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Algonquin Outfitters Muskoka River X Update
River X Racing 2016 Pre-Season Update
Want to stay up to date with River X Racing news and information? Follow the link.
2015 was a great year!
We would like to THANK everyone who supported our events. We host the events because we love paddling, we love Muskoka and Algonquin and we love adventure racing. Bringing the three together and sharing them with like-minded people is special for us.
2015 saw quite a number of people participate in the MRX with very little race experience. A HUGE shout out to those people who seized the moment and fearlessly jumped into marathon paddling headfirst. Amazing. We love that kind of spirit and hope to see more of it in 2016!
Also new for 2015 was 220km of pure expedition paddle race excitement: The Coureur des Bois had teams traverse Algonquin Park in one day, camp out overnight with only the gear they carried with them and then take on the MRX Classic on day two: A great success that will see more excitement into 2016.
The Ontario Ultra Paddling Point Series was launched this year with over 300 paddlers participating! What a great showing for ultra-distance paddlers in Ontario and beyond. Dean Brown was crowned the 2015 Champion. Check out the link for the entire 2015 points standings. 2016 will see the addition of the Kingston-2-Ottawa ultra distance race in August. The K2O brings OUPPS up to 4 events, each building in distance and culminating with the Muskoka River X in September. Ontario is quickly becoming the ultra-distance paddle racer’s destination for SUP, Kayak, and Canoeist. Support OMCKRA and paddle where you live.
Check out all the 2015 results and photos:
Algonquin Outfitters MRX Results
Algonquin Outfitters Big East River X Results
Photos from the 2015 Algonquin Outfitters Muskoka River X
What’s New for 2016?
Based on your feedback we have made some notable improvements:
- The Big East River X has an expanded kayak category to better reflect boat classes
- The Muskoka River X now has a “short course”. The MRX SPRINT will have teams finish in Bracebridge covering 80km
- Team can now paddle C2 Rec canoes in the MRX SPRINT. These are very common sub-17 foot canoes that don’t meet C2 Stock specifications for the MRX Classic.
- We will be moving to a more reliable GPS tracking system.
- We are back again for a second year at Hidden Valley Resort for registration and the awards.
Algonquin Outfitters is back for it’s fourth year as Title Sponsor. Honestly, if you need something, just talk to them. They have everything you need. And Huntsville Store Manager Nate is a two-time MRX Alumni, so you can be confident you’re getting the right advice.
Need to Rent a Canoe? Contact Gord at Algonquin Outfitters. AO has everything you need to train and race in the River X. Visit our Documents section for AO’s boat rental program.
HandCrafted Canoes is back for their 3rd year as Boat Sponsor. New for this year HCC is building full carbon Grand Huron 18” race boats. Designed crazy light and super fast, the Grand Huron will go head to head with other competitors such as Clipper’s WW2, Savage River, and Jenson designed hulls. The Grand Huron is made in Kitchener, Ontario. Take a trip and talk to James. He will build you a custom C2 Stock expedition race canoe that meets specifications for the 2016 Algonquin Outfitters MRX and Big East River X. HCC is also offering a huge discount to teams that register for the MRX and purchase a Grand Huron before February 29, 2016. Talk to James for all the details.
The full-carbon Grand Huron is our Prize Boat for 2016!
Your 2016 expedition starts here!
JUNE 18, 2016
Algonquin Outfitters Big East River X 40km marathon race
OR
Algonquin Outfitters Big East River X 9km Family-Recreational race
SEPTEMBER 15-18, 2016
Algonquin Outfitters Muskoka River X Coureur des Bois 220km 2-day expedition race
OR
Algonquin Outfitters Muskoka River X Classic 130km 1-day expedition race
OR
Algonquin Outfitters Muskoka River X Sprint 80km 1-day expedition race
Register early and win!
Race both the Big East River X & Muskoka River X and you are eligible to win!
HandCrafted Canoes 18’ full carbon Grand Huron C2 Stock expedition race canoe.
Register for both the Big East River X & Muskoka River X and you are eligible to win!
Accommodation for up to 4 people x 2 nights at the King William Inn.
Register for both the Big East River X & Muskoka River X and you are eligible to win!
A full MRX Swag Package including North Face Bionic Soft Shell, StormTech fleece toque and StormTech tech hat, all with custom MRX embroidery.
What’s included in the MRX fees?
- You get bragging rights for finishing one of the toughest expedition paddling races in the world!
