Staff Writer
ASHLAND – Thirty paddlers pushed 16 boats into the Aroostook River for the two-day Aroostook River 60-Mile Canoe and Kayak Race hosted by North Star Search and Rescue. After a hearty breakfast at the Aroostook River Fish and Game Club in Ashland, the participants put in for their first leg to Presque Isle. The following day the canoers and kayakers completed the second leg from Presque Isle to Fort Fairfield.
Four boats propelled by their own endurance arrived at the Fort Fairfield finish within one day, finishing in just over six hours.
According to organizers, the event was a success. “Everyone that attended this year will be back next year,” said Randolph Michaud, chief of NS-SAR. “Most of them said this is a perfect river and the conditions were just right.”
The race also allowed the NS-SAR to test their communications plan for wilderness emergencies.
Individual race results follow: Open Race Canoe: 1, Francis Cyr and Will Sweetser 6:17:16; 2, Kenduskeag Stream Crew 6:20:21; 3, Jeff Owen 7:04:46; 4, Chip Loring and Ander Thibaud 7:05:23. Open Race Kayak: 1, H.I. Hasey and Jeff Sands 6:13:49. C-1 Male Canoe: 1, Jim Park 7:05:53; 2, Tom Towle 7:21:14. C-2 Mixed Couple: 1, Brad and Dawn Krog 6:51:37. K-1 Male: 1, H. Peter Murth 6:52:23; 2, David McCrossin 7:21:37; 3, Dan Baumert 8:11:28; 4, Chris Maple 8:23:46; 5, Dan Bourgoine 8:32:37; Chris Miller (first leg only) 3:51:17; Leo Freeman (first leg only) 4:43:23.
