“They went out like the Goodies and came back like the Vikings!” – Mr. Livid Doll
Rotten Rowwers Raring to go!
Sponsorship monies came pouring in from friends, family and work colleagues of the Dolls to a staggering total of £1013.00 on the morning of the race with further donations filtering in even after the last finger blister had been popped. (£1136.50 at time of going to press) Everyone who donated has been beyond generous. In the current financial climate to give so abundantly to charity is sensational. The sponsors should be as proud of themselves as the team were to receive their shiny medals of participation.
The row began on the shores of Ambleside in the Lake District and pitched 6 ladies in what was essentially a recreational wooden row boat against a lake full of holiday boaters, bouys and fellow rowers.
The first 5 miles were spent learning how to apply exceptional LRD teamwork to a boat-not-bout situation. The team rotated a four girl rowing crew with two navigators-come-foghorns.
By the half way point at Bowness the girls found a self belief unrivalled and after a quick turnaround, the metallic dream of a trophy win shone brightly in their eyes.
Nearly at the Finish line!
Despite an unforgiving westerly wind blowing the team off course, the Dolls showed outstanding grit and determination not unlike that usually seen on-track. The final stretch required a sense of humour and imaginative cox calls perhaps never before heard by some of Windermeres natives.
The final push accompanied by a glorious holler of “Dolls! Dolls! Dolls!” Brought the team ashore with pride and ridiculously large grins upon their faces.
The dolls finished their row in a phenomenal 2 hours 27 minutes, just 13 minutes short of contention for the Women’s trophy for fastest female 10 miles.
When all was said and done, all rowers back on shore, Leeds Roller Dolls (Rudderless) Rotten Rowers finished in an outstanding 3rd place. No trophy to collect this year but happy to collect their well earned framed certificate.
Skater
Caesar Maniac #67
A champagne finish!
Medals all round
