Whitehorse Daily Star

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Photo by Aimee O'Connor

THUMBS UP FOR THE CHAMPS – Montana paddler Dave Hutchison gives a thumbs-up to supporters on the riverbank while Ontario teammate Bob Ross looks on after the duo won the 2015 Yukon River Quest Friday night.

Unique pair first to cross finish line in Dawson

From Whitehorse to Dawson, tandem kayak duo Dave Hutchison and Bob Ross stayed in the lead in this year’s Yukon River Quest.

By Aimee O'Connor on June 29, 2015

DAWSON CITY – From Whitehorse to Dawson, tandem kayak duo Dave Hutchison and Bob Ross stayed in the lead in this year’s Yukon River Quest.

The pair, known by the team name “Time to GO!,” were the first to paddle across the finish line in Dawson on Friday evening, with a winning time of 44:51:07.

Hutchison came in second overall at last year’s race, a feat that motivated Ross to call him up and ask him to try the tandem category this year.

Ross was a River Quest finisher in 2012, but had to cut his race short in 2013 due to a shoulder injury.

With decades of whitewater experience under Hutchison’s belt, Ross thought the Montana native would make the perfect yang to his yin – more specifically, Ross’ strength and endurance.

At the post-race awards and banquet Sunday, the two recounted the difficulties of the last stretch of the river, which had “horrendous winds” for about 50 to 60 kilometres.

“It was like if we stopped paddling, we were never going to get here,” Hutchison recalled.

But they did—and they will savour both the win and the memories from this year’s race.

“You definitely learn a lot about yourself,” Ross told the Star. “At some point during the race, you’re going to have to go and dig and get something that’s going to keep you competitive.”

Following the leading team into Dawson about an hour later was Ontario tandem canoe paddlers Jeff Brainard and Gaetan Plourde.

It was another partnership that came as a result of last year’s race, which they both completed in the solo category.

Plourde gave Brainard some grapes after he had lost all of his food on a battle through a stormy Lake Laberge and a partnership was struck.

Their team name, “Perfect Storm,” seemed to parallel conditions seen during this year’s race— a beautifully glassy Lake Laberge, smoke from nearby forest fires, warm temperatures, and low water levels.

It appeared that one or all of these factors contributed to the overall slower race times during the 715-kilometre race.

Coming in third was British Columbia’s team “Bald and Sexy,” placing second in the men’s tandem kayak category.

In the voyageur category, first place went to team “3-2-1-Go,” a team of women from all over North America which River Quest media director Jeff Brady said had challenged all of the other voyageur teams from the beginning of the race.

The first solo paddler to make it to Dawson was Martin Rother, “the northshore paddler,” finishing in 49-and-a-half hours.

When asked if the winners would come back next year for a victory lap, Hutchison laughed and said he wouldn’t rule it out.

“You have to wait until the pain dissipates I think and forget about how painful it is,” Ross added.

“It’s an amazing race, something that the memories from which you’ll keep for a long long time.”

Forty-four teams reached Dawson City on the weekend. A total of 58 were registered for this year’s race.

Comments (3)

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The College of Kinesiologists of Ontario on Jul 10, 2015 at 9:37 am

Congratulations to Bob and Dave, on a fabulous win! And to all the others who take on this grueling challenge, what great competitors you all are. And what an accomplishment. Best wishes.

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Michael Fekete on Jul 5, 2015 at 12:04 pm

Awesome Bob -Proud of you!
Mike

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Teri Bellairs on Jul 4, 2015 at 10:02 am

Congratulations Dave and Bob!!! What an amazing win and what an incredible adventure. Dave you totally blow my mind!! Teri

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