Spring finally has arrived in New England, at least it felt like it at the this year’s ROTC. Racing on the Charles River in 60 degree weather and sunny skies felt terrific. We had 12 surf skis line up for this flat water race of 6.14 miles and one new surfskier to our ranks Mike Herrara. Hands on favorite to win was Greg Lesher after a terrific showing a few weeks ago at the Narrow River Race. Greg did not disappoint. Greg passed me, then Chris and opened up a two minute lead by race ends.
I was sandwiched in between my two training partners, Chris Chappell, and Tim Dwyer. I slowly reeled in Chris after he set a torrent pace for the first few miles that only Greg could match. By mile 2.5 and or so I had caught Chris, both of us in our flat water surfskis, the Van Dusen Mohicans. From that point on, I rode Chris’s wash side by side until the last buoy turn. Chris was hoping I would fade but with a bigger base of miles than Chris, I was able to hold on. On the last buoy turn, Chris put the hammer down and gained two boat lengths on me as he accelerated out of that turn. I closed the gap to 5 seconds as we crossed the finish line, a good showing for Team SurfskiRacing.com. Meanwhile, Tim and Francisco were battling it out for the 3 and 4th spots only 30 seconds behind with only a gap of 5 seconds between them. Francisco looked in good form as he heads to do the Molokai World Championships in a few weeks.
After all the races were over we all gathered around for some good food at the NECKRA(New England Canoe and Kayaking) tent. I got to catch up with Bill Baker, a long time competitor paddler, just recovering from surgery. While Bill did not race today, he is paddling and regaining his form. Bill has done the ROTC more times than of the current paddlers. Most of got to catch up with fellow paddlers we have not seen since the fall races. A special treat was seeing my son, Tyler, who walked over from his apartment in Boston to spend a few minutes with his parents after the race. Thanks to Betsy and Leslie for all the pictures. Leslie’s pics will be added soon.
Greg now leads the SurfskiRacing.com Series with two wins, with me second, and Chris and Tim tied for third. We will update the Point totals in he next few weeks. Next race in New England Racing circuit is the Essex River Race, another flat water race that is very well attended by all. If you have not registered, please do. See everyone there!!
More Pics:
Additional Pics added 5/3/2013
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/100893240478342044075/albums/5873930401769072449
The Charles River
Top 5, Wesley,Chris,Francisco,Greg,Tim
Chris with lead at start by himself
Greg at Finish
Team SurfskiRacing.com
Pack at 1/2 mile point
Pack separating
Post Race Party
Betsy, Tyler, Wesley, Daisy(dog) on leash
Francisco in good form for Molokai
Results
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