MR340

[timinmo]

This is a little off subject but as I am sure many of you know the MR340 starts today.  For those not familiar it is a paddle race on the Missouri River starting in KC and ending on the St. Charles river front.  There were something like 500-600 teams registered last I looked.  In recent races the winning teams have paddled straight through in something like 30 to 40 hours for the 340 miles.  Most teams will take a more leisurely pace and stop for sleep at various places along the route.  There are several classes for both canoes and kayaks.  Everyone must finish by Friday, I think about 7:00 PM.  Among the racers are my sons Seth and Dan, this is their first attempt at this and the desire is to finish, many teams don't, winning is not on their radar.  Anyway if you happen to be near the Missouri River in the next few days and see lots of canoes and kayaks it is the racers, why not give them a thumbs up.   If you see a black Bell canoe number 6623 it is my sons, you can tell them I'm worried. 

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

Sounds very neat.  I heard a couple people talking about it yesterday.  

[Johnsfolly]

My wife and I have discussed participation in this event ever since the first one. Never did put it together. Would be a scary and fun at least for the first 40 miles or so then a grind for the next 300!

[moguy1973]

River is still a little up from all the rain earlier last month and the water they are releasing from upstream dams in South Dakota.  Should make for a fast race though.

[snagged in outlet 3]

It's bank full in St Charles

You'd be surprised how many people float the MO in St Charles County.  The new float company in Defiance really packs em in sometimes.

[ozark trout fisher]

Had a buddy of mine compete in that a couple years back. He didn't win, but was very competitive. Described it as the most difficult/grueling thing he'd ever attempted.

I'd like to try it sometime, though the goal would definitely be just to finish.

 

[timinmo]

As an update my sons spent the night in Miami.  104 miles from the start.  Will have to see how today goes.

[Flysmallie]

10 minutes ago, timinmo said:

As an update my sons spent the night in Miami.  104 miles from the start.  Will have to see how today goes.

This is cool. Good luck to them. 

[timinmo]

Well they passed Glasgow around 10:30 AM.  That is about 40 miles from where they spent the night.  They had planned on spending tonight at Cooper's Landing which is about 40 miles from where they are now.  If anyone is interested they can track racers on "Race Owl"  My son's boat number is 6623.  I hope I am not upsetting people with this but it is a way for me to burn some nervous energy.  I think all you parents understand, even though they are adults you never stop worrying.   

[Flysmallie]

They are covering some water! How many boats are in the race?