On Sept. 5 the Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks provided 11 safety boats with crew for the annual Adirondack Canoe Classic “90-Miler” Canoe Race.
Eleven boats plus other safety resources spread out along the Fulton Chain of lakes from Old Forge to Inlet to provide continuity of protection for racers in case of any mishap. The “90-miler”, is a three-day, 90-mile canoe race from Old Forge to Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks.
This year’s race drew nearly 600 paddlers plus support crews from California to Florida, New Zealand, and Canada paddling nearly 300 canoes, kayaks, Adirondack guide boats, and even stand up paddle boards! Included in the 3-day course are 5.25 miles of carries (portages).
Kiwanis project chair, John Capecelatro, said “It’s truly an honor and pleasure to support one of the grandest paddling traditions in the Adirondacks.” Held every fall since 1983 the race follows routes traveled by the region’s Mohawk and Abenaki tribes, early settlers, and Adirondack guides. It’s a chain of lakes, rivers, and carries that is also the first leg of the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail
From left, Safety Boat Captains Steve Evans, Bill Ransom, Brad Pearson, Mike Cominsky, Mike Griffin, Jim Bracikowski, Mark Van Slyke, John Capecelatro. Boat Captains not pictured: Gary Philipson, Linda Gibbs, Terry Delmarsh, and Penny Van Slyke.