After yesterdays disappointing slalom display, I am glad to see the team has more a feeling of sheer anger and hostility than desperation. That is something we can work with. The course is short by downriver standards, but as we were to experience soon enough, it is the most brutal 30 minute race anyone could imagine.
It starts with a twelve boat mass start across a lake to the stairs. Then you grab your boat and run up the stairs, across the volleyball courts, throw your boat in the river and dive. You struggle to get into your seat before the first drop and paddle through the rest of the course. This leg was where you get to catch your breath but in this 3/4 of a mile of class 4 water, exhaustion played a big role and resulted in more than just a few flips, swims and other carnage. Then you rinse and repeat 4 more times.

We got a good start and after the twelve boat brawl we were in third place. We hung behind the Germans until we hit the stairs and passed them there. Now we are in second and the Brazilian’s have about a 50 yard lead. We hang with them until about half way through the pond on the second lap and we notice that the Japanese, that got a bad start, are coming up fast. They catch us by the stairs and pass us like we are standing still. By the time we hit the water we can see the Japanese disappearing around the first corner. We managed to hang in there for the rest of the race and finish in third. Not the goal but we can hold our head high again.

2009 U.S. Nationals

The teams are excited to report back from a full weekend of competition at the U.S. R4 National Championships. Both teams have reclaimed the U.S. National titles, which qualifies them for the 2010 R4 World Rafting Championships in Zoetermeer, Netherlands.
This years U.S. Rafting National Championships were held in two locations on the east coast. Six men’s and three women’s teams from near and far participated this year. The sprint and slalom events were held at Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) in Deep Creek Lake, MD. It was the first time the teams have competed on a artificial course for the titles. It was great practice for next years World Championships which will also be held on a man made course. The facilities at ASCI were outstanding! The course is in a beautiful area up on top of a mountain in western Maryland. It had a great community atmosphere and I hope to make it back there and spend some more time on the course. The sprint event was precipitated by a time trial event in which both teams took first place. The head to head sprint was won solidly by the current U.S. Men’s team and the U.S. Women placed second behind another Team Colorado (which is made up of a great group of strong women also from Timberline Tours.) It was eye opening for the current Women’s team and we were more determined than ever to win the next two events. The slalom course that was set was extremely fun! Two runs through and the best of the two times was taken. The U.S. Men and Women both placed first in this event.
The downriver was held on the lower Youghiogheny River near Ohiopyle, PA. It was about four miles of river that had a lot of flat water and only slightly less amount of dodging knub rocks. A good test of mental strength. The U.S. Men and Women took early leads and never looked back.
It was a fantastic weekend of racing and we would like to thank the Matt Taylor from ASCI and all the other organizers and volunteers that helped put on a very fun event!