Spring weather brought out the competition at last weekend's Charles E. Paddle Challenge on the Bear at Robbins.

This Saturday, more are expected to turn out for a "Dam to Town" canoe and kayak race sponsored by the North Carolina Canoe Racing Association.

This is a 1.25-mile race downstream on Bear Creek from the Robbins dam to the N.C. 705 canoe acess, passing through the historic Gunworks Rapids.

Fees are $10 for adults per competitor (race all you want) and competitors 18 and under race free. There are both solo and tandem classes for recreational canoes and kayaks.

Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the N.C. 705 canoe access, with racing to start at 11:30 a.m. Racers will start at one minute intervals. The starts are individual against the clock, and judges will continue to time until all racers get their runs in.

"The Charles E. Paddle Challenge last Saturday saw close to 40 competitors take advantage of perfect water and weather," said association President William McDuffie. "We hope everyone will be back for the Dam to Town. It's also a perfect event for the first time racer, so invite your friends. It's a timed event, and canoes and kayaks will be available to borrow."

McDuffie wants residents to remember the big Bear Creek event, the annual Bearathlon on April 16, is less than a month away.

"I hope everyone is already putting their teams together," he said. "Take notice that you will be able to race adult solo and team this year. Also new this year is the 'Corporate Cup.' This award will be for the fastest team representing a business, school, church or civic organization."

Entry forms are available online at: http://www.foothillsoutdoors.org or can be picked up and dropped off at Deep River Coffee Co. or McDuffie Appliance and Plumbing in Robbins.

"Please take the time to stop by Carolina Fried Chicken and thank them for their continued support of the Bearathlon," McDuffie said. "They make it possible to provide free entry and race T-shirt for everyone 18 and under. No event is possible without the assistance of a lot of people, so thanks for all the people who brought extra boats and helped carry boats and equipment for everyone."

Foothills Outdoors would like especially to thank the following:

Dalton Cheek-creek access

Teague Pottery-pottery jug awards

Sue McDuffie, Mark Garner, Lyndsey Marsh, Dalton Davis-shuttle drivers

Lynne and River McDuffie-course preparation

Daltina McDuffie- timing

Cynthia Reeves- float trip/sweep boat

Mark Garner- portage trail assistance

Theron Bell, Laura Gingerich-photography

"I hope everyone had a great time at the Charles E. Paddle Challenge," McDuffie said. "Perfect water, and weather sure didn't hurt! We were happy to see first time participants as well as returning veterans. Remember, the Bearathlon deadline to guarantee a T-shirt or reserve a boat is April 2 (this Saturday).

"See you on the water!"

Contact John Chappell at jfchappell@gmail.com.