London to Bristol 2006 in Aid of Cancer Research UK

The following words are in the eyes of Bristol Empire Dragons chairman Ian Elliott:

DAY 1

As a result of the flood water we were only achieving 3 miles an hour on the River Thames less than half the speed we were expected. Two miles into the challenge we were almost turned over by a large high speed engineering vessel that made no attempt to slow down or give us any clear water. Thanks to good fortune we stayed upright and continued on our epic journey. Four miles on however we were resting on a pontoon in driving wind and rain drinking a cold energy drink whilst eating an energy bar, at that point Ii thought we would be quitting the next day - if we got as far as our overnight stop that is. Once past Richmond and Teddington locks progress started to be made with everyone "Digging In". A lunch break at Kingston-Upon Thames gave us drinks and food, after half an hour and we were off again with regained energy. We made up lost time and got to Staines by around 7pm.

DAY 2

During the night there was heavy rain and the day started with paddling against an even more swollen river. The aches and pains subsided after an hour and we got back into our stride but barely achieving the speed we guessed we could do. The weather improved and we enjoyed a day of sunshine - we passed Windsor Castle, Bisham Abbey and some spectacular scenery but progress was still slow. We went through Henley where we were welcomed and escorted by the local Dragon Boat Club. On passing through the lock it was onto Wargrave where we passed Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee late in the afternoon.

DAY 3

More overnight rain and showery and winding conditions greeted us on the morning. By now the team were well up for the challenge and we knew the ever increasing aches and pains would fade away after an hour or so and we pressed. Today we were to leave the Thames that had become our home for the past two days and join the Kennet and Avon Canal, surely this would be easier? On route to Reading we took a wrong turn and a second near disastrous incident occurred. We had taken a wrong turn up a weir into boiling white water. We managed to turn a 40 foot boat in what seemed less than 40 feet and popped out like a cork back into the river. At the next lock a change of under wear would have been in order. Lucky to be safe and on our way the canal system was a welcome heaven. Due to excessive rain even the Kennet and Avon Canal was against us with a strong flow. No time could be made up here so a long 13 hour day paddling was all we got arriving in Hungerford at 8pm.

DAY 4

Another early start and yet more locks, more wind and more rain. A pretty uneventful day although we were being recognized and were being encourage on by bystanders and boaters alike. through the Bedwyns and we were at the top of the canal - from here on it was downhill to Bristol but not that day. At Devizes we were forced to take the boat out and carry it down and around the 22 locks due to needing to save time and also to conserve water in the lock system. The day ended with an overnight stop in Semmington.

DAY 5

With spirits high and the best nights sleep everyone had , despite it being in an outward bound hostel on the worst beds so far we set off with the sun shining and a at last a gentle flow going our way. we upped the speed to 7 miles an hour and villages and locks sped past. Today we were coming home. We actually reached Bristol at 5pm to be met with quite a big crowd several hoots from the steam train and a TV crew.

We had made it - would I do it again, probably not but there will be challenge again next year I am certain. This however was a fantastic achievement even though I say it myself.

I met up with a group of people some I knew well others hardly, yet at the end I knew everyone well some even better and I would go anywhere with them knowing whatever we met or did we would get through it.

I would recommend everyone undertaking something challenging of course you need the right team! The challenge was completed on Sunday at 5pm and apparently went out on Points West (BBC news program) but I missed it.

The Challenge was far more difficult than we had planned especially due to the Thames carrying more flood water than at its highest flow since November 2005.

London to Bristol 2006 Photo Gallery