nymcra July - New York Marathon Canoe Racing Association

New York Marathon Canoe Racing Association
July 4, 2010
The Racing Paddler
Summer 2010
The spring run-off races have ended, we’re all heading to the lakes and
rivers, and of course, working on our tans!
In this Issue:
Have you checked out www.nymcra.org !
CannonBall 2010
Two people recount there experience in this years Cannonball effort
Paddle Blade Equals Paddle Anchor Equals Paddle Power
Marc Gillespie explains that paddle.
Note From the Prez
Happy 4th of July! As I send
this I am in Michigan preparing
to paddle their Traverse City
Race in preparation for my
second Ausable Canoe Marathon.
Hopefully I’ll be able to find
some fireworks to watch tonight!
We’ve already gone through
much of the canoe season all
ready, all the spring run-off races
are over, and a lot of our creeks
and rivers are starting to dry up.
Another 70 miler under out belts!
Hope yours met all your
expectations, I know mine did
(See my article on the 70 miler!)
Some of us are now gearing up
for Nationals, others for the
Michigan Marathon and the
Classique, and other are setting
their sights on the Adirondack
Canoe Classic, and for those over
achievers...all of the above!
Whatever your goals for the
summer, GOOD LUCK! and
happy paddling
~Holly Reynolds
Canton C-1 Race 2011 will have an extra large c1 purse
Next year Canton celebrates a big birthday!
Getting Chicked - the women’s Pro 70
And Much More!
This is YOUR NEWSLETTER and YOUR ORGANIZATION!
Please send your photos, articles, or photo and article
Page 1
New York Marathon Canoe Racing Association
July 4, 2010
A MESSAGE FROM GLEN VANDEWINCKEL
As everyone noticed, Glen was not present at Madrid
this year as he was undergoing some surgery, as I’m
sure everyone will be glad to here, Glen is feeling
much better and has even been out paddling; he
asked me to pass along this note to all of his friends
who were able to sign a card for him at Madrid:
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL MY
FRINDS WHO SIGNED THE CARD FOR ME
AT THE MADRID RACE. IT SEEMED
RATHER ODD SITTING AT HOME DURING
THE MADRID RACE AFTER PADDLING IT
FOR YEARS. THE OPERATION WENT WELL. I
AM GETTING BACK INTO SHAPE BIKING
AND CANOEING. AGAIN. SURE FEELS GOOD.
THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE GLEN.
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Page 2
New York Marathon Canoe Racing Association
July 4, 2010
ahead. One of my favorite analogies is to imagine a set of
vertical poles (paddle shafts) anchored in front of you in
the direction you want to go, with just enough distance
What is the real purpose of a paddle blade and also—
between them that you could propel yourself from pole to
why are shafts on racing paddles bent where the blade
pole. How would you best move from pole to pole? For
meets the shaft? To answer that, you must first realize
me it would involve reaching out as far as comfortable to
that when a proper canoe stroke is performed, the paddle
grab a pole, driving down on it very hard at the moment I
blade is NOT pulled through the water but rather the
had control of it and then releasing it to begin to reach
boat is pulled up to the paddle blade. Ideally the paddle,
for the next one—assume the bottom of the pole moves
once planted firmly in the water at the “catch” would not
very little or not at all. So—first of all—what if the poles
move at all but rather remain fixed in the water as firmly
were bent to one side or the other—or forward or back—
as if it were set in concrete. Today’s modern blade
especially randomly? What if I wanted to go left or right
shapes, most notably the Zaveral Power Surge, come very
slightly? I’d want a set of the same poles anchored in the
close to this—so close in fact that some paddlers don’t
direction I wanted to go. Same thing for a draw stroke! I
like the rock solid catch—as it makes them fatigue more
see too many paddlers putting on a pathetic lower arm
quickly (they are paddling more efficiently and getting
pulling match with the water as they ineffectively try to
more horsepower to the water rather than wasting it in
draw their boats one way or the other, while the upper
slippage).
