Viking Canoe Club Donation

The Bardstown Boaters would like to send out a very big thank you to The Viking Canoe Club and to those who attended the LVM Premiere at Nachbar in Louisville. They have graciously donated $100 in proceeds towards the Bardstown Whitewater Park.

The Viking Canoe Club and The Nachbar host many LVM Premieres and other boater friendly activities. Keep checking in with the Vikings and visit the Nachbar at 969 Charles Street on the corner of Charles and Krieger in Germantown where there is always a good time to be had.

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act - 40th Anniversary

On October 2, 1968, President Johnson signed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

Paddlers were and continue to be among the most passionate advocates for protecting our nation's free-flowing rivers. Upon witnessing the loss of hundreds of miles of great rivers to water development projects and hydropower, paddlers were among the first activists who advocated for a Wild and Scenic Rivers system to protect our nation’s last free-flowing rivers.

In Kentucky there is only one river in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, Red River.

(154) (A) RED RIVER, KENTUCKY. — The 19.4-mile segment of the Red River extending from the Highway 746 Bridge to the School House Branch, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture in the following classes: (i) the 9.1-mile segment known as the "Upper Gorge" from the Highway 746 Bridge to Swift Camp Creek, as a wild river (this segment is identified as having the same boundary as the Kentucky Wild River), (ii) the 10.3-mile segment known as the "Lower Gorge" from Swift Camp Creek to the School House Branch, as a recreational river.

Site Update

The Bardstown Boaters website has undergone some changes today. You might not notice much difference but behind the scenes things have changed. Now anyone can be a contributer to the main page blog that you see here. If you would like to contribute please let me know. I am looking for some new writers to the blog. Contact me at spalding@bardstownboaters.com

Bourbon City Challenge Results

Here are the results from the Bourbon City Challenge

Male Solo
1st - Matt Hoyes (Bardstown) 2 hours, 15 minutes
2nd - Jeremiah Ellis (Fort Knox)
3rd - Thad Hardin, two hours, 26 minutes

Team Relay
1st - Brian Beauman and Bradley Medley (Bardstown) two hours 16 minutes
2nd - Djzvad Kreso, Mike Zoeller, and Chris Walsh (Bardstown)
3rd - Kenny & John Thomas, Lindsay & Robin Cline

Female Solo
1st - Amanda Tucker - 2:38
2nd - Sue Mulet - 2:42
3rd - Leslie Seymour

Hollis Hurst

Hollis Clark Hurst was born today in Bardstown, Kentucky. Weighing in at seven pounds 12 ounces and twenty-one and a half inches long, Hollis looks to be a promising young boater. She is the daughter of Spalding and Jennifer Hurst, members of the Bardstown Boaters.

More Pictures: Picasa

Bardstown Recycling Program

In 2008 the City of Bardstown and the government of Nelson County worked together to apply for a grant to start a recycling program for all city and county residents. In May of 2008 they were given notification that they had received the grant from the State of Kentucky. This grant made it possible to purchase the forklift, two balers and five recycling bin trailers that would be necessary for the start of the program in the Bardstown community. The trailers will be parked strategically around the city and throughout the county where you can drop off your recyclable materials that you have collected.

To learn more about which materials you can recycle and where the bins are located check out the City of Bardtown’s website.

RiverRestoration.org in Bardstown

National Geographic Recognizes Bardstown & Whitewater Park

Bardstown has been named one of 50 “next great adventure towns in which to live and play” by National Geographic Adventure magazine.

On Bardstown, National Geographic wrote: “We ain’t gonna lie: Bardstown’s status as the world’s bourbon capital drew us in, but its rivers flow as freely as the whiskey. Paddlers convene at Sympson Lake, and a whitewater park is in the works downtown. Not in the liquor business? Lexington and Louisville are both less than an hour’s commute.”

Now we just need to deliver on that whitewater park so we can truley make Bardstown a great adventure town!

Article: Kentucky Standard

Bourbon City Challenge Adventure Race 2008 in Bardstown, Kentucky

Bourbon City Challenge Adventure Race 2008 is proud to announce Central Kentucky Canoe and Kayak as the 2008 title sponsor for next month's adventure race in Bardstown.

Central Kentucky Canoe and Kayak - a vital supporter of last year's race - joins hands with more than a dozen other event supporters already whom have pledged their support. And we're still five weeks out from race day.

"Supporting this event is a given for me," Mike Hammons, CKCK owner said. "I had a great time last year and with many of the same supporters on board this year, we'll again see this event grow into one of Kentucky's most enjoyed races."

Thanks to the canoe and kayak livery of Central Kentucky's acceptance of the title sponsorship, this is sure to be another great year for the Bourbon City Challenge Adventure Race.

