One of my bucket list races is the Missouri River 340. It is a 340-mile race that runs from Kansas City, MO to St. Charles, MO in the USA.
The book was published in 2013 by Stephen C. Jackson (also the main author.) The book details his journey in the 2012 event with his three daughters in a large canoe. Dubbed the “Three Boatacious Blondes and Dad,” the team’s stated goal was to complete the race within the maximum allowable time, which they did.
The book does a great job describing some of the sights and sounds of the race and also serves as a great introduction for those who are considering their first endurance paddling event.
Having paddled in the 100- and the 120-mile versions of the James River Rundown myself in the past in a kayak, I understood the book would not be directly speaking to me as a solo kayaker, but nonetheless I found it highly interesting and informative as Stephen described the gear and strategy they used to get a 4-person crew across the finish line.
I give him all the credit in the world because I’m sure it is much easier to plan for a solo trip and I cannot imagine the stress and preparation involved in getting yourself and 3 daughters downriver for 340 miles.
After reading the book I came away with a better sense of what the race is all about and am definitely adding it to my wish list.
I guess you can say this book was the first step in my own race prep.
It is a highly entertaining read for paddlers and non-paddlers alike. I think you’ll enjoy reading about this family’s adventure down the Missouri River.
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