Here are the results from the Bourbon City Challenge

Male Solo
1st - Matt Hoyes (Bardstown) 2 hours, 15 minutes
2nd - Jeremiah Ellis (Fort Knox)
3rd - Thad Hardin, two hours, 26 minutes


Team Relay
1st - Brian Beauman and Bradley Medley (Bardstown) two hours 16 minutes
2nd - Djzvad Kreso, Mike Zoeller, and Chris Walsh (Bardstown)
3rd - Kenny & John Thomas, Lindsay & Robin Cline

Female Solo
1st - Amanda Tucker - 2:38
2nd - Sue Mulet - 2:42
3rd - Leslie Seymour -

Tags: Adventure Race | Bourbon City Challenge

Hollis Clark Hurst was born today in Bardstown, Kentucky. Weighing in at seven pounds 12 ounces and twenty-one and a half inches long, Hollis looks to be a promising young boater. She is the daughter of Spalding and Jennifer Hurst, members of the Bardstown Boaters.

More Pictures: Picasa

Tags: Membership

In 2008 the City of Bardstown and the government of Nelson County worked together to apply for a grant to start a recycling program for all city and county residents. In May of 2008 they were given notification that they had received the grant from the State of Kentucky. This grant made it possible to purchase the forklift, two balers and five recycling bin trailers that would be necessary for the start of the program in the Bardstown community. The trailers will be parked strategically around the city and throughout the county where you can drop off your recyclable materials that you have collected.

To learn more about which materials you can recycle and where the bins are located check out the City of Bardtown’s website.

Tags: Recycling | Environment | Bardstown

Tags: Whitewater Park

Bardstown has been named one of 50 “next great adventure towns in which to live and play” by National Geographic Adventure magazine.

On Bardstown, National Geographic wrote: “We ain’t gonna lie: Bardstown’s status as the world’s bourbon capital drew us in, but its rivers flow as freely as the whiskey. Paddlers convene at Sympson Lake, and a whitewater park is in the works downtown. Not in the liquor business? Lexington and Louisville are both less than an hour’s commute.”

Now we just need to deliver on that whitewater park so we can truley make Bardstown a great adventure town!

Article: Kentucky Standard

Tags: Whitewater Park | National Geographic

Bourbon City Challenge Adventure Race 2008 is proud to announce Central Kentucky Canoe and Kayak as the 2008 title sponsor for next month's adventure race in Bardstown.

Central Kentucky Canoe and Kayak - a vital supporter of last year's race - joins hands with more than a dozen other event supporters already whom have pledged their support. And we're still five weeks out from race day.

"Supporting this event is a given for me," Mike Hammons, CKCK owner said. "I had a great time last year and with many of the same supporters on board this year, we'll again see this event grow into one of Kentucky's most enjoyed races."

Thanks to the canoe and kayak livery of Central Kentucky's acceptance of the title sponsorship, this is sure to be another great year for the Bourbon City Challenge Adventure Race.

CKCK joins a generous and dedicated group of supporters - the majority of which turned out last year for the event's inaugural - of whom all are critical to the event's success.

Red Bull, Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Beam Global Spirits, Makers Mark, Flaget Hospital, Ale-8-One, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Bardstown Boaters, Honaker Aviation, Joe Hill's Equipment, Lonely Goat Productions, and many others are on board again this year to support the event and we invite and encourage others to lend their support.

The cooperation of the city, county, and state governments, their departments and the Bardstown-Nelson County Air Board must also be recognized, because only with their cooperation can this event be what it is.

This year's Bourbon City Challenge Adventure Race in Bardstown, Ky., Sept. 14, 2008 begins Sunday at 9 a.m. at the Bardstown-Nelson County Airport on U.S. 62 just a mile west of Bardstown.

The first year's event was a great success drawing 70 racers, 40 sponsors and more than 100 spectators and race fans. This year is sure to attract even more.

The multi-sport race combines running, paddling, navigation and road cycling in a race designed to challenge the person of average athletic ability and provide die-hard athletes a great venue to compete in.

The Bourbon City Challenge is followed by a week filled with activities in Bardstown, during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival's full-week of events. The world renown festival is a celebration of Bardstown's 200-year distilling heritage.

The race begins with a run leaving the Bardstown-Nelson County Airport and continuing across adjoining property with Sympson Lake, where a paddling leg of the event takes place. After the paddle, racers mount bicycles to head their way back to Bardstown on a 12-mile ride in and around Bardstown.