arm is a crooked attachment to the paddle—doing very
So then onto the reason for the bent shaft as it works little. A draw stroke is identical to a forward stroke
in concert with the solid blade plant. Many reasons have
except for the angle to the canoe. A proper draw stroke
been forwarded to explain the reason for the bent shaft
will have the blade being anchored so that it is slightly
paddle from decreasing wrist fatigue, to reducing
angled out from vertical and the the lower arm will pull
shoulder pain and so on. For the truth, I harken back to a DOWN while the rigid upper arm also drives DOWN
conversation I had with the late Gene Jensen (pioneer of and slightly out. The effect is the boat moving up and
the bent shaft and many other innovations). Because
over to the blade (until it reaches near vertical—then
Gene understood very well what forces made a canoe go
there is no more support for the downward force) and
forward, he realized that the longer a maximum
then you withdraw the paddle and do it again or
downward force could be applied through a shaft to a
whatever. Any angle from straight ahead to a 90 degree
blade before the blade was vertical in the water, the faster draw is the same stroke.
a boat would go—all else being equal. Once a paddle
blade reaches vertical in the water, it will no longer
A sweep involves the same concepts. If I’m in the
support a downward thrust which results in paddlers
bow and want to go on “sides” to turn the boat to the
pulling rather than driving down. In fact the more the
right lets say, I’ll actually have the blade fairly close to the
blade goes past vertical, the more the paddler is pulling
the boat down in the water, impeding it’s progress and in boat with the blade tilted ever so slightly into the
boat(opposite of a draw) and up past my knee and I will
the process lifting unnecessary tons of water during the
course of a race. It’s when the blade is slightly forward of drive very hard down with both my torso through both
vertical (hence the angle) that the boat is actually brought arms until the blade is vertical—this drives the bow hard
to the right and gives the boat the rock solid feel
up to the paddle as downward force is exerted on the
necessary for effective cornering—especially when the
shaft. If you are a stern paddler and notice your bow
paddler creating huge whirlpools each stroke or worse yet boat is leaned up. Contrast this with the strung out arm
and torso sweeps you often see, where the paddle is so far
lifting a lot of water at the end of each stroke—they are
pulling past vertical and wasting energy—which will take away from the body that it’s tough to get ANY power to
it and the sweep continues through a huge arc well
it’s toll in a long enough race. Suffice it to say that many
different paddle angles have been tried over the years and beyond the blade being vertical—doesn’t work.
the current paddles seem to be the optimum degree bend.
Anyhow, I hope I’ve given you some food for thought.
The
blade and shaft combination on today’s best paddles
So, is this anchor concept only applicable to a
forward stroke? Absolutely not! One of my basic tenets is can give you some marvelous speed and control over your
boat—if you just take some time to understand what they
that all the strokes are slight angular deviations of the
(and you) are doing.
same power stroke you use in say the bow to go straight
Paddle Blade Equals Paddle Anchor Equals
Paddle Power -Marc Gillespie
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The Adirondack Canoe Classic Ninety Mile Cannonball As we paddled out of Browns Tract into Raquette Lake
Version (Paddle in one day) After a conversation at everyone remarked what a great day it was due to
Madrid between Chas Billingsley, Diana Billingsley,
water being tranquil. At approximately 10:30 we
Mike Skivington and Jim Minnie, the foundation was arrived at the Forked Lake campground with
laid to complete the ninety-miler in one day. Diana 31 miles completed. The portage around Buttermilk
and Chas are old pros at this as they have completed
Falls was long (3.6 miles) and we had informed our pit
three of these journeys. Jim and I, to be quiet frank, crew (my son Steve) that we would arrive at the Long
were intimidated by this challenge and wondered if we Lake Bridge at high noon. We hustled to get there on
had overstepped our limits. Oh, well, as you all know, time and it was great to get out of the boat and chow
Christopher Columbus took a chance and look where it down. Chas only let us rest for fifteen minutes and
got him.
then back on the water. Long Lake was long and rain
The date of June 26 was chosen as Chas said the stars greeted us along with some boat traffic. lined up and this would be optimal. Sounds good, yet Halfway down the lake Chas spoke up and said were
Jim and I still had skepticism written all over our faces. halfway. Jim and I just kind of had a blank stare as if to
say, "You've Got to Be Kidding".
