riverx

Competitor Document:  The Competitor Document for the Big East River X has been revised and uploaded to our website. Anyone interested in the Big East River X or who is planning to attend is strongly encouraged to review the document thoroughly: Printing a copy and bringing it with you is highly recommended. Details include registration and starting times/locations, as well as parking, maps, safety plans, mandatory gear, waivers, and more. In fact, reading this document is a requirement of signing the waiver, so, please do so before the event!

Registration:  We encourage teams to register on the Friday evening so you avoid a hectic Saturday morning: The first 25 teams who complete their on-site registration process will receive a fully laminated map of the course; all waterproofed and ready for action. After the first 25 are handed out, you’ll have to do the water proofing yourself.  We encourage you to have your waiver and medical form completed upon arrival; it’ll help you more through registration more smoothly.  Also, please come to the registration desk with your mandatory gear so you can get through gear check smoothly.  Note: If you are a member of the OMCKRA, don’t forget to bring your membership card!  This card will save you the $5 insurance fee.

MRX Salus Ungava Pre-Registration Draw:  Congratulations to Mike Leney of Waterloo (registered in the Family/Rec C2 event): Mike registered using our on-line registration system and will be stylin’ in one of our limited edition MRX Salus Ungava PFDs. Mike: You can pick up the jacket at registration. Limited Edition MRX Salus Ungava pfds and North Face soft shells will also be available at the registration desk should you want one for yourself; you will when you see them.

Where to Stay and Eat
If you’re looking for a place to stay, we strongly recommend the King William Inn. It’s the best “park & paddle” place to stay in town, being only 600m from the start/finish line. If you are looking for a place to stay away in a more secluded setting, we recommend the Tulip Inn. Located on the banks of the Big East River, the Tulip Inn is our half-way point for the 40km Marathon race. Links to both of these establishments are found on our webs site. If you are looking for a place to eat, look no further than the Cottage Waterfront Grill: The best river front patio in town.

Activities for Family and Friends
The weekend looks like it’s going to be great so don’t hesitate to bring your family/friends.  While you’re out paddling, Huntsville has a vibrant downtown with loads of things to do: Shopping, the arts, entertainment, the best in ice cream and chocolates, restaurants and foods for all tastes, an amazing playground for the kids, with hiking trails, athletic centre, and swimming all near by.  Or just hang out in River Mill Park and soak up the sun.  With 2 gyms all within walking distance of the Park, they can get a workout in before your team even gets back.  And don’t forget….Huntsville is the host of the 70.3 Iron Man and a world-class triathlon destination: This means amazing running, biking and swimming.  So, why not make it a weekend!

Also, while teams are out paddling the Big East River X,Algonquin Outfitters will be opening up their fleet of SUPs to those looking to try their hand at this great paddling sport.  And if you’re looking to restock you adventure gear, surf wear and water sports equipment, cloths for the active lifestyle, or even try out a new bike, see Will (the AO Store Manager).  He is sure to have something that you’re looking for, all at a great deal.  Tell him Mike sent you.

Our Sponsors
We would like to thank all of our sponsors who helped make this event happen. Check out our web site for all of our supporters. The Big East River X is a grass-roots event and without their support we never would have gotten off the ground. And if you have a moment, drop into Algonquin Outfitters and give a special THANKS to Rich, Greg, Will and the rest of the AO crew. AO has been a central partner in the Big East and we look forward to working with them as we move forward with the Muskoka River X, coming this September 2013.
See you all on Saturday! Mike and Rob.

Leading up to the 2013 Big East River X, join race director Mike Varieur as he paddles up the Big East River on Friday, May 24, 2013.

BIG EAST RIVER X – Saturday, June 15, 2013

The Big East River X is only 6 weeks away.  It will be a great day on the water for families and recreational paddlers enjoying some friendly competition along a safe and sheltered 9km route.  With plenty of categories, everyone is welcome including family teams, bantams, and adults.  Try your hand racing canoes, kayaks and even stand-up paddle-boards.

