Additional chapters look at the influences of other events on the Bumps. Whilst the first 150 years of bumps rowing was dominated by men it is important to recognise that during much of this period women were also rowing, albeit as a recreation rather than competitively. "The Bumps" examines the rise of women's rowing at Cambridge, outlining the origins of boating at Newnham and Girton, the early Oxford and Cambridge women's Boat Races and the gradual acceptance of women's rowing as a sport through the twentieth century.
As the equipment and, to a lesser extent, the dress worn by competitors changed over the course of almost two centuries, so did the style of rowing. A wide range of styles have been used on the Cam, sometimes to the benefit of the crews and sometimes against, particularly when inferior crews have attempted to adopt a style beyond their ability. "The Bumps" therefore recounts the evolution in boat design and changing theories on rowing styles and the impact these have had on the races. As can be imagined the dress codes for women before the latter half of the twentieth century did not allow for the kind of activity that rowing requires and even the early men's crews were required to wear blazers, boaters and trousers whilst rowing. The changes in dress, both formal and that worn during racing, throughout the era are also reviewed.
From the start of racing in 1827 to the present day there have been a number of traditions associated with bumps racing. In the final chapter "The Bumps" looks at the origins and evolution of a number of these from the innocuous celebrations of an individual bump to their inevitable conclusion at the Boat Club Dinner. As well as those event that remain today, the history of events such as The Procession and the use of flags that have now ceased to be regular practice are also examined.
For each Club the book gives a brief history including a summary of the results of the First men's and women's Crews. The dates when the men's and women's Clubs first and, where appropriate, last raced on the Cam are noted together with records of the highest and lowest positions reached. When a Club has been Head of the River the number of years it has rowed in that position are also indicated. Additionally "The Bumps" looks at the Club's colours, concentrating on how the blade colours have changed for each Club over the years and, where relevant, also examining the changes in their dress and uniforms.