CKCK joins a generous and dedicated group of supporters - the majority of which turned out last year for the event's inaugural - of whom all are critical to the event's success.

Red Bull, Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Beam Global Spirits, Makers Mark, Flaget Hospital, Ale-8-One, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Bardstown Boaters, Honaker Aviation, Joe Hill's Equipment, Lonely Goat Productions, and many others are on board again this year to support the event and we invite and encourage others to lend their support.

The cooperation of the city, county, and state governments, their departments and the Bardstown-Nelson County Air Board must also be recognized, because only with their cooperation can this event be what it is.

This year's Bourbon City Challenge Adventure Race in Bardstown, Ky., Sept. 14, 2008 begins Sunday at 9 a.m. at the Bardstown-Nelson County Airport on U.S. 62 just a mile west of Bardstown.

The first year's event was a great success drawing 70 racers, 40 sponsors and more than 100 spectators and race fans. This year is sure to attract even more.

The multi-sport race combines running, paddling, navigation and road cycling in a race designed to challenge the person of average athletic ability and provide die-hard athletes a great venue to compete in.

The Bourbon City Challenge is followed by a week filled with activities in Bardstown, during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival's full-week of events. The world renown festival is a celebration of Bardstown's 200-year distilling heritage.

The race begins with a run leaving the Bardstown-Nelson County Airport and continuing across adjoining property with Sympson Lake, where a paddling leg of the event takes place. After the paddle, racers mount bicycles to head their way back to Bardstown on a 12-mile ride in and around Bardstown.

The event offers three categories of racers: solo male, solo female and team relay.

The team relay category allows participants to partake in only portions of the race, while teammates fulfill other legs.

"This keeps the event open and fun to all, not just the hardcore athletes," Bob White, race creator said. "That's what we're here to do is have a great time running, paddling and cycling in the outdoors."

Entry fee for the 2008 race is $30 per racer. The price includes free camping and party activities the night before, a gift bag filled with neat stuff from our sponsors, and a chance at winning prize packages.

Learn more about the event and register online for the race at www.kyrace.com. Bardstown Boaters and Horizon Hoppers Adventure Services are hosting the event along with Bob White, a news reporter for Landmark Community Newspapers Inc. Those interested in sponsoring the event, being an event vendor, volunteering, or media interviews, should contact Bob White.

Bardstown Whitewater Park Proposal Recieved

We have recieved a letter of Interest for River Design Services of Municipal Supply and Whitewater Recreation Enhancements from RiverRestorations.org.

The emphasis of the River Recreation Enhancements design will be to enhance the rubble dam on the Beech Fork for whitewater recreation and improved water supply. Proposed is a holistic approach that balances the environment with the recreational facets, as well as facilitating municipal water supply. The project will provide additional community benefits such as: passive enjoyment of the riparian zone, swimming holes, fishing access, and a tourist draw.

Through the efforts of the Bardstown Boaters and Bardstown City Officials we may be soon moving toward Phase 1; Reconnaissance Survey of the Bardstown Whitewater Park. Stay tuned...

BADDLUN

For those hardcore adventure types, try your hand at Baddlun at the Russell Fork.

Ratliff Hole, Elkhorn City, Ky
Noon, Saturday, October 11th, 2008
13 mile bike, 9 mile paddle, 3 mile run.

Mass start bike from Ratliff Hole to Bartlick Bridge, paddle down Russell Fork to Carson Island, trail run back to Ratliff Hole. No entry fee, no prizes, no teams...we do this shit for fun. Great training for Lord of the Fork Race. River safety and a sweep wagon will be provided.

More info: Baddlun

New Local Creek?

Jennifer Hurst, while driving through Boston, KY was sent on a detour around a traffic accident. She reported that the creek that followed the road she was on looked like it may abe a pretty good whitewater run if it had water in it. So put Cedar Creek on your list of local creeks to check into the next time it rains.

Click here for a map of Cedar Creek. It passes under Bennets Lane near Boston, Ky.

You can add this to the list of Bardstown’s most promising oppertunities for whitewater creeking, which includes Rowan Creek. No first decents have been made just yet. But it has got to rain again.

Paddle Pickup 2008 Video

2nd Annual Duck Race This Saturday

WBRT in Bardstown is holding a fundraiser to benefit Bardstown schools. They will be releasing up to 5000 rubber ducks on the Beech Fork and the winner will win $1000. You can get your own duck in the race for $5. Call WBRT at (502) 348-3943 for an entry.

The Bardstown Boaters will be helping out by wrangling in the ducks on the river. If you would like to help us out, the race is on Saturday, May 24th at 10 a.m. Meet at the Beech Fork off of New Haven road, Highway 31E in bardstown.

Post in the forum here if you plan to help.

