001 -
Posted as: Dan
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I was very proud to bank party the 2nd VIII in the novice Fairbairn race. I was worried the panicked start would lead to hard core spacking all the way down the course. Instead, by Elizabeth Way the crew had pulled together and, well, pulled! The high rating and long strokes, enough to knacker even the toughest novice, proved how hard the 2nd VIII reallly are. With Baz screaming at them they powered down the reach and finished off the course in style.

Event: Cam Sprints 2003 - College lower VIIIs
Posted as: Dan
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We had a shocking start (the start was fine in our only previous outing so we were a bit surprised at this) which lost us a length. Sidney then cut the corner in front of us so despite our higher cruising speed we could not get back into the running. Ah, what am I saying - they were faster than us over 400m and deserved to win. Bring on a bumps length course though !

Event: Novice Fairbairn Cup 2004 - 2nd division
Posted as: Dan
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Another solid row from the 4ths - despatching no less than 5 other first men's VIIIs. It was also satisfying to be able to put the reds in their place by 19 seconds.

With no training time lost on technicalities such as 'winding it up' or 'race pace' we were able to storm off to about 26 from the start and hold it there for the entire course. Raph handled the corners brilliantly and Ramsey set up an admirably long stroke.

A rather lumbering Pembroke III gave us some problems as we tried to overtake them (definitely not 'ram them') nail bitingly close before Chesterton but otherwise everything went as according to the non-existent race plan. An enormous push to the finish really summed up what the 4ths were made of, and I wish them all a well deserved break this Christmas.

Well done, boys!

Event: City Sprints 2006 - College 2-
Posted as: Dan
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Good, disqualifiable fun! The patented Coker-Jane start (let's go as high as possible and try not to fall in) surprised the opposition, as did my 'aggressive' line into the corner: We were on the meadow side, although you can't tell from the photos. On the plus side, the fact I could be in the middle of the river meant we were already a length up 200m in.

The comedy 'To me! To you!' needs some work, but is basically there.

Event: May Bumps 2006 - Thursday
Posted as: Dan
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The sun was shining, our hats were backwards, the water was calm... but our minds were elsewhere: We were petrified of another rowover.

A major rethink of our race plan (pull really hard. No, no; REALLY hard) and a complete overhaul of our start (maintain for 20 rather than 15) gave us the false hope we needed and again we approached the start in high spirits.

The start was a lot better, and I was quite enjoying myself. We got within a length of LMBC III after 30 seconds and a minute more saw us within half a length. We had to swerve around some bumped out crews ahead and didn't deal well with the cornering. The boat just would not sit - I can't believe I'm saying that given our crew, and that we're in a novice shell. Still! When the canvas whistle came we practially doubled our boat speed (and sat it past the cameraman, which was a nice touch).

The scum hung on for an admirably long time, but we got there. Yay, a headship at last!

PS We did a burst at 36 on the way back that was definitely our best rowing yet. Come Saturday we'll be ready to race!

Event: May Bumps 2006 - Wednesday
Posted as: Dan
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The crew were in good spirits on the way down, with two beefy starts and a paddling speed which left Pembroke II for dust (good as they were starting ahead of us). LMBC III, two ahead, were reportedly okay and Downing III behind us looked terrible.

A fairly mediocre start with quite a bit of ripping was disappointing, but we quickly settled into a very powerful, long rhythm that would have impressed Pembroke II if they'd be watching. Unfortunately they missed it as they were too busy getting whistles before we'd even strode down. Our usual plan almost held distance with their Bumps pushes, which bodes well: Hopefully LMBC III really are THAT bad.

Of course, our race was just beginning. Miss. Leadbetter neatly steered us round LMBC/Pem and then St.Eds/Christs who were on First Post. This meant Magdalene II were hopefully flailing around somewhere in Plough Reach, just waiting to be overbumped. With this thought we almost took our rate up, and joyfully headed around Grassy.

Disaster! Magdelene II overbumped Clare II! Taking time out from watching Brian's head, I asked Catherine who we should push for now. A sad shake of her head told me all I needed to know (NB: I don't NEED to know any maths).

In hindsight, the quadruple overbump on Girton II would have been eminently possible if we'd ever trained for more than a two minute race. And we'd rowed as a crew. And they'd crabbed. Lots of times. It will be interesting to see how Clare II do over the rest of the week, and of course Magd have put themselves in front of St. Eds, which may prove problematic.

Fitz II behind us made a laughable attempt to overbump us; their cox certainly got very excited. To give them their due, we only stopped twice on the reach - footplate failures, uncertainty of the finish point, and just plain tiredness after a longer piece than some of us had managed in a year - and they must have been within distance before we took it up for the finish.

Bring on LMBC III and the third boat headship, I say.

Event: Magdalene Silver Pairs 2006 -
Posted as: Dan
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A stiff headwind, Tom looking hard, Bryn looking steer-ey, Sen gleaming in the morning sun... The stage would have been set for some seriously good rowing if I hadn't forgotten to reset my clock when I went to bed at 0600h that morning.

Then again, time awake was time wasted that morning and the panicked sprint to the boathouse without breakfast was more than enough warming up.

