CAT Race Cancelled. Possibilities for 2012.

Today the organizing committee for the inaugural Cannonsville Adventure Triathlon decided to cancel the event for this year. Low registrations with only three weeks left to hit minimum targets, and large financial and time commitments, that needed to be made in the next few days, were the main reasons for the cancellation. The CAT Race was planned to be an adventure type triathlon featuring run and bike legs, with the swim replaced by a paddle.

The Cannonsville Adventure Triathlon organizing committee wants to thank the numerous volunteer efforts from the staff of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Delaware County Economic Development, the town and village of Hancock, local and state highway departments, the Delaware County Sheriff’s office and Emergency Management Service, New York State troopers, the Hancock Chamber of Commerce, Hancock Partners, as well as the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and the Catskill Watershed Corporation.

"It is unfortunate that all the parties involved with the first inaugural Cannonsville Adventure Triathlon had to make a decision to cancel the event for lack of participation. I believe the overall economic condition in our region at this time have made possible participants very cautious when it comes to spending their entertainment dollars." stated Jim Eisel, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Delaware County.

Glenn Nealis, Director of Economic Development for Delaware County, sees promise in a future reincarnation of the CAT Race. “Our goal is to promote this access to the Cannonsville Reservoir and the recreational opportunities in Delaware County. We will take another look at what type of race we can hold here that will highlight those assets and be easy for racers to participate in. What that will look like for 2012 will be decided over the coming months – be it a true triathlon, biathlon, paddle only event or adventure race with different components.”

“The cooperation between all these organizations must be applauded.” stated Mary Beth Silano, Executive Director of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. “Everyone was incredibly professional, accessible, and thorough in putting together their portion of the event. While we are all disappointed we could not start it this year, we are eager to put what we learned to work for a great event next year.”

In 2009, the DEP launched a three-year pilot program to expand recreational boating opportunities at Cannonsville Reservoir, which meant that kayaks, canoes, rowboats and small sailboats were allowed on the reservoir. The Cannonsville Reservoir features nine boat launch sites that ring the shoreline, all outfitted with parking areas and port-a-johns. During the first year, 185 permit holders requested 407 boat tags. Last year, about 160 permit holders requested 344 boat tags. (Each tag is valid for one week with the requirement that the boat be kept on reservoir grounds.) All person in the boats using the Cannonsville waters must acquire an Access Permit from DEP. Permits are free and easy to obtain online at www.nyc.gov/dep. DEP boating access rules require that the canoes and kayaks be steam cleaned prior to going out on the water. There is a fee for the boat cleaning.

The reservoir is open for recreational boating from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, from dawn until dusk. The waters, while flat, do have currents and good winds, providing a great boating or sailing experience. Bald eagles nest along the eastern portion of the reservoir and can often be seen scouting the waters for fish. A free map with rules and regulations for boating on Cannonsville Reservoir is available by calling 866-775-4425, emailing info@greatwesterncatskills.com, or stopping by the Delaware County Chamber office at 5 ½ Main Street in Delhi.

To stay informed of future plans for the race, participants should bookmark the race blog at cannonsvilletriathlon.blogspot.com.


Contact:
For more information, please contact Mary Beth Silano at msilano@delawarecounty.org.

Winners Purses Announced for CAT Race

Woo Hoo!! Purses for top finishers have been announced for the CAT Race. Fastest finishing male, female and team will each receive $500. This should make for quite a competitive race!

There will be more classes of racers and the bragging rights that go along with winning your class. Besides gender divisions (male, female and team), classes will be set by type of boat (regular or pro), and then age groups (in ten year increments). If there are not enough racers in a category they will be combined with the nearest class.

All racers will receive a beautiful bluestone medallion comemmorating the race, a complimentary Inaugural Race T-shirt as well as a meal voucher and drink ticket (beer or non-alcoholic beverage) for after the race.

Campgrounds Near CAT Race

The Cannonsville Area has the most camping and RV facilities in the western Catskills area due to it's proximity to the East Branch of the Delaware River and great fishing along it's banks. It is also where the West Branch meets up and other well known tributaries such as the Beaverkill and Willowemoc. The Delaware River starts just below Hancock - which is the start of the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway.

You can also camp on New York State DEC lands. Please familiarize yourself with rules for backcountry camping on state lands by going to the DEC website linked here.

The Great Western Catskills website has a listing of all lodging in the county broken out by type of lodging and price range. We're showcasing some local campgrounds that have websites we could link to for our intrepid racers.


Guestward Ho Family Campgrounds
Guestward Ho Family Campground offers lakeside and lakeview campsites for all types of campers. Nestled atop the highest point in Deposit, New York, our sites offer outstanding panoramic lake views. Our wooded sites are situated on 50 acres, presenting your family the perfect setting for a true camping experience!
6214 Decker Road • Deposit, NY 13754
P: 607-467-3246
W: www.guestwardho.com

Peaceful Valley Campsite
Select a sunny or shaded area in one of our three island, river front, or mainland campsites. With over 500 acres, there is a special spot for everyone!
486 Banker Road • Shinhopple, NY 13755
P: 607-363-2211
W: www.nypeacefulvalley.com

Oxbow Campsites
Oxbow Campsites is located along the East Branch of the Deleware River and is only minutes from Roscoe N.Y. also known as "Trout Town U.S.A." We have two playgrounds safely located away from any main roads, a ball field, a recreation hall full of video games and pin ball games, a Volley Ball net and much more to keep everyone occupied.
3026 County Route 30 • East Branch, NY 13756
P: 607-363-7141
W: www.oxbowcampsites.com

Russell Brook Campsites
One of New Yorks most naturally beautiful campsites. Situated in a secluded valley, high in the catskill mountains. Surrounded by 18,000 acres of forest preserve and country streams. Secluded tent sites, RV sites, cabin rentals. Most sites waterfront.
731 Russell Brook Road • Cooks Falls/Roscoe, NY 12776
P: 607-498-5416
W: www.russellbrook.com