Wanderers Take on the Lenape Challenge

Race report by Polly Jansen

On Saturday, April 28th five brave teams of Wanderers took on steep climbs and chilly waters at the Lenape Challenge in Schwenksville, PA. The dynamic duos of Chris V. & Polly, Matt Palombaro & sister Carrie, Susan & Irene, Dennis & Megan and Maureen & Ken Evans tackled a 4.5 mile hilly road run, a mad dash (or slow shuffle) up Spring Mountain ski slope & down the other side and a 2.5 mile canoe down the menacing waters of the Perkiomen River. They laughed in the face of danger and in the faces of each other throughout their adventurous escapade. Leslie Turchetti offered plenty of support along the way & captured some terrific action photos of the Wanderers' amazing canoeing skills!

Susan thought she was going to be flying solo when her partner, Irene managed to make a few wrong turns on the way and missed the start of the race! "Spaz" Irene did not disappoint, however & managed to make up incredible ground during the run portion speeding through the course on pure adrenaline to catch up to Susan. Once in the canoe, "The Great One" and "Spaz" explored all avenues of the river (from bank to bank to bank) providing cheap entertainment to bridge spectators. In order for Susan to prove that she is not the control variable in another of several out-of-control canoes these past few years, "The Great One" has agreed to take on steering responsibilities herself for next year. Any volunteers for the front seat?

Matt and Carrie, proving that blood runs thicker than water ended up in the drink again this year after their canoe capsized! How many times is this, guys?! When Matt surfaced, he actually found himself inside their canoe! Luckily, the "scuba guys" hanging out along the banks came to the rescue & were able to help right the canoe and send the drenched duo on their way. Will Matt & Carrie ever finish this race completely dry? Tune in again next year!

Megan found herself in a bit of a partner predicament a few weeks before the race (Jason from Cross Fit was going to fill the role, but managed to put himself out of commission doing Jujitsu!). So, Dennis agreed to have another go as Megan's partner since they had such a great time last year (actually, Dennis was most happy that he didn't have to get out of the canoe & push this year since the water was so high!). Megan & Dennis made the trip look easy and proved that success means sticking with what you know . . . as long as you have a capable partner!

Maureen and Ken, newcomers to the race demonstrated beginners' skill rather than luck. Actually, Maureen who took pictures last year also took a lot of mental notes on what not to do! When asked a few weeks prior to the race who was going to steer the canoe, Maureen & Ken gave each other blank, questioning stares! Hmm . . . good question. Ken, with his rowing background decided he was up for the responsibility & piloted the canoe like a pro. It was smooth sailing for these two!

Chris and Polly decided to combine their efforts this year, although it didn't appear that Chris had to exert much effort during the run. Since he had to wait for Polly at the end anyway, Chris was observed "dancing" out on the course and waving to other runners and passers-by wishing them, "Good morning!" We should all enjoy a race as much, thinks Polly whose legs were pretty well shot on the ski mountain! They did manage to snag 1st in the mixed under 70 category & got some pretty cool weapons . . . uh, awards (little canoe paddles)! Overall results are not yet up on the website, but should be soon at perkiomenwatershed.org. Great job everyone & looking forward to more madness next year!

Event Photos

This is the Before photo prior to the Lenape Challenge with all Wanderers clean and happy!

Chris and Polly were really moving!!!

It looks like Matt and Carrie are about to send up the distress flares.

The canoeing portion was definitely not the stronger part of  Matt and Carrie's biathlon performance.

So far, so good for Dennis and Megan as they paddle down the Perkiomen Creek.

Someone should remind Dennis that this is a race!

Here comes trouble...Irene and Susan.

Houston, we have a problem.

Wanderers all accounted for after the race.  That alone should
make this year's Lenape Challenge be considered a victory.

Susan is glad to be alive after another Lenape Challenge.

Polly and Chris were awarded "golden" paddles for their
performance at the Lenape Challenge.  The paddles should
be a welcome addition to the Wanderers trophy case!

The message from this team photo.  Don't Mess With the Wanderers!!

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