The row down was a bit ropey - Tom has a very different style to the guys I'd be rowing with in Berlin, and being back on bow side was a shock to the system. Still, we've rowed together for long enough that our first practice start was solid and I felt fairly confident despite being the smaller crew.

Our start and unsustainable rating quickly ate into the distance towards First Post, and their lines gave me even more hope. Unfortunately we didn't respond to their push down Plough Reach and both crews were level by the end of a very windy Reach.

The dead heat was seriously bad news: Tom had billions of races to go later that day and quite frankly I was shattered. Still, we had our quality start and stupid macho posturing to rely on.

Alas, even they weren't enough and we dead heated again despite an erg-game-style rate and stroke length. We decided to take the dishonorable way out (you should have seen their happy faces, bless them!) as whoever won would be thrashed in the final and Tom had a good shot at winning the Lowe Double Sculls later that day.

Big thanks to Bryn for banksteering. Two very enjoyable races - man, I love small boats!

Event: Cambridge Winter Head 2005 - Senior 2 IV-s
Posted as: Dan
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Crew felt powerful, found a rhythm easily and responded well to calls (admittedly these were usually 'STROKESIDE! STROKESIDE!' - must adjust the rudder.)

In my defence we didn't have a bank steerer, or even any bank party at all, which was a bit disappointing. Get keen, guys! With me steering you know its going to be exciting - the inch to spare under the railway bridge got Tobias' adrenaline going anyway.

In detail: Coming into the gut I knew we were in trouble - the women's VIII in front of us were beautiful but oh-so slow. Being good girls (with a rather fiesty, if male, cox) they meekly obeyed my commands to go wide around grassy and we went even tighter than normal. However, I tried to nip in front of them about two strokes too soon, had to swerve away and over steered. At this point I have to admit I was more preoccupied by a firm pressure rammage of a barge rather than the girl at 7. We smashed into it with 50% of strokesides looms, careered on past at quite a nip (luckily I hadn't called it down or anything) and we lost less than 5 seconds. Fortunately the big grey barge was busy annoying marshalling crews otherwise it could have a bit messy as we hurtled through the foliage which usually obscures it.

Fun for all the family - I don't think I swore too much.

If any KCL people read this, we're truly sorry and would love to meet you xxx

Event: University IVs 2005 - Light IVs
Posted as: Dan
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Paddle down a bit nervous, Jesus looked pretty good. Incredibly, the sun kept coming out which meant I couldn't see a thing whenever I looked over my shoulder - I sensibly didn't mention this until after the race.

And what a race! An absolute pleasure to have been in this boat - as Tom said, we really nailed the reach this time, despite the head wind. Everything came together.

I had a few goes at crashing (strokeside only just managing to thwart my attempt at the Grey Barge on plough reach) but somehow we once again followed a good line most of the time; Iain once again a very welcome addition to the bank party. As Tobias said - 'I've never been so pleased to hear a Scottish accent'!

The supporters deserve a big mention: It was so good to come round Ditton to a massive cheer, and receive an even louder roar of approval as we hammered under the Railway Bridge. Thanks guys!

Event: University IVs 2005 - Light IVs
Posted as: Dan
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Found a very comfortable rhythm off the start and it was very encouraging to hear Iain shouting pleased comments! The pushes all worked well - possibly losing our catches a bit in the windy reach - culminating in an audacious number of 'up 2's after the railway bridge.

Big thanks to a very large and supportive bank party. It made such a difference on the reach as the light four understandably goes a bit quiet when the work comes on. Final is against Jesus, Friday at 1530h: Come on down!

Event: Pairs Head 2005 - S3 2-
Posted as: Dan
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There was a thick fog over Cambridge when we set off that morning and I have to admit I was expecting the worst. Instead it was almost tropical (almost, as in 'not at all') and we had a relaxed marshalling sat in the sun, watching a novice VIII caught in the stream taking out a few of the pairs below us.

The start was good, but it was difficult to hold a line in the stream with the wind - the lack of knowledge about where the stream was didn't help either.

Thanks to Simon Blackburn, the training we'd done a week earlier set us up fairly well and the rhythm came easily. The lack of other training on top of a rather scary wind made the forearms burn coming into the second third: We didn't make the most of the calm conditions here as the final push was again blown all over the place.

It was actually pretty fun - watch this space for more FaT/ composite sparring at the next one.

Event: Magdalene Silver Pairs 2007 - Men's 2-
Posted as: Dan
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We were hoping the lack of training together would limit the opposite pair to quite a slow cruising speed. This, when coupled with very little knowledge of the twists and turns of the Cam, would give us the edge. Certainly it looked promising on the way down. Big lads, but meandering all over the shop and it appeared they were rowing quite short - presumably because they had no confidence at front stops.

Unfortunately it turned out that, rather than rowing short, they were just putting down massive amounts of power. Off the 'start' (I'd meant to shout more, but we were - finally - winding) their banksteerer just about managed to keep them off the banks and they gained massively.

Under immediate pressure we changed the race plan, as being overtaken would be game over, not to mention humiliating. Front loading the race massively, our technique soon suffered but luckily each corner bought us a blissful respite. I don't think we were too bad on the reach and dug very, very deep. They had slowed as well, and I think this result was the best we could hope for in hindsight, and much better than being overtaken.