Diana reassured us that it was not a race, yet an
ADVENTURE. We left the beach at Old Forge at
Upon leaving Long Lake and entering the Raquette
exactly 3:00 A.M. with clear skies, calm winds, and
River all of us perked up because we knew our speed
the moon shining brightly. The water was calm
would increase dramatically. We arrived at the
and aided by the light of the moon we paddled through Raquette Falls carry at approximately 3:00 p.m. (twelve
the Fulton Chain. We were met by Roger and Nancy hours into this craziness) and it seemed like it took
Dempster at the Seventh Lake campground who
forever to portage. We stopped at the Ranger's cabin
informed us that the previous day was so fog laden that for a quick rest and then back to the H2O. As
paddling would have been a real challenge.
we arrived at Stoney Creek we were met by Peter
Ross and his wife Hillary. Food and encouragement were
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March 7, 2010
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offered and gratefully accepted. After leaving
Stoney Creek and portaging through Indian Carry
we stumbled into our last pit stop. Chas in all his
infinite wisdom sputtered "We've only got
eighteen miles to go. Anybody can paddle this
distance" "OK Chas, we believe you", and
onward through Bartlett Carry and into Middle
Saranac. We met the Lockmaster at the upper
lock and she was encouraging yet wondering,
"What is with these people?" At this point the
time was approximately 7:30 pm and we wanted
to get around the lower lock before dark so we
hustled through Lower Saranac past the Route
Three bridge and arrived at the lower lock at 9:00
pm. "FOUR miles to go", sputtered Jim and we
Mike Skivington Conquers the Cannonball
By Chas Billingsley
March 7, 2010
agreed to follow the lighted buoys(swimming was
not part of the agenda) through Oseetah and
Lake Flower. Eighteen and a half hours into
this ADVENTURE (as previously outlined by
Diana) we arrived at the park in Saranac Lake. It
must be noted that Diana said we had to paddle up
to a small Cedar tree for this to be an official trip. To sum up this challenge-we had a blast and after a
conversation last night with Jim Minnie-we both
agreed this is a most worthwhile ADVENTURE. Both of us want to thank Chas and Diana for
their help, encouragement, and guidance. -Mike Skivington and Jim Minnie
awake and Roger was out walking the puppy. I believe
Nancy offered coffee and donuts but I was trotting ahead
with the boat and didn't hear the actual offer. A little
further on we came upon Roger who offered a good
morning and watched us wistfully as we passed. I could
tell he wished he were going with us.
Congratulations to NYMCRA member Mike Skivington
and his stern paddler Jim Minnie for completing their first
Cannonball – the non-stop paddle from Old Forge to
Saranac Lake. I know Mike is eager to do it again, so give
We paused at the end of the campground road for a quick
him a call and he’ll probably jump in the boat with you.
bite. 8th lake carried us to the Brown's Tract carry. Our
Diana and I were privileged to join them and, as in
wheels made short work of it as we rushed along,
previous years, we had a terrific time.
determined to reach Raquette Lake before the wind came
up. We wheeled right up to the end of the boardwalk and
We stayed in the Forge Motel and slept with our boat in
performed a few dance moves as struggled to get the
the room, loaded with gear, and strapped to the wheels. I
canoes in without impaling them on the poles that support
got about 3 ½ hours sleep before the alarm rang at 2:30.
the boardwalk. Mike and Jim were already in their boat
Diana and Jim got less than that. We left at 3:02 am. Jim
and anxious to go so they led the way across the 1st beaver
Minnie and Mike Skivington in Mike's Monarch; Diana
and I in our Jensen. The first miles across Old Forge Pond dam. Jim declaredhis intention to keep his feet dry all day
and through 2nd, 3rd, and 4th pond went by easily. We had which meant all beaver dams would be run rather than
plenty of light from a near-full moon and the house lights carried over. I think we found 4 beaver blockades in all
and were successful in hurtling over all 4. Water levels in
from the shore. The wind was very light and with the
Brown's Tract were good and, without the pressure of
ponds reflecting the moon light we were bathed in an
almost mystical glow. We reached Inlet in 1:50 and had to other boats around and less concerned about our time, we
pull out before the usual carry due to bridge construction. all performed better in Brown's Tract than we'd ever done
in the 90. Of course, there were no witnesses to this feat of
This gave us a longer walk through downtown Inlet and
paddling prowness.
the opportunity to test our wheel kits. The sun was
painting the sky as we boldly walked in the middle of the
Brown's Tract spit us out onto a placid lake. The sun was
road. At 5 am there is no traffic in Inlet.
coming on strong but the wind was almost non-existent.