The event offers three categories of racers: solo male, solo female and team relay.

The team relay category allows participants to partake in only portions of the race, while teammates fulfill other legs.

"This keeps the event open and fun to all, not just the hardcore athletes," Bob White, race creator said. "That's what we're here to do is have a great time running, paddling and cycling in the outdoors."

Entry fee for the 2008 race is $30 per racer. The price includes free camping and party activities the night before, a gift bag filled with neat stuff from our sponsors, and a chance at winning prize packages.

Learn more about the event and register online for the race at www.kyrace.com. Bardstown Boaters and Horizon Hoppers Adventure Services are hosting the event along with Bob White, a news reporter for Landmark Community Newspapers Inc. Those interested in sponsoring the event, being an event vendor, volunteering, or media interviews, should contact Bob White.

Tags: Adventure Race | Bardstown

We have recieved a letter of Interest for River Design Services of Municipal Supply and Whitewater Recreation Enhancements from RiverRestorations.org.

The emphasis of the River Recreation Enhancements design will be to enhance the rubble dam on the Beech Fork for whitewater recreation and improved water supply. Proposed is a holistic approach that balances the environment with the recreational facets, as well as facilitating municipal water supply. The project will provide additional community benefits such as: passive enjoyment of the riparian zone, swimming holes, fishing access, and a tourist draw.

Through the efforts of the Bardstown Boaters and Bardstown City Officials we may be soon moving toward Phase 1; Reconnaissance Survey of the Bardstown Whitewater Park. Stay tuned...

Tags: Whitewater Park | Beech Fork | Bardstown

For those hardcore adventure types, try your hand at Baddlun at the Russell Fork.

Ratliff Hole, Elkhorn City, Ky
Noon, Saturday, October 11th, 2008
13 mile bike, 9 mile paddle, 3 mile run.

Mass start bike from Ratliff Hole to Bartlick Bridge, paddle down Russell Fork to Carson Island, trail run back to Ratliff Hole. No entry fee, no prizes, no teams...we do this shit for fun. Great training for Lord of the Fork Race. River safety and a sweep wagon will be provided.

More info: Baddlun

Tags: Adventure Race | Russell Fork

Jennifer Hurst, while driving through Boston, KY was sent on a detour around a traffic accident. She reported that the creek that followed the road she was on looked like it may abe a pretty good whitewater run if it had water in it. So put Cedar Creek on your list of local creeks to check into the next time it rains.

Click here for a map of Cedar Creek. It passes under Bennets Lane near Boston, Ky.

You can add this to the list of Bardstown’s most promising oppertunities for whitewater creeking, which includes Rowan Creek. No first decents have been made just yet. But it has got to rain again.

Tags: Cedar Creek | Boston

Tags: Paddle Pickup

WBRT in Bardstown is holding a fundraiser to benefit Bardstown schools. They will be releasing up to 5000 rubber ducks on the Beech Fork and the winner will win $1000. You can get your own duck in the race for $5. Call WBRT at (502) 348-3943 for an entry.

The Bardstown Boaters will be helping out by wrangling in the ducks on the river. If you would like to help us out, the race is on Saturday, May 24th at 10 a.m. Meet at the Beech Fork off of New Haven road, Highway 31E in bardstown.

Post in the forum here if you plan to help.

Tags: Charity | Bardstown

Gov. Steve Beshear, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office for Local Development (GOLD) and the Recreational Trails Advisory Board, has announced the approval of 25 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grants for a total allocation of $1,231,844.

“I am pleased to approve these grants for projects which will continue to promote an active, outdoor lifestyle for families and individuals across the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “The Recreational Trails Program is essential for maintaining and expanding our state’s existing network of trails that cater to such a variety of interests and ages.”

The RTP is an assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Kentucky’s RTP is administered by GOLD and requires that applicants match the amount of funds requested to receive a 50% reimbursement on approved projects. Those eligible to apply are city and county governments, state and federal agencies, and non-profit organizations.

RTP grants may be used to provide assistance for acquisition of easements, development and/or maintenance of recreational trails and trailhead facilities for both motorized and non-motorized use. Examples of trail uses include hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, off-road motorcycling and all-terrain vehicle riding.

