https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/7064795008
https://strava.app.link/9bLpVNy7Mhb
I set out last weekend intent on paddling the full 12 hrs. 9 hrs later my legs had finally had enough of the Canada day long weekend boat traffic and I called it a day. With a 5 hr paddle up and back down the Big East river that included a fastest 5km personal best today I now have a 2 part submission. I literally have Muskoka River X’s new race in my back yard The Huntsville 110.
The whole course is neutral any downriver paddling has a return up or a trip up for fun downriver. And 4 lakes that could be choppy from any direction from wind and more so boaters. Part 1 down to Port Sydney was early July 3 and fairly calm. Once I hit Mary lake winds picked up and I headed into the wind. Took a break in Port Sydney and chatted with a kayaker doing the 510km virtual challenge lost about 30 mins here but gained some rest and now had a slight tail wind taking me right back to the mouth of the Muskoka River to head back up. Made the one portage that you do both ways and headed across Fairy Lake towards Pen Lake. By now boat wake had both lakes a choppy mess of boat and confused waves crashing around every direction. I made it home to my launch just after 9 hrs on the water.
Part 2 July 10 with significant rainfall last 2 weeks I headed across Lake Vernon to the Big East river. There’s usually a beach at the mouth of the river that was gone today under water and I knew then I had a chance to Run the Fastest 5 km on the way down. The water levels were Mint👌Usually a mine field of logs and trees to clip on but water was high and hazards few. I had 3 real OH CRAP moments I just avoided 3 branches that were just under the surface and could of sent my flying off the board going 10-11.5 avg down river. It was a busy day on the river with many paddlers and floaters taking advantage of the current. One campground had everyone on the beach so I had some cheering going up and even more on the return down as I went for a sub 30min 5km section. Continued down river back to lake Vernon to a washing machine of waves for the return home. Heading into the Vernon narrows I could hear a boat approaching closely behind me slowing down so I look over and it was the OPP haha they wave and I wave back then they proceed to floor it and take off leaving me shrugging why lol they just swamped me with the biggest wave I’ve had to deal with all day it’s about 5 ft high and coming side on now some 30 ft away maybe! I live in Muskoka im used to it now just not from the police 👮♀️ lol.
This 12 hr race is perfect training to get ready for HV 110 and the KPQ 50km anyone sitting on the edge about doing marathon distance races this 12 hr is a great training tool and test to challenge yourself physically and mentally.
Good luck to all racers and have fun challenging yourself to new levels 🤙💪💪👊
Note: Cdn Pdl League kept part one for the official results (within a single 12-hr window).
MustokaPaddler
