2014 End of Season Summary

By October 5, 2014 Uncategorized

We would like to thank all those who participated in the 2014 Algonquin Outfitter’s Big East River X and Muskoka River X. Being only our second year, we are again overwhelmed with the support we have received from the paddling community.  2014 has been an amazing year and the River X Crew has been privileged to witness some very impressive efforts put forth by the participants of both events. Not only did the winning times of both the Big East and MRX get shattered, Mother Nature was out in full force adding additional excitement for the teams. From the ripping current and high water levels to the pelting rain, strong North East wind, and freezing temperatures our racers demonstrated amazing levels of perseverance, strength, and an incredible ability to push through adverse conditions that normally would “shore” other paddlers. We are proud and honored to host such an amazing group of people and look forward to doing it again in 2015.   Thank you for supporting our events. The River X alumni is a community of amazing people and we look forward to seeing everyone again in 2015.

With 2014 wrapping up, the MRX Crew is already looking forward and planning for 2015. Tentative dates for the Big East River X is Saturday, June 20, 2015 while the Muskoka River X is set for the September 11-13, 2015 weekend. Anticipate registration during the month of November 2014. With the MRX being capped at 75 teams register early to hold your spot.

PLEASE VOTE for the MUSKOKA RIVER X!

Voting for Get Out There Magazine’s 2014 Reader’s Choice Awards is now open.  If you think that the Muskoka River X is a great event, please vote for us by clicking the following link and entering “Muskoka River X” in the following categories.

#2: Best Adventure Race

#7: Best Event T-Shirt

#26: Best Post-Event Party

#27: Best Race Kit

#36: Best SUP Event/Race (Yes, this is the only paddling category…)

 2014 PHOTOS, VIDEOS, RACE RESULTS and MORE…

2014 Muskoka River X Live Tracker Map

2014 Muskoka River X Results

2014 Big East River X Results

2014 Muskoka River X and Big East River X Photos

Muskoka River X Race Summary by Hap and Andrea Wilson

Muskoka River X article by SUP The MAG

MRX Article by SUP Racer

MRX video by Team Cache Flash

MRX Video by Team Johnny and Sonny

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE STATISTICS, MRX 2013 vs. 2014…

2013 starting line numbers : 41 teams

2014 starting line numbers: 61 teams

Number of Paddlers in 2013: 73

Number of Paddlers in 2014: 111

Number of Countries Represented in 2013: 2

Number of Countries Represented in 2014: 3

Number of Canadian Provinces/Territories Represented in 2013: 3

Number of Canadian Provinces/Territories Represented in 2014: 5

Farthest Travelers in 2013: Yukon / Vermont

Farthest Travelers in 2014: Hawaii / South Africa

MRX Completion Rate in 2013: 66%

MRX Completion Rate in 2014: 54%

Fastest Time in 2013: 14hrs 14min

Fastest Time in 2014: 13hrs 17min

Fastest C2 in 2013: Savage River Susquehanna

Fastest C2 in 2014: Clipper White Water II

Faster C1 in 2013: Wenonah Advantage

Faster C1 in 2014: Wenonah Advantage

Fastest K1 in 2013: Epic 18X

Fastest K1 in 2014: Epic 18X

Fastest SUP in 2013: Starboard Inflatable

Fastest SUP in 2014: Starboard 14 Allstar

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, 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.

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; sincere thanks on behalf of all those who passed through your property.

Algonquin Outfitters; Rich Swift and his Crew 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, Salus life-jackets, Petzel Lamps, to all the little stuff, You Are Amazing!

Hand Crafted Canoes; for donating the beautiful Nith River ultra light Kevlar prize canoe. This is a beautiful boat made with love my master builder James Gjesing and is designed for expeditions such as the MRX or the backcountry. No off-shore building here. Designed and built here in Breslau, Ontario.

LUPINE North America; for donating the blinding Piko lighting system. The best in mountain bike lighting and designed for hardcore riding and racing LUPINE systems are uniquely adaptable to the needs of racing canoes, kayaks and SUPS. With multiple mounting options and their ultra-long burn times LUPINE is our go-to choice for expedition racing. Thanks to Dan Haus from LUPINE for supporting our event.

Canadian Ski Patrol Service – Muskoka Zone; for providing us with medical support at our check points and making sure everyone was safe and healthy.

The Cottage Waterfront Grill; for opening your doors and letting your home become our home, and for the amazing post race meal.

TrackLeaders; for providing the MRX with the SPOT gps units and live tracking map.   The MRX is truly a spectator sport.

Miss Nelles 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 Gord Nielson who received a complimentary room for the weekend (early registration has it’s benefits). We loved seeing you’re parking lot full of canoes.

CLIF; for providing the event with a trunk full CLIF BARS . From 1st place prizing for the Big East to race kits and door prizes at the MRX, CLIF was everywhere.

Badger Paddles; for providing master craftsmanship in hand-carving paddle-medals and trophies for the Big East and MRX.

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.

The Tulip Inn; for opening providing us access to their beautiful beach on the Big East River for our check point and turn around.

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.

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.