Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race
Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race
At least 90,000 paddle-strokes!
As a warm up to this years Quadrathlon season Jean Ashley decided to get some serious pre-season training in by taking on the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race.
Jean and kayak marathon paddler Adele Blakebourgh from Chester will be doing the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race on 11th - 12th April 2009. The Race starts in Devizes, Wiltshire and finishes just downstream of Westminster Bridge in London , opposite the Houses of Parliament. The race has been held annually over the Easter Weekend since 1948, and up to 600 canoeists from all over the world take on the challenge.
This extremely demanding canal and river challenge involves racing non-stop 125 miles, that’s roughly 90.000 paddle-strokes, or 16 to 30 hours endless pain! The first 52 miles are along the Kennet and Avon Canal , the next 55 miles are on the River Thames and the final 18 miles is on the tidal section of the Thames . Along the way there are 77 locks and weirs that are 'portages', this means they have to get out and carry their canoe around the lock, the longest portage being a mile long!
The race starts on Saturday morning continuing through the night, they are aiming to finish the race within 22 hours. The race is a severe test of skill and stamina, both mentally and physically, which will certainly be a very tough challenge for Jean and Adele.
In order to give us the motivation to keep going when the going gets tough, we have decided to raise money for Cerebral Palsy Sport. Cerebral Palsy Sport is a national charity, dedicated to helping people with physical disabilities improve their quality of life through participation in sport. The charity does not receive Government or Big Lottery Funding. If you wish to sponsor us you can donate through www.Justgiving.com/dw2009
