Story and Photos by: ROBERT STOPPER, Lyons
World Famous Riley McLincha exited Lock E 27 on the Erie
Canal and approached the dock in Lyons, NY.
His Garmin Forerunner 205 beeped and signaled that he had just completed
six (6) more miles of his “Runyak Expedition”! What is the expedition or goal?
Riley is “Runyaking” from the source of the Flint River- Oxford, Michigan, to
the Statue of Liberty in a 9.5 ft. kayak!
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| Riley McLincha upon exiting Lock E 27, Lyons |
Riley is attempting his goal over a period of several years
and several “Runyaking” weeks or segments. Today, October 27, 2013, was day 13
of a 14 day trip. It is the final trip for the year 2013. Just how does a
person “Runyak” you might ask…. Early in
the morning, Riley drives his auto to an anticipated docking area, usually
approximately 10 miles away. He parks his auto. He then runs back to the point
where he has docked his kayak. He then kayaks to his parked car, and prepares
for the same adventure the following day- running and “ka”yaking! So far, Riley
has “Runyaked” over 1650 miles, spent 70 days “Runyaking”, and is completing
the fifth (5) year of his expedition.
According to Riley, “The most difficult part of my journey
thus far was getting past Lake Erie- not on the water, but trying to land on
the bluffs and running against the gale force wind. The terrain close to the
lake is very treacherous”! Riley travels alone although he says that he
faithfully phones his wife when he is about to enter the water and as soon as
he exits the water….
On Saturday evening, October 26, 2013, Riley slept in Newark
near the “Welcome and Interpretation” Center. Early Sunday morning, Riley drove
his auto from Newark to Lyons (approximately 6 miles). He then ran back to
Newark only to return to Lyons in his kayak. With winds blustering and
temperatures hovering in the high 40’s, he kayaked the Erie Canal through Lock
28B, Lock 28A, and Lock E 27, and arrived at the Lyons Dock. There he was
welcomed to the Lyons Fire Department and usage of free showers and restrooms.
He was also treated to a Chicken Barbecue dinner.
So who is this “Runyaker”? Riley is a very young 62 year old
retired General Motors Engineer. He is a musician, runner, and kayaker. He is
an adventurer and a risk taker. Perhaps you have seen him on Television- he has
appeared on The Today Show and Live with Regis and Kelly. He has
appeared in the Guinness Book of Records.
He is known as The Wizard of Clio and
the King of Drubbling (dribbling 3
basketballs simultaneously). He has “drubbled” many distance races including
the Boston Marathon.
Thanks, Riley, for visiting and enriching the communities of
Wayne County along the Erie Canal. We hope to see you next spring when you
return to continue your “Runyak” journey to the Statue of Liberty. Whether as a Runyaker or as a drubbler, you are
most welcome!
To follow our recent visitor and learn about his experiences
as a kayaker, visit www.runyaker.blogspot.com
…. To see Riley as a “Drubbler” visit What is a Drubbler.
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