Bring on Foster Fairbarns. And a competent start martial.

Event: Foster Fairbairn Pairs 2007 - Men's 2-
Posted as: Dan
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A good race, if a little riskier than was necessary.

We set off hard and gained a length before we were half way down first post reach. Back in the steerer's seat, Bryn took a very good line after an initial wobble and we both took confidence from that. In the stroke seat, I was determined to win FF no matter what the physical cost. I could hear Coker calling for length and that we were up, but I wanted to break them from the word go.

Unfortunately this meant the race was incredibly painful as I had very little left in the tank after McCool (and hence why I'm writing this a day late). We had a massive lift out of grassy they didn't respond to, and then another past the plough that simply wouldn't have been possible if we hadn't trained together over the holiday. These helped with the confidence and after a slightly wide Ditton we kept taking it up down the reach.

Yay!

Event: Foster Fairbairn Pairs 2007 - Men's 2-
Posted as: Dan
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A horrendous race, but as everyone kept pointing out 'a win is a win'. Very true, but when you have to leave yourself physically and mentally broken before the final it doesn't feel quite as sweet.

My little feet kept falling out of the shoes, especially the one that steers, and meant turning the rudder was a major stress. That cost us a lot on the corners and even a bit on the straights. Excellent calls by Coker and Karthik kept us on the blue. The rigging was much higher than we were used to, and we totally lost all semblance of a catch. Bugger.

In the end, we just had to grit our teeth and push them away. No technique required, just blue sweat and golden blood.

Event: Fairbairn Junior Sculls 2007 -
Posted as: Dan
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That's only because your bank party is usually so noisy.

Event: Lent Bumps 2007 - Wednesday
Posted as: Dan
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*sigh* Plenty of good things to take from this race, but not the result we were looking for.

Horrendous start (we need a bigger bankparty, guys!) with no-one in the bows ready for the first stroke. School boy error. Didn't crash altogether though (Well steered, Jij!), and Igor deserves special mention for a controlled wind with his blade half in.

After the crap draw strokes and tentative wind we got back into it, hitting a very comfortable 39 sprinting speed; the control in the start is such a plus. Nowhere near fast enough to catch Homerton though (well done, guys), and they bumped out in front of us by first post.

Race was made slightly more interesting by the terrible start and Christs II behind us going hell for leather for the bump back. They got within 3/4 of a length (although their bank party were positive it was 1/2), but were never in touch to be honest. Awful conditions on the reach meant the crews bunched a bit, but Jesus III didn't have what it takes alas, and bloody Christs II kept us rowing above 28 the whole way.

Event: Lent Bumps 2007 - Tuesday
Posted as: Dan
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Quite fun. Fantastic first three draw strokes and controlled wind. Little bit of confusion about the stride, because half of us were already gunning for the bump. In the end we settled to a leisurely 35 and reeled them in before first post. From position six...

A dangerously late concession from the Christs cox, and quite a lot of lip on the way home. And I thought we were meant to be the arrogant bc! Still, at least we can row, although perhaps our holding it up needs working on.

Event: Pembroke Regatta 2007 - 3rd division
Posted as: Dan
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Much better mental attitude here - not totally unsurprising given it was against LMBC in a final.

Very powerful start killed them almost immediately. Given a slight lack of crew fitness and pieces for more than 600m I was interested to see what would happen as we got tired. Catches went after 300m, but rhythm was still bearable. After 700m Jij took it up two for the finish. There was a good commitment, and lots of promise for the Bumps.

Bring it.

Event: Pembroke Regatta 2007 - 3rd division
Posted as: Dan
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Eyes shut is a good way of putting this race. Lots of individual rowing, with heads down as tiredness set in.

A truly awful first draw stroke on stroke side (no names... this time...) let to a panic in strokes 2 and 3 and a rather messy wind. Luckily it was enough to beat Queens III, who seemed to give up as soon as we were a seat up.

Main things to take from this are how much one's head affects one's rowing. If the eyes are down, its definitely going to be rubbish at our level.

Event: Pembroke Regatta 2007 - 3rd division
Posted as: Dan
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A blistering practice start on the way down, well done boys! Jij really hit the 'aaaaaaand STRIDE!' call at the right time, and there was a decent sustainable rhythm by stroke 15.

Didn't quite carry over to the actual race, which was partly my fault - I felt a few extra pips on the first race wouldn't hurt after such a good practice start.

Nevertheless, there was enough of a platform for us to gently ease ahead using the inside of the Reach. They seemed fairly composed and were looking for an early monster push into the Railway Bridge - their corner. Felt it was best to nip that in the bud, so Jij pushed us even earlier, and effectively killed them off in the first half.

A very dominant row; powerful and intelligent. If we can nail the rhythm under pressure and with those two extra pips we're sorted. Its all on the fast hands, good separation and controlled slide. Honest. Oh, and loads of power.

Event: Newnham Short Course 2007 - Lower VIIIs
Posted as: Dan
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A terrible result we should be very ashamed of, basically.

