Saturday, March 11, was the first Sound Rowers race in which I participated this year. It took place on Lake Sammamish, about two miles (as the crow flies) from my house at the state park. It had been raining off and on the previous day and night, but this morning it was alternating between overcast and sun, with a light breeze from the southwest.

About 53 boats were registered, which is a record for this event. The types ranged from single person kayaks, outrigger canoes and shells to an enormous eight person canoe. It also included a single pedal boat, consisting of my Escapade.

The course was in the shape of a large triangle. It started near the boat ramp, headed due west across the lake to the far shore, turned southward along the shore, and turned back toward the ramp. The circuit is traveled twice for a total distance of about 5.5 miles. Based on past results I expected to take about 80 to 90 minutes to complete the race, which should be about twice as long as the fastest racers.

It was positively crowded at the starting line, which stretched about a quarter mile long near the boat ramp. As we waited for the starting horn the breeze created a bit of trouble as the more wind resistant boats drifted into their neighbors. Then we were off!

By the time the boats reached the first buoy they were pretty well stretched out into a line. Even so, the group of boats I was with had to do a little maneuvering to avoid collisions with each other as we each tried to turn as close to the buoy as possible. Most of the boats had to take the turns wide as they could not turn very rapidly. Here the maneuverability of the Escapade was a distinct advantage, if not its only advantage!

I was happy to make it around the first loop of the course without being passed by the fastest boat. The pair of rowers in their high performance shell looked like they were hardly working as I cheered them on towards the finish.

At this time there was only a single boat behind me, and another one just ahead. Drinking the last of my carton of juice I started putting a little more effort into my pedaling and my breathing. The other boats seemed to aim a bit wide towards the distant buoy, so I think I was able to shave off a little distance with a more direct route. As I rounded the last buoy I was able to move into 3rd from last place.

My legs were starting to get a bit tired as I tried to gain on the next boat, but she was much too far ahead to catch.

I finished the race in first place (for pedal boats) with a time of 65:55. Not too bad for a non-racing boat, and an out-of-shape rider!

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