- Medals, prizing, and certificates for winners
- Door prizes open to all participants
- MRX branded race jersey
- MRX embroidered StormTech FINISHER tech hat
- Ranking in the Ontario Ultra Paddling Point Series
- Post Race Awards Party (voted best post race awards by Get Out There Magazine’s Readers Choice): Live music and our legendary MRX post-race feast in the relaxed atmosphere of Hidden Valley Resort, overlooking beautiful Peninsula Lake;
- Smokey Bandit BBQ Ribs
- Chimichurri Marinated Grilled Chicken
- Baja Spiced Grilled Mahi Mahi
- Corn on the Cob
- Salads: House-made Potato / Mediterranean Pasta / Mixed Bean / Garden
- Dinner Rolls
- Vegetarian/Vegan Options by Request
- Pint of ale specially brewed by Lake of Bays Brewery, located just up the road from CP1
- Full set of Never Tear water & tear resistant full-color topographic course maps
- Full set of course details and navigation instructions
- Full-Color vinyl adhesive numbering plates
- Full-Team race kit with all the supplies you need to get started on your expedition, including a spectator kit with full driving instructions and maps
- Fully equipped and mobile (land/water-based) logistical event management team
- Four (4) fully equipped first aid teams (check points)
- Four (4) fully equipped land/water-based mobile SAR emergency medical teams
- Police traffic control at high exposure road crossings
- Mobile emergency shuttles from any extraction point on course to the finish line
- Hot Tents are each check point and finish line
- Iridium Satellite (GPS) trackers and emergency transponders: The best trackers in the world!
- GPS-enabled live tracking map allowing spectators to watch your progress on their computer or mobile device anywhere in the world: The ultimate spectator solution for adventure and expedition racing.
- Registration, gear check and captain’s meetings all take place inside, in the comfort of Hidden Valley Resort
- Fees associated with all the various permits, event rentals, logistics needs, and race insurance
Coureur des Bois teams have all of their transportation needs included!
- Shuttle from Hidden Valley Resort (Huntsville) to Start Line (Whitney)
- Shuttle from Oxtongue Lake to Dwight (Start of Day 2)
- Shuttle from Finish Line (River Mill Park, Huntsville) to Hidden Valley Resort (Huntsville)
Sprint teams have all of their transportation needs included!
- Shuttle from Finish Line (Bracebridge) to River Mill Park, Huntsville
Did we mention that participants are eligible for amazing prizes?
More than $15,500 in prizing and incentives has been won in our first three years!
MRX course statistics
Fastest Overall Hull Speeds, including portaging.
C2 (Tandem Canoe): 9.8 km/hr (2014 – Classic)
SUP (solo): 7.1 km/hr (2014 – Classic)
C1 (solo canoe): 7.4 km/hr (2015 – Coureur des Bois)
K1 (solo kayak): 8.1 km/hr (2015 – Coureur des Bois)
SPRINT
Start / Finish: River Mill Park: Huntsville, Ontario – Bracebridge, Ontario
Total Distance / Portages: 80 km x 13 portages (approx. 5000m / longest: 1700m)
Estimated Duration: 8 hours to 16 hours
CLASSIC
Start / Finish: River Mill Park: Huntsville, Ontario – River Mill Park: Huntsville, Ontario
Total Distance / Portages: 130 km x 20 portages (approx. 7000m / longest: 1700m)
Estimated Duration: 13.5 hours to 24 hours
COUREUR des BOIS
Start / Finish: Whitney, Ontario – River Mill Park: Huntsville, Ontario
Total Distance / Portages: 220km x 36 portages (approx. 11,800m / longest: 1700m)
Estimated Duration: 26 hours to 48 hours
Sunrise: 06:58hrs Sunset: 19:38hrs
Average Daily Temperatures
High: 18.8 degrees Celsius Low: 6.5 degrees Celsius Average: 12.7 degrees Celsius
Other Weather Statistics
Average Daily Wind speed: 12km/hr
Average Monthly Rain: 111mm
Average Days with Thunderstorms: 3
Average Days with Fog: 5
Just a few more days to the first event of the 2015 Ontario Ultra Paddling Point Series that includes the Big East River X 40km event, the North Bay to Mattawa race in July and the Muskoka River X Classic and Coureur de Bois in September. We hope everyone has been training hard and is ready for some long-distance paddling action this year. Currently, the water levels on the Big East River are in good condition and the current is reasonable. The weather looks good but they are calling for stronger winds so you may experience some wave action on the return trip across Lake Vernon. Please be prepared.
REGISTRATION: You can still register on-line if you have not done so already. This will save you a few dollars and make your on-site registration process move along faster. All paddlers MUST attend on-site registration starting Friday at 3pm until 9pm and then again Saturday morning at 6am to 7:30am. This is necessary to ensure we have confirmation of who exactly is on-course, receive your waivers/medical forms, and provide you with your boat number, race maps and meal tickets. We may also need to measure your boat if there are any questions about which class you fit into. Please don’t wait until the last minute or you risk missing this process and potentially not being able to participate. Registration is located INSIDE Algonquin Outfitter’s Huntsville store.
PARKING: Please note that the event that was planned by the Chamber has been cancelled so please feel free to use the public parking lot next to River Mill. (Currently marked as a No Parking Zone in the competitor document). Please park in the public parking lots and NOT is the store parking lots. We have rented River Mill Park on Saturday so please feel free to use this grassy area for pre-race staging.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for reading the Big East River X Competitor Document and fully understand the mandatory equipment needs as per Transport Canada, as well as safety procedures. This includes everyone wearing a non-inflatable PFD at all times when on the water. We will review the course, event process and safety procedures mandatory race briefing 30 minutes which all participants are responsible for attending.