Of course, we have plenty of excuses lined up - not least that we were rowing in a bathtub. I'm quite surprised we did this badly. Perhaps it was the poor timing, but there was power being laid down, and sporadic commitment to a reasonable rate.

One thing we can be happy about is the relative success of Jesus III, Homerton and Robinson II (in comparison to Selwyn II who - I hang my head - beat us comfortably).

Actual race was a bit splashy, and highlighted a total lack of fitness. Gorgeous weather though, and the crew banter was excellent. Definitely a recommended family day out.

Event: Cambridge Head-2-Head 2007 - 2nd division
Posted as: Dan
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Was a very pleasing row given the godawful conditions and scratch crew. Martin and Richard in stern pair did a great job of keeping the rating solid, and the ex-novices in the bows did a great job of keeping up!

Big thanks to Seb for bankpartying too - it was great having someone keep an eye on our technique and rating, and this really optimized our time.

Result could have been anything, but very nice to come away with pots. Especially as last time I won this it was only a pennant.

Event: Christmas Head 2006 - Novice IV+
Posted as: Dan
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How on earth did you girls fall in?

Event: Christmas Head 2006 - College Men's VIIIs
Posted as: Dan
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I was pleasantly surprised by the level of technique in this scratch VIII - lots of us hadn't rowed for a long time, and we drew members from all the levels of the club.

Certainly a good amount of power in the middle of the stroke, although it would have been nice to keep the finishes in a bit longer. This had felt okay in the practice outing (read 'a last ditch attempt to kill or cure Dan's hangover') but went totally on race day. Lots of fun afterwards comparing forearms and the associated burning pain. The rate stayed well up - in no small part due to Coker and Sills in the stern - although this did mean the boat was suicidally heavy at the catch. Every stroke a max weights test... fun.

(All good for the legs, and it'll be nothing compared to the power going down as we round Ditton in Lents xx)

Event: Fairbairn Cup 2006 - Lower VIIIs
Posted as: Dan
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As with the day before (a storming Novice Fairbairns for nm2), they started well within themselves. Obviously tired from the day before so catches were a little ropier by Chesterton but not bad. Finishes strong.

Depsite a mentally draining push to the railway bridge the commitment didn't flag. The rating started to rise as the catches sharpened up (required a bit of shouting from me, but that's what I'm there for) and the boat looked reasonable down the reach.

After a dodgy Ditton (my bad, called it a little early) the crew refocussed: I was AMAZED at the power in the last third. Rating was at its highest and every single member of the crew was giving it his all from the Plough onwards. Awesome to watch, and a fantastic culmination of a term's work.

Event: Fairbairn Cup - IVs 2006 - College IVs
Posted as: Dan
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All came together and we did what we planned on the start line - won.

I agree with Andy's sentiment; winning pots is far superior. When we tried to drink out of our scarves it was a total disaster.

Event: Novice Fairbairn Cup 2006 - 2nd division
Posted as: Dan
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Committed to the race plan well - look forward, draw high for the first half; look forward, backsplash for the second. Simple things that seem to have gone out of fashion.

Rate was perhaps a touch low for the first third and we lacked for a cox box. Everything else close to perfection: good pushes, fantastic line from Emma (again), lots of concentration and commitment down the reach. Good.

Tomorrow we need more of the same, with the emphasis on more. Concentration when tired will be key. Look up, sit up, shame the oppo when the going gets tough.

Event: Cambridge Winter Head 2006 - Student Beginner VIIIs
Posted as: Dan
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Pressuring Caius nth boat all the way down to the start was fun, with some excellent coxing by Emma. Lads looked good and it wasn't even that cold.

The rolling start was delayed slightly because of said Caius boat spakking about on first post reach, but went well once the marshal allowed us to go. Heads were up, blade work in the water fairly pleasing.

Corners were excellent - bow four and cox working very well with good power laid down by stern four. Legs push down Plough Reach picked the rating back up after Grassy (24ish), and similarly after Ditton.

I was impressed by the commitment on The Reach given the work already laid down. Forearms were starting to go (I told you!) leading to sloppier squaring/ bladework. That said, we only had two crabs in the race and both times the crew recomposed within five strokes.

I think they were the second fastest second novice crew after Queens', beating Magdalene first novices and comfortably thrashing other seconds. Definitely have it them to row as a first boat, with two lengths to find in the catches and suspension before Clare Novices. Bring it.

Event: Pembroke Regatta 2007 - 3rd division
Posted as: Dan
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Hmmmm... possibly the recorded 'winning margins' are a little arrogant, but I do think we have a lot of positives from the days racing.

I expected Churchill III to be slower than us, and they were. Interestingly our first three draw strokes had a lot of patience and power despite stressful conditions - side by side race from stationary, plus truly incompetent marshals (who vastly improved over the day/ were quickly replaced).

I should have wound it down under the railway bridge, but was too busy trying to play with possible rhythms. Unfortunately, we never found one.

Event: Pembroke Regatta 2008 - 1st division
Posted as: Dan
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Fitz were big, and had blatantly been making the use of their shiny new boathouse - every time I went to the boathouse in the evenings I'd always know that there would be some poor bugger pulling his guts out in Fitz BH.