Governor Approves $1,231,844 in Recreational Trails Grants

Gov. Steve Beshear, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office for Local Development (GOLD) and the Recreational Trails Advisory Board, has announced the approval of 25 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grants for a total allocation of $1,231,844.

“I am pleased to approve these grants for projects which will continue to promote an active, outdoor lifestyle for families and individuals across the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “The Recreational Trails Program is essential for maintaining and expanding our state’s existing network of trails that cater to such a variety of interests and ages.”

The RTP is an assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Kentucky’s RTP is administered by GOLD and requires that applicants match the amount of funds requested to receive a 50% reimbursement on approved projects. Those eligible to apply are city and county governments, state and federal agencies, and non-profit organizations.

RTP grants may be used to provide assistance for acquisition of easements, development and/or maintenance of recreational trails and trailhead facilities for both motorized and non-motorized use. Examples of trail uses include hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, off-road motorcycling and all-terrain vehicle riding.

For a list a the projects receiving grants, visit the Commonwealth of Kentucky's website.

Body Found in Beech Fork River

From the Kentucky Standard

A 67-year-old Bardstown man was found dead in the Beech Fork River Tuesday. Authorities had searched for John Brantley Stephens, 5120 Springfield Road, since he was reported missing Sunday by his daughter.

He was last seen May 8, according to police.

At about 8 a.m. on Sunday, sheriff’s deputies found Stephens’ silver Dodge Dakota pickup truck stuck in the mud on Manton Road, according to police. Stephens was described as being in poor health, according to Gary Luce of Marion County EMS.

A search for Stephens ensued, centered near the Nelson/Washington county line, by units from the Bardstown Fire and Nelson County Sheriff’s departments and emergency personnel from Washington and Marion counties, who were providing mutual aid.

Stephens’ body was found several miles down river near KY 49 at about 11:40 a.m. by deputies searching the river.

The investigation is ongoing pending the medical examiner’s review.

Paddle Pickup Shirts

Here is the screen for the Paddle Pickup Shirts. We tend to keep these shirts a little old school. We don't know what color these shirts will be yet. Leave your choice for the color of the shirts in the comments below.

The Paddle Pickup will be on Saturday, May 31st. Meet at Keene's Depot at 9 a.m.

Shirts will be given away to the first 60 volunteers. See you at the Paddle Pickup!

Old Tires, Where Do They Go?

Many have often wondered about what happens to the tires retrieved from the Paddle Pickup? Well now we know the entire life cycle of the these tires.

Tires are made at the factory. After they are done being raced with at the local speedway, they are conveniently pitched into the Beech Fork. Once a year the Paddle Pickup rolls around and local boaters not so conveniently retrieve them from the river. These tires are then taken to the Nelson County Landfill and separated from the other garbage. A company from Marion County then picks them up for a fee paid for by the Landfill. They are then recycled into either mulch or used as a supplement for burning coal which in turn powers the factory so it can produce some more tires.

Learn more by joining us at this years Paddle Pickup!

Paddle Pickup Meeting Place

This year's meeting place for the Paddle Pickup will be at Keen's Depot on Old Bloomfield Pike in Bardstown, Kentucky. We will meet at 9am. Patrick Hayden has graciously opened his doors to us as the jumping point for our annual river cleanup.

The Paddle Pickup is on Saturday May 31st. The Bardstown Boaters along with local Boy Scout Troops and members of the community will be paddling the Beech Fork in Nelson County and removing garbage from the waterway.

This is the 4th year for the Paddle Pickup. We receive support from Central Kentucky Canoe & Kayak, City of Bardstown, Nelson County Government and The Rotary Club.

The Bardstown Boaters hold the Paddle Pickup in conjunction with National River Cleanup Week. In the past the club has removed over 3 tons of waste from the river.

Pass around the Paddle Pickup flyer and join us on May 31st! For more information visit the Paddle Pickup webpage or talk to us in the forum.

Josh's New Kayak

Josh Carpenter has a new kayak.

Finally got a playboat this week, got a used Fun. Got to take it out today on the Rockcastle. Going from the Mamba to a play boat that I weigh in on the heavy side of is quite a transition. I was getting squirted in everyrapid and constantly fighting to stay up. Eric had also just got a new Playboat, a Dagger Agent. We were both excited about the new boats, Eric was so excited his shoulder popped out on the first rapid, Beech N. I thought we were going to have to hike out right there before I ever even got a chance to try the new boat out. Luckilly he was able to put it back in himself and actually paddled amazingly well the rest of the trip. I think its time for me to take a first aid class so we will be better prepared, today proved how easily and random it can happen and I was not prepared for the situation. Anyway we both had a good time, we each swam in the new boats, and well were still working on the cartwheels.