au Sable Canoe race

[Ferris_StateHunter]

I visited parmalee bridge this weekend for what turned out to be a good tube trip, and happened to see the canoers going by. But my question for everyone is what should i do or who should I talk to about training or preparing to try this. Definately I am always up for new challenges and this seems like it would be a good thing to try. Maybe if anyone could give me some "expert advise" or any direction to help me out it would be greatly appreciated.

[2PawsRiver]

Can't help you with that but if your looking to give it a shot next year, give me a holler....would like to try it just for the experience.:)

[Ferris_StateHunter]

Most Definately... now only if we can get information about it. oh and start conditioning... yikes 120 miles!!

[Duckman1]

F-S Hunter,

Not an expert by any means but have seen the race an the canoes and equipment used. Get out your check book man! Those canoes are expensive! Most weigh around 30# +/-. Big time conditiong too. Paddlers keep up an almost constant pace of 60 strokes a minute. Then get out and carry canoe and all around the dams. I would like to try this also but man it looks grueling.:dizzy:

I would check out to see if the Grayling Chamber of Commerce has any thing on a website or call some of the liveries up there. I know there a quite a few locals who race in it.

I just noticed your from Flint. Do you know if Rocky's in Burton is still in business? They used to sell the canoes that are used in the races.

Good luck!

[toothycritter]

save some cash those canoes are very expensive

[ih772]

Yes, Rocky's is still in business and they carry a lot of kayaking equipment.

[Ferris_StateHunter]

Actually, my sister has a racing canoe, she lives in Eagle river wisconsin... She said I could use it and train untill i gained access to my own, Ebay galore lol. From what I am seeing he cheapest way to go about it as a newbie is buy a used one in good condition.

About the condition, yea I need to start now.. for sure I workout at school regularly and that should help, I just hope to come in contact with someone in the race to maybe find out what training ways to do.. I am not looking to win this thing, just accomplish and maybe have a new hobby. Maybe when I am a few years older and wiser I would try to get really good, but I will take that in stride..

Thanks for the info so far guys I appreciate it

[frenchriver1]

Make contact with the race paticipants who live in the area and speak to them about getting started. Simplest way, talk to an expert...

[Ferris_StateHunter]

Thanks for the info guys... I appreciate it

[gomer]

Oh boy, another canoer to blast by me at 20 MPH as I am waiting for the hexes to hatch...:lol:

Good luck man, too much work for me!!!

[252Life]

My wife and I have been talking about entering it for years...For right now I think it would be more fun to just paddle it on our own and take a few days doing it. I am an expert paddler and have portaged many many time but for me the best part about a float is the environment it puts me in. If I'm trying to do 70 strokes per min (winners said thats what they did) I would miss out on a lot. Pluss I don't see where one can fit the fly rod in those sleek racing canoes?:yikes:

Something to think about though....

Here is a link for the Michigan Canoe Racing Association. http://www.miracing.com/

There are other races besides the marathon. There are even races that have a recreational class where the $2,500 canoes are not allowed.

Good luck

[Hamilton Reef]

See http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1243753#post1243753

[Slider]

Anyone interested in this subject should check out the MCRA web site. It is a source to locate member/racers from your area, as well as a source for new and used equipment.

[jim84]

As a old canoe racer who did the marathon a few times. the mcra is the place to go, we had for years a group of paddlers in the flint area. some of us paddled all year long . i still have a few items left for training. iam now up in oscoda tawas area . will give help to any newbes send me a pm. jim