Information for Spectators

Bumps evolved on the Cam because it is a narrow river, only wide enough for side by side racing for short sections. It is also a very twisty river, and has a number of sharp corners in the first half of the course. Racing VIII's on the Cam are fitted with rudders, but learning how to race round corners is critically important particularly in bumps racing. Racing is also influenced heavily by wind conditions; whilst the first part of the course as far as Ditton corner is relatively sheltered, the 'Long Reach' (roughly the second half of the course) is a wide straight section of river.

The bumps run from Baits Bite lock near Milton up-stream to Chesterton. The 18th boat in each division, starts virtually from inside the lock, and has to row some 800m before it passes the head boat's station at the top of First Post Reach near First Post Corner.

Those planning to go and watch the bumps should go armed with a little advice on where to be and when... In the lower divisions bumps often occur quickly, with many boats typically 'bumping out' by First Post Corner. It is best to be standing somewhere near the top of First Post Corner, where you will see the spectacle of the start as well as a lot of bumping. Later in the day when the better crews race, boats are often more closely matched, and Grassy Corner is a popular view point, but many of the tougher races will extend at least as far as the the Reach. Plough reach is also where most crews will do a 'practice start' (it might as well be for the spectators as much as for anyone else) during the procession of boats downstream before hand.

Division Times:

Division	Start Time
M4	5:55pm
W2	6:00pm
M3	6:45pm
M2	7:25pm
W1	8:05pm
M1	8:45pm

The Map below shows the whole bumps course - complete with the twists and turns and the names of significant waymarks

View Larger Map

Click the "View Larger Map" link for a full view and list of landmarks as defined by CUCBC.