All boats must be free of Zebra mussels (ZM). A ZM form must be filled out and handed in (form is included in your packet) when you bring your boat to the Stockbridge Bowl boat ramp on Sunday morning.

Paddlers Instructions 2023

Attached is a zebra mussel certification form which must be filled out and handed in when you bring your boat to the boat ramp Sunday morning.

Where to park your car: Leave your boat at the ramp in the morning (before 8:30am) then drive to the Tanglewood Lion’s Gate parking lot and drive as far down the lot as you can.  There is NO PARKING PAST THE YELLOW CAUTION TAPE and BARRIERS.  This area is near the take-out beach and is reserved for bringing boats to your car after the race.  After you park, walk back up the road and follow the signs and colored tape to Route 183 and back to the boat ramp. Allow at least 30 minutes to walk back to the boat ramp area.  The boat ramp will be closed to cars after 8:30am.

RACE RULES:

Numbers go on the middle of each side of a two-person canoe, a little forward of middle for a single canoe. Kayakers and SUP’s, please place the numbers where they can be seen.

  • Pin-on bib number goes on the RIGHT FRONT of BOW paddler’s life jacket.
  • Attach whistle to your lifejacket, to be used for emergency only.
  • Paddlers getting the wristband: do NOT carry paddles or other objects that can get in the way of bikers and other racers. Please do not obstruct the path of bikers heading to the transition area and do not run into the pack of bikers to get your wristband-this is dangerous to the bikers.
  • Remove any old Josh numbers or other race numbers from your boat.
  • Coast Guard approved life jackets must be WORN in all boats and boards during warm-up and during the entire paddle race portion.
  • Race volunteers, the Lenox High Crew Team, will be available at boat ramp to help carry boats to the water.
  • Race Course: stay to the right of the large orange buoys or you will be disqualified. Course is 1 ¾ laps counter clockwise around the lake (5 miles).
  • SUP’s must have a leash, and you must use them.
  • When you finish your race, paddle to the Tanglewood Beach and Race Volunteers, the Pittsfield Girls Track and Field Team, will help you carry your boat up from the beach.
  • Once your boat is on your car, follow the signs to Camp Mah-Kee-Nac and the Josh finish line and Bash (an easy 10 minute walk)
  • Cars can NOT leave the Lions Gate lot before noon. There is no other parking in the area.

Safety boats are on the lake if you have a problem.  If you tip over, swim to shore if you can, if not, they will help right your boat.  You are not disqualified if you flip over.

ROAD CLOSURES (for the safety of our participants):

Boat Ramp closes at 8:30 am

Route 183 will be closed 8:30 – 2 pm

Hawthorne Road will be closed 9 am – 2 pm

  Thanks for coming…have fun and have a great race!