Topic: Chicago Flatwater Classic

[DrSonny]

It's official, Sonny's in!  I got my number and my starting time.  I'm going out in the second start with Phil Capel...so I can watch his rudder for a few minutes. 

[potterspoint434]

 Just don`t take a wrong turn and end up in the Lake!! the finish is in China town VERRRY INTERESTING

[BY_1x]

Most likely I've already used my annual limit of visits to windy city as I just returned from Chicago last Sunday. Based on my experience, just the chance of paddling thru downtown Chicago worth the drive!

I did a short course (8mi beach-2-beach) of the Chicago Shoreline Marathon, and that was awesome!! The sea (why do they call it a lake?! ) was quite confused, at least for land-locked-flat-water-me in my V10. I practiced my remounting skills twice during the race, but managed to finish 5th among singles, and 3rd in my age category. And, watching those super-fast Saffas, Australians, and Olympians was just a bonus!

Besides, a day before the race I had a chance to demo at least five different surfskis, and to take a "downwind" clinic with the Dawid Mocke himself!

Finally, greedy for new paddling experiences, right before driving back to Memphis, I spend 1,5 on Chicago River (and yes, Phil, I took that turn and went to the lake and Navy Pier for a while), and got additional dose of "confused waters": narrow river, vertical walls and lively motorboat traffic produce perfect illustation for "wave interference" concept from high-school physics textbook! I managed to ride behind a couple of water taxis and stay upright! Still proud of myself

Also, I spoke with several folks about October race, and everyone told it should be great race and good fun!

All in all, I highly recommend both Shoreline Marathon, and Flatwater Classic! If you get a chance - just do it!!

-ILia
 

[DrSonny]

Ilia: 
     Sounds like you've already had a good dose of fun with Chicago paddling.  I'm disappointed though 'cause I thought you might make it to the race.

[Jbhatler]

I'll be starting in the heat right before you guys. Right after the race I'm heading to the Smoky Mountains for a little vacation. On Friday I'll pick up Uncle Fred and will head out for Phatwater race.

Welcome to the Chicagoland! Be sure to bring the warm paddling clothes, we've had some 50° mornings all ready.

JB

[DrSonny]

There is some doubt about whether I will be able to make this trip.  It's a 50/50 thing right now.  Uncle Fred can fill you in on the details.  Thanks for the weather update.  I have been looking at it on the weather reports.  I will have to dig out my long sleeve stuff..it is going to be 98* in Memphis today.

If I make it up there, I will be looking for you.  I have no idea of the logistics of this race, but since I am going for thrills and not to be competitive, I'll figure it out as I go along!  Hope to see you in Chicagoland.

[Jbhatler]

Saturday
Oct 02 Showers
Hi: 54° Lo: 41°
 Showers. High 54F and low 41F. Winds N at 21 mph. Air Quality: NA, UV Index: NA
 80%
Sunday
Oct 03 Showers
Hi: 49° Lo: 40°
 Showers. High 49F and low 40F. Winds N at 21 mph. Air Quality: NA, UV Index: NA
 50%

Sonny,
 In Chicagoland the forecasters can not even predict what's going to happen four hours from now. With the Great Lakes we get all kinds of different weather patterns. I did a practice run on the Classic race course this morning. Had a little drizzle and strong winds, 24 mph. I had wind in my face going down and it was a swirling weather pattern going through, so I had the wind in my face going back up too. Makes for good practice, I'm sore.
 

[DrSonny]

My first time in the boat in two months will probably be the race day.  I have been cycling, not paddling.  But if it's going to be 40*, I will definitely have to start digging out some paddling gear.  I don't think I have ever paddled my Thunderbolt in a 24 mph wind either!  If I have my wife drop me off at the start, and pick me up at the take out, how hard will it be to hook up?  Will she be able to park there?  About how long does it take to run the course?  Thanks for your advice! 

[potterspoint434]

Sonny
 You put in at Clark Park which there is plenty of room. We start close to the front so some people won`t even be there when we start.
 The course is pretty narrow so its sort of sheltered but the wind is still a factor. The tall buildings messed up my gps sometimes I would be doing 8 mph and next thing I knew it would show 4 mph, it was strange.
I passed a couple of boats along the way but not much boat traffic that early on a Sunday morning.
  It took me a little over a hour to do the course last year, I`m hoping for under a hour this year if I don`t fall out.
 The take out does not have good parking I had to carry my boat a long ways to the car last year.
 We used the GPS to find the start and finish and there wasn`t a problem.
 I finally got a room and hope to catch a couple of plays while we are there.
Phil
 

[Jbhatler]

The forecast is getting better!


Saturday
Oct 02 Mostly Cloudy
Hi: 55° Lo: 39°
 Mostly Cloudy. High 55F and low 39F. Winds N at 13 mph. Air Quality: NA, UV Index: 4
 0%
Sunday
Oct 03 Mostly Cloudy
Hi: 53° Lo: 37°
 Mostly Cloudy. High 53F and low 37F. Winds NE at 7 mph. Air Quality: NA, UV Index: NA
 0%

[DrSonny]

J.B.    My wife and I got to Chicago yesterday, Thursday.  Weather is nice!  We took the architectural tour boat on the Chicago River.  Although my shoulder is completely screwed, I would really like to try and paddle this...looks like fun.  I just hope I can finish.     See you Sunday!

[DrSonny]

This was just not your typical good 'ole Southern kayak race~! 


Pretty unusual scene from a kayak cockpit...but it smells funny.  
This was a really nice, well-organized event.  You might not want to drive 1100 miles for a 7.5 mile race, but it is definitely different.