Calling all pro-boats, competitive stock boats, kayaks and SUPs!  The Big East River X will also be a great day for competitive marathon paddlers looking for a longer early season race.  At 40km, the Marathon race will have teams paddle from Huntsville into Lake Vernon up the Big East River.  Teams will make their way to the 20km point, just past the Hwy 11 bridge and return along an out-and-back route.   Located in the heart of Muskoka, this event starts and finishes in downtown Huntsville, Ontario.  Whether you’re looking to get into long distance paddle racing, training for the Muskoka River X, or wanting a new adventure, the marathon event is for you.

Both the 9km Family/Rec and the 40km Marathon events are sanctioned by the Ontario Marathon Canoe and Kayak Racing Association

In addition to a full day of paddling and friendly competition, your $30 registration covers all of the event permits, insurance, logistical support, first aid at the start/finish and 20km turn-around, and a post race BBQ at The Cottage Bar and Grill.

Please make sure that you check out our web site and review the Competitor Details and maps at https://muskokariverx.com/big-east-2013/

BIG EAST RIVER X Pre-Registration Incentive

Thinking of racing the Big East X? Don’t waiting until race-day.  Register now and get two chances to win!

Pre-Register using our on-line registration before May 26th and you are eligible to win 2 tickets to see THE SHEEPDOGS & THE SADIES at Huntsville’s Band on The Run ½ Marathon. Yes…we did say THE SHEEPDOGS and THE SADIES! Only at Ontario’s best new running-music festival. (http://bandontherun.ca/music-festival-lineup/).

Also, pre-register using our on-line registration before June 9th and you are eligible to win a limited edition Salus Ungava pfd with custom Muskoka River X logo embroidered on the back. Salsus…the best pdf on the market! (http://www.salusmarine.com/product/ungava.html).

That’s two great opportunities to win, just for registering before race-day.

 Visit https://www.onlineregistrations.ca/bigeastriverx/ and start your adventure.

CHANGE OF LOCATION: CANCELLED!

Please be advised that the previous posting alerting you of a change to the Staging Area for the Big East River X has been removed.  The Town of Huntsville is working to repair their town docks and thus we will be able to use the River Mill Park on Saturday, September 15th, 2013.  Our apologies for any confusion.

Please see the map below for location of the Staging Area and the post race BBQ.

MUSKOKA RIVER X WAITING LIST

Still dreaming of paddling the full 128km Muskoka River X?  We are holding a waiting list and teams are continuing to line up!  Some teams have still have not paid their registration fees; they have until the end of May 2013 to make payments in full.  If we do not receive their payment by the end of May 2013, they will forfeit their registration and we will start registering teams off the waiting list.  So, if you are currently a registered team and have not yet paid your registration fee, please make your payment before the end of May 2013 or risk loosing your spot to those who would love nothing else than to find their way to the start line.  If you are not already registered and want to paddle the might MRX, get your team on the waiting list so you are next in line when June 2013 rolls around.  Want to get on the wait list? Visit https://muskokariverx.com

MUSKOKA RIVER X Bling: Jackets, PFDs & Caps

If you’re planning to put in the effort to complete the 128km of the MRX, then you deserve to wear a bit of bling commemorating your achievement!  And we have just the thing…

The North Face Bionic soft-shell jacket with a 10×8 60,000 stitch full colour MRX logo embroidered on the back.  Color is black.  There is limited availability: We only have 21 men’s Large and 25 men’s Medium.  Once they’re gone, they’re gone: $150.00

Limited edition Salus Ungava pfd with full colour MRX logo embroidered on the back. Salsus…the best pdf on the market!  Limited availability:  $100.00

If you want a North Face Bionic, Salus Ungava or Pro-Style Cap email mike@muskokariverx.com with your specific request indicating which items you would like (jacket vs cap), the sizing, and quantity.  We will email you details on how to make a payment.  Jackets will go to those who complete their payment on a first-come/first-serve basis.  Caps will be ordered only for those who have completed their payment by July 12, 2013.  Your gear will be waiting for you at registration.