We cruised through 6th lake and into 7th, both lakes dead We remarked on our good fortune but spoke in whispers
less the lake hear us and decide to teach us a lesson in
calm. We passed the time telling stories of how we'd all
humility. It is a long, long, long way across Raquette Lake
seen these lakes much less calm. We arrived at 8th Lake
and for Jim and Mike this was territory never paddled
campground at 6 am. Diana told us all to watch for
before. We took in the scenery and followed an unnamed
NYMCRA members Roger and Nancy Dempster's
and suspect waypoint in my GPS until we just about ran
campsite. Sure enough, we spotted their pop-up as we
wheeled through the campsite. Diana strode right up to the out of lake and there it was - the carry to Forked Lake.
Two big but friendly dogs greeted our arrival at the carry.
camper, knocked on the door, and asked what time
breakfast was served. To our surprise, Nancy was already The dogs were friendlier than the local property owner but
we quickly vacated the area and disturbed their territory
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reading this who wonders - yes, the
phone is still there at the end of the
carry road, and there is a dial tone.
dreading Stony Creek since in previous
Cannonballs we'd had low water and the
effort required to navigate Stony Creek
made me cry. This year we found
wonderful high water and the creek
At Forked Lake campground we paused passed without incident. As we paddled
for a substantial lunch, to pysch
into Stony Creek ponds we heard a
ourselves up for the long road carry, and trumpet playing Taps, followed by
to honor the 90-milers who used to
"Row, Row, Row your Boat". A
come this way back in the old days
resident of Corey's Road and friend of
when men were men. I asked for one
Jim's knew we would be coming
final vote whether to walk the entire
through and serenaded us as we passed.
road or to dodge in and out of the river
Our spirits boosted by the music we
using the overgrown portage trails. We
were at the old carry trail on Corey's
walk! was the response. So we walked, road in no time, headed for our
and we walked. My GPS recorded 3.5
scheduled 6 pm pit at the Upper
miles to the Deerfield leanto trail
Saranac end of the Indian Carry.
which got us back to the river. Water
levels in the river were good and we
Unfortunately we were ahead of
soon sighted the bridge at Long Lake.
schedule getting to the Indian Carry and
We were pitted at Long Lake beach by
Steven was a little behind schedule.
Steven, Mike's son, so we enjoyed cold We'd all been looking forward to the
drinks and snacks. Though the beach at real food, tasty snacks, and cold
Long Lake is slightly less than ½ way
beverages we'd left in the truck and it
we were feeling confident and laughing was a bit of a letdown to miss it. We
about being on our home turf. 1 hour
took stock of our remaining food and
fifty minutes later we were at the end of shared it out among ourselves. No big
Long Lake, having enjoyed a beneficial deal, we said, we were all feeling pretty
wind from behind for most of the lake.
good. I retrieved the gallon of water I'd
Mike announced he needed to stretch
stashed in the woods, filled my water
and we all agreed that was a good idea. bottle, and asked if anyone else needed
We pulled over just beyond the rock at
water. Receiving no reply, I dumped the
Cold River - which my GPS measured
rest of the water and we headed for the
as exactly mile 50. Continuing on after next carry. As we approached the
a short break we reveled in the high
Bartlett Carry, Mike - who'd eaten less
water; the current added 2mph to our
than the rest of us - announced he was
forward motion so we reached the
out of water! I was feeling less than
Racquette Falls carry in short order.
alert by now and not sure how to
We hand carried the boats to the
respond to this but Diana quickly shared
highpoint of the trail then switched to
some of hers. Diana and Jim observed
wheeling. On the carry we passed a
that Mike and I were being very quiet
group of teenagers carrying royalex
and they correctly surmised we were
canoes over the trail. They offered us
both very tired. I went ahead with the
money for our wheels but the offers
boat on the Bartlett Carry but I could
were too low for real consideration.
hear Diana behind me, walking next to
We stopped at the cabin where caretaker Mike, joking with him and bucking up
Gary Valentine had left us a gallon of
his spirits.
water and gatorade. No one liked my
choice of color for the gatorade so I
It was a quieter crew that pulled away
wound up dumping it. Hope it didn't
from the Bartlett Carry. We knew how
kill the grass there.
close we were but the fun factor was
fading. We surfed across Middle
Continuing on, we sidewaked the 6
Saranac to the upper locks. The
miles down to Stony Creek. I'd been
attendant at the locks was interested in
our appearance and asked how far we'd
come. When Jim replied "from Old
Forge" the attendant laughed and said
"Oh, you're doing that 24 hour thing!"
