Issue #48 - Ottawa Outdoors Magazine

Page 7

MUSKOKA RIVER X By Sheila Ascroft

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ADDLES not running shoes are what’s needed for the rugged Muskoka River X race in Huntsville Sept. 16–18. There are limited spots available, so register now. Considered the world’s longest singleday expedition paddling race, it features an 80-kilometre sprint, a 130-kilometre classic course, or the 220-kilometre Coureur des Bois. Non-stop, unmarked and self-supported, racers get a marathon paddle by way of lakes, river systems and rugged portages.

THE SPRINT

New this year, sprint teams paddle a 80-kilometre course over Stages 1 and 2 of the Muskoka River X Classic (see below) before ending their journey in Bracebridge.

THE CLASSIC

Teams paddle two river systems, three lakes and make 20 portages for 130 kilometres in less than 24 hours. The Classic is completely self-supported. There is no outside assistance, no

support teams and no resupplies. Considered the world’s toughest singleday canoe race — in four stages — the Classic is not your traditional marathonpaddling event.

THE COUREUR DES BOIS

The River X crew created this expanded course in 2015. Building on the heritage of the canal expeditions of the 1800s (see sidebar on page xx), Coureur des Bois will challenge even experienced expedition and marathon paddlers. Teams travel along the expedition routes of early explorers as they traverse Algonquin Park east to west from Whitney to Oxtongue Lake. After an overnight layover, these teams then merge with the MRX Classic on Lake of Bays on day two. Paddling the full northsouth length of Lake of Bays, the Coureur des Bois will complete stages 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the MRX Classic before returning to Huntsville. At approximately 220 kilometres in 48 hours or less, the Coureur des Bois is entirely selfsupported with no re-supplies. For details: www.muskokariverx.com Φ

Beach Days and

Playing on the beach, splashing in the water and snuggling in front of a crackling fire; camping with your kids makes for a pretty perfect memory. Book your, “Mom, that was so AWESOME,” camping trip at one of

Nights

The Parks of the St. Lawrence riverside campgrounds.

OTTAWAOUTDOORS | 07

www.ottawaoutdoors.ca www.StLawrenceParks.com

|

Parks of the St. Lawrence


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Camping challenges add spark and variety to life in the woods

3min
pages 48-50

Outdoor business spotlight: Dave Urichuck (The Adventure Coach

1min
page 47

Community spotlight: Todd Morin

2min
page 46

Staycation adventures for all types

1min
page 45

Easy paddle-in sites for first-time canoe trippers

3min
page 42

Craft your own wooden paddles and canoes

1min
page 43

Mud, sweat and gears

3min
page 39

Getting to know some summertime critters

5min
page 44

How to hang patio lights

2min
pages 40-41

Paddling the Chats – with care

7min
pages 36-38

How to hit the trail, running

6min
pages 34-35

Elevate your camping experience and get high with a suspended tent

4min
pages 31-32

Survival and camping skills manuals have hundreds of tips

2min
page 28

Take the ouch! out of your bike saddle

3min
page 19

Intrepid duo takes on ‘bikepacking

3min
pages 21-22

Cycling with others – play nice

2min
page 18

The Adirondack Century

5min
pages 16-17

Catch the eco-spirit of Grasshopper Island

4min
pages 14-15

How to tie a clove hitch

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page 20

Cool Gear Hot Stuff

4min
page 30

Survival 101: Avoid the deadly ‘vacation mindset

2min
page 12

Why backpacking works

1min
page 11

Muskoka River X

3min
page 9

Backpacking basics

4min
page 10

Paddling the route of canal explorer

3min
page 8

Huck Finn campfires you’ve got to try

1min
page 7

Publisher’s letter

2min
page 6

Hiking for fitness

2min
page 13
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