So as not to give us locals too much advantage, there are a few things you should know about the course before you race.
The C-2 course starts with the boats backed up against Brown Bridge Dam, and does a loop out into the pond of about 15 minutes. You then portage over the dam, down a set of wooden step to the put in on the Boardman River. The steps get slippery when wet, so caution is suggested. It's also a long step down into the water. The upper part of the river is shallow and twisty. Less than hour after the portage you'll pass Shumsky Landing. There are a couple metal stakes there, off the racing line, that we'll have marked by a 1- gallon jug (don't aim for the jugs).
After Shumsky Landing, about 30 minutes or so, you'll come to Bietner Road, with two large tubes. Just before the tubes there are a couple more metal stakes in the river, we'll have those marked as well, but again, don't head for the jugs.
You can take either tube, but about 100 yards after the tubes the second portage will be on the right. This is a mandatory portage around the main rapids. This section is quick and rocky, and the portage comes up quickly. There will be a orange flag at the portage, but this year it's a big step up from the water, and there isn't much space there. There is a second take out about 30 yards further down the river, but it's very tough to get out there and it's on a steep slope, so don't use it unless you completely miss the first one.
We've previously given the racers their choice of put in locations, but this year everybody must run to the foot bridge, about a 3-4 minute run (more for us slow guys). Put in on your left.
The next pond has been lowered, so the FAST, TRICKY current extends quite a bit farther than last year. WATCH FOR LOGS IN THE RIVER!! You can get through clean if you're careful. Paddle across the pond, portage at Cass Road. The take out point will be marked by - guess what? - orange flags. Watch for traffic! The take out is LEFT of the last island this year. The next pond is straight forward, then portage again.
About 15 minutes down you'll see two tubes under Airport Road. The TC paddlers keep the spiders cleaned out, you choose either tube. Head across the pond towards the railroad trestle - it's at the far end of the pond, on the left. You'll see the Hull Park and the Finish line on your right, but don't go there yet. Paddle under the trestle, down to a buoy at Union Street Dam, do a counterclockwise turn. Paddle back upstream under the trestle, turn left along the shore, and the finish line is at Hull Park.
Hint: Scout the rapids if you can!