Rolling, Rolling, Rolling On the River

From the shoreline paralleling the KC women’s soccer stadium overlooking the Missouri river, and as light rain had me wishing I had an umbrella, I couldn’t help but reflect on Tina Turner belting out those famous lyrics from Proud Mary as I watched over 600 participants in the MR340 float by.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/bff7d0_8a35a5d4b3c5414b8997c691d9cb64aa/360p/mp4/file.mp4

This doesn't capture 600 rowers but believe me, they were out there.

This race began at 7 AM, not Cutest’s normal wake up-activities-time. So I, accompanied only with coffee in hand, walked down in the morning darkness to the street car which transported me to the Berkley Riverfront.

Each year from Kaw Point, where the Kansas and Missouri rivers merge, hardy, some might say foolhardy, souls gather to race down the river 340 miles to St. Charles, about 23 river miles west of St. Louis.

Surprisingly, within 48 hours, most competitors will have achieved this destination, accompanied by blistered hands, arms on fire, backs screaming for mercy, and minds floating in a murky haze.

To have the opportunity to torture one’s body on this adventure, you must first pony up $275. That would seem better fit to spend on a night on the town with friends, but I guess that’s why I am not punishing my six foot four body in a seven foot kayak.

In addition to your floating craft of choice, it is highly recommended that you bring along food and water, sun protection lotion, an extra paddle, a hat, blanket, tow rope, flash light, first aid kit and portable toilet. Where paddlers store any of these items is a mystery to me, especially the guy standing up on a paddle board.

Most competitors somehow bribe friends or family members to be their ground crew, which is no easy task. These “volunteers" meet the floatee at the checkpoint, often wading into the swift and muddy waters to toss needed supplies to them. Once that chore is done, they race off to the next checkpoint and repeat their assigned duty. Local Boy Scout troops provide hot dogs, hamburgers and more for purchase at each stop.

Now the rowers are not exactly paddling at a leisurely pace studying Missouri river wildlife. Beyond remembering that this IS a race after all, submerged logs, bridge abutments, buoys, wing dams and most of all, the dreaded push boats and barges are out there creating their own challenges. Add nightfall to the equation and things really get interesting. Many pull into shore after sunset waiting for the next morning.

Organizers do schedule the race for fully moonlit nights, but heavy cloud cover can negate that aid. The daring ones just crank up their senses of hearing and sight in order to continue the fun.

Survivors of this 48-hour floating marathon are met at the St Charles boat ramp where that evening, all who are able join in sharing food, beverages and music as they swap personal tales from being on the water.

Kudos to the courageous men and women who step away from their daily routines and challenge Mother Nature for one night and two days. I, however, returned to the comfort of our nice warm and dry condo and Cutest’s lovely company.

And importantly, more coffee.