We're not a massive crew so pulling up alongside them would have felt a bit daunting if this sort of thing hadn't been happening for eight years. They wanted it, so did we. Bring it.

Our start was messy and there was a whiff of panic (possibly from the other crew, but equally possible from us) as neither crew pulled away. The fact we knew we would have to unleash hell meant the stride had to happen quite a few times before the rate finally came down to 38. This didn't help with finding length at the front, and was not our most efficient rowing.

Nevertheless, we stuck to our pattern and trusted in the training plan (e.g. the technical pairs work at the Nene). We didn't make any massive moves; were just a bit sharper and fitter and it began to tell as we came under the railway bridge.

Although this was no indication of their fitness over the course, I feel very, VERY sorry for the poor crews being chased by Fitz this bumps.

Event: May Bumps 2008 - Friday
Posted as: Dan
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(cheers leadbetter!) Still cold today, still a bad sign. Nevertheless the practice starts and rate bursts were springy and hungry despite some poor rowing. That said, the poor rowing just fired Seb up even more, which can't be a bad thing. You know; I think he pulled really REALLY hard today...

Our start was probably the best yet, pretty clean in and finishing roughly together. Rate jacked up to a pb, and we didn't bother with the whole settling rubbish, instead using the backs call to being the rate down to something controllable but not close to sustainable.

We went a good length faster than yesterday down first post reach, but alas so did Clare and we were only on station by the time Fitz bumped us... On the plus side we held some very good splits all the way until the last 10 seconds of rowing, but on the downside we were totally, utterly, completely outclassed.

Well rowed Fitz! Good luck with blades tomorrow! PS What did you think our cox was thinking about? Other than small puppies and other girly things?

Event: Pembroke Regatta 2008 - 1st division
Posted as: Dan
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Apparently one of their guys has broken his hand. Not good; hope it's better for the Mays.

Event: Pembroke Regatta 2008 - 1st division
Posted as: Dan
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These guys had watched the previous races and knew a massive start was required. The adrenaline kicked in and we both hammered off the start.

Both crews a little splashy - bow pair in FaT doing their own thing, as usual - but both found a good racing speed. We pulled away under the bridge, which led to some spectacular rate 36 rowing once we were in front: just tapping it along, no effort whatsoever. What a pity for an extra mph or so we have to kill ourselves, eh?

Event: Pembroke Regatta 2008 - 1st division
Posted as: Dan
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We wanted to see what we were capable of, and killed ourselves. Main things to learn were that rate 40 is sustainable for an entire kilometre, and that emptying the tank in the first 500m doesn't lead to a fast 2nd 500m.

Congratulations to Pedro, as this is his third consecutive win at this Regatta.

Event: Lent Bumps 2008 - Wednesday
Posted as: Dan
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Very steady start rowing well within ourselves - I kind of miss Pembroke Regatta and going for 60 though. Bit splashy but perhaps tomorrow we won't be staring at the chasing crew; the starts are damn close though, even after eight years. Heard some whistles in the gut but I assume they were for someone else. Took Grassy wider than usual (which worried me at first but then remembered Emma had warned us the line was different) before a comfortable push down the plough to finish it.

The rowing behind us was much more interesting... although obviously I was concentrating on the back of Bryn's head. However, have been told that Jesus really went for it and their technique fell to pieces on the reach, just as Caius put in a good push. Luckily LMBC showed their form and managed to save Jesus by literally seconds: I would guess the latter are really going to have to go for the long race if they want to hold onto second, as that puts LMBC three lengths up today.

Just after the railway bridge we passed a small fishing boat heading downstream... oh no wait, heading directly for Jesus. I didn't realise they'd crashed, but could hear Downing celebrate their 'overbump' later. Is their cox really that inexperienced?! I guess they did make it round Grassy, which is not a corner I can claim a clean sheet with.

More importantly, why was the fishing boat allowed through? Why weren't racing crews warned? Why wasn't the fisherman warned? And, above all, did the idiot get thrown in by the Jesus boatman?

Event: Lent Bumps 2008 - Thursday
Posted as: Dan
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Ah, so the fisherman from yesterday really was clinically retarded from the gossip. Hope he restricts himself to the local chippie from now on, and doesn't have a driving license.

Row today was knackering - knew we had to kill ourselves or Ming wouldn't let us off the weights session (Seriously, have we earned it? Are you not entertained?!) Start pretty solid, corners much better than yesterday. Felt surprisingly knackered just before Grassy, but it was just the 'fake pain' I warn my novices about. Luckily I'd actually done some ergs this term and so - unlike my poor novices - the fake pain disappeared just in time for a gorgeous crowd pleaser down Plough Reach.

Bit of a tail wind, and we possibly even found a few extra pips before Ditton. Corner good again, although the lifts in the reach were a little saggy and we were only five or so lengths up on Jesus when they were bumped out (long race guys! I warned you... Best of luck tomorrow though). Thought I was going to blow just before the Railway Bridge, but a big push from middle four meant I couldn't really let them have all the glory and over committed once again to an enthusiastic legs 10.

