The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon

In the annals of adventure, the name Ken Sleight will forever be etched in stone. In 1983, the daredevil kayaker led a team of seven others on an audacious expedition down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Their goal: to break the world record for the fastest ride through the canyon's treacherous rapids.

The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon

by Bill O'Reilly

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24966 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	433 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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The team's journey began at Lee's Ferry, Arizona, where the Colorado River enters the Grand Canyon. From there, they would paddle over 277 miles of whitewater, including some of the most challenging rapids in the world. The team's kayaks were specially designed for speed and maneuverability, and they were equipped with state-of-the-art safety gear.

The team's journey was not without its challenges. On the first day, they were caught in a flash flood that nearly capsized their kayaks. Later, they had to portage their boats around a series of impassable rapids. But through it all, they never gave up on their dream of setting a new world record.

On the final day of their journey, the team reached the Grand Canyon's Diamond Creek rapid. This is one of the most dangerous rapids in the canyon, and it has claimed the lives of several kayakers. But the team was determined to make it through safely. They paddled with all their might, and they eventually emerged victorious.

The team's time through the Grand Canyon was 18 hours and 49 minutes, which shattered the previous world record by over two hours. Their accomplishment was a testament to their skill, courage, and determination. It also showed the world that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with a little bit of grit and determination.

The Team

The team that set the world record for the fastest ride through the Grand Canyon was made up of eight kayakers:

• Ken Sleight (team leader)
• Steve Sutton
• Anson Fogel
• Richard Bangs
• Joe Willie Jones
• Linda Drake
• Cathy Hearn
• Bill Endicott

The team was a mix of experienced kayakers and newcomers to the sport. But they all shared a common goal: to push themselves to the limit and achieve something extraordinary.

The Kayaks

The team's kayaks were specially designed for speed and maneuverability. They were made of lightweight composite materials, and they were equipped with state-of-the-art safety gear.

The kayaks were also equipped with GPS tracking devices, which allowed the team to monitor their progress and stay on course.

The Journey

The team's journey began at Lee's Ferry, Arizona, where the Colorado River enters the Grand Canyon.

From there, they paddled over 277 miles of whitewater, including some of the most challenging rapids in the world.

The team's journey was not without its challenges. On the first day, they were caught in a flash flood that nearly capsized their kayaks. Later, they had to portage their boats around a series of impassable rapids.

But through it all, they never gave up on their dream of setting a new world record.

On the final day of their journey, the team reached the Grand Canyon's Diamond Creek rapid.

This is one of the most dangerous rapids in the canyon, and it has claimed the lives of several kayakers.

But the team was determined to make it through safely.

They paddled with all their might, and they eventually emerged victorious.

The team's time through the Grand Canyon was 18 hours and 49 minutes, which shattered the previous world record by over two hours.

The Legacy

The team's accomplishment was a testament to their skill, courage, and determination.

It also showed the world that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with a little bit of grit and determination.

Today, the team's world record still stands.

But their legacy is more than just a record. It is a story of adventure, teamwork, and the human spirit.

Image Gallery

The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon

by Bill O'Reilly

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24966 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	433 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE