The Manotick Directory
2021 Manotick Round-the-Islands Race
Saturday, August 28, 2021
The first Manotick-Round-the-Islands paddle was held on August 28, 2021, paddling around Long & Nicolls Islands. The paddlers entered the Rideau River at the Manotick Boat Launch Ramp on South River Dr. at one minute intervals. The race became a nail-biter between two teams, pitting experience against youth.
By the beginning of the first portage at the O'Grady Street dock, the experienced pair of Chris Tyler and Terry Graham had extended their starting interval over the youthful duo of Brett and Luke Popplewell by over a minute. However, shortly after entering the back-channel at the Veteran?s Park, Chris and Terry did not ?see a poem lovely as a tree?, until it swept them into the river. This put Brett and Luke close on their heels, until a second misread of the river had Chris and Terry walking; and the young pair overcame their start interval and took the virtual lead of the race.
After rounding Nicolls Island, they were nose to tail as they climbed up the Long Island locks. Brett and Luke were looking fresh as they launched into the main channel with a small lead plus their one-minute start interval; but by the time they returned to Bridge Street, Chris and Terry overcame it all, establishing the course record at one hour, 47 minutes, 37 seconds.
