Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Michael Bloomberg will compete in the ultimate whitewater rafting race on July 22, according to NY Daily News. The two political powerhouses will paddle it out on the 12-mile long Indian Lake in the upstate Hamilton County to boost tourism in the Adirondack Mountains, one of Cuomo’s favorite New York hideaways.
Cuomo boasts a considerate amount of rafting experience in the Adironacks, considering his frequent relaxing getaways to the rafting wonderland since 2011. However, Bloomberg also navigates the water often on his yachts and sailboats, providing a potentially close race.
“When the governor asked the mayor to join him in promoting tourism upstate, he was happy to do so and is looking forward to it,” said Bloomberg spokesman Mark Botnick about the healthy competition.
The race will include two teams of six members on oval-shaped rafts, led by the two noteworthy Manhattanites. At the victorious end, the lucky winners will acquire the coveted title and gift baskets of locally made food. If Andrew Cuomo reigns, Michael Bloomberg will send him a package of special New York City goodies. If not, Cuomo will gift Bloomberg a basket of upstate surprises, which could include Chobani yogurt, Buffalo chicken wings or Saranac beer.