250 canoes, guideboats, kayaks, and war canoes from 21 states and
two Canadian provinces followed the original "highways of the
Adirondacks," the chain of lakes and rivers from Old Forge to Saranac
Lake, to complete the 90 mile, Adirondack Canoe Classic September 7 -
9. More than a canoe race, paddlers of every age and description come
to "The Classic" to experience the scenic beauty, the support network
provided by race organizers, and the camaraderie of the paddling
community who reunite every year at the "90 miler."
The prestigious Terry Healey Award was presented to Natalie Tickner
of Old Forge. Natalie paddled in her 14th Adirondack Canoe Classic with
her husband Dan. Nat is an inspiration to all who know her. Her family
has recruited numerous paddlers to the race. A third generation of
Tickners entered the 90 miler this year. Nat's son, Dan, and grandson,
Mason, participated with Mark Mitchell and Jim Kiefer in the Open
Touring Class. The award is named in memory of former DEC employee and
race organizer Terry Healey. It is presented to the competitor,
volunteer, or official who best exemplifies the spirit of the Adirondack
Canoe Classic.
Significant planning and cooperation is necessary to organize the
Adirondack Canoe Classic. The people behind the scenery who make it
happen include the hosts of the race, The Saranac Lake Area Chamber of
Commerce, and The New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation. The men and women of the DEC are a vigilant presence in
safety boats along the course.
The major sponsor of the Classic is The Adirondack Arc, an
organization that provides services to people with developmental
disabilities. The Arc provides administrative and logistical support
before, during and after the race. Other sponsors include the Old Forge
Camping Resort, Whitewater Challengers, MAC'S Canoe Livery and Race
Management, Grasse River Boatworks, Day Wholesale, North Country Natural
Spring water, Chris Woodward's Guideboat Shop, HIS Delivery Service, and
the Blue Moon Cafe.
Many people and businesses along the route provide invaluable
support to the racers and race administration. The Tri Lakes Amateur
Radio Club, The Old Forge Visitor Information Center, The U. S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary, The NYSE Police, the Herkimer and Hamilton County
Sheriff's Departments, The Police Departments in the Town of Old Forge,
Inlet, and Saranac Lake, Tickner's Moose River Outfitters, Paul Smiths
College, The Adirondack Museum, The Raquette Lake Navigation Company,
Big Moose Yamaha, Curry's Cabins in Blue Mountain Lake, Long Lake
Supervisor Tom Bissell, Adirondack Marina, Leading Edge, Mallard Hill
Cottages, and Lake Flower Bakery.
Plans are already being made for a next year, in celebration of the
20th annual Adirondack Canoe Classic. Anyone interested in becoming
involved in the planning should contact race organizers, Brian or Grace
McDonnell (McDONNELL'S ADK CHALLENGES) at 518 - 891 - 2744.
