5/20/2018 Matt Addessi Ohio Eastern Time Trials Race #2 Deerfield, OH

5/20/2018

Matt Addessi

Ohio Eastern Time Trials Race #2

Deerfield, OH

Finish Time:  28:41

Overall Place:  3rd place

Division Place:  2nd place.

Race Recap By Matt Addessi

I had a much better effort in race 2 considering the less than ideal weather conditions.  I FINALLY made the big podium, 3rd Overall (64 riders total) and 2nd in my age group.  (First place in my age group was also first overall and is a complete stud, but I’m closing the gap!) I’m loving the time trial game, it’s exciting and love the attention to details.  Many riders are winning, or losing by a second or less, so every small adjustment can either win, or lose you a podium spot.
12.8 Miles
26.97 avg mph
28:41 clock time.

5/19/2018 Scott Orlando Akron Paddle and Portage Race Akron, OH

5/19/2018

Scott Orlando

Akron Paddle and Portage Race

Akron, Ohio

Finish Time:  NA

Finish Place:  4th overall

Race Review By Scott Orlando

The Akron Paddle and Portage Race is an interesting kayak and canoe race held in the lakes and canals of Akron Ohio.  The concept of the race is to honor the tradition of the Native Americans who paddled and carried their boats through Summit County.  The course is diverse crossing two lakes and winding its way through the historic Ohio Erie Canals.  Participants paddle around 5 miles and than can choose a short portage of half a mile or a long portage of 1.5 miles along the towpath trail to the finish.   I had planned on using a light 16′ kayak for the race but that boat go stuck in PA so I used a shorter but much heavier molded kayak.  The kayak was no mach in the water for several much lighter racing boats in the field and I struggled to portage the 55 pound boat the half mile to the finish.  I really enjoyed the paddle, but the portage not so much.  This was just the second year for the race.  I plan to work with the organizers to help improve the race for next year.  The race was a nice value as participants received custom shirts, wooden hand made finisher medals, a box lunch and locally brewed craft sodas.

5/12/2018 Tori Hargett and Scott Orlando Sweat Now Wine Later Race Canton, Ohio

5/12/2018

Sweat Now Wine Later Race

2 mile kayak and 2 mile run race

Gervasi Winery Canton, OH

Tori Hargett

Finish Time:  45:03

Finish Place:  68th overall

Scott Orlando

Finish Time 35:50

Finish Place:  2nd overall

Race Review by Scott Orlando

Sweat Now Wine Later is another sold out race organized by the fine people at Run Canton.  This year almost 400 people competed in the 2 mile kayak 2 mile run event held at the beautiful Gervasi Winery.  A quick school bus ride to the starting area and then the race begins by sprinting to the creek and hopping into the waiting kayaks.  Everyone uses the same kayaks that are supplied making this a beginner friendly multi sport race everyone can enjoy.  Racers are set off one at a time time trial style.  I quickly ran into trouble on the kayak when I realized I was handed a paddle with a blade on backwards.  I was already away from shore so switching paddles was not an option.  I wasted a solid minute trying to correct the paddle but the 2 pieces were jammed together so I had to kayak the entire race with the blade facing the wrong way.  The water level was very low and kayaks were stuck on rocks around every bend of the creek.  I managed to keep a fairly clean line scraping rocks and the bottom a lot but never really getting that hung up.  The run is on the crushed limestone trails that head back to Gervasi for the finish.  I missed winning the race by just 61 seconds and I know I spent more time than that trying to fix the backward paddle blade.  Had I been provided functional paddle I think I would have had a great shot at winning, but that’s racing.  No complaints or excuses.  In every race their are obstacle you have to overcome and adapt.  I am actually pretty proud that my kayak experience helped me beat everyone but one person with just half a paddle.  Congratulations to Team ER member Tori Hargett who completed her first multi sport race and finished 68th overall.  As always Run Canton put on a great event.  Participants received  great race swag including tech shirts, wine stopper finisher medals, and vouchers for food or wine at Gervasi.  This is a short race but one of my favorites.