Post by gfatula on Sept 21, 2014 8:07:58 GMT -5
I want to get an early start thinking about Jeff's suggestion of a Triple Crown of Maine series of 50 mile canoe races. I still think it is a good idea. Getting dates for three races added to the racing calendar, without creating any conflicts, won't be easy. All three venues are excellent race courses. Finding a group of paddlers interested in a 50 mile race might be a problem, too. Jeff's army of young paddlers might find it a challenge Perhaps it becomes a state wide canoe club competition.
I am interested in helping with the 50 mile race on the Androscoggin. It has been quite a while since I was involved in helping with a canoe race. Things were probably much simpler back in the 80's. I will appreciate anyone's input about what is involved today. Perhaps it is too cumbersome to arrange. That thought is what suggested it be considered a "fun paddle" with results kept individually. This years "race" involved two boats, a C-1 and a kayak. A worthy upstream paddle.
Some ideas for the "A-50", 2015.
Start: below the Shelburne Dam (access??) Is there a place there with the room to start a race?
Finish: Rt. 2 boat launch just upstream of Rumford. It would require two buoy turns and an upstream leg to make it a true 50 miles with NO PORTAGES!
Seems simple enough but...What about safety? It is a flat water race but there are plenty of opportunities to get into difficulty. Does it require sweep boats? Are there permits required? To have an event, to place buoys,...? Insurance for any sponsors?
Back "in the day" paddlers just showed up, registered, put a number on their boat with tape and someone said "Go!". Times were recorded at the finish line. That was it!
There is a race on the river now that could just add a 50 mile leg and perhaps another intermediate length paddle. Last year's schedule had an open Saturday (June 7th) the day before the Bethel Rivr Race. A 50 would provide another marathon opportunity in New England after tuning up at the Clinton! Ha! It is a beautiful paddle. Deep water and shallow. Moderate current. Ample access and accommodations. Did I mention NO PORTAGES?
It doesn't have to be a true 50! It is what ever it is. 45 miles or so. No buoys required. Turn around Wheelers Island and finish upstream at the boat launch. Sweep boats could operate in two "shifts". Gorham to Bethel and Bethel to the finish.
The Androscoggin "50" seems worthy of the effort.
I am hoping to hear from other paddlers who agree and have some ideas to offer toward establishing this event.
We enjoy this river. Paddling it is a pleasure with or without a race. There would be no races to attend if someone didn't put them on. That was what got us motivated to "sponsor" the original Machias River Race. The same is true today. Jeff sure gets it. With a possible sponsor in Bethel and this beautiful venue we should have a race!
We will be there in a pro boat, date to be determined, and will welcome fellow paddlers who want to be part of the Second Androscoggin 50, the first leg of the Triple Crown of Maine.
I am interested in helping with the 50 mile race on the Androscoggin. It has been quite a while since I was involved in helping with a canoe race. Things were probably much simpler back in the 80's. I will appreciate anyone's input about what is involved today. Perhaps it is too cumbersome to arrange. That thought is what suggested it be considered a "fun paddle" with results kept individually. This years "race" involved two boats, a C-1 and a kayak. A worthy upstream paddle.
Some ideas for the "A-50", 2015.
Start: below the Shelburne Dam (access??) Is there a place there with the room to start a race?
Finish: Rt. 2 boat launch just upstream of Rumford. It would require two buoy turns and an upstream leg to make it a true 50 miles with NO PORTAGES!
Seems simple enough but...What about safety? It is a flat water race but there are plenty of opportunities to get into difficulty. Does it require sweep boats? Are there permits required? To have an event, to place buoys,...? Insurance for any sponsors?
Back "in the day" paddlers just showed up, registered, put a number on their boat with tape and someone said "Go!". Times were recorded at the finish line. That was it!
There is a race on the river now that could just add a 50 mile leg and perhaps another intermediate length paddle. Last year's schedule had an open Saturday (June 7th) the day before the Bethel Rivr Race. A 50 would provide another marathon opportunity in New England after tuning up at the Clinton! Ha! It is a beautiful paddle. Deep water and shallow. Moderate current. Ample access and accommodations. Did I mention NO PORTAGES?
It doesn't have to be a true 50! It is what ever it is. 45 miles or so. No buoys required. Turn around Wheelers Island and finish upstream at the boat launch. Sweep boats could operate in two "shifts". Gorham to Bethel and Bethel to the finish.
The Androscoggin "50" seems worthy of the effort.
I am hoping to hear from other paddlers who agree and have some ideas to offer toward establishing this event.
We enjoy this river. Paddling it is a pleasure with or without a race. There would be no races to attend if someone didn't put them on. That was what got us motivated to "sponsor" the original Machias River Race. The same is true today. Jeff sure gets it. With a possible sponsor in Bethel and this beautiful venue we should have a race!
We will be there in a pro boat, date to be determined, and will welcome fellow paddlers who want to be part of the Second Androscoggin 50, the first leg of the Triple Crown of Maine.