See you all this weekend! The River X Crew….
Huntsville MRX competitor, Steve Herr, is hosting a marathon paddling clinic in Huntsville on Sunday May 3rd. Details below…
Who
Coach Bob Vincent (first place in Muskoka River X 2013)
Coach Gwyn Hayman (expert marathon paddler and holds the Yukon River Quest record for mixed tandem canoe with Bob)
What
Coach Bob and Coach Gwyn will be holding a paddling clinic on the Big East River, Huntsville, ON.
When
9:00 AM – Sunday May 3rd, 2015
Where
Hutcheson Beach at 9 Hutcheson Road, Huntsville: https://www.google.ca/maps/place/9+Hutcheson+Beach+Rd,+Huntsville,+ON+P1H+1N4/@45.3353943,-79.2645825
Why
To improve our technique!
Requirements
1) You are encouraged to become a member of the Ontario Marathon Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (http://omckra.com) prior to attending the clinic. It is through this association that the clinic is possible. The clinic fee for members is $20 and $25 for non-members.
2) Bring a potluck lunch to be enjoyed after the clinic. Everyone who has a Coleman stove or Barbecue is encouraged to bring it.
Please RSVP to Bob Vincent (bob_liz.vincent@sympatico.ca) and Steven Herr (steven@herr.ca) to reserve your place.
Mike and I are thrilled that the mini-documentary of the 2014 Muskoka River X, directed and produced by Muskoka’s Andy Hansen (Pure Muskoka) has been shortlisted for the 2015 Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour. It’s a true honour to have Andy’s passionate portrayal of the Algonquin Outfitters‘ Muskoka River X marathon paddling race recognized and shared with thousands of paddlers at over 200 venues around the world!
Andy discovered the event in our first year almost by shear coincidence, showing up to film friend, Peter DeMos, compete in the solo SUP category. At 6:30am, he introduced himself and asked if it was okay if he filmed the race for the day. I don’t think he realized the epic nature of his chosen task! Following a race which covers 130km over 24 hours through the backcountry of Muskoka is a heroic undertaking. Andy was seen throughout the day jumping out of the woods to capture great moments all along the route. In that first year, Andy produced an inspired piece of filmmaking, drawing on his experience as a camera operator and videographer. He vowed to come back in 2014 to do it right! Using a drone, several GoPros and a DSLR camera, Andy became a one man filming machine – operating a drone, his tripod mounted camera and several GoPros, frequently all the same time. We assigned MRX alumni, Chris Near, to help Andy navigate the route and get him to all the best locations and attempt to keep up with the astounding pace of the front runners. There were many exciting moments for Andy in his 26 hour solo filming challenge. Quickly setting up the drone, multiple cameras and keeping track of the storage of hundreds of GB of HD video meant maintaining an unwavering attention to detail. One heart thumping moment included, as Andy tells it, a near loss-of-drone emergency triggered when one of the drone’s antenna’s didn’t get installed for a flight over the Muskoka River in a remote location. This had Andy running through the dense bush to get close enough to regain full control. Fortunately, his quick thinking (and quick feet!) resolved the problem in a flash and he was able to land the several thousand dollar aerial drone without damage.
Andy prepares to capture the MRX start in Huntsville. Photo by Andy Zeltkalns
The result of Andy’s astounding effort parallels the super-human achievement of the 2014 MRX competitors who themselves achieved course records in many categories. Glen Dawson and Mike Vincent finished the 130km course in a mind-blowing 13 hours 17 minutes in C2 Tandem canoe category.
Please support Andy in this recognition of his talent to capture the MRX story, by attending the 2015 Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour when it stops in your home town.
2015 Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour
2014 MRX Video – by Andy Hansen
LinkedIn – Andy Hansen
Pure Muskoka
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 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 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.
BIG EAST RIVER X UPDATE: Paddled the Big East River solo today in my 18″ surf ski. Water level is still very high and the flow is strong and challenging, but not scary. No rapids. Teams can expect a great workout going upriver and can expect lightening fast returns. I averaged 5.9km/hr upriver and 12-13km/hr downriver. Teams will need to pay attention to the current and eddy lines. Keep the nose pointed against the current and avoid hitting the current line broadside when rounding bends. This won’t be a lazy day on the water and bow paddlers can expect lots of draw stokes. There is no more rain in the forecast and the trend slowing down but the forecast does call for sore shoulders. Hydrate appropriately. It can be hot on the water.
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES: Mandatory for the full duration of the event while on the water. Inflatables will no longer by allowed. All teams MUST wear “life jackets”. This is for the safety of all teams and “single use” PDFs are just not appropriate given the conditions.
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