2018 Events in the Dordogne Valley
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So many things to do but always time to relax along the river or in a cafe, choices are many!
25Km Dordogne Stand Up Paddle Race 21 October 2017
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The Start!
30 racers entered into his year's 25Km race from Argentat to Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne. The morning was overcast and with some light rain but it didn't dampen the excitement of the event! This year I had a racing board, a super RedPaddleCo 12'6 RACE inflatable board. I received it a month before the race and tried to get as much practice on it as possible before race day. It is much narrower than my recreational board so I needed to get comfortable on it!
Approaching the first bridge after Argentat
The start is always crazy! Everyone paddling like mad trying to get out ahead as fast as possible. I was keeping up with the front group for awhile before they started pulling away from me and I needed to get into my pace in order to make the full distance! I kept pushing hard, too hard sometimes which led to me falling off in several whitewater sections.
Last bend to the finish
I was caught up to by No.23 Loic from Tours and we stayed neck and neck for the last 15Km or so of the race. He finished 18 seconds ahead of me!!
The run to the finish!
So the final part of the race was getting off on the beach and running to finish under the big green inflatable Correze arch! Smiling as I am so happy to have done it and I was thinking maybe I had made 3rd place???
Did it!!
A very happy but tired finisher! I asked the time keepers where I finished and yes I had managed 3rd place in the women's 12'6 inflatable board class!! I was met with a hug and thermos of hot chocolate by Tom who had flown home specially to see me race, nice.
Looking forward to next year's race. I know I have a lot to do to improve as the competitors are getting younger and younger and it will be harder to hang on to 3rd place!
Keep paddling!
21 & 22 October 2017 3rd Dordogne SUP River Race
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Quickly approaching is this year's SUP Dordogne Paddle Race ! !
I have entered the 24Km race from Argentat to Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne and the SUP Cross. I enjoy running the river more than racing around buoys so that is why I have entered the 24Km event this year. I also have entered in the SUP Cross on Sunday. I have never tried this event before so it should be a wet affair I'm sure!!
Still lots of time to get on the water for training in between rain showers! An indian summer would have been nice :)
Get paddling!
Local Producers Market Monday Evenings July and August with BBQ & Music
/Every Monday evening during July and August is the Marchés des Producteurs de Pays. Producers set up their stalls selling their various locally produced meats, cheeses, fruits etc.
Located on the Quayside volunteers man the BBQ's, beverage tent and picnic tables are provided. Live music adds to the atmosphere which kicks off around 1700.
25ème Fete de la Fraise!! le 14 mai 2017 Beaulieu sur Dordogne
/Cette année la Fete de la Fraise va voir les villages les boulangers et les pâtissiers tenter un Livre Guinness des Records du monde pour créer la plus longue de la pâtisserie aux fraises !
Aussi cette année, la noix du Périgord sera un invité d'honneur que ce produit est répartie sur tout le territoire en plus de la fraise et gourmet marchés.
Plusieurs bandes sont prévues pour jouer et il y aura un secteur désigné pour le divertissement des enfants.
Mais bien sûr, l'événement principal sera la tentative de record ! Notez la date et n'oubliez pas de venir profiter de la fête ! !
Années précédentes ronde tarte aux fraises
My First SUP Race: Dordogne Paddle Race
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SUPer weekend and so much fun!!
This event last year is why I took up the sport of SUP. I purchased my board last December and my early days on the water were mainly at Lac de Feyt just north of Argentat. The Dordogne River was running too fast over the winter (for me anyway as a newbee) as we were having lots and lots of rain. I met Max of Cap Nature and was invited to river SUP with his friends in April. We made the 9 km run from Vayrac to Gluges. It was a lot of fun and I decided then I would enter the paddle race this year and I would need to get fit and put in time on the river.
Saturday 15 October started a bit chilly and foggy as the previous 2 days had been with rain. Forecast was for sun and up to 20C. Everyone finally in the water and jostling around the start line when we finally set off about 1100. I had entered the 8Km race that would finish at the Camping du Saulou. The start was also for the people entered into the 24Km finishing in Beaulieu.
Out in front were some very big and strong guys on sleek racing boards, also moving quickly was the RedPaddle Dragon SUP with 4 paddlers (a SUP take on the Dragon boats of Hong Kong). I found myself alone somewhere in the forward middle half of the pack. In the group moving ahead from me were 2 people I kept a constant distance from and a group following behind was also staying a steady distance back. After the first rapid I was overtaken by a Dad and his daughter on a tandem SUP. After that no one else overtook me! I just paddled and paddled nonstop and managed all the rapids without falling in. The river was higher and flowing faster than the previous Sunday when I was paddling with Etienne gaining knowledge!!
At the first bridge it was encouraging to hear people on the bridge cheering you on! I did have a moment of knee wobble about 2 bends from the finish. I was pushing hard and knew there was one last swift moving bend with strong counter currents so just told my legs to relax and made it over the finish line. I was happy with my paddle. I never stopped and just tried to keep a steady stroke. I thoroughly enjoyed it especially as the river was flowing faster making it more exciting.
Next was the Technical Race in Beaulieu in the afternoon. By now it was warmer as the sun was out but there was a bit of a gusty wind. I quickly realised that my universal board was not the tool for this race! Everyone had a racing board which had a pointy nose and the boards were narrow and some were rigid and other inflatable. The course was 4.6Km 3 laps round the buoys with an exit from the water carrying your board a short distance and re entering the water for the next lap. So, the start was given and off we went. I was in the wake wash of these fast boards and found myself in last place at the first buoy. I had not yet mastered the art of spin turning the board to make fast turns so I lost time. At the 2nd buoy by the Chapel the turn took us back upstream and it was breezy. It was hard! I made it to the exit on land, carried my board and then dashed back into the water to start lap 2. It was hard work and again on the upstream run I had to dig deep to keep a strong stroke going. On the 2nd exit I was met with cheers of allez Laura! It was appreciated and I laughed and got back in for the final lap. I was overtaken, lapped, by 3 very fit young guys. I was of course feeling tired but gave it my all and even managed to run to the finish, yes run and with a big smile on my face!
Next was the prize giving on the river bank. I must say the quality of the prizes was high with paddles, camelbaks, etc. being handed out. Suddenly I heard my name called for 3rd place Women's 8Km!! I was honestly so surprised and also proud of myself. I stood on the 3rd place podium and received a coiled leash and waterproof pouch from the Mairie of Beaulieu! I admit I got a little teary.
I have decided I will enter the 24Km next year, go big or go home!
A big thank you to the race organisers, it was a super event. Merci beaucoup!
SUP Family photo
Surprised and happy 3rd place finisher in my first ever SUP race!
The start
Finish line in sight!