There's a new paddling event happening this June on the Mississippi River. Actually, there are multiple events, all happening at the same time- depending on how far you want to paddle. Anywhere from 7.5 miles up to 140 miles. The longest distance one (MR 140) will launch from Brainerd, MN. All the events end at the Coon Rapids Dam on the north side of the Twin Cities.

You could make it a fun family paddle, a personal challenge, or a race. It's all up to the individual or team to decide. Lots of good information is on their website at the link below.

They're planning a gathering at the finish complete with live music and stuff. Sounds like a good time. If enough BWCA'ers show up, it could be like a Wing Night.

I signed up yesterday.

Two Paddles Mississippi

Right on, thanks for the heads up!

Miigwech/Thanks BEAV! Welp,I'm going to sign up for my first canoe race,
the 140 . My paddle partner will be my cousin who's done several, mostly the MR340's in Missouri.

If anyone has perspective on what I can expect of an endurance canoe race, I'd love to hear it. Mostly curious about the physical stuff that sets in after 12 hours of paddling. Hoping to avoid a bonk situation through continious water, electrolytes, calories during the race. I'm 38, am in reasonably good shape, lift weights and exercise 4-5 times a week, not sprint-training now but will start this month. I'm an experienced paddler for recreational BWCA trips and MN, WI rivers. I'll be paddling stern for the race as well.

I was thinking about doing the MR25. Trying to convince some family members to join me.

might do either the 10 mile, or if i feel strong the 25. I'm not dedicated enough to do longer, eventhough it is downstream all the way. it would be fun if people who sign up would post they have done it so that one can see, might help people decide to do it if there are lots of entries.

Very cool. Would love to do something like this one year. Thanks for sharing!

OgimaaBines: "
If anyone has perspective on what I can expect of an endurance canoe race, I'd love to hear it. Mostly curious about the physical stuff that sets in after 12 hours of paddling. Hoping to avoid a bonk situation through continious water, electrolytes, calories during the race. "

I'm not a canoe racer either but I've done plenty of longer-distance canoe adventures. This one at 140 miles is more of a race because the fastest teams will likely paddle straight through non stop. But it's certainly not a sprint.

Like you said, eating and drinking often is important. Some will have a strict 30-minute schedule, or 60 minutes, or ? I don't get too hung up on this. Just try to eat and drink enough so I don't get that weak feeling. You might want to eat and drink at the same time by using something like Hammer Nutrition. But experiment during your training to make sure it works for your body.

During warm/hot temperature periods, you may not be able to drink enough to keep up with water loss.

Your hands will likely take a beating if you keep pushing hard for the duration. Blister care is important.

Your cousin is likely a better resource than me. I'm not a racer (I said that already). But there are racers signed up...it should be fun!