Canoe – Kayak Marathon winner
Congratulation to Little Current’s Steve Arthurs who won the 9 km, recreational kayak division of the Sudbury Fitness Challenge’s annual Canoe and Kayak Marathon last weekend. The speedy double-blader repeated as the 9km winner over the very tough course that starts and finishes in Lake Ramsey but has a couple of portages and a nasty slog through a swamp to make the 9km loop. Steve conquered the course in just 1:07! The speed and endurance needed for that effort will hold him in good stead for the much shorter kayak leg of this Sunday’s Mindemoya Classic (see bottom of column!). Go, Steve!
Erhardt at Pan Am’s
Caroline Erhardt, who hails from Espanola, will be familiar to many Islanders who would have competed with or against the phenom who is just now finishing her university competitive career. She will be competing at the 2015 Pan Am Games this summer in Toronto this summer. The local triple-jumper has established herself as the best hop, step and jumper in the country with her recent ‘personal best’ jump of 13.08 metres! Good luck, Caroline!
Mindemoya Classic Sunday!
The 13th annual ‘run, paddle and pedal’ triathlon is ready to go this coming Sunday morning, (July 5). Registration is easiest online (www.mindemoyaclassic.com), but organizers can get you set up on race-day starting at 8 am. Part of Central Manitoulin Lion’s Homecoming Weekend, the event includes a 5.5k run, 4k paddle and a 13k bike ride. The challenge can be completed as a team of four, part of a pair or all on your own with a canoe or kayak. With that being said, there are always “unranked” teams who like to get creative with the categories. So, if you have a team of three or five and it is the difference between you participating or not, you are more than welcome to enter. There are no division bragging rights, but it is all about being active and having fun so, why not you still get your t-shirt and still have a chance at draw prizes?
It is great to see the Classic inspiring people to be more active and even, preparing ahead of time. Last spotted training, before press time was Grade 5 student Zoe Redmond who had finished her workout and had to wait for her Mom Marie Ford to finish hers (okay, biking vs. running might not be fair, but…!).
Finally, the event could not last all this time without the tireless help of a great bunch of volunteers. If you are not up for competing in the race why not consider joining the ranks of those that make it all possible. T-shirts and draw prizes are in the offing. You can contact organizers from the website or just show up on Sunday morning when you can.
Northern Ontario Obstacle Challenge
Do you prefer your teammate to do the bulk of the hard work during a competition? Slacking a little bit on your back-check in hockey, don’t make that dive in doubles tennis, slacking a bit in a canoe race? It is a bit difficult to fake it for too long on a team. How about a sport while riding a horse? They don’t know you are just along for the ride, right? I’m sure many equestrians would gladly put me in the saddle to prove me wrong, as I have been told, every good rider puts in every bit as much work as the horse does during a competition. Want to give it a test? Why not enter the Northern Ontario Obstacle Challenge this coming Saturday at the Honora Bay Riding Stable?
The obstacle challenge is an outdoor (rain or shine) challenge. In this event it is not based on speed but control of your horse through numerous horse-taxing obstacles that most horses shy away from like fluttering flags, tight gates, random noises and water hazards to name a few. For more information email Kyla at kyla@hbrstable.com or call her at 705-368-6032.
A good sport is good for sports.
705-377-6018 – chipstoquips@gmail.com
