Friday - the Row to Reading

Today's grand adventure was rowing the eights upriver to Reading in preparation for racing Saturday and Sunday at the Reading Amateur Regatta. The crews departed about 10AM with water and snacks. As they paddled upriver through the stunning English countryside, they traversed Marsh Lock, Shiplake Lock, Sonning Lock and Caversham Lock during the 12+ mile row upriver. Coaches Steele and Guida followed on the riverbank path on bicycles trying to keep up, braving fierce dogs, cows and other wild creatures. Not easy for old guys and a winding, bumpy path through fields, hills, woods, mud and more! We arrived in Reading about 130PM, took a break, then the crews took a row down the race course to get their bearings for tomorrow's racing. We then bussed back to Henley and called it a day. The weather today has been gorgeous, with a breeze, blue skies, puffy clouds, low humidity. Similar forecast tomorrow. Our races are in the afternoon, and are not broadcast, but results may be found online at Reading Amateur Regatta Results (try google - sorry, no link for you). For those not familiar, races here are often run on narrow river waters, with only two boats racing at a time in tight quarters. A bracket is set up with single elimination racing. Win, and you progress. We know little about our competition, except that they will row well and likely be quick. Our plan is to be ready, bring our best, gain British race savvy (yes, it is not the same as in the States), and have fun!

HoooRahhh!

Cheers!

Coach Pat

Marsh Lock

Not just any dogs, FIERCE dogs!

Shiplake Lock

No doubt as to what country we are in....however, the lock master had spent some time in Washington, DC and some vacationing across the US.

That is Trouble cubed right there!

Wait....what? Someone named their cow "Dinner"? Yes, spirits are high and levity abounds with this group!

We rowed past George Clooney's house near Sonning Lock and waved. I think he may have seen Caitlin and waved back! In any event, I'm sure he heard that she was in town!

Arrival at Reading Rowing Club.