April 30: the Hugh Heward Canoe Challenge on the Grand River thru Lansing, MI. 50, 25, 13 mile options. Commemorate the 1790 “big day” when Hugh and his pals escaped from the Indians, paddling 50 miles on this same stretch of river. They were the first Anglos to paddle across the peninsula. About 100 paddlers will be out. The 2nd half of the day goes thru really wild, pretty country. Picnic at the finish.
May 21: the Bushwacker — mid-state — 150, 75 and 10 mile options. Michigan’s nuttiest canoe event. All kinds of canoe combos encouraged. (The Ausable Marathon is only for supported tandem teams.)
June 18 – 26: Tip o’ the Mitt. Oscoda > Manistee. 300, 150 mile options. Also: go across the peninsula or AROUND it. Use whatever boat you like: canoe, kayak or small sailboat. Whatever fits and works for you!
(Usually in October there’s also been the Kruger Challenge: a 100 mile and/or 24-hour paddle down the length of the Manistee. See how far you can go in a day (and night). But I don’t see it listed for 2011, yet.)
www.verlenkrugermemorial.org/id38.html
https://www.verlenkrugermemorial.org/id38.html
