The Icebreaker attracted a field of 75 canoes, kayaks and guideboats with people coming from as far away as Lansing Michigan to paddle the open water of the Saranac River! According to race director Brian McDonnell

"This was a true Icebreaker, very few paddlers have been able to get out in their boats to start training due to the severe cold of the winter, and the sudden change to spring that has caused frozen creeks to turn into rushing torrents. We were not sure how many people would come out, but spring fever has certainly hit the paddling community and the canoe race hotline phone was ringing all week."

The event was not necessarily about speed. A number of recreational canoeists and kayakers were entered to celebrate "Spring" and get their boats out of winter storage. For many, The Icebreaker was the first time they have paddled this year. Part of the attraction of paddling in events in the Adirondack Canoe Race Series is the broad spectrum of paddlers, from literally world - class athletes to game novices.

Support for the Icebreaker came from our incredible cadre of volunteers and the Saranac Lake Village Water Department, Police Department, and Fire and Rescue Squad. Communications were provided by the new "Red Cross Amateur Radio Quick Response Team", and the Tri Lakes Amateur Radio Club, and were organized by Roland and Jackie Patnode. Post Race Activities were held at the Waterhole Upstairs. The Blue Moon Cafˇ contributed warm beverages at the finish line and delicious hot soup for participants at the awards ceremonies. Next time you are in town stop by for a cup of Cold River coffee and tell Ken and Tricia you appreciate their involvement in the canoe races! Craig Benson and Laurel Kritkausky won a raffle of a vacation retreat at the Saranac Lake Motor Inn, donated by Doug Brownell.

The Icebreaker is the first event in the Adirondack Canoe Race Series hosted by the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, the Tupper Lake Chamber of Commerce and MAC'S Canoe Livery in Lake Clear. Other races include: May 18th 'Round the Mountain, 10.5 miles, a NYMCRA points race, Saranac Lake; June 14th The Tupper Lake 9 Miler sponsored by The Adirondack Arc; August 17- The 30 mile Adirondack Arc Marathon to Tupper Lake, a NYMCRA points race; September 5,6&7 The 90 mile Adirondack Canoe Classic from Old Forge to Saranac Lake. For more information about the race series call MAC'S Canoe Race Hotline at 518 - 891 2744.