For a list a the projects receiving grants, visit the Commonwealth of Kentucky's website.

Tags: Government | Grants

From the Kentucky Standard

A 67-year-old Bardstown man was found dead in the Beech Fork River Tuesday. Authorities had searched for John Brantley Stephens, 5120 Springfield Road, since he was reported missing Sunday by his daughter.

He was last seen May 8, according to police.

At about 8 a.m. on Sunday, sheriff’s deputies found Stephens’ silver Dodge Dakota pickup truck stuck in the mud on Manton Road, according to police. Stephens was described as being in poor health, according to Gary Luce of Marion County EMS.

A search for Stephens ensued, centered near the Nelson/Washington county line, by units from the Bardstown Fire and Nelson County Sheriff’s departments and emergency personnel from Washington and Marion counties, who were providing mutual aid.

Stephens’ body was found several miles down river near KY 49 at about 11:40 a.m. by deputies searching the river.

The investigation is ongoing pending the medical examiner’s review.

Tags: Beech Fork | Bardstown

Here is the screen for the Paddle Pickup Shirts. We tend to keep these shirts a little old school. We don't know what color these shirts will be yet. Leave your choice for the color of the shirts in the comments below.

The Paddle Pickup will be on Saturday, May 31st. Meet at Keene's Depot at 9 a.m.

Shirts will be given away to the first 60 volunteers. See you at the Paddle Pickup!

Tags: Paddle Pickup | Gear | Shirts

Many have often wondered about what happens to the tires retrieved from the Paddle Pickup? Well now we know the entire life cycle of the these tires.

Tires are made at the factory. After they are done being raced with at the local speedway, they are conveniently pitched into the Beech Fork. Once a year the Paddle Pickup rolls around and local boaters not so conveniently retrieve them from the river. These tires are then taken to the Nelson County Landfill and separated from the other garbage. A company from Marion County then picks them up for a fee paid for by the Landfill. They are then recycled into either mulch or used as a supplement for burning coal which in turn powers the factory so it can produce some more tires.

Learn more by joining us at this years Paddle Pickup!

Tags: Paddle Pickup | Environment

This year's meeting place for the Paddle Pickup will be at Keen's Depot on Old Bloomfield Pike in Bardstown, Kentucky. We will meet at 9am. Patrick Hayden has graciously opened his doors to us as the jumping point for our annual river cleanup.

The Paddle Pickup is on Saturday May 31st. The Bardstown Boaters along with local Boy Scout Troops and members of the community will be paddling the Beech Fork in Nelson County and removing garbage from the waterway.

This is the 4th year for the Paddle Pickup. We receive support from Central Kentucky Canoe & Kayak, City of Bardstown, Nelson County Government and The Rotary Club.

The Bardstown Boaters hold the Paddle Pickup in conjunction with National River Cleanup Week. In the past the club has removed over 3 tons of waste from the river.

Pass around the Paddle Pickup flyer and join us on May 31st! For more information visit the Paddle Pickup webpage or talk to us in the forum.

Tags: Paddle Pickup

Josh Carpenter has a new kayak.

Finally got a playboat this week, got a used Fun. Got to take it out today on the Rockcastle. Going from the Mamba to a play boat that I weigh in on the heavy side of is quite a transition. I was getting squirted in everyrapid and constantly fighting to stay up. Eric had also just got a new Playboat, a Dagger Agent. We were both excited about the new boats, Eric was so excited his shoulder popped out on the first rapid, Beech N. I thought we were going to have to hike out right there before I ever even got a chance to try the new boat out. Luckilly he was able to put it back in himself and actually paddled amazingly well the rest of the trip. I think its time for me to take a first aid class so we will be better prepared, today proved how easily and random it can happen and I was not prepared for the situation. Anyway we both had a good time, we each swam in the new boats, and well were still working on the cartwheels.

Tags: Gear

Final Master Plan Presentation

April 22, 2008

6:30pm - 8:30pm

Eastern High School
12400 Old Shelbyville Rd.

21st Century Parks, Inc. invites you to attend the fourth in a series of public meetings managed by Wallace, Roberts and Todd, LLC, selected master planners for the Floyd's Fork Greenway Project (The Fork). Attendees will be able to review the final Master Plan for the parks and trails along Floyd's Fork. The meeting will be held at the Eastern High School auditorium on Tuesday, April 22nd. Doors will open at 6pm with a presentation to follow. You can also view the final presentation at www.21cparks.org after April 22nd.

