A bumps race
is a multi-day race beginning with crews lined up along the river at
set intervals. They start simultaneously and all pursue the boat ahead
while avoiding being bumped by a boat from behind. If a crew overtakes
or makes physical contact with the crew ahead, a bump is awarded.
As a result, damage to boats and equipment is common during bumps
racing. To avoid damage the cox of the crew being bumped may concede the
bump before contact is actually made. The next day, the bumping crew
will start ahead of any crews that have been bumped. The positions at
the end of the last race are used to set the positions on the first day
of the races the next year. Oxford and Cambridge Universities hold bumps
races for their respective colleges twice a year, and there are also Town Bumps races in both cities, open to non-university crews. Oxford's races are organised by City of Oxford Rowing Club and Cambridge's are organised by the Cambridgeshire Rowing Association.