posted 04-24-2014 05:41 PM ET (US)            

https://www.facebook.com/pages/2014-Mississippi-River-Challenge/ 211194215737391

posted 04-27-2014 02:25 PM ET (US)            

One thing is they have no intention to be media hounds or anything like that. However, we all agree it is important to memorialize the project, track the journey and share all of it with others as inspiration and encouragement to get off the couch and GO FOR IT! or something - pursue a dream. To that end I have pressed them real hard specific to why they are doing it? For a one time adventure to tell their grandkids about or more: future journeys, around the world paddling, write a book or do video, do seminars including at schools to discuss the trip and inspire. Their inspiration includes the saga of Verlin Kruger who became obsessed with padding and canoe racing and did several long distance trips including one that was 28,000 miles -

The idea of support along the from paddling and boat owner's groups (Whaler!! preferred!) is evolving into a possible critical element of the trip. Action could include assistance with provisioning without the crew having to paddle out of the current to shore for offloading and loading fresh stuff, photography/video - to help document the trip and for Guinness records and more. We do not, however, want a flotilla of pleasure boats coming out to greet them that would churn up the water with boat wakes and thus mess with navigation and speed which could slow down the journey.

I will be working this week on finalizing FAQ, information, media and call to action materials which will go on their FB and website.

The plan is non-stop padding, 24hrs/day, 60 paddle strokes/minute, three paddle while one sleeps, nutrition on the run, they have created PVC "poop tubes" so no reason to stop for evacuation of bowels or bladders.

Analyzing possible failure modes and delays, one of the dry land support team members pointed out that night time navigation without spot lights, will be difficult. Pat asked me if we could get Whaler guys to run ahead of the team with marker lights on so the guys could follow and stay in the channel and away of hazards. Concept at this time and we need to make certain that would not disqualify the team from setting the Guinness record - very critical

posted 04-27-2014 02:28 PM ET (US)            

Must select best handheld VHF for crew ASAP that can also be operated by AAs. My group is going to donate the radio for the trip. Radio communication is critical for crew to contact lock masters, USCG and marine patrols as well as WX and for use in emergencies.

posted 04-27-2014 02:35 PM ET (US)            

The crew will need marker lights, forward and aft, traditional navigation lights, although not required as we understand it, will be on board.

I consulted one of my #1 all time fishin' pals who is a battery engineer in Portland OR - big deal military and medical device batteries. We ran a ton of scenarios and options that included 1) power buss for electronics cellphones, lights, rechargeable batteries, maybe GPS 2) solar system 3) anything else we didn't think of.

We determined solar was not practical for a variety of reasons including lack of secure deck space and fragility.

His company manufactures a super expensive battery, high capacity (would last well beyond the duration of the trip) entirely waterproof, small, able to power up a custom "grid" for above needs and only about 12 pounds. Limiting factor is time required to create wiring harness and no time to shake down the system. Adding 12 pounds is also not desirable.

WIth his expertise and discussions up till now, we are going with all AA power, disposable batteries likely and a s#$t load of them. Also some AAAs for Petzl headlamps.

If any of you have suggestions please pass them along.

posted 04-27-2014 07:07 PM ET (US)            

There are a number of VHF preps that would work. Probably don't need anything exotic as one with built in GPS, but waterproof would be important. Probably would not have to charge it the whole trip,

For lighting, what about a motorcycle batteries powering LED lighting? Epoxy in a case and lid, zip tie the wiring along the gunnel. Make the connections quick change, and change the battery when the light(s) go dim with a fresh one from on shore.

Goodluck!

posted 04-28-2014 01:10 PM ET (US)            

To further the sourcing, go to:

http://www.superbrightleds.com/

posted 04-28-2014 11:34 PM ET (US)            

These guys are adventurers - I talked to TIm about nutrition and they are predicting 10,000 calories/day necessary to keep pace. He told me you can take a full jar of natural peanut butter, stuff with the oil in the jar, put it in the sun for a while and it will liquify - then you drink it down. Gives a jolt for sure.

