Linda Forwood and Julie Kitson from Durham ARC were among 85 participants on the 28th British Rowing Tour which this year took place over 85km of the River Great Ouse between St Neots and Denver. Organised by Isle of Ely Rowing Club 14 touring quads were joined by three crews from the local club over the three days between September 9th and 11th, passing through St. Ives, Huntingdon and Ely and negotiating 8 locks along the way.
The tour was able to go ahead despite the low water level that had thwarted the Great Ouse Marathon on safety grounds the previous weekend, and ran smoothly apart from a delay due to a malfunctioning lock.
It was the second occasion on a BR Tour for Linda and Julie who also completed the 2018 Tour on the River Thames. Touring is an excellent way to explore different waterways and new locations, including the 2021 Boat Race course, and to meet like-minded people, without the need for commitment to a weighty training regime.
Julie was raising funds for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) which affects about 40 children a year in the UK and is terminal upon diagnosis, through the Unbeatable Eva Foundation and has so far raised over £1500. Contributions will be gratefully received at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/julie-kitson
Further information about touring can be found on the Recreational Rowing website.