To which we replied, "No we are doing
it in less than 24!"
Sunset came upon us as we reached
Lower Saranac. But this really was
home territory and the different
landmarks very familiar to us. We'd
come a long way and now we had less
than the distance of the Round the
Mountain race to finish it up. The only
obstacle remaining was the short carry
around the lower locks. Jim and Mike
accomplished this smoothly - although
Mike was a whole lot quieter than he
usually is! Diana and I had to double
the carry because I was too tired to
carry the boat with the wheels and gear
in it. I must admit to a brief breakdown
in communication and a snappy
exchange between the two of us during
the carry but all was forgotten and
forgiven - I hope - when we were back
on the water and heading for Lake
Flower. Jim wanted to head through the
stump fields to shorten the distance but
I flat out refused to do so. So we
followed the channel markers, amazed
that we saw not a single motor boat
along the way.
It was full on dark by now but we had
no trouble finding Lake Flower and the
cedar tree that marks the end of the
Cannonball. We were met by Mike's
son Steven, NYMCRA member Peter
Ross and his wife, and a few other kind
souls who lifted our boat to the roof
rack and strapped it on for us. I was
completely burnt and I think Mike
would say the same, while Jim and
Diana were way too chipper for having
done that distance.
Boats loaded and paddles stowed, we
said our goodbyes and drove to the
local Stewarts, where I purchased a ½
gallon of chocolate chip ice cream
which became the basis for the giant
smoothie I drank before falling asleep
on the couch with the glass in my hand.
START A GROUP - Dave Sennett
I would like to take this opportunity to relate to you
some of my experiences I have had since I joined the
Forge Racing Team. Hopefully maybe this will pique
your interest into joining or starting a group of your
own.
I started with them a little over a year and a half
ago, and I can’t believe the different things I have done
and accomplished since then. There is no certain
criteria to join the group. Just a good attitude and the
need to have fun. The Forge crew is a diverse group, in
that there are Male and Females, age 20 to 60, 5’ 4
inches to 6” 4inches, 120 pounds to 220 pounds. In
other words anyone and everyone can be in a group.
When I first went there I was a little apprehensive
about working out with these “elite” persons. There
was no worry at all. I was taken in and helped along like
I was a long lost relative. I received more support than
I could ever had imagined. Whenever I go there I seem
to set a PR in at least 1 thing that I do there at the
Forge. Just the harmony and support of the crew is
electrifying and charges you up. While some of the
crew can lift double the weight I can, they always take
the time to help me do more myself.
There is also support outside of the Forge. If you see
any Forge racers at a race there is always a cheering
section for them, besides the words of encouragement
they give each other. If there is a Pit Stop at the race
you never see just 1 helper, there are many there to help.
I know I look forward to being on the Ausable
Marathon pit crew for the Forge Teams racing there.
Some day I may do the race, but in the meantime I will
be there for them to support and help in any way I can.
Canoe racing isn’t the only thing going on at the
Forge. There is run training year around, and skiing in
the winter. Since joining them I have been doing
running races. They even got me to run my first
Marathon. There is even fund raising at many of the
races we do. Creek cleanups whenever needed. You
name it and we can make it a fun event together.
So, what is my point to all this? Many hands make
light work and make it more fun. Join or start a group
now. More people around make for more fun. It also is
easier to train harder if you have some friends to help
push and support your efforts. Watch the Forge Team
at any race and you will see them with a smile on their
faces. Sometimes they win sometimes they don’t, but
they are always having fun.
SUPPORT NYMCRA!
For all the latest news, photos, races and results, please visit
www.nymcra.org
WHAT DOES MARC GILLESPIE DO
WHEN HE ISN’T PADDLING?
He helps his clients achieve their financial goals!
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his clients risk profile to design programs primarily dealing with
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Diversification does not guarantee against loss.
MAC’S AND NYMCRA INTRODUCE THE 200 & 400- MILE PADDLERS FOR 2009
Some people just cannot get enough of paddling! welcome to other paddlers who are interested in
This year 26 paddlers completed more than 200
checking out the paddling events across New York
miles of racing in New York State and ten completed State.
more than 400 miles, and applied for recognition of
their achievement and membership to an elite club.
