Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
WHOA — Dalton Roy hangs on as the canoe tips toward the chilly waters of the river during the second annual Merrill Millstream Park canoe race on May 11.
The second annual Merrill Millstream Park canoe race was held on May 11.
The race day began with registration, followed by Ken Bustard, race coordinator, giving a safety briefing then the Pledge of Allegiance was said, which is customary for every community event at Millstream Park.
Bustard began releasing the racers at one-minute intervals.
There were five teams in the Father/Son/Daughter category, an increase of two from last year. Claiming first place were, for the second year in a row, Brian McDonald and daughter Courtney with a time of 1 hour 56 minutes 8 seconds; second went to first-time competitors, Trevor London and daughter Sarah (the youngest competitor) with a time of 2:05:08 and third went to first-time competitors Jamey Roy and son Dalton with a time of 2:14:41.
Also competing in the Father/Son/Daughter category were returning racers Travis Libby and daughter Taylor from Merrill as well as Alden Bustard and son AJ from Bangor. Alden and AJ would most likely have earned the “Determination” award had one been presented. They were the last two to finish, but never quit and eventually crossed the finish line with their leaky canoe. Alden said that next year, he wouldn’t trust his brother Andy’s canoe, even if he had patched it with “Flex Seal.”
Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
EVER GET THAT SINKING FEELING? — Rob Caswell and racing partner Dick Goodness were good sports as they sank their canoe in the East Branch of the Mattawamkeag River. The duo continued to have some problems at the start of the race, but finished with a time of 2:33:25.
The Two-Person Canoe category had four fiercely competitive teams. First place was narrowly won by returning racer Jeff Boutilier and his teammate Nathan Hardy with a time of 1:52:56. They were closely followed by Matt Bustard and his sister Jennifer with a time of 1:54:05. Coming in third were Timothy Small and first-time competitor Brandi Lynn Noyes with a time of 2:22:48. Noyes was also one of the youngest racers, demonstrating how tough County girls can be, finishing the race with a smile on her face despite the cold rain. Rob Caswell and racing partner Dick Goodness finished with a time of 2:33:25.
Three teams, an increase of one from 2012, raced for first place in the One-Person Kayak category. First place went to returning competitor Matt a/k/a/ “Leo” Furrow with a time of 1:49:06. Right on his tail was good friend and fellow competitor Austin Burpee with a time of 2:08:00. Derrick Bustard from Rockland, a first-time competitor, came in third with a very respectable time of 2:11:42.
Peter Blood, the veteran racer, was the only person in the One-Man Canoe category. His regular racing partner Clint Cushman was not able to race due to health reasons. Consequently, Blood was forced to race against the younger guys in the one-person kayak group. Blood, true to form, accepted the challenge with a smile, and happy to know that, if he lost, he could blame it on having to race against kayaks, rather than his age, arthritis, bad back, etc. Needless to say, Blood proved that experience will generally trump youth, and claimed the fastest overall time of 1:41:34, handily beating the fastest kayak by over eight minutes.
Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
TEETERING — Alden Bustard and son AJ from Bangor get caught up on a rock while starting the Merrill Millstream second annual canoe race.
The fastest overall time, for recreational class racers, was presented to Matt Furrow, competing in the one-person kayak division.
Overall, the race was a great success, despite the less than desirable conditions, said Bustard.
“The water was lower than normal, discouraging several racers from entering. Some that may not have been deterred by the low water, were by the scattered showers, knowing they would be finishing the race soaking wet and cold,” he added.
Still, there were 22 hearty racers, only eight fewer than last year.
Once again, many volunteers made for a successful and extremely enjoyable day, Bustard said.
“The general attendance of spectators and volunteers appeared to be higher than the first year. Ralph and Cindy Bartman oversaw the grill, serving up hamburgers, hotdogs and baked beans that had been donated by Heidi Pratt, Wendy Furrow and Pearl Bustard,” Bustard added. “Andy Bustard skipped the race in order to ensure the bonfire never died out. His dedication, giving up a wet and cold river race in order to tend a hot fire was commendable (though questionable motives). Alberta McDonald organized games for the younger kids following the race, which was a new addition to the MMP Canoe Race, as the organizers attempt ensure every event includes kid’s activities.”
Candy Nevers, Smyrna/Merrill town manager, was on hand to encourage the racers and present the awards. The Oakfield Fire Department, for the second year, was on hand for emergency rescue. “Fortunately, they had a rather boring time,” said Bustard.
Johnny White helped transport canoes from the finish line back to the park. Shirley Drew and Jill White were both on hand with their camera eye to record the event.
“There are few things more energizing than seeing our community come together for an adventure. Every ounce of effort is well worth it,” said Bustard. “The synergy and support from volunteers is just incredible. We are blessed to have a community of some of the best friends and neighbors in the world.”
