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A Guide for Spectators
About Bumps Racing
About Bumps Racing
Bumps racing in Cambridge began during the 1820s to allow several crews to compete simultaneously on a river that is too narrow for much side-by-side racing. For more than forty years, the fun of this exciting form of pursuit racing was only enjoyed by members of the university’s colleges, but the first town bumping races took place on the Cam in 1868 and have become a regular July fixture. See the About Bumps page to learn more. You can also find lists of the Headship crews, and photos of the most recent ones, on this site.
The Cambridge Bumps are organised by the Cambridgeshire Rowing Association,
supported by sponsorship from Savills Cambridge.
Start Times
Start Times
The CRA Bumps is held over five nights, with each division racing on four nights. This avoids multiple days of racing starting before the end of the typical working day which would otherwise be a barrier to participation.
The order in which crews will start is shown in the Start Order, and results are posted online (generally by the end of each evening). This website also contains a list of the clubs taking part and the names of people in each crew.
Map of the Course
Map of the Course
Finish Points: 1st Divisions use finishes A & B; 2nd Divisions use B&C; Other Divisions use C & D. Crews that start from chains 1-8 must race to the further of the two finishes. Crews starting from chains 9-18 can use either of the finish lines for their division.
Distances: From the A14 Bridge to the Railway Bridge is approximately 2km
Where to Watch
Where to Watch
The Bumps run from Baits Bite lock, near Milton, up-stream to Chesterton, with finishes at different points for each Division, as marked on the Map of the Course.
Watching from the towpath that runs alongside of the river can be somewhat perilous: the towpath needs to be kept clear during racing, as the "bank parties" and race officials have to cycle to keep up with the racing crews, and spectators seated on the bank may have to leap up to avoid the oars of boats that come to a sudden stop after bumping! Neither the Bumps Committee nor the CRA can accept any responsibility for any injuries sustained by spectators on the towpath. Cycling alongside racing crews is limited to pre-arranged bank-parties, whose size and composition is strictly controlled.
Spectators are strongly encouraged to watch from the south bank of the river, where The First Post Enclosure and the garden of The Plough offer excellent vantage points.
First Post Enclosure
First Post Enclosure
For Bumps week the CRA will have an enclosure at First Post Corner in Fen Ditton which gives an excellent view of the races, and we will be pleased to welcome competitors, families and non-participating members of CRA clubs to watch from a somewhat safer vantage point than the towpath. Well-behaved children are welcome, and parents are reminded that children remain their responsibility whilst in the enclosure. Well behaved dogs are also welcome, but MUST be kept on leads, and any mess cleared up. If you bring a dog please DO NOT let it swim in the river.
The enclosure will be open each evening from 30 minutes before the first race. The gate will be locked 30 minutes after the final division of the evening, so please ensure you have removed your car from the site by then.
Arrangements for each evening are very informal:
You are welcome to bring a picnic, but NO BARBECUES are permitted
NO GLASS of any sort is to be brought on to the site, as livestock is kept on it for the remainder of the year – so no glass wine glasses, or wine/beer etc in glass bottles
For safety reasons please remain on the land side of the line spray-painted on to the grass adjacent to the river. During racing bumping/bumped boats may come in to the bank at speed
There are no tables and chairs in the enclosure, so we suggest you bring folding chairs or a rug
There are toilets on site
Please take any rubbish home with you
Members of CRA clubs should contact their Bumps Rep to book tickets for free admission plus discounted car parking (£3, as opposed to the general rate of £6.00 per car). Car parking fees support the Fen Ditton Townland Charity.
The First Post Enclosure is reached from Fen Ditton High Street by turning right onto Church Street and following Green End past The Plough towards the north end of the village, where the field entrance will be seen on the left (see Locations).
Spectating from the First Post Enclosure
Wednesday 22rd July will be the CRA Vice Presidents' evening and it is hoped that as many VPs and other distinguished guests as possible will attend on the evening and show off their club blazers and ties. Complimentary drinks and a light supper will be available
The Deputy Mayor of Cambridge will be present.
Tom Solesbury , the Chief Executive of British Rowing, is expected to attend the CRA Enclosure one evening during the week.
The Plough
The Plough
For those wanting to buy refreshments, an alternative spectating spot is the garden of The Plough pub, in Fen Ditton (see Locations).
The Plough is well positioned along the course for watching the higher divisions and is also where most crews will practice their start sequence as they make their way downstream to race.
Please respect the needs of Fen Ditton residents and the emergency services by only parking in the official parking sites, rather than risk blocking the narrow road.
Locations
Locations
First Post Enclosure, Fen Ditton
The Plough, Fen Ditton
Race Control, opposite 1 Fen Road
River Crossings
River Crossings
Cyclists and pedestrians can cross the River Cam using the Chisholm Trail bridge adjacent to the Railway Bridge; or via the Green Dragon footbridge upstream from the finish lines and Race Control.
Between divisions of races there may be a ferry service allowing pedestrians to cross the river between The Plough's garden and the Towpath, for a small fare. Bicycles are carried when space permits.
Social Media
Social Media
About this website
About this website
This microsite has been built on behalf of the CRA Bumps Committee by Gill Cooper (Cantabrigian Rowing Club), using Google Sites. A printable/downloadable version of the basic information for spectators is available from the Printable menu at the top of this page.
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