Tuesday June 13 - Practice in the Sunshine

Short on content today.  None of our athletes provided details or photos of their sightseeing adventures yesterday, so no entry for Monday.   One group toured the lovely town of Oxford, while another group did a power tour of London.  Needless to say, they were tired today.

The weather has turned for the better, with sunshine forecast for much of this week with temps in the 70's.  We re-rigged the boats, then did two rows today and will do same tomorrow and Thursday.  Thursday evening is the HWR opening reception at the River and Rowing Museum here in Henley.  Friday, the four will race a time trial.  Since there are 21 crews and only 16 slots in the senior four event, they all race a timed 1300m piece, head race style.  The fastest 16 crews will then be in the draw for racing,  The first round of fours racing is Friday afternoon, while the eight races round one on Saturday vs. Newcastle.  A victory results in progression to the next round.

A great many US crews are beginning to arrive now in Henley.  Radcliffe LWs, Northeastern's women, BB&N school has some junior girls boats, St Joe's college women, Ohio State's women, the Williams men arrived today, and a few other US junior boys teams are here.

As for the coaches, we're just doing what we do.  Costa or Starbucks for morning coffee, Bell street Baguettes for lunch (tomorrow is roast pork day!!)., pub fare for dinner.   Painting oars the past two days with lousy British paint :-). Gray stripes go on tomorrow.  Pretty exciting.

Here are some sunny shots down near the start this afternoon.

Cheers!
Coach Pat

The photogenic and iconic Temple Island

First part of the course showing the infamous "barrier"

The PFQ and the eight at the start

English countryside along the river next to the start - pretty nice weather.