Black Rock Lodge Wins La Ruta Maya River Challenge

The Island Newspaper, Ambergris Caye, Belize            Vol. 10, No. 10            March 8, 2000

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Winning team crosses finish line-Photo by Julian Sherrard

Although they sunk three times on the first day of last year's race, earning a second place position, the Black Rock Lodge team emerged as champions of this year's La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge. The three-man Cayo team comprised of boatsmen Alex "The Engine" Lisbey, Armin "Benji" Lopez and Leroy "Iron Man" Romero, were sponsored, managed and coached by Julian and Caesar Sherrard of Black Rock Lodge/Caesar's Place in Cayo.

     Approximately 58 professional and 20 amateur teams, launched their vessels last Friday for this 180 mile-plus competition, deemed the longest canoe race in Central America. Starting beneath Hawkesworth Bridge in San Ignacio, paddlers struggled for three and one-half days to break records in an effort to be the first to reach the BelCan Bridge in Belize City. In addition to the many Belizeans racing, a team from Paddler Magazine and five British Army teams competed internationally. 

    To meet the challenge, the Black Rock team trained half-days, three times a week for three months using the same canoe as last year, with the exception of a few race-worthy modifications. Sporting "camel packs" for hydration and gloves for protection, the teammates were referred to as "machines" each evening by fellow canoers as they appeared tireless and undaunted by the grueling race. Coach Julian exclaimed, "These guys are hard working and dedicated. They earned it and deserved to win."

    The winning vessel, a two-year-old, homemade "modified split" canoe, was built by Jim Smith of Florida, USA. "Uncle Jim" as he is called, is a woodworker who, prior to this had only worked on sailboats. This was a bonus week for the gentleman as he was not only present for the race, he also celebrated his 73rd birthday on Wednesday the 8th.

    Winning second place overall was Joe Grind's team, also in a homemade boat built by Dean Lindo. Interestingly, of the first seven canoes to finish, six were home-built. Although no records were broken this year due to low water, the first-place winners of the La Ruta Maya River Challenge amassed over $14,600 in collective prizes. Closing ceremonies for the event are being planned and will be announced at a later date. Congratulations to Black Rock Lodge and all who dared to meet the "challenge".



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