June 29– Today was the big one, with a 7AM launch at Dogfish Bar and 7:30 timed start off the Cliffs, paddling counter-clockwise in the Atlantic to Cape Poge on Chappaquiddick. The tide was similar to what it will be at 5AM on August 9th, and alas was flooding more than anticipated around Gay Head, slowing my speed to 5.2 mph average for the first 5 miles to Squibnocket Point; seas were glass calm. Conditions improved dramatically past Squibnocket as the current released its grip and a light Southwest quartering tailwind kicked in.
Speed immediately went up to 6 mph or more, staying there the entire length of the south shore, and increasing to 7+ with the flood current along South Beach, and over 8 rounding the corner at Wasque Point. It was hot in the lee of East Beach with the last of the flood keeping speed around 6. I was definitely ready for the noon break at Cape Poge, 4:41 paddling time, 27.01 miles @ 5.8 average, 8.6 max…. I’d originally calculated 5 hours to reach Cape Poge, so was happy to finish quicker despite the lack of any surfable following seas.
Nutrition was off, though, as 8 oz Gatorade every 1/2 hour, and a banana half through way left blood sugar way, way too low at 58 mg/dl… will definitely have to work Powerbars or Gels into the mix. A very valuable trial run which hopefully will preempt any bonk on 8/9…. after refueling, had a pleasant 4 miles into the wind to my car at Eel Pond. Thanks to friends Barry & Dottie Sullivan for hosting me in Aquinnah and positioning my car in Edgartown.
Trip total, including warm up and cool down legs, 34.0 miles in 5:55. HR <100 most of the way, 105-110 final 6 miles. Read more of my training blog entries here.
