St. George is alternative for Passy

Not even the impassable Passy can keep canoeists and kayakers from their appointed rounds.

With the Passagassawaukeag River in Belfast iced over, race director Dale Cross had a couple of choices for Saturday’s annual event. He could either cancel the race or move it. In the end, moving the race was better than having no race at all.

“We’re going to race on the St. George River again,” Cross said. “I just think this is a chance for some canoers to get in a river and compete.”

Cross looks at it from a couple of perspectives. The race can still be held and Maine Canoe and Kayak Racing Organization (MaCKRO) points can be awarded.

“We’re anticipating over 100 boats. We had a terrible weekend last week because of the [snow] storm,” Cross said.

Saturday’s second running of the St. George River Race begins on Route 131 in Searsmont at 11 a.m. Registration takes place 8:30-10:30 a.m. The fee is $10 per paddler.

Approximately 60 craft participated in last week’s St. George River Race in Searsmont.

“There were a lot of people looking forward to running that river who didn’t because of the storm. They’re looking forward to a second chance to run the river. It’s also a chance to better their times,” Cross said.

MaCKRO president Clayton Cole, says he expects a large turnout for the race despite the change in venue.

“I’m looking forward to paddling it. I think you might see some people who were at the St. George last week change classes this week,” Cole said.

Kayaker Jeff Sands of Kenduskeag was last week’s overall winner.

The lack of warmer, spring weather has also forced changes in a couple of other events. Sunday’s Marsh Stream Race in Frankfort has been rescheduled to May 5, as has the Gilman Falls Whitewater Rodeo in Old Town, which was to take place on April 14.

The Marsh Stream Sprint, originally scheduled for last Sunday, will now be held April 22.

The Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race, which draws the largest number of entrants, is scheduled for April 21. Cole said he has been paying close attention to the conditions at the stream.

Cole described the stream as having thick ice.

“There are some open spots. But it’s still cold at night with temperatures dropping into the 20s,” Cole said. “And the little spots that are open now, freeze right up at night. It will probably open up in a week to 10 days. I suspect it will be like a big dam releasing when we get a rain storm.”

Also keeping a collective eye on the stream are the folks at Bangor Parks and Recreation who sponsor the event.

Race coordinator Tracy Willette said that the race will be held as scheduled.

“We’re monitoring the situation closely. We’re operating on the premise that the race will be held April 21,” Willette said. “We may have to make some concessions according to the conditions but we plan to have the race.”