As part of the "City of Parks" initiative, the Floyd's Fork Greenway Project (The Fork) will encompass a system of parks, trails and open spaces roughly following Floyd's Fork from Shelbyville Road to Bardstown Road.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if anyone has a disability and requires assistance, or if you have a general question regarding this meeting, please notify Janice Hogue on (502) 583.0350.

Tags: Floyds Fork | Environment

Elkhorn City may beat out Bardstown on the chance at having the first Kentucky whitewater park.

From Boatertalk

We (the Elkhorn City Heritage Council) were notified yesterday that we'd won a grant to develop a feasibility study to create several streambed play features in the downtown Elkhorn City area.

As many of you might know, the Russell runs right through the middle of Elkhorn City, with a decent bit of gradient. There are several spots we've looked at over the years that, with minimal 'help', could become sweet play spots. Now we've got a few dollars (ok, more than a few) to pay the professionals who do this kind of thing.

Our mantra for this project is 'minimalism is best'. We're hoping to create features that come in when the river is down to its normal low summer flows (around 200cfs), but remain in as the river gets up to fall release flows (800+). We are absolutely NOT trying to divert the streambed, alter the normal flows, etc, etc. If we can't do it in the existing streambed with minimal work, we're not doing anything. Also, this work is NOT be tied to the efforts to get low water releases on the Fork in summer. What we have in mind wouldn't rely on any supplement to the natural flow.

Our goal, of course, is to broaden the appeal of whitewater on the RF and get more folks into downtown E.C. Our models are the several Colorado locations which have created these types of 'whitewater parks' in existing streambeds.

BTW, a major component of the grant is a local education campaign to try to wean everyone from the county judge to the local dog-catcher from referring to all whitewater activities as 'raftin'. While we got nothing against raftin, that's certainly not what the vast majority of paddlers are doing here. We'll also be heading into the local schools pushing the youth to get interested. The Council will be purchasing a creek boat and boating gear (paddle, helmet, pfd) for these public presentations, along with some whitewater videos featuring the Fork. We're always open to interested sponsors.

The Elkhorn City Area Heritage Council is a registered 501c3 non-profit corporation.

Tags: Whitewater Park | Russell Fork

The 2008 flyer for the Paddle Pickup is here. Download it, print it out and tell all your friends!



Download Flyer (8mb)

Tags: Paddle Pickup | Environment | Beech Fork

The 2008 Bourbon City Challenge planning stages are under way and the director of the event, Bob White has the following news about the big event set for September 14th, 2008.

From Bob White

Despite the rain and mud, you folks came through in a great show of sportsmanship, with smiles shining through the grit, to give this event a name for itself in the inaugural year. Thank you for making it great!

We are in the planning stages for this year's event - looking for sponsors, volunteers to help with the trail preparation and guidance help on race day. Of course more racers are welcome, so talk your friends into joining you this year.

If you, or if you know of someone who, would like to have an active role in this year's event, please contact me via email so we can get to work to make this year's race even better than 2007. We're looking for friendly folks who enjoy working in the outdoors with a bunch of cool people in making, not only the race better, but also Sympson Lake shores a bit nicer.

Also, we have yet to secure a title sponsor. Bulleit Bourbon last year really helped out and we hope they again pledge their support. The title sponsor received more than a million, total, mentions through television, radio and print promotions regarding the race, so it's well worth supporting.

Thanks again for making this race so great!

For more information visit www.kyrace.com

Tags: Adventure Race | Bardstown

Tags: Environment

The second public meeting concerning what can be done locally to positively affect and decrease global warming was Monday evening at the Bardstown-Nelson County Civic Center.

Results from small-group discussions at the last meeting, which outlined things individuals can do about climate change were shared with attendees. Some of the ideas included: recycling, growing backyard gardens, composting, supporting the local Farmer’s Market, walking more and driving less, bringing bags to the grocery store and recycling rain water.

The next Climate Change meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. April 24 and will focus on what churches can do to lead in the effort for reducing the effects of climate change.

Tags: Environment | Bardstown

Reported By Spalding Hurst

While in the Boston, KY area yesterday, I had a chance to check out a portion of the Beech Fork near my cousin's farm. I couldn't believe what I found. A perfect surfing wave that seems to be good at many levels and with great access from Highway 62. I would compare this wave to Surfers on the Cumberland though not as wide.

