The Basin Oars and their trusty Pink Dinghy completed the THE GREAT RIVER RACE again!! On September 5th 2009, we rowed the 22 miles from Millwall up river to Richmond, passing under 28 bridges - the first Tower Bridge - on the route. We finished in a very respectable 3 hours 55 minutes, and came 197th out of 293 boats.
It's still not too late to sponsor The Basin Oars! As quick and easy as six of our strokes and not as painful! And you won't get blisters doing it either!!
We really rowed our socks off for you! (OK fishnet tights) The spring tide helped us up the Thames, but the strong opposing winds tried to blow us back down. The River was rough - very rough for the first ten miles or so, and if we could have turned back against the tide, I think we would have done at Victoria Embankment where it was particularly horrible, with huge waves. We had to sing a lot to keep our spirits up.
Reports came in after the race that several dragon boats sank, and that the RNLI rescued 100 people! But our Trusty Pink Dinghy looked after us again - she may be small and slow and old - but we wouldn't change her for the world.
We dedicate this race to the memory of former 'Oar' Jane Fox, and to help a current 'Oar' Patti Mead, fight longer and stronger.
Our heartfelt thanks to all who have sponsored us and to our road crew. Without you all it would not be possible.
Brenda, Chrys, Jill and Marion