If anyone wants to contribute let me know - no intent to be solicitous but these kids are worthy! I'm gonna give them $100 bucks.

posted 04-30-2014 06:07 PM ET (US)            

Also, photos or video clips of them underway or any situation along the way that we can post to website and FB page.

Priority is to find someone at mile 00 to be there as they complete the race to set the record to 1) photograph the finish and tow them a few miles upstream to their planned take- out.

Guinness has very strict rules which we are reviewing and double checking. This includes photographic proof of trip, events and completion.

I will be meeting with them often as departure date is fast approaching.

Thanks!!

posted 05-03-2014 10:07 AM ET (US)            

We got them a Icom handheld VHF w/ AA battery pack from West Marine. Other stuff and food provisions are being measured and stowed for trip.

Crew is looking for inflatable PDFs after determining they would be an advantage over conventional pdfs designed for paddling. We are trying to confirm a benefactor to offset costs - at about $100 each.

posted 05-09-2014 04:02 PM ET (US)            

Strategy is to go in high, fast water for max speed. That will be tricky.

IMPORTANT! We'd like to find a Boston Whaler owner to meet them at mile 00 for a critical part of the trip: TO VERIFY the finish and record the time. We DO NOT have that confirmed.

Please advise ideas.

posted 05-17-2014 02:56 PM ET (US)            

HEY ! This ain't National Geographic this is REAL TIME! and our MSU crew!!! Think of the TOUGHEST thing you've ever done and quadruple it or more - They had to PORTAGE SEVEN MILES as in 7 MILES yesterday! with that 23 foot canoe and all their gear!! The Mississippi is running high and fast - amazing photos when they can shoot a few - Not only are our guys going for the Guinness Record for headwaters to mouth of Mississippi, to break the record plan is to paddle for 24 hours/day non-stop, 60 strokes/minute. Get behind this project, man, contributions seriously appreciated.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/2014-Mississippi-River-Challenge/211194215737391

Important - We are looking for a Whaler owner or marina to meet them at mile 00 which is so important that verification of the record depends on it.

posted 05-24-2014 10:18 AM ET (US)            

Even with excellent planning our intrepid crew is constantly running short of drinking water. They can pump and filter underway but not enough. Must stay hydrated.

If ANYONE on this forum lives close to the route, please read the dispatch below and I can relay information to the ground crew. IF you have a Whaler and can possibly shuttle some jugs out to the crew while underway, that would be terrific. Every time they come to shore it costs them progress to break the record

They were just a few hours off the record pace a few days ago and have increased their output determined to win.

Status Update
By 2014 Mississippi River Challenge
Water Is Important / A listing of potable water sources for the downstream run has been requested by the paddlers. We are asking for tips on parks, especially near the water so they can top off their jugs and get going again. It would be information sent in a private message to the facebook page along with mile marker and tips on finding it in the dark. Any assistance would be appreciated. Their 5+ gallons on board do not last long at this pace. We do know of the wilderness stretches to come and the difficulty in resupplying that will occur. If you have tips, they would appreciate the information - Thank You In Advance For Your Help.

I think they are now upstream from Nashville
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0tSIsbM4ho6AiyqbAqkaxOvKl70qFu7Jx

We really want a Whaler to meet them at mile 00 to confirm the finish. Working with Mississippi Whaler dealer on that now.

posted 06-01-2014 01:58 PM ET (US)            

Well...they didn't make it but were so close. Major issues had to do with river shallower than expected and heavy barge traffic at night which got flat dangerous. With shallower water came bigger wakes - way big in some cases and unsafe. There was also some serious monsoon weather and one of the crew reportedly got struck by lightning - knocked him down but he's okay.

We did have a seriously cool Whaler dealer in MS lined up to possibly meet them at the finish, Breath's Marine, been a Whaler dealer since 1962 - John Ladner there was the contact. In any case, they did a great job under tough conditions.