It was a gorgeous day for racing or doing anything on the water for that matter.
The temp was perfect with a breeze and the sun was kept in check by many cooling
clouds. The Challenge is always a well organized and entertaining race and this
year was no exception. Thanks Alycia!

I arrived around noon to a flurry of activity. The float in participants were
streaming in which made for great people and vessel watching. There was
everything from inner tubes to Huck Fin style rafts with two story structures
adorned with fake palm trees. One ingenious "floater" *snicker* had combined a
triangular raft with a bicycle to afford pedal power. He had one wheel mounted
to the front and handles in the back to allow for wheel barrel style transport
when on land. Awesome! Now to mount a wheel on the front of my kayak and
install clip -on mounts on the rear sides for my paddle halves.

Saw many of the regulars (Mike, Chris, Ron, John, Kent, Pattie, Judy...) and
some new faces (Ben, Heather, Kim, Dave). I seriously have more fun before and
after the race. Chris brought his entire flotilla to lend out. He single
handedly outfitted a good 10% of the racers. Kent was sporting a fabulous new
cedar race boat that he built this winter. It is 20' x 20" and stunning.
Congratulations Kent! Not sure what happed to Jeff P. but he was missed.

So sorry to hear of Kathy's tragic fall. Getting the gear to and from the water
is the hardest part of this sport. Knowing her only sporadically, after having
first met her at this event in 2007, I gathered she is a very tough cookie and a
little thing like surgery will barely slow her down. I wish her the speediest
of recoveries.

Mike and I palled around together as usual meeting & greeting all the racers and
help one another with our gear. When it was time to enter the water Mike
insisted I launch first so he could help me (he is such a gentleman). As I
started to get into the boat Mike "subtly" reminded me that I would probably do
better in the race with a paddle. I quickly ran back to the car for my paddle
and a few other pieces of gear while others were forced to launch around my 20
footer.

We all finally were in the water and settled in behind the rec boats near to the
draw bridge to await the start. The local fire company had their water truck
set up to spray just up wind so we all enjoyed a light pre-race misting. Even
after the firemen caught on and decided a misting was not enough we were able to
maneuver just out of range.

The start was divided into two heats with the rec boats starting first. Seemed
a little backwards to me but there must be a reason. I liked it because I
rarely get to pass boats and this gave me a mile or so of ego boasting passing.
The second heat start was a bit disorganized since many thought there was to be
a third heat and were not quite ready. With no one at the start line the race
began.

I had a great start since I just happened to be near the front and was able to
get in behind Judy and her partner in their tandem race canoe (C1?). They put
off a nice wake and I rode it to upwards of 6.5 mph. for about a half mile until
they pulled away. After everything shook out I was alone as usual. At least
this time I was in sight of Jeff Lusk in his epic and felt that I may have a
chance to reel him in if he would ever slow down. He never did and proceeded to
pull away to around 3 minutes by the end of the race.

The tide was against us until the turn around so I settled into a very
inconsistent 5.3 mph average. The current is dramatically different depending
on which line you picked near curves in this very windy river. After the turn
the tide helped me speed up to a 6.5 mph average. I love out and back races
since you get a chance to see the leaders and greet your fellow competitors.
It's like a mini swarray except instead of cocktails and kakis its camel backs
and pfds. Also there is no chance for a lull in the conversation since it is
compressed into 5 second intervals. Mine mostly consisted of "looking good" and
letting others know how much further to the turn around. I also manage a few
pleasant words for many river side spectators. Speaking of pleasant words… I
managed to keep a few choice ones to myself for a few jet skiers and one very
ignorant motor boater pulling tubes. I was happy to hear that another racer did
voice my frustrations to that particular offender.
I felt great at the finish and was surprised to feel like I could paddle
further. Guess I should have left it all on the course, but I don't think it
would have done much to help me catch Jeff L. With no one in sight behind me
and had a rather leisurely race all in all.

I managed a second in my class. I was not able to stick around for the awards,
but Alycia was nice enough to present my medal in advance. There was not the
usual pomp and circumstance, but the feeling of a race well run was still in my
heart. Mike Eline was also nice enough pick up my medal at the ceremony so I
guess I am two for two. Maybe the 2nd will have to be recycled at this year's
Knot Race.


Jeff E.