The check-in was quite different as the river was fast flowing earlier in the week and there were risk assessments to do on each crew including checking each boat before we could start. It was a mass start rather than being released 1 min apart in groups of four or five boats. The water before Caversham lock was really choppy having been churned up by the lead boats and we were close to tipping over even in our boats.
The first few portages were a bundle and the rules seemed unclear. Some crews were queueing and others were barging through. We did a bit of both.
The weather was fine when we started as you can see from how we are dressed but after a couple of hours the temperature dropped about 8 deg! and it rained heavily.
The support crew met us twice after each hour at Marsh and Hurley as there was no access to sonning or shiplake. The support worked well.
We followed the leading C2 crew to Marsh and the work rate of the veteran guy and junior girl was quite inspiring. We passed them at the Marsh portage and they came into Longridge not far behind us. A fantastic effort from them.
Our average speed with 8 portages on this stretch was 7.1mph so the flow had to be 1.3mph plus. When we passed under the Marlow by-pass bridge at the finish there was a huge cheer from at least 10 family members who have all lived in Marlow at some stage. It was a great welcome. Thanks.
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