RENTALS & GEAR

Racing the Big East River X or the Muskoka River X?  Need something to paddle?  Missing a requirement off the Mandatory Gear List?  Algonquin Outfitters has everything you need to get to the start line.  Not sure whether to rent a Swift Winisk, Temagami or Keewadyin?  Contact Gord (info@algonquinoutfitters.com).  He will give you all the advice you need and make sure that you are properly outfitted for the 128kms of the MRX!

SPOT TRACKER ~ Huge Sale!

Avantura has been selling and renting SPOT trackers worldwide since 2008.  Avantura is our supplier of SPOTS and our Live-Tracker map.  Now you can get your own SPOT.  Share your adventures with your friends and family and have piece of mind in the event that the unexpected happens.  Our friends at Avantura are offering you a “Muskoka River X Special”.

• SPOT-2
• Free Shipping (valued @ $15.00)
• Free Flotation Case (valued @ $19.00)
• Free 1 year tracking (if activated before June 1/13) (valued $49.99)
• $109.00

Contact Avantura directly at www.avantura.ca or aleks.gusev@gmail.com

AND A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING….

   We would like to send loads of thanks out to our Title Sponsor Alongquin Outfitters.  Rich Swift, owner of Algonquin Outfitters, and the rest of his crew Gregg, Will, Gord, and Chase have been huge supporters of the Big East X and Muskoka River X.  With AO’s long heritage of supporting wilderness, backcountry tripping, and with Rich being a long time canoe racer, AO is a natural partner for the Big East and MRX.  When you come through Muskoka, Algonquin Park, or Haliburton don’t miss the chance to check out Algonquin Outfitters.  Votes the best place to get gear by EXPLORE Magazine, Algonquin Outfitters have EVERYTHING you need for all your outdoor pursuits.

  Hungry in Huntsville? Check out the menu at The Cottage Bar and Grill.  With the best patio on the Muskoka River, it is the perfect place to watch the start and finish of the Big East and Muskoka Rive X races.  The Cottage will also be THE place to hang after the races are finished, as they will be hosting our post meals and awards.

  King William Inn, located only 600m from the start/finish line of the Big East X and Muskoka River X is THE place to rest your head in downtown Huntsville.  Being walking distance from the River Mill Park, it is the best park-and-race accommodation in town.  Freshly renovate and with drive-up room, the King William is a racers dream.  No need to haul gear up and down elevators.  Prep out of the back of your vehicle and leave it in the parking lot on race day.

 Looking for a place to stay in the natural surroundings of Huntsville, look no further than the Tulip Inn.   With the turn-around for the 40km Big East X marathon race located on their secluded sandy beach on the Big East River, the Tulip Inn is your other option for resting your head before and after the race.  All rooms are drive-up and they even have kitchenettes.  Only a 5 min drive from the start-finish line.

  Need a personal flotation device?  You will for the Big East X and Muskoka River X.  Check of the full line of Salus marine wear.  There is a Salus model for everyone’s paddling needs: The BEST in personal flotation.  Made in Canada and available at Algonquin Outfitters!

  Hand-crafted paddles in the heart of Muskoka!  Get yours at Algonquin Outfitters!  We can’t wait to see the MRX paddle trophies that Mike from Bradger will be making.  If you manage to win your MRX category, you will get your name engraved into one of these beauties and hung on the wall of AO’s Huntsville store for years to come.  You’ll be a legend!

  He may not be a doctor but he is a magician:  When you haven’t been kind to your boat, John can do miracles.  John is the guy in Muskoka that major rental fleets go to for repairs.  From composites to canvas, John will bring your boat back to life.  Trust me…..

In support of