The Michigan Challenge 2012 Oscoda to Manistee in Canoes, Kayaks and Small Sail Boats Human and/or Wind Powered General OverviewThe Michigan Challenges 2012 are journeys for canoes, kayaks and small sailboats. The distances are roughly 300 miles for the Shore to Shore and Tip of the Mitt and 150 miles for the Manistee 150 and Lake Michigan 150, depending on your route and course selection.Shore to Shore Start in the town of Oscoda Michigan. Paddle and portage up the AuSable River some 113 miles and 561 vertical feet. Up and over 6 hydro electric dams and across 6 open water dam impoundments to the town of Grayling. Take out of the AuSable River at The Old AuSable Fly Shop for the start of the 7 mile portage to the Manistee River. Portage West on M-72 past Lake Margrethe to the Manistee River. Put in on the Manistee River. Paddle and portage down 160 miles and 561 vertical feet, over 2 hydro electric dams and finish at the Insta Launch Campground just before the Manistee River dumps into Lake Manistee. There are no charges or fees of any kind to participate. Tip of the Mitt Start in the town of Oscoda Michigan. Paddle/Sail north along the Lake Huron coast. Pass under the Mackinaw Bridge and head south on Lake Michigan to the town of Manistee. We will start the Tip of the Mitt 2012 in Oscoda on Saturday June 23 at 8am. Finish in Manistee by Saturday, June 30 at 6pm. We will have a Captains meeting on Friday, June 22 at 6pm on the beach in Oscoda. There are no charges or fees of any kind to participate. Manistee 150 Start at the M-72 bridge over the Manistee River in Grayling. Paddle and portage down the Manistee River, over 2 hydro electric dams and finish at the Insta Launch Campground just before the Manistee River dumps into Lake Manistee. The start for the Manistee 150 will be at 8 AM, June 27. Finish in Manistee by Saturday, June 30 at 6pm. There are no charges or fees of any kind to participate. Lake Michigan 150 Start at the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground in Mackinaw City. Paddle / sail under the Mackinaw Bridge and south on Lake Michigan to the town of Manistee. The start for the Lake Michigan 150 will be at 8 AM, June 26. Finish in Manistee by Saturday, June 30 at 6pm. There are no charges or fees of any kind to participate. If you are thinking about joining us on any of these routes, let everyone know on our forum here: ScheduleStart Saturday, June 23, 2012
StartOscoda Beach Front Park, Oscoda MichiganN 44 25.140' W 083 19.619' Oscoda is the finish line
for one of the most well known marathon paddling events in the world,
the Ausable River Marathon. The town folk are very used to accommodating
water racers and their fans. Oscoda has a nice small town feel, but
also features a nice selection of shops and stores so last minute food
and gear gathering is easily accomplished, mostly within walking
distance from the start beach. There are ample resources for lodging
within walking distance of the start beach and camping opportunities are
also abundant nearby.   FinishInsta Launch Campground and Marina, Manistee, Michigan N 44 15.879' W 086 18.360'
The finish is at the InstaLaunch Campground and Marina on the east side of the river just up river of where the Manistee River dumps into Lake Manistee. InstaLaunch is a well known spot by visiting sport fisherman and has wonderful facilities. They have almost 200 camp spots including very nice cabins and trailers for rent. They have a very well stocked camp store and ice cream counter. This spot is very close to the historic downtown area of Manistee with many nice restaurants and shops.   |