Marathon pedal effort

By Callan Date
BERWICK resident Rick Willoughby may not be able to walk on water but he can sure pedal on it.
The 55-year-old recently pedaled his way down the Murray River in a specially designed pedal powered boat during his bid to complete the 404km Murray Marathon canoe race last week.
Although Mr Willoughby only completed just over 100 kilometres – his vessel hit a submerged log that forced his withdrawal from the event midway through day two – he said he was pleased with his efforts.
“The first day took me about eight hours and I was really happy with that but it was slightly disappointing due to the fact I had to withdraw,” he said.
Mr Willoughby, an engineer, said he had designed the craft purely for speed and had reached a top-mark of 13kmh during the race.
“I made the hull in four days and had the bike component specially designed for me.
“I felt really good about the first day of racing and had started to overtake a few of leading pack at the start of the second day. But then I hit the log,” Mr Willoughby said.
It was his second attempt at completing the gruelling marathon. Mr Willoughby made it through most of the 2005 marathon before having to withdraw on the last day due to exhaustion.
However, he has indicated that he may take on the challenge in a different vessel next time.
“I want to make a boat that is a bit easier to manage,” he said.
Mr Willoughby takes to Lysterfield Park Lake to test each vessel and also gain valuable training time.
“The lake is a wonderful little spot.
“It is very relaxing when you are out on the water,” Mr Willoughby said.