PDF results for BRC 50 here
PDF results for BRC 12 here
BRC 50 “leatherman saves veterans race”
Mates John Crawt and Ty Bensilum were drawn to the second BRC50 to finish under 8 hours and receive the iconic glass paddle. All turned pear shaped for Veteran John when he snapped his kayak blade tackling the mighty Oak Forest rapid.
Limping into checkpoint E at Myola causeway after holding the blade in place for 9 kms John was expecting the compulsory extraction from the race as he was over the 3pm deadline. However, officials quickly assessed up the situation and realised that John’s will and ability to finish were solid. Quick thinking Checkpoint official- Adventure fisherman Garry Smith instantly provided technical advice refined on his many Walsh River journeys and his trusty Leatherman to a thankful John.
The Result- A near new paddle and a dramatic slog to make it to the finnish checkpoint in 7:58:22.
Well done boys- The legend of the BRC50 grows. John Crawt was the oldest BRC50 finisher in 2012.
Exact Paddle repairs details will be published in the near future.
Keith and Jackie whip the Mareeba blokes across Finish line.
Overheard on Channel BRC 19 :Keith ” We have Harry and Chris 100m upstream of the Kuranda bridge, how much time have we got”
Finish line :Lindsey and Natasha ” Just a few minutes – we can see the yellow kayaks and they will make it, we can’t see you- there is a strong head wind”
Keith ” Thanks- we’ve had the whips out since Myola”
Natasha” Well -use the spurs too!”
Prologue: Harry Phillot and Chris Lea, once very fit Mareeba athletes – impress wives and family support crew awaiting at Kuranda beach.
Chris is impressed with the full body workout that 7:59:55 spent in a Melody plastic Canadian canoe has given him. Harry comments that the 55 seconds is the amount of time spent on paddle training- sitting in the canoe on dry land.
Chris and Harry thank Sweeps Paul, Keith and Jackie. They received their BRC50 Glass Paddles at the Presentation evening. They are keen to try out a SPIRIT PRS!
Footnote. BRC50 Risk assessment utilises 2 or more trained canoeists sweeping the river behind the last competitors. TCC and the competitors extend thanks to these volunteers, club and committee paddlers for providing this essential service.
A amazing effort by Matt at a river height of 1.77m.
After John posted a 4:20 last year at a 1.88-1.93m height at Mareeba he predicted a sub 4 hours in the near future but Matt’s time at such a low level was impressive.