There are just a few simple rules to qualify for
The emphasis is on paddler participation and
the
clubs: 1) All races are from a single paddling
checking out races across New York State, though
season. 2) At least 200 miles must be from New York
some of our 400-mile paddlers went as far as the
State Races. 3) You must finish the race for it to
Yukon to earn their second 200 miles and register
count. 4) You must fill out an application available on
over 400 miles in the competitive seat! The
macscanoe.com. These paddlers spend a lot of time
youngest and newest member of the club is 10 year
in the seat, represent the best our sport has to offer,
old Royal McDonnell who completed the
and collectively encourage greater participation in
Adirondack Canoe Classic with his sister Amelia,
paddle sport. mother Grace and friend Betsy McGettigan. The
eldest 200 mile club member we believe to be John
Jackson, but the carbon dating results were
inconclusive! Congratulations to all participants and
200-MILE PADDLER CLUB
400-MILE PADDLER CLUB
Linda Cooley
Royal McDonnell
Chas Billingsley
Bob Cooley
Mike Skvivington
Holly Crouch
Ed Greiner
Roy Keats
Pam Fitzgerald
Cythia Jackson
Bruce Codington
Kerry Newell
Craig Hadden
Kevin Berl
Roger Henry
Richard Hall
Kim Greiner
Alec Davis
Tim Henning
Harold Stata
GLen Vandewinckel
John Ders
Dave Donner
Brian Watson
Andrew Jillings
Chris Donner
Fred Goodnough
Peter Ross
Rob McCormick
Brian McDonnell
May Houck
Diana Billingsley
John Jackson
Don La Fever
Grace McDonnell
Amelia MeDonnell
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF NEW YORKS
200 and 400 Mile Participants!!!
Forge
Racing
Forge Racing
brings you 4
PERFORMANCE ENHANCING VIDEOS!
Paddling Technique
!
(39 Minutes) Packed with dryland technique tips and narrated race footage of top !pros,
!
designed to help you do it right!
Power Routine
!
(39 Minutes) Power building exercises designed to enhance your POWER!application on the
!
paddle.
Cardio Medley
!
(53 minutes) Multiple indoor activities designed to build and maintain ENDURANCE in the
!
off-season.
Forge KB-300
!
(21 Minutes) Heart-pounding, non-stop action, fusing 15 different kettlebell exercises with
!
20 or more repetitions to build POWER, STRENGTH and STAMINA like nothing else can!
Videos are $25.00 each, all costs included.
Forge Racing now has two exciting RACE VIDEOS!
These two exciting videos of the 2009 General Clinton and 2009 Adirondack Canoe Classic feature
the top teams of the 70 and also the war canoe race of the 90, featuring Forge Racing members.
See Forge Racing Website for pricing.
NOW AVAILABLE through FORGE RACING:
Apparel and Accessories:
!
Hats - brushed microfiber mesh, white or black $18.00 each (+ $3.95 shipping)
!
Microfiber Activewear T-shirts - printed front,
back and on each sleeve. White. !$30.00 !
each (+
$3.95 shipping)
And NEW! C-1 Canoe
covers designed by
Holly - an innovative
windshield to keep your feet warm in a C-1 in sub zero weather.
Waterproof, windproof covers tested in freezing Rochester weather
provide excellent protection for your feet and make winter paddling
much more tolerable! Attach by velcro tabs, excellent
craftsmanship.$40.00 each(+ $3.95 shipping)
Contact Marc GIllespie, NFPT Certified Personal Trainer at
[email protected] or (585)732-1024 or send check to Marc Gillespie, 236 Nunda Blvd,
Rochester NY 14610
FROM BOW TO STERN
Well, it’s that time again. Another newsletter and
another column. We are now in the second half of the
season, or the post “70” season as I like to call it. For
those of us that start thinking and paddling in February,
4 months ago, there are about 4 months left. Most of us
concentrate on getting ready for the 70 and training
mostly with our 70 partner. Now that that is over it is
time to look back and see how we did and make plans for
the rest of the season. Who will we paddle with, and
what classes, and what races. Now is the time to do
something different to expand your paddling horizons. I
know I have done some new stuff and had a ball doing it.
