Heads

7.30 am on a Sunday and the towpath is usually deserted but the beautiful weather brought people out early. The University crews aren't allowed out until after 1, so the city clubs race Heads every week. 4 x 1.8km, feet out, then square blades, followed by an attempt for an upstream personal best, then a final length before returning to the boathouse for a hearty breakfast.

We always have a bench full of last night's drunks and rough sleepers watching, and shouting out their advice. The river is full so turning and getting everyone set up for the start is quite a palaver.