What is even stranger is it appears that some kayakers have been to this spot before. I found a pogie on the ground!

The level this day was about 850cfs, but it looks to be very good at most any level.

I am pumped about this wave. As soon as I get on it and get some pictures of it I plan to name it after the club. I am going to try and go down there again one night this week.

Tags: Bardstown | Beech Fork

The Bardstown Boaters are looking for feedback on the possible new design for the 2008 club shirt.

Please leave your comments below. Or you can discuss these shirts in the club forum.

Tags: Gear

The City of Bardstown will make its entry into recycling later this year. For a growing number of residents, adopting a recycling plan is coming none too soon. Others are apt to be a bit more wary and perhaps even a bit skeptical as to benefits vs. costs of recycling.

The city’s approach — taking baby steps into a program rather than diving head first without knowing if there’s water in the pool — seems to be a wise one. What the city intends is to form a cooperative effort with Nelson County and Nelson County Industries. The plan calls for establishing two centralized drop sites, unmanned, one in the city and the other in the county, for persons to drop off recyclables. To begin, the city plans to accept No. 1 and 2 plastics, mixed paper, aluminum, cans and cardboard. At this point glass will not be accepted. Local government is hoping to receive a grant, paying for about six trailers with multiple bins.

This will be an excellent way to gauge true community interest in recycling. Lots of people can talk a good game; proof in the pudding will be measured in tonnage.
Some are disappointed that curbside service is not being offered. There are known positives and negatives, however, with curbside programs. More than 10 years ago, a piece in The New York Times Magazine seriously questioned the benefits, charging that “recycling may be the most wasteful activity in modern America” and noting curbside service “uses more energy than it serves.”

There are certainly those who would rebuff such statements as it is clear that basic recycling of aluminum, cans, glass, and plastics has far-reaching benefits to the environment.

While there is some debate whether curbside recycling is more or less expensive than regular trash pickup, everyone agrees there are costs involved. Is it government’s responsibility to subsidize the costs? Are those clamoring for curbside service willing to pay $8, $10, $12 or more per month (in addition to their garbage bill)?

Thus, the city’s direction in entering recycling slowly is not only a start but is a calculated decision that makes sense. As we go down the green walkway, also we are reminded of the adage of employing the two R’s (reduce and reuse) before the third R (recycling) even becomes an option. Now that is something on which all of us can agree.

Tags: Recycling | Bardstown

Heavy rain in the area Wednesday resulted in flood warnings and road closures this week. The National Weather Service, Louisville, put the Rolling Fork River near Boston under a flood warning through Friday evening. Minor flooding of the river was reported early Thursday at 35 1/2 feet. Flood stage for the Rolling Fork River is 35 feet.

Some roads but mostly ditches became flooded after “a lot of rain,” Wednesday, Nelson County Road Department assistant supervisor James “Kroger” Phillips said. Two roads were closed due to flooding— D. Head Road, which is designed for water to go over it when the pipes are unable to handle the amount of water coming through them, and Old Nelsonville Road, which is near the river and therefore prone to flooding, Phillips said. Water on both roads was still “way up,” Thursday and remained closed. Phillips said the roads would be monitored throughout the day Friday.

The National Weather Service recommends that if drivers or passersby approach flooded roads not to attempt crossing, especially at night. Flooding is expected to subside this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, Louisville.

Tags: Flood

Darrin Hines of the Viking Canoe Canoe Club, Jay Thomas of the Bardstown Boaters, Dave Stawicki of Elkhorn Paddlers, Zina Merkin of the EAMG and Kevin Colburn and Mark Singleton of American Whitewater held a meeting last night to discuss the Elkhorn Acres. A representative from the BWA was not present.

Addressed in the conference call were the concerns listed in David Quarel's letter and immediate actions that could be taken in response including keeping a porta john at the property and reporting any commercial or other unapproved activity.

The main focus was AW's (landowner's) request to develop a local governing council for the property so-to-speak consisting of the parties participating in the conference call to act on AW's guidelines.

Everyone agreed that each club could provide one or two individuals to commit to participating in this council. As planned for the call nothing was written in stone and all were asked to return to each club or organization and get a consensus and a round of opinions on how this should be handled.

Each were asked to follow up with an email t