Feature Article October 25, 2003
LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb HomeContact Us
Cataraqui Trail Wheelbarrelathon
Whats
a Wheelbarrelathon? Its a marathon involving teams pushing
one of their members in non-motorized wheeled contraptions over 17
kilometers of gravel railbed and country roads. On Saturday, four
entrants completed the course in about three and a half hours, earning
over $4000 in pledges to help maintain the Cataraqui Trail, which is
described as "a 100 km park".
Rob Tapscott captained the winning entry, having creatively attached the working portion of a bicycle to his wheelbarrow. Obviously the course was a tough one, for his vehicle collapsed just as it crossed the finish line.
An
all-woman team from Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority was togged
out in cat-ears and cat-tails (except for the rider, who was required
to wear a crash helmet.) They ran a standard wheelbarrow, with two
extra wheels.
The Marshall family from Smiths Falls rode in a large-wheeled garden cart, while snowmobilers Fenwick and Van Wygaarden used a traditional barrow.
The Wheelbarrelathon was judged a success from all angles: fundraising, fun and publicity. Its organizers hope to hold another one next year, perhaps near the Smiths Falls end of the trail.
(Note: the event was called "barrel", but as far as I know, the things are "barrows", so both spellings have been used in the article...)
The first picture shows Rob Tapscott and partner, the second is: Holly Evans, Stana Luxford and Pat Hudson Mills (The Cat Cons. team). The pictures were taken by Carol Forde
