CCBC Challenge on the Charles - Don't Miss It!

[spookini]

Creeks, good writeup but you forgot to mention one huge part of the Esplanade "experience"....

...On the walk home w/ my board, had to pass thru the security check for concert that was ongoing next door -- a STYX tribute band (actually with Dennis DeYoung as front man) playing for as part of free summer concert series at the hatchshell ampitheatre.  What a perfect way to cap off a great evening -- Styx was my fav band of my youth, never got to see them in concert, so my stoke was at "11".  Mr. DeYoung can still bring it and hey, I wasn't the ONLY nutbag in the audience who seemed to know all the words   

"These are the best....OF TIMES...."

[PonoBill]

Clipped from my facebook post:

Just back (late last night) from Boston and the Challenge On The Charles race. Took Mom to Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake for a few days before the race--she had a great time. A little low key for me but perfect for Mom. She really gets around for 91.

The race was great fun, shortened a bit because of strong wind and imminent thunderstorms moving towards the venue. As it turned out we dodged the lightning but it was a prudent measure. The race was grueling upwind for the first leg. The Speedboard performed surprisingly well in the shifty headwind and counter swell, but the18' length was certainly not an advantage. I fell once, and got back up a bit slowly because I had to struggle to get the board pointed back upwind, but once I got back up I regained the places I'd lost and picked off a few more. The length didn't help much in the crosswind after the first turn, but the surprising stability helped a lot, and I got a few more spots.

Finally got some speed on the downwind section and the Speedboard showed off it's stuff. I was closing fast on the lead group but ran out of time. I'm alittle pissed at myself for not pushing harder. For some reason I didn't leave 100 percent on the course. I don't mind being beaten by other racers, but I insist on giving all I've got, and for some reason I just didn't. I wound up fourth in the unlimited and 6th overall (I think--maybe seventh).

Party was awesome, food was fabulous, at a zillion oysters. Mike Chase and the whole crew did an amazing job with the entire event, and the Smoking Jackets simply smoked. What a fun band. It really is the best event I've ever been to, across the board. I think that's saying a lot from a guy that does multiple SUP and Vintage car racing events across the country every year.

Had a nice day in Boston with Diane, fantastic breakfast at a joint called "The Neighborhood Restaurant" in Somerville. Way better than any hotel breakfast. Back home in the Hood. Headed out to paddle OC6 with the crew.

Ciao

[stoneaxe]

A few pics.

We gave all the kids hei matau....you should've seen their eyes light up.... .

Great pic of some of the ladies with the kids.

Community boating is such a grand old lady and a great institution.

Da winnas kind of speaks for itself.

This picture of the start doesn't do justice to Creeks description which was spot on....very bumpy, stiff wind in the face, and tight quarters.

Of course the crazy winds died down after the race. It was great to see the beginners lesson going out on the boards we supplied to CB. Our secondary mission is to help grow the sport. They've been doing a lot of lessons. We need to look into expanding their quiver.

Good food being so important to a good time...we tend to go high. Passed hors d'oeuvres were scallops in bacon, thai chicken, tortellini and pesto, and a few others I forget. Huge blackberries and strawberries on all of the plates. I ate about 10 blackberries the size of my thumb and then started in on the oysters. The Island Creek Oysters are ridiculously sweet this year.
Dinner was beef tenderloin, swordfish ka-bobs, chilled salad, ginger soy noodles, grilled veggies, and focaccia bread. Of course the Wachusett brews and Bare Foot wines were flowing freely. The cold beers tasted so good after paddling in that heat I almost cried

Pono getting funky. Diane's smile always lights up a room.

What a beautiful night it turned out to be....thankfully the weather gods smiled on the CCBC once again.

[PonoBill]

Nice picture of Diane dancing, and I'm pleased you didn't include my ass in the shot. What a great event, and such a great cause.