First, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who participated in the 2013 Algonquin Outfitter’s Muskoka River X and Big East River X. We have been genuinely overwhelmed by everyone’s support. After 1.5 years of planning, we could not have imagined a more positive reception.
We would also like to express how proud we are to have been part of this event and able to witness such an overwhelming display of strength, courage, perseverance, positive attitude, and ability to push the limits of body, mind and spirit. It is not a matter of winning or loosing. For us, the Muskoka River X and Big East River X is about engaging in a personal journey throughout an amazing watershed. Everyone who was part of the River X Series, whether a racer, volunteer, or spectator had a unique experience that you can call your own. You are all finishing the 2013 season with unique memories that you can cherish, and new goals that will fuel the fire for next year’s events. And it is from this perspective that we wish to congratulate you on your courage to paddle to the start line.
And to quote Allyson MacDonald when asked why she signed up for the MRX,
“…If you don’t keep living, you end up dying…”
Well-said Allyson. Keep on living and hopefully we will see you all on the water in 2014.
Registration for the 2014 MRX and Big East River X opens November 2013.
Voting for Get Out There Magazine’s 2013 Readers’ Choice Awards is now open! If you liked our events, give us your vote under #36.
But before we snuggle down for a long post-race nap, we would like to make a few final comments…..
(Mike & Rob after the Awards on Sunday, and with only 9hrs sleep in 3.5 days of MRX’ing.)
2013 PHOTOS, VIDEOS, AND RACE RESULTS
2013 Big East River X and Muskoka River X photos (MRX photo credits to Bill Lanning)
2013 Big East River X video race report by Brad Jennings/Get Out There Magazine
2013 Muskoka River X video race report by Brad Jennings/Get Out There Magazine
2013 Muskoka River X short vignette by Pure Muskoka’s Andy Hansen
2013 Muskoka River X pre-race article by RapidMedia
2013 Muskoka River X tracker map: Click on “All Boats”, then choose your team name to see your SPOT trail and details.
If you were wondering what we were playing at the start of the 2013 MRX, here is our playlist.
SWAG
If you’re looking to wear your badge of honour for everyone to see, you can still get yourself one of our comfy and functional North Face Bionic soft shells or fitted ball caps. The jackets are in-stock with M and L sizes while the caps will be made to order in S/M, M/L, L/XL sizes. Jackets are $150 and caps are $35 (up a bit due to custom orders). Christmas is coming! We will put in one order for caps at the end of October so if you want one, let us know before then. After that, you’ll have to wait until next year. We can ship them off to your door for the cost of your preferred method.
TO THE VOLUNTEERS
On behalf of the competitors, we wish to thank our Volunteers for all of the amazing support they provided to the events. Everyone should be aware that without our Volunteers, these events would not have happened. From CP staffing to patrol boats to portage crossings, and even tending bonfires and marshmallow roasts, the Volunteers were invaluable. We can’t reinforce this enough. So, the next time you find yourself at an event, walk up and thank the volunteers because if it weren’t for them, you wouldn’t be racing.
WE REGRETFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE
1. We didn’t have enough portable toilets at the Start Line: We will do better next year.
2. We should have hung the portage signs closer to race day: Unfortunately, a few local residents weren’t overly neighbourly and decided to remove the signs telling you where the MRX route was around High Falls. We will do better next year to reduce the risk of portage signs being vandalized prior to the event.
TO OUR SUPPORTER
Thank you for all the support you provided the Big East River X and Muskoka River X and in making our inaugural events a huge success:
To all owners of private lands through which portage routes pass; a sincere thanks on behalf of all those who passed through your property.
Algonquin Outfitters; for being there right from the start and in providing amazing prizing to the racers, logistical and safety support, rentals, and pretty much anything else we needed to get this event off the ground. From Grey Owl paddles, Go-Pro, and Garmin to all the little stuff, you are amazing.
The Cottage Waterfront Grill; for opening your doors and letting your home become our home, and for the amazing post race meal.
CLIF; for providing the event with a trunk full CLIF BARS and CLIF SHOT Blocks. From 1st place prizing for the Big East to race kits and door prizes at the MRX, CLIF was everywhere.
Miss Nelle’s in Baysville and The Burger Shop in Bracebridge; for feeding our volunteers and race staff, and for providing outstanding food and service to our spectators.
King William Inn; for providing great accommodation to our competitors, including Team HCC who received a complimentary room for the weekend (early registration has it’s benefits). We loved seeing you’re parking lot full of canoes.
The Tulip Inn; for allowing up to set up our CP on the 40km Big East River X.
Canadian Ski Patrol Service – Muskoka Zone; for providing us with medical support.
Avantura and TrackLeaders; for providing the MRX with the SPOT gps units and live tracking map. Over 21,000 page views for the MRX! That’s double the average for a 1st year event. The MRX is truly a spectator sport.
HI-TEC; for providing 10 pairs of their new Zuuks as door prizes. The MRX Crew love the Zuuks. Perfect footwear for your paddling adventures.
Badger Paddles; for providing master craftsmanship in producing paddle-medals and trophies for the Big East and MRX.
Salus Marine; for supporting our event with limited edition Ungava PFDs. We love these jackets. Salus: The best in marine wear.
Aben Graphics; for attending to all our complex printing needs in a timely manner
Muskoka Outfitters; for opening your doors and letting us use your property for CP2; and for the prize maps.
We would also want to thank the Ontario Marathon Canoe and Kayak Racing Association for sanctioning the Big East River X and Muskoka River River X and accepting our events into their annual schedule.
To Muskoka Futures, thank you for the financial support necessary to get our first year events of the start line.
We also wish to acknowledge the efforts and support received from the Huntsville-Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Huntsville, Township of Lake of Bays, Town of Bracebridge, District of Muskoka, Ontario Power Generation, Bracebridge Generation, Orillia Power, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Huntsville Fire, EMS, and OPP.
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