Devizes to Westminster race

Went to pilates class and realised that the Devizes to Westminster canoe racers were about to come through our part of the Thames. 

Cycled back down to the river with S and we watched them go through a checkpoint by the Waterside centre and then head off towards London. It was an interesting spectacle. I like the movement in this shot as they headed off. 

We walked and cycled down to the Kennet to see more canoeists - they have to switch from the Kennet canal to the Thames just outside a pub. We felt obliged to buy a drink and watch the action. Some of the participants were fresh as daisies but one woman was having difficulty getting out and lifting her boat across the bank to the river. 

We watched the same race probably 27/28 yrs ago at the same pub, pre-children.