Cape Cod Bay Challenge - an eyewitness account

[headmount]

Loved the gold pic of the sunrise? and the boat in the mist.  Very cool event... someday.

[Caribsurf]

What foods are you guys using to fuel the paddlers? Are you using gels or more "normal" foods like sandwiches and energy bars. Do the paddlers just drink water or more Gatorade-style drinks?

I had a big lunch the day before, a light dinner and a few delicious Wachusette Blueberry Ales at the pre party.  In my Camel back I had 100 oz of dilluted Gatorade and about 20 PowerBar energy blast gels and two berry PowerBars and 2 Alleve. 

Still had about 20 oz of Gatorade left and a few gels at the finish line.  I don't eat much anyway and am used to longer training paddles 15 miles or so.

[Ichabod Spoonbill]

Thanks for the info, everybody. It was very useful.

[stoneaxe]

I think I'm a little less subject to energy drain than most. Maybe because of the large reserves...

That said...started out the day with 100 oz mix.  Water, 16 oz of coconut water, two heaping tablespoons of honey and a good pinch of sea salt. Food was fruit and nut bars and one of piece of 8's bananas.

One of these days someone is going to pack a hibachi and start grillin.....

[Ichabod Spoonbill]

Isn't grilling the purpose of the support boats?

[stoneaxe]

No...the support boats are for the Margarita's....

Kind of humorous to compare this CCBC with others in the past. 2008 we got hammered the night before and were hungover at the start, 2009 there was a growler of Wachusett being passed around for the last few miles. 2010 Chaser brought one of those hats with the beer holders and tubes on it. I behaved myself in 2011 but there was a sizable crew that closed the Cabby Shack at the pre-party...this year reminded us just how serious it can be.....still plenty of goofing around and easy going at the start but those last 8 miles all I saw was grim determination until we were within a mile of the beach.....then the smiles started coming back.

[Weed]

Great write up Rick you have a hidden talent. Bob and CCBC crew, man you guys got it together another job well done by the sound of it. I would have loved to got on one of the boats for a photo shoot. I have enjoyed the pictures, write ups and comments. Thanks for sharing.

Rick, let's get together soon for a photo session up your way.