Lots of shouting and support from our ever present and much appreciated bank parties meant we couldn't take the foot off the gas for a second, keeping the rate high and instead hanging around at the catch for a breather. Plenty of little things to change for more speed if necessary tomorrow: fingers crossed for more sickly-but-not-too-sickly looking faces.

Event: Lent Bumps 2008 - Friday
Posted as: Dan
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Cycling over from the maths dept was miserable - cold and windy, with spits of icy rain. My body was feeling a bit achy from the piece the day before and I was very relieved to see Jesus had a full crew complement again. Fingers crossed they'd bump LMBC back and we would be spared having to attempt to row in the awful headwind.

Certainly Jesus' practice start outside the plough was much crisper than the previous days, and I felt quite happy to have secured myself such a good view of the bumps. The first three strokes of our practice start were a little messy, but we held it together and hit a comfortably high rate before striding down to something sustainable. Then Bryn's footplate broke.

We limped around the corners in sixes, desperate for Iain's loving hands to make it better. Hats off to the spectators on Grassy who not only braved the weather but also dutifully laughed as I quipped 'it was better all eight'. The marshals kindly delayed the four minute gun so we had plenty of time to deal with kit, etc. today.

Started to rain on the minute gun, poor start (airstroke-tastic!), plough reach solid if technically inept, much to my disappointment Jesus didn't gain on LMBC (good rowing from Maggie), wind horrendous on the reach. The boat literally stopped and I was tempted to suggest we pull in and clam up, but LMBC were too close. Maybe tomorrow we'll try and get the blades into the water in a headwind - it's crazy, but it just might work.

Event: Lent Bumps 2008 - Saturday
Posted as: Dan
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Bit nervous today - if we screwed up this time, there wouldn't be an opportunity to fix it. The paddle down was good, and the practice start very together. Downing were looking strong, and were obviously keen for LMBC. It was quite friendly down at the start, and we had a nice bit of banter with the Maggie boys while waiting for Queen's to fix their rudder strings.

Start and gut were good, with none of the nervous wobbles that might be expected under pressure. The video of us going round grassy really shows how much work Ming has done on our catches, and we quickly pushed away from the crews behind. The 'Plough Reach Burn' was even more successful than usual, and I think we had almost three lengths clear water by Ditton.

The reach was okay, but not up to standard. We failed to continue our push away from LMBC who were rowing well, not giving anything to Downing. The support was deafening and I doubt I could have slacked off even if I'd wanted to: not finding a rhythm in the second half is what is holding us back at this point, not a lack of effort.

Thanks to everyone who came down to watch, and best of luck to those training for HORR.

Technical pairs, anyone?

Event: Head of the Cam 2008 - 1st division
Posted as: Dan
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An odd mix, this crew, but fun to row with. We were struggling at 'high' rates, although by some minor miracle we didn't pull off the full epileptic spider impression we'd perfected the day before.

Start was a pretty relaxed 32 (ahem... being a little unfit I remained relaxed for the entire course) and some blades occasionally went in at the front end. Pembroke had set off in front, and coupled with a blustery wind it was quite choppy on first post. We must have struggled valiantly to sit the boat for a good four or five strokes before giving up. Okay, okay! It wasn't too bad, and I still have all my fingers.

An excellent gentlemen's agreement for the corners saw Leadbetter take some great lines, and we launched into an exuberant plough reach push after Grassy. We were surprisingly disciplined and made the most of the calmer water, even when Maggie stormed round Grassy. They were clearly closing, but the heads didn't go down.

In fact, we had a bit of luck on the reach and Madge never made the most of their aggressive start - certainly we'd discussed beforehand the possibility of having to concede an overtake. Pembroke's composites had struggled a bit, and I couldn't stop myself shouting out (almost too joyfully) that we could push to overtake. This led to some much more committed rowing in the boat and we finally pushed clear just after Morley's Holt, leaving the reds behind as well. With quads a-burning we wound for the finish.

Which was a shame as the race was not to the P&E as the instructions said, it was to top finish. And so we had to keep pushing for an extra fifty. Perhaps if this happens in the future we could call the extra bit a 'Spartan 300'?

The result itself was pretty pleasing. A lot of 'untapped potential' (our slide control and catches are embarrassing in their absence) and yet we're on a par or faster than the crews around us in the bumps. Apart from Fitz. Who are two below us. Fingers crossed for a bit of luck and a bumping grid!

Event: Cambridge Head-2-Head 2008 - 1st division
Posted as: Dan
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Spaktastic in the sun! Catches a bit limp on the first run and just plain slow in the second, but good commitment and some excellent tanning. Seemed to go pretty fast and the wind for the second finish actually saw us touching 36.

Event: May Bumps 2008 - Wednesday
Posted as: Dan
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No nerves on the way down, especially after some blistering practice starts. The friendly support from many different colleges was well received - good to see I haven't totally wasted my eight years here!

Felt so, so good pulling up and not having the one minute gun go off: most of the crew have experienced this, and it's a right bugger. Plenty of time to go to the loo, have a chat, go to the loo, wonder if our coach had survived falling off his bike, go to the loo, and go to the loo. Coker started planning Henley as well - good to see his mind was on the job.

