How Did It Go?

Post your favorite canoe race experiences whether you paddled the Kenduskeag or were a spectator/vulture earlier today.

Who knows - some of these stories might actually be true!

Lost & Found Box

This is the place to post your lost & found items after the Kenduskeag.

Paddlers should be as clear in their descriptions as possible (and hopefully you labeled your boats and paddles before the race).

Thanks in advance to all of the thoughtful people who find lost items along the stream and mention them here for their owners to retrieve.

Stream Conditions Report Coming Soon

UPDATE 4/14:

I walked along portions of the stream today and will post photos and comments tomorrow. I simply ran out of time this evening! But in a nutshell, I would say that the stream is on the low side of medium, and I would characterize the flow as "mellow". The water levels are certainly good enough for a fun race and at the same time the conditions are mild enough to appeal to first time paddlers looking to take part this Saturday. An easygoing stream this year in many respects, and we can expect it to drop even further before race day. More on this tomorrow.

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If you have scouted the stream (especially the rapids) please write in the comments area about your impressions and observations. People from out of town - in fact, out of the country - will be grateful.

PS - the shot above was taken at the Marsh Stream Canoe Race near Frankfort/Winterport. Nice race on an Easter Sunday. It was the second leg of the "Maine Whitewater Weekend", with the first leg being the Souadabscook Stream Canoe Race on Saturday. Keep it in mind for next year if you weren't there!

No TV Coverage Of Kenduskeag Race

No need to set the VCR or Tivo this year if you are doing the race.

WABI-TV (Channel 5 in Bangor) has decided not to provide television coverage of the 2009 Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race due to budget priorities. (Story here)

The race will be broadcast on the radio and streamed on the web, however:

"For the 13th straight year, Bangor all-sports radio station WZON (620 AM) will provide live coverage of the race on radio. It will also stream live coverage on the internet (www.zoneradio.com). Coverage will start at 8 a.m."

Register For The 2009 Race Online!

The Bangor Dept. of Parks & Recreation released the latest preregistration form for the 2009 Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race.

Download it here. (PDF file)

Wouldn't it be cool if you could register for the race online?
Well, now you can! Check it out here.

Recreation program director Tim Baude mentioned that the traditional preregistration (ie., walking into the Parks & Rec office with your form and your check) is still an option, but many might prefer the convenience of registering directly online.

Whether you register online or in person, remember that registering early saves you time & money. ($18 per paddler for preregistration; $35 per paddler if you wait until race day).

Share Your Kenduskeag Stories & Yarns

My blog is going into hibernation until March, 2009.

In the meantime, I invite you to read through all of the archived blog entries and associated comments.

And please share (via comments) your favorite canoe race experiences, memories, anecdotes or observations whether you paddled the Kenduskeag or were a vulture. From any year.

I'll check in from time to time and I will compile your stories for posterity in the Kenduskeag website for next year.

Later days, amigos! Keep your paddle in the water.
-Mike

2008 Kenduskeag Race Results Now Online

Bangor Parks & Recreation released the race results for the 2008 Kenduskeag today.

Kenduskeag Race Results (2008) - this is a PDF document.

Bangor Daily News Race Video & Article

And I'd be remiss in my blogging duties if I failed to mention John Holyoke's post race article.

Kenduskeag Water Lookin' Good For All Paddlers!

Over 700 paddlers are registered for the 2008 race, not counting race day registrations!

Powerhouse paddlers Robert Lang (eleven time winner of the Kenduskeag) is returning to the Kenduskeag this year, and Trevor McLean will be participating in this year's race as well.

And from today's Bangor Daily News, quoting Bangor Parks & Recreation director Tracy Willette:

"I think the stream is at a pretty good level for everybody. Not too low, not too high," Willette said. "I think it’s going to be a pretty good course for everybody. I think the technical paddlers, the experienced paddlers, will enjoy it, and I think the beginners and recreational paddlers will have a good course to run."

Read the rest of John Holyoke's article here for more information and last-minute tips!

Group Paddle Today, And You're Invited!

The general public is invited to participate in a hands-on "preview" of the whitewater sections of the Kenduskeag Stream today!

Meet up near the area where the Kenduskeag Stream enters the Penobscot River (near the Sea Dog) at 4pm. You and your boat will be shuttled to Six Mile Falls, and you can paddle your way back to town under the guidance and tutelage of experienced paddlers who will go at your pace and skill level. Bring a dry change of clothes for when you get back to town!

This event is hosted by MaCKRO, the Maine Canoe & Kayak Racing Organization.

PS - on race day (Saturday) a special open house event will take place at the Sea Dog restaurant following the race, at 3pm. There will be snacks and live entertainment provided for anyone who wishes to attend after the race. And if you'd like to join MaCKRO, a special introductory rate of just five bucks will get you there.

Old Town Canoe Offers Prizes For Fastest Boats

Celebrating 110 years in the business, Old Town Canoe has offered to award a canoe to the fastest overall craft in this year's Kenduskeag, as well as an Old Town canoe to the fastest Old Town canoe, and an Old Town kayak to the fastest Old Town kayak in the race. Sweet!

Portage Update: Maxfield Mill Dam Area

As some of you know, there is construction underway at the Valley Avenue bridge, a project which is scheduled to last into June.

There have been some concerns about the construction site and materials impeding the mandatory portage at the Valley Avenue intersection area (known as the Maxfield Mill Dam). Plastic fencing, rebar rods and work trailers are in the path of the portage, for example.

However, Parks & Recreation and a supervisor at the construction site have both mentioned that there's no reason for concern. A path will be cleared through the construction site and the area will be made safe for a portage on race day. No worries!
PS - the water looked GREAT today! Should be a blast. Remember to preregister if you haven't already.

Thanks to Clayton Cole and Pat Davis for providing info.

2008 Kenduskeag TV & Internet Coverage

WABI-TV5 Bangor (CBS affiliate) will be broadcasting the race from the bridge at Six Mile Falls this year, and there will be a live internet stream available at www.watchmainesports.com for $9.95.

To get you stoked, there's a video clip of an Old Town Canoe advertisement combined with a short WABI-TV race promo here.