Blackburn Training on Famous Ocean Drive,Newport RI

One of many racing sailboats in Newport!

Fresh off the Ride the Bull Race, the Rhode Island Contingent of Bob, Tim, TimH. along with Chris and myself put in at Bay Voyage Inn, Jamestown, headed to First Beach by way of Ocean Drive or in our case Ocean Drive Waterway. Ocean Drive is famous for its million dollar mansions, spectacular views and the four mile Cliff Walk that get hundreds of thousands of vistors per year, curving its way along the back yards of biggest Mansions you have ever witnessed while viewing the the magnificent waters of Rhode Island Sound. These Mansions are different from the everyday mansions that the umber rich live in along Ocean Drive. These have the names like the Marble House, the Breakers, Rose Cliff to name a few. These were built in the 1800’s by the wealthiest men in the US as summer homes who got rich on railroads, steamships and coal. If you are ever in Newport there are fours things you must do: walk the cliff walk, tour a mansion, take a harbor cruise, drive Ocean Drive, and visit the Beavertail Lighthouse. There is so much to do in Newport/Jamestown during the summer that it is a wonderful place to be. This is why it is one of the top destinations on the east coast not too mention it is one of the Sailing Centers of the world. I think I have mention that fact before, oh well, its worth repeating. http://www.newportmansions.org/

A day on the Ocean in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound

If you happen to be there on during one of the Volvo Races, Bermuda Races, or America Cup Races then take your Platinum or Gold Visa and eat lunch or dinner at the Inn at Castle Hill and you may see the start of these races as you gaze over the entrance to Narragansett Bay. Heck you even may see Tim and I racing a couple sails boats or getting on the wash of a 40 foot power boat like we did today. We all had different purposes for paddling today. Chris wanted to try out his new carbon green racing machine, the Huki S1XL, Tim H evidently did not get enough “Bull” last week while Tim, Bob and myself needed a long paddle since we are doing the Blackburn in a few weeks. So Tim and I got our 19 mile paddle and Tim H, Bob, and Chris got their 15 mile paddle in.

Inn at Castle Hill, the start of many famous sail boat races!

Chris in Huki S1XL

Tim H and I at Launch

Bob,Tim H, Chris. Mansion in background

Tim and I pushed the pace on the way back so by the time I reached the Inn at Castle Hill, I was all but done at 2:30 hrs. However similar to the Blackburn, we had another 20 minutes to go where you must grind it out which is what we did. Once I got off the water, I felt like I had almost done the Blackburn; dehydrated, slight headache, shoulders tired, and ready to get out of the sun. So on the way home, called Chris to see how he made out, stopped by 7-11 for a gatorade, 2 chocolate milks and power bar, talked to Chris Laughlin of North Coast Kayak, called my wife to tell her I might have enough energy to cut the grass and take the trash to the compactor. I insisted I needed a nap too.

Flat Hot training to simulate Blackburn

Tim talking to prone boarder Martin

Tomorrow I will be out there again training for the Blackburn. I am meeting Jerry from NJ to pick a Think Big Eze that he is moving on. I need a novice ski for putting sea kayakers in who want to take a lesson and see what great fun we are having. I also get to review an entry level ski that I have not done since the 18S. Betsy, my wife expressed an interest in paddling again so the Eze will be great for her too.

So as you can see there is a lot going on in the smallest state in the USA that happens to be called the Ocean State. Come join us at the Double Beaver Race and bring the family!!