First couple of strokes were good and we really took it up to rate. Having listened to Seb's race plan ("let's go really hard. No, REALLY hard") I was happily spanking it along under the motorway bridge - we dealt with the wash well, but the push out of the outflow was immense. By this point we'd left Christs for dead: thought of poor old Karthik toiling away for BCG in some office somewhere.

No time for that though! One whistle came by top station, although we'd definitely worked for it. After that we thrashed it along in a rather unco-ordinated bumps push (surely we can't be bumping before the Plough?) and drifted to completely the wrong side of the river in an effort to avoid bumping Robinson before first post. Alas, they'd given up and it was game over.

Yay! Revenge for 2001 at last!

Event: May Bumps 2008 - Thursday
Posted as: Dan
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Bit colder outside today, which was always a bad sign.

Fair enough we rowed like muppets, but Clare looked much better than earlier in term. Bloody other colleges learning to row! We were never in distance despite a good start, but the catches went completely after a minute and we spacked along significantly slower than usual.

Was fun watching Binson get hammered by Fitz behind us though! Nice, long race tomorrow - we should be fine over the course.

Event: Pembroke Regatta 2008 - 1st division
Posted as: Dan
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Waking up at 0600h did not help the race preparation, and coupled to the freezing conditions the two crews who lined up at 0815h were feeling a bit sorry for themselves.

We were pretty confident but determined not to have a 'Clare Scare' like Pembroke Regatta 2007 - the start was to be ridiculously unsustainable, through to a ridiculously unsustainable finish.

Emma had a bad start and we had a pretty fair one - much splashier than in practice now we had a crew alongside. Nevertheless we hit about 50, sustained at 44 and strode down to 39 - at which point we were length up and cruising far, far faster than the oppo.

We didn't sit back on the lead and Leadbetter mercilessly called for a legs push to double the clear water before the 500m point. Job done - we sat on them at about 34ish.

In fairness to Emma, FaT are notorious for their poor starts and this race took them by surprise. We wouldn't have this advantage in later races.

Event: Head of the Nene 2008 - Senior2 VIIIs
Posted as: Dan
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First 2k showed a lot of promise, but the training plan then called for technical pairs work.

Event: Fairbairn Cup - IVs 2007 - Senior IVs
Posted as: Dan
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As usual, fate had a few cards up her sleeve. Bryn was ill and we jumped into a scratch IV with one and only one mission - win Fairbairns Ivs.

We started hard; very hard. The catches and finishes were good for the first 500m and I had none of the Novice Death Grip worries that had plagued me in the VIII. We had plenty of length, power and control and I knew we would row at the absolute max: max power, max technique, max length and max speed.

Fantastic corners, coxing and coaching made this race. Together with Jesus we were miles ahead of the opposition, and the guys I was rowing with never let the pace go for a second.

Legends.

Event: Fairbairn Cup 2007 - Senior VIIIs
Posted as: Dan
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Training plan called for technical pairs work...

...but seriously! We arrived at the boathouse a very confident crew with a job to get done. There really was a lot of trust in the boathouse this year - each of us knew the rest of the crew had trained their arse off - and we weren't afraid to lay the power down even in longer pieces.

The start was very smooth, rating over 40 without really thinking. The first third went very much as planned; sitting on a comfortable rhythm, putting the power down as a crew. If anything this was slightly faster than I was expecting, and I was very proud sitting at 7 in such a classy boat.

Coming out of Chesterton hurt more than I expected it to, even though I've done this once or twice before. My main mistake here (and I think quite a few of us did this) was wrenching the finishes a little, gripping the handle a little too tightly on the recovery. The rate didn't drop and we didn't tense up an awful amount, but it did mean my forearms were burning down the reach.

Last third was mostly about trusting the base rhythm while holding onto whatever was left. We were still powering along nicely, but ye gads it hurt. Good wind for the finish, some inspiring bank partying (cheers nm2 boys!), and generally a decent row.

Not the result we were looking for, unfortunately, but only 1.16 seconds off. Hats off to the lightweights: for all the banter, it must have been crap being a light crew on the reach this year as the tailwind was pretty blustery. Perhaps some sparring will teach us how to row...?

Plenty more to come, which is exciting. We really need to hit the weights to front load the catches a little more halfway through long races - a Bumper to anyone training twice on Christmas day, knowing the oppo will only be training once!

Event: Novice Fairbairn Cup 2007 - 2nd division
Posted as: Dan
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Not the result we were looking for, nor representative of the last week's rowing.

Fairly good start, settling into a solid rhythm at a high - probably unsustainable - rate. Catches were going in well and my hopes were high as we powered under Emma footbridge.

Alas, the concentration started to slip as we came under Elizabeth Way. Already heads were turning to look at the blades and people were reaching for a little too much at the catch. Possibly this was slightly due to the rate, but nevertheless the focus wasn't where it should have been.

Of course, we all know that looking at one's blade guarantees 'unexpected seat failure' (all the boat's fault) and/ or crabbing. Rather than taking the time to calm down from these incidents - I'm not sure my excited shouting was what was needed - each restart was more panicked than the last. We limped down the reach with six rowers, a broken crew.

