Canoe race’s tradition is hard to top

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In Eastern Maine, it ushers in spring.

The annual Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race, which will have its 40th running on Saturday, may just be our most noteworthy event other than the Folk Festival.

It brings people together from all over the northeast as well as eastern Canada.

They come with kayaks, canoes and any kind of vessel imaginable.

The quaint little town of Kenduskeag is where everybody gathers early in the morning. Some have breakfast first. Others have already eaten and are putting the finishing touches on their craft and what they will take with them.

There are people from all walks of life and with a variety of motives.

For elite-level kayakers like New Brunswick’s Robert Lang, Nova Scotia’s Trevor Maclean, Houlton’s Fred Ludwig and Hampden’s Kenny Cushman, the goal is to have the fastest overall time and make a run at the course record. Cushman and Ludwig are former training partners and have partnered up from time to time in a two-man kayak.

Then you have your perennial contenders who are highly competitive and set their sights on winning their respective class each year.

You have the canoeists and kayakers who just want to improve from year to year and the ones who just simply want to finish the grueling 16.5-mile event.

You have the unforgettable characters like stand-up canoeist Zip Kellogg in his dapper attire and the four canoeists from Maine Maritime Academy who dressed up as clowns with red wigs, red noses and make-up four years ago.

There are clever signs; fancy water containers and interesting paint jobs on the canoes and kayaks.

Finally, you have the first-timers.

They have heard all about it and want to challenge themselves. They want bragging rights. They want to be able to say they conquered the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race.

For those of you in this last category, I need to warn you.

You have heard all about Six-Mile Falls and the challenge of negotiating your way through the rushing white water.

But you may not have heard that you will have 10 long miles of flat water before you reach Six Mile Falls.

It is the adrenaline rush knowing that Six Mile Falls is lurking menacingly down stream that helps you plow your way through the flat water.

You will be fatigued as you approach Six Mile Falls. Your arms will feel heavy. They may even ache.

But the adrenaline rush takes over.

The spectators are waiting with great anticipation.

They will sheepishly admit they want to see spills.

It’s human nature.

You don’t think people go to auto races to see wrecks?

Of course, nobody wants anybody to get hurt and, thanks to Dirigo Search and Rescue, it has been a safe race for all these years.

Each year is completely different. It could be spitting snow and blustery cold.

There could be abundant sunshine and 65 degrees.

The water could be high and swirling, forcing racers to make split-second decisions as they try to rush through Six Mile Falls.

It could be low and sluggish, meaning racers have to be careful to avoid rocks and other craft or have to portage.

No matter the conditions, it is a wonderful way to kick off the spring.

Larry Mahoney can be reached at 990-8231, 1-800-310-8600 or by email at lmahoney@bangordailynews.net.