I have done all my races in the Open Class no matter who
I paddled with or even when I did C1. Last year at the
nationals I paddled with a female partner in the Adult/
Youth Race. I did that race with Katie Donovan. This
year I did my first ever Amateur Mixed race with
Danielle Gillespie, and then my first Mixed Pro Race
with Adrienne Gillespie. Both races were a lot of fun and
I couldn’t have picked better partners for my first time. I
did a C1 Pro race in PA. At the T-Elm race. I think
anyone who doesn’t do a C1 Pro race is really missing out
on a great experience. Did I win? Not even close. But I
can now tell just how much difference there is between
me and the top paddlers. They are having a quick(?) 5
mile C1 Pro race before the regular race at the Rochester
Armond Bassett Race. Everyone who owns a C1 should
enter. Find out just how close you can finish to the top
guys. Paddle along side them and you are bound to pick
up on something that will help you to become a better
paddler. If this race is not good for you, the next week
there is a C1 Pro Race on the second day of Electric City.
No excuses this year, GO FOR IT!
There are still enough Points Races left to get in your
five to qualify. Hope you make it. Also plenty of races
left to do with a different partner. Make it a goal to do 3
races with 3 different partners.
I know right now quite a few NYMCRA Paddlers are
training to do the Ausable Canoe Marathon. If you have
vacation coming and nowhere to go, you should go and
watch this race. This race and the hoopla all around it is
one of the most exciting races I have ever gone to. It’s
not a race it’s an EVENT. I will again this year be on the
Forge Racing pit crew (see “Start a Group’ elsewhere in
this Newsletter). For those of you who have never heard
of this race, it is about 120 miles long, starts at 9 PM and
goes 15 to 19 hours overnite into the next day. It is billed
as the longest 1 day race in North America, and the
toughest spectator race anywhere.
Speaking of long races, I hope everyone has their
partner and is signed up for the 90 miler. I know I’m
ready for another fun race. So, with that I will close for
now. Keep up with the web Site, and send in those pics
and stories.
Play hard or stay home
David Sennett
2011 CANTON CANOE WEEKEND INCLUDES EXTRA LARGE C-1PRO PURSE
The first planning meeting for next year’s Canton
Canoe Weekend and the 50th Rushton Memorial
Races was held June 29. The Rushton Memorial Races
and Canton Canoe Weekend were started to recognize
the work of Canton boat builder J. Henry Rushton.
There will be a focus on his work during the race
weekend thru displays of original Rushton canoes, boat
building and the like as well as early Rushton races. A
number of the original organizers and participants are
still residents of Canton and are invited to be involved
in the planning and the event. There is also a call out
for Rushton and antique canoes, as well as memorabilia
and pictures from the races from the past 50 years. The
dates for the 2011 weekend are May 6-8.
original Rushton craft event. In the park will be tenting
for displays of: students’ Rushton projects; the Land
Trust/River Stewards’ Project; sample boat building and
paddle making; safe canoeing/kayaking; paddling clinics
and on water activities.
The weekend will start with the running of the original
Rushton course from Pyrites to Canton Island Park
(also known as Willow Island) in Canton on Friday
afternoon. This 5-mile course will feature a touring
event for those who just want to just paddle the original
course and a “racing” event for those who want to
compete. There are a growing number of marathon
racers who want to challenge each other on the ‘old’
course which includes several Class II rapids. The
Friday event will coincide with festivities on the island
and the unveiling of a wood carving of J. Henry
Rushton and a reception at Rushton Place in the
renovated building at the head of Rushton Falls, river
right, next to the bridge over the Grasse River.
The business community has long supported this
Canton event. They have been encouraged to be a part
of the planning stages as is everyone who loves Canton
and canoeing. It has always been a goal to encourage
young paddlers, family paddling and paddling for
fitness. These goals will still be at the forefront for the
50th. Teachers and students will be approached to take
part in the history of the river, Rushton and canoeing in
Canton and to participate in river steward projects as
well as participate in the on-water events. Community
groups will also be approached to take on some aspect
of the weekend.
Saturday and Sunday’s event formats will be similar to
previous years’ starting and finishing at Taylor Park.
