thumb|torpids 2005: men's division one, places 2 to 5.   thumb| worcester college in torpids 2012 torpids is one of two series of bumping races, a type of rowing race, held yearly at oxford university, the other race being eights. over 130 men's and women's crews race for their colleges in six men's divisions and five women's; almost 1,200 participants in total. the racing takes place on the isis (part of the river thames) usually in the 7th week of hilary term on four successive days from wednesday to saturday (around the start of march). ==overview==  bumping races evolved in oxford as the river is too narrow for normal side by side racing. competing crews start the race lined up in order, one behind another, with their coxes holding ropes attached to the bank, with gaps of about 1.5 boat lengths between the bow of one boat and the stern of the one in front. racing is started by the firing of a cannon. crews attempt to progress up their division by hitting ('bumping') the boat in front without being hit by the boat behind, with the ultimate aim of becoming "head of the river" i.e. top of the first division. the head of the river is awarded the torpids challenge cup, presented to the oubc by president t.c. edwards-moss of brasenose college boat club. once a bump has taken place, the crew whose boat was hit has to continue racing (and is liable to be bumped again) whilst the bumping crew moves to the side. this can lead to a crew moving down several places during a day's racing. this is the principal difference in the rules between torpids and summer eights, where both crews stop racing. the first day's starting order is based on the previous year's finishing positions, and each subsequent day's starting order is based on the previous day's finishing positions. a crew that bumps on every day without being bumped itself or that finishes at the head of the river is awarded 'blades' - the right to get trophy oars painted up in their college colours with the names and weights of the successful crew emblazoned on t
1838_establishments_in_England Events_in_Oxford March_events Recurring_sporting_events_established_in_1838 Regattas_on_the_River_Thames Rowing_at_the_University_of_Oxford