Still, hats off to the guys for keeping their heads up and for the immense legs-backs pushes that really could have made a lot of difference. Also, we managed to go faster than all the women's novice crews so it can't be ALL bad.

Event: Clare Novice Regatta 2007 - Cup
Posted as: Dan
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Fitz A were big guys with cleavers, and would have been hard pressed not to have a faster start than us. This had been discussed at the crew pasta and in the race chat, but nevertheless heads went down during the wind as they moved to about 4 seats up over the start. This wasn't fatal for an 800m race, but the belief wasn't there and didn't come back. Especially at First and Third, one should not be scared by some rugger bugger who is twice your weight and several inches taller.

The rate was ridiculously high - I *knew* it was a bad idea to teach novices to spin the hands! - so although catches were not horrendous we were only getting to half slide most strokes. Do NOT be the one that gives in and rows at half slide; keep the length, keep the speed in the water.

The push into the railway bridge was reasonable, and the rate settled from 35 to 30 as people got too tired to rush forward at such a pace. This should work to our advantage in Fairbarns: I don't believe anyone will be stupid enough to set off at such a pace for a race lasting at least ten minutes....

This week we will be practicing the first two minutes of FB, as well as some longer continuous rowing for fitness. Technique will concentrate on the drive, moving boat rather than water. Bring it.

Event: Cambridge Winter Head 2007 - Student Senior IVs
Posted as: Dan
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Was always going to be a hard race: mentally we knew we were 5secs off the average 2k of the other four. In the pieces on the way down we were struggling for length and time, and I was having my doubts.

We decided on a very relaxed start to concentrate on initiating a rhythm. This worked well, but only got us to rate 30. We took it up in the gut (mainly to avoid being overtaken by the other four) and our rowing jumped from 'knackered' to 'okay'.

We had a good push down plough reach, helped by a Clare IV+ apparently pulled in and cheering us on, and a fairly reasonable Ditton corner.

We were about to take it up but unfortunately the training plan called for technical pairs work. This is what really cost us.

I don't understand why I find this so funny.

Event: Cambridge Winter Head 2007 - Student Senior VIIIs
Posted as: Dan
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Training plan called for technical pairs work.

Event: University IVs 2007 - 1st division
Posted as: Dan
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LMBC didn't allow us to taper, basically - see IVs Head results. I could have sworn the official result was 'easily' though.

Event: University IVs 2007 - 1st division
Posted as: Dan
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Some excellent practice starts saw us cruising around rate 40 with lots of length and control, which helped the nerves quite a bit (for some reason I was shaking yesterday at the boathouse... against Peterhouse...?! fine today though).

Good strong start, again going off in front and again careering through a strong outflow after the Motorway bridge. Downing really wanted it, and jacked the rate right up. Luckily we'd decided to do this too and the settle call was basically a power up. That said - eyes always in the boat, of course - one couldn't help but notice how close they looked as we slowed up for First Post!

Same pattern of pushes as before, but with Ming helpfully screaming at us to drive the legs down and accelerate in the second half it was feeling pretty beefy. And knackering - luckily Coker joined us on the reach and shouted incoherently which gave us the boost we needed.

They held on until the plough, but had front loaded the race and quickly died off after an appalling Ditton by their cox.

If anyone from LMBC read this, please don't pull very hard tomorrow as we're looking to taper before IVs head. Cheers and good luck!

Event: University IVs 2007 - 1st division
Posted as: Dan
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Scrappy start and uncertain first post reach. Bit more control around the corner though, and a late but aggressive push down the gut really lifted us.

Grassy was well taken, and we relished the big attacks on the plough. At this point we left Tit hall for dead, and were about 12 seconds up at the Plough. An uncharacteristic call for 'patience' by Ming made a big difference, and will give us a lot more today.

Wonderful conditions meant the reach was a delight (about 20 seconds up at the bottom) and it was a very comfortable row more than anything. The plan is to row like this from the settle against Peterhouse.

Catches need to come together to give us an extra two pips when we need them, and ye gads is there a lot left in the tank.

Event: Cambridge Autumn Head 2007 - College VIIIs
Posted as: Dan
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We have a lot of high rate work to go, unsurprisingly, but especially at the catch. Felt a lot better than I would have expected, especially given we rated a lot higher than I expected. Bloody dependable old Coker...

Event: Cambridge Autumn Head 2007 - College IV+
Posted as: Dan
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Bugger me, it was a tough week leading up to this one! As I sat marshalling I really had no idea how it would go: How fit are we (ahem, am I) really? Will we be able to concentrate for more than a two minute push? When the pain kicks in from racing the VIII two divisions before, will we have what it takes?

And, when we get right down to it, can I rate over my age?

Apart from a rather professional first minute, it was a messy, gutsy, unsat individual push to individual push affair. Overtaking Emma under the Railway Bridge was fun (wtf were they rating!?), although their (failed) push back highlighted how much work there is left to do.

Even without the times it was a fantastic mental boost for the next stage of training. That said, I would be remiss not to point out that on Downing's second attempt at the head piece - during the same division as us and tired as hell like us - we thrashed them.