These are a 5-mile recreational canoe/kayak event
Saturday morning and a recreational canoe relay race
Sunday afternoon. There will also be some special
events on the water including a flotilla, antique and
The Saturday afternoon C-1 Pro and Amateur event has
over the years drawn the top paddlers in the country
and Canada. A concerted effort will be made to bring
them all together for the 50th and make it a race to be
remembered. Preliminary planning involves a C-1Pro
purse bigger and deeper than any in the past. The C-2
Pro and Amateur event on Sunday morning will feature
many of the same paddlers.
The newly formed committee is open to more ideas to
help celebrate the Rushton Races, one of the oldest
races in the country. The contact for the 50th is Chuck
Bolesh, [email protected], 315-379-9241 or CCW, PO
Box 284, Canton for more information or to share
ideas. Information and announcements will be posted
at www.slvpaddlers.org.
SUPPORT NYMCRA!
For all the latest news, photos, races and results, please visit
www.nymcra.org
Getting Chicked by Holly
Reynolds
Two years ago, in a record shallow
year, I teamed up with Gloria Wesley
to win the Women’s Pro 70. It truly
was phenomenal, Gloria and I match
up really well, and it being a low year, I
was sure that we would be able to pick
off teams late in the race.
Aside: Why would a team pray for
low water? Because...I am in shape to
go as long as the race needs to go, so I
don’t care about having the race be
over quicker, all I care about is
finishing as high in the standings as I
can. And for me and Gloria, low water
is great because we are a light team, so
we won’t suffer as much drag as a
heavier team, and also, late in the race,
say...after Wellsbridge, when the
bottom comes up, Gloria and I should
be feeling well enough to pop the boat
and perhaps drop a few mens teams.
But I digress...before that race 2
years ago, I told Gloria that I had two
goals, 1) be in the top 20, the previous
best that can be found (records aren’t
really kept of womens finishes) was
25th, I was confident that Gloria and I
could better that and 2) Beat all the
mixed teams. They were goals, and I
knew that they were going to be
hard...but that being said, that was the
goal. Gloria and I never have a good
start, we just bob around in the
waves...but we know that...so we just
buckle down after the hospital and
start passing. The other thing about
racing womens is...you never have any
idea what place you are in. So, when
we finished two years ago...it wasn’t
until we saw the results that we
realized that not only did we beat all
the mixed teams...we had finished in
17th place!
Since that year, I’ve raced bow a
lot more, and have found it to be the
place I can do the most damage, so I
thought Gloria and I should give it
another go. I was pretty sure we could
do better. When scouting the river a
couple days before, I asked Gloria if
she had any goals this year, she told me
”Oh just to have fun” I have raced with
her enough to know, that she’s always
having fun...but she means business. I
told her I have a couple goals too, I’ll
tell you
after the
race.
This
year
again, we
didn’t
have the
best start
ever,
coming
off the
lake
something
like 28th or 29th, behind three mixed
teams and one women’s team. It took
us a while to catch up the women’s
team, and then around Oneonta had
passed all the mixed teams (a much
deeper field than 2 years ago). And
then rode with Jeff Shultis and Josh
Schlafer for a couple of hours. Below
Unadilla, Gloria and I were able to pull
away by just a bit and were able to
hold it to the finish. In the last few
hours of the race, when my mind
started to wander, I guessed what
place we were in. I was unable to see
anyone ahead of us, but I knew that it
was a pretty loaded race, I figured we
were in the twenties..but still was
proud of what we had done, as we
pulled the boat out of the water my
mom greeted me with I’m not
sure...but I think you were 15th.
FIFTEENTH! I immediately
turned to Gloria and said...now I have
to tell you my goals. I thought we
could beat all the mixed teams and
come in 15th. WHAT?!?!?! You really
thought we could beat Al and Barb?;
Gloria screamed.
It really was a perfectly run race
for Gloria and I, we did finish 15th and
feel we did the best we possible could
have done, 14th was almost 13 minutes
faster than us, and we never would
have been able
to beat them.
Maybe there is
something
special with a
women’s team
in an
endurance
event, maybe
we just burn
energy more
efficiently then
the men and
over the course
of 8 or 9 hours that makes a huge
difference. Maybe when men see that
a women’s team is coming they work
to hard to try not to let us pass and
end up burning up. Maybe Gloria and
I just click.
Anyhow, I heard a interview on
the radio the other day of Chrissie
Wellington, arguably the best female
triathlete the other day. And she
referred to being passed by a girl as
“being chicked”. I like it.
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