Paddlers, rowers set to race

Bald Eagle event raises funds for trail

Ed Mahon

Richard Aungst is hoping Saturday's race will be one of many opportunities to beat Williamsport's Ron Kaiser and Mount Union's Chaz Ross, against whom he has competed in other contests. He considers Beech Creek as good a spot as any to try.

“I think there’s going to be a lot more events coming from it because that area is just perfect for kayaking triathlons,” he said, adding that the water level stays consistent. “... It’s just a beautiful place.”

On Saturday, Aungst plans to row in the eight-mile category in the inaugural Bricktown Challenge. The Beech Creek Watershed Association is organizing the event as a fundraiser to help pay for a trail that would loop through parts of Clinton and Centre counties.

The plan originally called for a 24-mile trail, but the first phase will focus on a 14-mile segment starting at Curtin Village near Interstate 80 and finishing at New York Central Train Station in Beech Creek.

“We’re hoping within the next five years to have a significant section of it either planned or built,” said Jamie Walker, president of the Beech Creek Watershed Association. The association needs to raise about $80,000 through grants, donations and fundraisers for a master site plan.

Aungst, 38, of Mill Hall, took about a 15-year hiatus from rowing after high school. But he now competes in kayaking, biking and running triathlons across the state.

“I wanted to get in shape. So I just kept getting more competitive and more competitive,” said a laughing Aungst, “and you just never stop.”

The event also includes a Bricktown Gamble poker run for the four-mile recreation race. Tokens will be scattered through the course, and any rowers or paddlers who collect five of them will receive five playing cards in exchange. The best hand wins.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Canoe and kayak race

COST: $25 per boat

INFO: Visit www.beechcreek watershed.org or call Jamie Walker at 570-660-0382.

Rowers and paddlers must bring their own boats. Those without boats can rent them from Tussey Mountain Outfitters at 355-5690 or Rock River and Trail Outfitters at 570-748-1818.

Registration for the eight-mile race begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Bald Eagle State Park beach. Races begin at 9:30 a.m.

Registration for the four-mile recreational race begins at 11 a.m. at the same location. The race begins at noon.

Ed Mahon can be reached at 231-4619.